Department of Theatre

We bring stories to life on our stages.

Lipscomb University's Department of Theatre is a mentor-based professional training program committed to preparing students for a career in theatre through rigorous artistic training, enriching liberal arts education, and Christ-centered community. On our stages, the next generation of artists are cultivating the discipline and passion it takes to impact communities through theatre. Join us to discover how your talent and training can come together to make a meaningful artistic life.

By learning from theatre faculty who are experienced professionals, you prepare for a number of successful careers in the industry. With us, you collaborate with Nashville professional theatre companies and experience techniques and endeavors that will transform you as an artist. We believe that with a well-rounded education and intentional experiences, you can thrive in an arts career and enrich the world by highlighting complex truths, diverse viewpoints, and shared human experiences.

Live out your potential as a theatre artist who brings stories to life. Learn more about our program offerings, including our B.A. and B.F.A. degrees, at the button below. Please note that all degrees require an audition/interview. We look forward to getting to know you!

Degree Offerings & Audition Information

Theatre

Beki Baker
Associate Professor and Chair, Theater
(615) 966-5728
beki.baker@lipscomb.edu

Department Distinctives

Faith and Art

Central to our artistic work is the cornerstone of Christian faith. We explore the intersection of faith and art through coursework, productions, community, and life. Our department is committed to exploring the realities of the human experience through the lens of faith. Ultimately, we use theatre as a medium to better love God and neighbor. Our program is open to students of all faiths and beliefs. We pride ourselves on our inclusivity and welcoming community.

Professional Experiences

Our department collaborates with professional theatre companies including the Nashville Repertory Theatre, Nashville Shakespeare Festival, Studio Tenn Theatre Company, and more. We also hire professional guest artists to perform, direct, and design our productions. These experiences not only add to students' resumes, but also offer opportunities to learn from professionals and network for the future.

Dance Company

Foundation Dance Theatre is our resident dance company. Its mission is to create movement that tells powerful stories through all styles of dance including jazz, ballet, tap, lyrical, hip-hop, musical theatre, and more. Company members include Lipscomb students from all over campus with a strong dance background. This is an audition-based company. Their annual dance concert, Elevate, is one of the highlights of the production season.

School of Theatre and Cinematic Arts

Theatre boasts a unique relationship with the Departments of Film and Animation. With these intentional relationships, theatre students have special opportunities to develop film and voiceover skills by participating in student films, voice over projects, class projects, and more. Every year, theatre students participate in the university's Five-Minute Film Festival, often winning prestigious awards. We also offer courses focused on helping performance and design majors transfer their skills to film work.

Internships

Our students have interned at many prestigious theatres including local companies like the Nashville Children’s Theatre, Nashville Repertory Theatre, Studio Tenn Theatre Company, and Nashville Shakespeare Festival. Students have interned across the U.S. at Berkshire Theatre Group, Barrington Stage Company, Creed Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Peach State Summer Theatre, Great River Shakespeare Festival, Des Moines Metropolitan Opera, Theatre Aspen, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, Okoboji Summer Theatre, Missoula Children's Theatre, and more.

Study Abroad

Through Lipscomb’s Department of Theatre, students have a unique opportunity to spend nine days in London studying theatre and attending productions at the acclaimed National Theatre, Globe Theatre, and on the West End. This trip also counts as a course credit in theatre history. The department also boasts a week-long trip to New York City for students to meet with industry professionals and see Broadway and Off-Broadway productions.