Department of Theatre Current Students
Information and Resources for Current Students.
Department of Theatre Script Library
The department maintains a script and resource library in Vaughn-Eames. Access a digital record of the collection at the link, and request access to the collection by visiting the department's main office.
Nancy Thompson Library Learning Commons
The Nancy Thompson Library has many resources available, including the Learning Commons, and offers many learning support services all students will find useful.
Nancy Thompson Library Theatre Collection
There are many hard copy resources available in the Nancy Thompson Library's Theatre collection, and many digital resources available as well.
Registrar's Office
The Registrar's Office offers many services including class registration, graduation applications, transcripts, and conferring degrees, and is where you will find a majority of the forms needed during your time at Kean.
Career Services
Career Services can help you identify goals, work on resumes, and prepare for interviews.
Office of Teacher Certification & Alternate Route Programs
For students interested in combining their passion for theatre and education, this is the central hub for certification guidance and support for aspiring educators. Whether pursuing initial teacher certification, endorsements, or an alternate route to teaching, this office will assist in navigating the process.
The Department of Theatre Handbook contains all information relevant to the faculty and staff, student conduct policies, and how the department and production season operate.
Auditions for Department of Theatre MainStage, Kean Theatre Council Second Stage, and Workshop productions happen at various times throughout the Academic Year, and are open to all current Kean students.
Next Up: Fall 2025 Main Stage Auditions!
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Dominique Morisseau's Detroit '67, directed by Lizzy Brooks, October 10 - 18, Zella Fry Theatre
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Sophocles' Antigone translated by Nicholas Rudall, directed by Rachel Evans, November 14 - 22, Wilkins Theatre
If you did not receive the department's email with detailed information, please email the main office to request it to be forwarded to you. An audition form to collect some basic information will be sent out to those who've signed up for an audition appointment on August 19th.
The first round of auditions are Tuesday September 2nd, and Wednesday September 3rd, 5:30 - 9:00 PM, in VE 212. Callbacks, by invitation, will take place Friday (Detroit '67) and Saturday (Antigone). Callback emails will be sent by Thursday September 4th at noon.
Read both plays! Prepare a 2 minute contemporary monologue for Detroit '67, and one of the monologues that Professor Evans sent out in the information sheet for Antigone. All BFA Acting and MT majors are required to prepare the audition for both productions. Theatre BA students, APA students, theatre minors, and other majors may audition for one or both productions.
Reminder that all theatre majors are required to fill out the participation survey before signing up for an audition. Theatre minors, APA students, and other majors who wish to participate behind the scenes are also welcome to fill out the survey to indicate interest in specific shows and specialty areas.
Fill out a survey form by clicking the button to send your suggestions and ideas to the department. If there is something confidential to discuss, please make an appointment with your advisor or the department chair.
Ideas for plays and musicals are added to a list of titles for the season selection committee to consider for future seasons.
Are you a current student that needs space to rehearse Auditions, Scenes, Choreography or Songs? Contact the Department of Theatre Main Office to request assistance. Our spaces are available for rehearsal needs on a limited basis, and require permission and a signed document from the Chair.
Music practice rooms with pianos are available to sign out for open rehearsal time spots. Visit the Department of Music in the Wilkins for more information and sign-up policies and procedures.
The London Trip is a one-of-a-kind learning experience organized by the Department of Theatre. Started by former professor Jay Teran, the London Trip can be completed for credit. Travel London and Stratford with a group of your peers and Professor Holly Logue and an additional faculty chaperone. See Theatre, Take Workshops, Visit places like Shakespeare’s home, the Globe Theatre, the West End, and other sites of historical and theatrical note.
Interested in being a Teaching Assistant for one of the Department's classes? Talk to your advisor during advisement, and the professor of the course you’d like to TA. Teaching Assistants are expected to be at all class meetings and additionally to meet with the Professor outside of class for planning and discussion once a week. Teaching Assistants can typically receive 1 – 3 credits, are assigned certain tutoring responsibilities, and the opportunity to plan and teach 1 – 2 short lectures on key class concepts.
Kean is one of the most affordable comprehensive universities in the state of New Jersey. Financing part or all your education through federal & state grants, scholarships (money you do not have to pay back), and low-interest student loans can make it even more affordable to attain your world-class education at Kean.
For information regarding Financial Aid, visit the Financial Aid Office's web page to explore the types of financial aid that are available. You will need to file a FAFSA form. This allows the university to determine your financial need to qualify for government-supported financial aid. FAFSA is also required for consideration for scholarships.
For scholarship information, go to the Office of Scholarship Services web page. There you will see which Merit Scholarships are available for incoming new students and which Kean University Foundation Scholarships are available for both new and returning students. It is important on your scholarship application that you note that you are a theatre major and indicate at least two theatre scholarships. This will ensure that your scholarship application is sent to the theatre faculty for consideration. See the first link below for a list of Performing Arts scholarships.
Be sure to get your FAFSA, and Kean Foundation Scholarship Application paperwork filed by the March 1st deadline for consideration.
- Kean Foundation Performing Arts Scholarships
- Nancy Thompson Library Resource
- The Garden State Guarantee
- The Bauer Boucher Playwriting Awards
- Scholarships for Any Major
- External Scholarship Considerations
- The Willa Kim Costume Design Scholarship
- Next Wave Initiative
- The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program
- Against the Grain Productions Artistic Scholarship
- The Fulbright Student Grant Program
Your education at Kean provides you with broad knowledge and a professional skillset to succeed in your career in the entertainment industry, and other career fields. Internships can be a good way to gain practical workplace experience in a professional environment while still in school. These can be not-for-credit, for-credit, volunteer or paid. To discuss receiving credit for your internship, contact your advisor or the department chair.
The links below offer a starting place for where to look for a professional internship experience in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia.
- Premiere Stages Internship Program
- Equity Through Design Mentorship (Contact Prof. Barber)
- New Jersey Theatre Alliance
- The Broadway Marketing Internship
- Battery Dance
- Alvin Ailey Dance Company
- American Repertory Ballet
- Dance NYC
- State Theatre of New Jersey
- Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey
- The Shubert Organization
- Teatro SEA
- The Lincoln Center
- The Public
- New York City Center
- New York Theatre Workshop
- Manhattan Theatre Club
- Centenary Stage Company
- Surflight Theatre
- Two River Theatre
- The Arden Theatre
- Theatre Philadelphia
- Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Check out the below clubs of interest. To search for additional clubs and events at Kean, go to Cougar Link.
Kean Theatre Council
Kean Theatre Council is the university's student run theatre organization. Attend KTC meetings, get involved in a cabaret, or apply to direct a show through KTC's Second Stage opportunity. Keep up with the latest by following Theatre Council's instagram or their Facebook page.
Alpha Psi Omega
Consider pledging our local chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honor's society. Follow the chapter's instagram for all the latest.
Kean Dance Theatre
Kean Dance Theatre has been the university's resident dance company since 1979! Keep up with KDT at their Instagram.
Kean Playlist
Kean Playlist is a community for students to connect through passion and appreciation of music. Playlist is a chance for students to connect and discuss all types of music, from old to brand new! Meet other artists and producers and develop collaborations. Keep up with the group at the Kean Playlist Instagram.
Kean Film Association
Kean Film Association is a great way to connect with your peers focused on filmmaking. Follow their instagram to keep up with events and meetings.
Kean Radio
Cougar Radio is Kean's home radio station. Follow the station's instagram, and listen in at WKNJ 90.3. Consider getting involved as a DJ, podcast host, or proposing a radio play.
Kean University Newspaper
The Tower is Kean University's home for all news. Keep up with all the latest at www.kutower.com, and follow the Tower's Instagram or Facebook.
