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Theatre

Theatre is the art of crafting and sharing compelling stories, through acting, directing, design and technology. Kean theatre majors produce and star in professional-caliber productions.

At Kean, a shared passion for theatre unites a diverse group of students and an outstanding faculty. Our vibrant community will help you discover the best in yourself and others. Whether you want to perform, design, direct, teach or work in another area of the theatre, Kean can help you turn your talent into a life's work.

Kean theatre graduates work as actors, directors, designers, technicians and educators in theatre programs and classrooms throughout the world, thrilling audiences and inspiring future generations of performers.

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Hone your craft and turn your passion into a rewarding career in Kean's theatre program.

What You Learn

You benefit from a comprehensive liberal arts education while also receiving practical training that will prepare you to launch a career in the theatre.

  • Perform, direct and manage theatrical productions in the classroom and on stage
  • Design scenery, lighting, costumes, and sound to establish the world of the play
  • Work with Kean’s Equity theatre company in residence, Premiere Stages
  • Experience the best professional theatre in the world, a short train ride away in New York City
  • Explore the literature and historical traditions of the art of theatre, while expanding research and analytical skills
  • Develop the ability to think critically and creatively while working collaboratively and meeting deadlines
  • Hone communication and presentational skills both on stage and behind the scenes

You can also minor in dance and a get a solid foundation in modern, jazz and ballet techniques and theory.

Program Information

Admission Info and Audition Requirement

Theatre Handbook

B.A. in Theatre

BFA in Theatre Performance

BFA in Theatre Design and Technology

Minors

Other programs you might be interested in

View of empty theater - Enlow Recital Hall

The theatre program here is very special. We’re living for our passion, something that’s important to us and the world around us. It ignites something in us and in our generation to convey the underlying importance of art in everything."

Mary Kate Grimes ’18
Theatre Technician
Theatre alumna Mary Kate Grimes

Student and Alumni Work

Kean alumna Brianna Jarvis performs in Pippin

Season Brochure

Kean's theatre program stages a variety of student productions throughout the year. Upcoming productions include: Blood Wedding, Parade and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Theatre alumna Emily Conklin

Flash, Float, Fall

Flash, Float, Fall, a play by Kean alumna Emily Conklin '15, was a 2017 Jersey Fringe Festival selection.
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Students Perform with Patti Lupone

Theatre students recently performed with two-time Grammy and Tony Award winner Patti LuPone.

The Classroom and Beyond

At Kean, we believe learning extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms and labs. That's why we encourage you to get involved in clubs and organizations, study abroad at our campus in China or elsewhere and pursue internships that will advance your career. Find out more.

london eye

Study Abroad

Kean theatre majors can study abroad in London and see performances at Shakespeare's renowned Globe Theatre or on the West End stage.
A scene from the Premiere Stages production of "Las Cruces"

Premiere Stages

Hone your craft by performing with Kean's in-house Equity theatre company, Premiere Stages.
Broadway star Billy Porter

Master Classes

Kean offers master classes with world-renowned artists, like Broadway's Billy Porter. Learn from the best.

After Kean

Kean theatre graduates have a diverse array of exciting careers on stage and behind the scenes. Jobs include:

  • Actor
  • Director
  • Producer
  • Playwright
  • Choreographer
  • Stage manager
  • Scenic designer
  • Lighting designer
  • Costume designer
  • Theatre educator
  • Theatre administrator
  • Director of press and public relations

Accreditation

National Association of Schools of Theatre logo

Kean is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). Founded in 1965, NAST is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with approximately 184 accredited institutional members.

Kean University Academics

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