Theatre

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The Division of Theatre awards graduate and undergraduate degrees in a nationally recognized training program. Graduate students receive M.F.A. degrees in Acting or Design, while undergraduates complete a B.F.A. degree in either Acting or Theatre Studies. Classes and studios combined with participation in a robust production season prepare our graduates to move successfully into the performance industry. During their time at SMU, graduate and undergraduate students often work at Dallas area theatres as well as for top regional companies.

Meet Our Faculty

Blake Hackler Hackler-Blake-May-2025

Blake Hackler

Chair, Division of Theatre, Head of Acting Professor

Dawn Askew Dawn Askew

Dawn Askew

Production Manager, Adjunct Instructor

Reiko Aylesworth Reiko Aylesworth

Reiko Aylesworth

Professor of Practice

Tiana Kaye Blair Tiana Kaye Blair

Tiana Kaye Blair

Professor of Practice, Acting and Movement

Sarah Brown Sarah Brown

Sarah Brown

Assistant Professor of Practice in Set Design

Amanda Capshaw AmandaCapshawDec2019

Amanda Capshaw

Adjunct Instructor

Robert Clare Clare-Rob-May-2023

Robert Clare

Adjunct Professor

Benard Cummings Benard Cummings

Benard Cummings

Associate Professor

Kristi Dana Dana-Kristi-June-2023

Kristi Dana

Associate Professor

Joel Ferrell Joel Ferrell

Joel Ferrell

Professor of Practice in Theatre and Inaugural Director of the Sexton Institute for Musical Theatre

Kimberly Grigsby Kimberly Grigsby

Kimberly Grigsby

Assistant Professor of Practice, Musical Theatre

Carter Gill Gill-Carter-August-2024

Carter Gill

Visiting Professor of Acting

Bobbie Lay

Bobbie Lay

Coordinator, Finance and Enrollment

Steve Leary Steve Leary

Steve Leary

Scene Shop Foreman

Cole McCarty Cole McCarty

Cole McCarty

Professor of Practice Costume Design

Justin Mosher Justin Mosher

Justin Mosher

Technical Director, Adjunct Instructor

Melissa Panzarello Cox MelissaPanzarello

Melissa Panzarello Cox

Costume Shop Manager, Adjunct Instructor

Sara Romersberger Sara Romersberger

Sara Romersberger

Associate Professor

Anne Schilling Anne Schilling

Anne Schilling

Associate Professor

Gretchen E. Smith SmithGretchenAugust2022

Gretchen E. Smith

Associate Dean for Students and Head of Theatre Studies

Jennifer Joan Thompson Jennifer Joan Thompson

Jennifer Joan Thompson

Assistant Professor

Stanley Wojewodski, Jr. StanleyWojewodski

Stanley Wojewodski, Jr.

Distinguished Professor of Theatre

Steve Woods Steve Woods

Steve Woods

Professor, Head of Design

Linda Blase

Linda Blase

Adjunct Instructor

SMU Student Theatre Group Promotes Cross-Collaboration for Arts Majors

SMU Student Theatre (SMUST) produces student-led productions that allow for interdisciplinary work between Meadows students in a variety of majors.

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Featured Courses

THEA 2322

From Page to Stage: Text Analysis in the Theatre

This foundational course provides first year students with the fundamental skills of decoding play texts for performance. Through lecture, discussion, classroom exercises, and written assignments students will  consider how our reading of plays might shape production choices and inform personalized embodiment. Throughout the semester, students will explore a variety of styles and genres of dramatic literature, including classical, realist, and experimental works, and will have the opportunity to engage with different paradigms of interpretive and embodied response.

THEA 3305

Voice for the Stage III

Vocal power, flexibility, and expressive capability are practiced in a variety of space configurations. Students refine their ability to execute detailed speech actions and identify specific phonetic changes using the phonetic alphabet. The application of voice and speech actions to accents and dialects is practiced and refined.

THEA 4342

Directing IV

Advanced techniques in the development of the forward action of embodied text including established dramatic literature and/or the creation of original work including devised work.  Studio scene work, individualized mentorship and continued emphasis on critical thinking and collaborative/collegial effort. During this final semester in the sequence of four, students are eligible to interview with a faculty committee for one of three fully produced, main stage directing assignments.

THEA 6305

Clown & Commedia

 A highly physical acting course exploring Clownand Commedia dell’Arte. Clown invites the rediscovery of the unsocialized self through vulnerability, rhythm, and the pleasure of play, while Commedia trains the actor in precision, form, and awareness through mask, improvisation, and ensemble work. Together they develop technical skill, spontaneity, and authentic connection with the audience.

Student Work

Theatre News

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