Theatre

The Division of Theatre provides nationally recognized, rigorous training for the next generation of theatre artists. Graduate students pursue an M.F.A. in Acting or Design, while undergraduates earn a B.F.A. in Acting, Theatre Studies or Musical Theatre. By blending intensive studio coursework with a robust production season, we equip students with the practical skills needed to thrive in the professional industry. Beyond the classroom, our students frequently collaborate with Dallas-area theatres and premier regional companies, building professional networks well before graduation.

Theatre

Undergraduate Majors/Minors	B.F.A. in Acting B.F.A. in Theatre Studies B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
Graduate Majors/Minors	M.F.A. in Acting M.F.A. in Entertainment Design

Meet Our Faculty

SMU Theatre is For You!

Meadows students perform in an entirely student-led production for the SMU Student Theatre group.

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.
                            

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.

Figure 1: The production's cast blends members of DTC’s Brierley Resident Acting Company with SMU faculty, students, and alumni. [From left to right: Blake Hackler, Bri Woods, Akron Watson, Tiffany Solano]

A Shared Stage: SMU Meadows and Dallas Theater Center Unite for “Ragtime”

Events
A landmark collaboration between the Division of Theatre and DTC brings students, alumni, and professionals together in a sweeping musical that signals a bold future for theatre in North Texas.

March 20, 2026
Figure 2: Theatre alum John Paul Green (B.F.A. ’12) worked on shows like “How I Met Your Mother” and “Austin & Ally” before transitioning to theatre education.

Alumni Spotlight: John Paul Green

Alumni
Theatre alum John Paul Green (B.F.A. ’12) built a successful TV career before bringing the creative freedom and collaborative spirit he discovered at Meadows to classrooms across LA as a theatre educator.

March 02, 2026
Figure 3: These nine leading Dallas arts and media organizations will offer 11 paid internships in summer 2026.

SMU Meadows Intern Fellowship Program Expands, Doubling Paid Internships in Year Two

Students will gain paid, hands-on experience, industry mentorship, and professional connections with nine leading Dallas arts and media organizations during the program’s second run.

January 28, 2026
Figure 4: Stokes will also complete an artistic residency during his time in Dallas, including leading masterclasses for Meadows students.

SMU Meadows Honors Broadway Singer and Leading Man Brian Stokes Mitchell with Meadows Award

Events
Brian Stokes Mitchell will receive the Meadows Award at the Meadows at the Meyerson in Dallas on March 31 where he will perform with the Meadows Choirs and the Meadows Symphony Orchestra.

November 25, 2025

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Meet Our Faculty

Blake Hackler

Dawn Askew

Reiko Aylesworth

Tiana Kaye Blair

Sarah Brown

Amanda Capshaw

Robert Clare

Benard Cummings

Kristi Dana

Joel Ferrell

Kimberly Grigsby

Carter Gill

Bobbie Lay

Steve Leary

Justin Mosher

Melissa Panzarello Cox

Sara Romersberger

Anne Schilling

Gretchen E. Smith

Jennifer Joan Thompson

Stanley Wojewodski, Jr.

Steve Woods

Linda Blase

SMU Theatre is For You!

SMU Student Theatre Group Promotes Cross-Collaboration for Arts Majors

Featured Courses

Theatre News

A Shared Stage: SMU Meadows and Dallas Theater Center Unite for “Ragtime”

Alumni Spotlight: John Paul Green

SMU Meadows Intern Fellowship Program Expands, Doubling Paid Internships in Year Two

SMU Meadows Honors Broadway Singer and Leading Man Brian Stokes Mitchell with Meadows Award

Upcoming Theatre Events

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