Prospective Students

Department of Theatre

The Department of Theatre at ACU offers a life-changing, studio-intensive program rooted in Christian values that encourages your self-expression and prepares you for meaningful impact through your craft. Our program is rigorous yet nurturing, empowering you as a diversely talented theatre artist for a rewarding career in performance, directing, design, teaching or theatre ministry.
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Prospective Students

Department of Theatre

The Department of Theatre at ACU offers a life-changing, studio-intensive program rooted in Christian values that encourages your self-expression and prepares you for meaningful impact through your craft. Our program is rigorous yet nurturing, empowering you as a diversely talented theatre artist for a rewarding career in performance, directing, design, teaching or theatre ministry.

Main Content

Reach your dreams and fulfill your potential as a Theatre student at ACU!

At ACU Theatre you will find a group of believers who are dedicated to exploring the issues of faith and art. Learn more about our Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program.

Explore a BFA in Theatre

Application Process

Step 1
Apply to the University

Explore ACU Admissions and learn more about different paths and financial packages that will help you with the steps for applying to ACU

University Admissions

Step 2
Apply to the Theatre program

In addition to applying to the university, you will need to upload audition or interview materials to the ACU Theatre Acceptd app.

Upload Here
Step 3
Audition*

*You will first have a department Interview and if later invited, an audition or interview.

2025-26 Audition Dates

September 26, 2025: In-Person Audition

December 5, 2025: Virtual Audition

January 23, 2026: Virtual Audition

February 20, 2026: In-Person Audition

March 20, 2026: In-Person/Virtual Audition

You may also email us at theatre.info@groupmail.acu.edu if you have questions.

Step 4
visit Acu!

We invite you to come see ACU’s incredible Theatre Department. Tour our amazing Theatre spaces, meet current students, engage with faculty, participate in our musical theatre workshop, and enjoy an ACU production! Schedule your visit today.

Alumni Spotlight

Eean Sherrod Cochran (’15) –  Broadway; Swing – Hamilton

Michael Conley –  London West End; Dave – MJ the Musical

Ben Jeffrey (’06) – Broadway
Pumbaa – The Lion King

Jesse Galvan (’97) – Broadway; Wardrobe Supervisor – Last Five Years; On Your Feet; Tootsie; A Strange Loop; Maybe Happy Ending

Lyndsey Goode Laminack (’01) – Casa Mañana Theatre General Manager

Diego Alejandro González (’18) – Regional; Assoc. Director – Bernarda Alba; In the Heights

Kat Hargrave (’11) – DGRW Talent Agency; Vice President of Talent, Senior Agent

Peter Hargrave (’12) – National Tour
Scar – The Lion King

Jasmin Richardson (’09) – Broadway
Mrs. Brown/Ensemble – The Book of Mormon

Rising Scholars On-Campus Experience

Wildcat Stars Under the Spotlight
Department of Theatre 

Faculty: Dawne Swearingen-Meeks, Chris Hollingsworth
Step onto the theatrical stage and let your light shine. Whether you are a seasoned thespian and want to polish up your audition technique or are new to the world of theatre, you are invited to step into the spotlight and spend a week training for Musical Theatre Performance. Students will be exposed to theatre techniques for the singer, actor, and dancer, through musical theatre song breakdown, actor/singer coaching, improv and choreography. The week will culminate with a showcase performance with ACU Theatre Wildcat Stars under the Spotlight!

When: July 13-17, 2026
Cost: $1,000 – includes course fees for one hour credit, lodging, all meals, group excursions, and activities.

For more information click here

Need more inspiration?

Video overview for ACU's BFA in Theatre program

Be inspired by all the opportunities!

You will find a wide variety opportunities to thrive as a Theatre student at ACU!

Video explaining opportunities with ACU Theatre

Hear directly from our students!

Our BFA program allows you to gain hands on experience in all aspects of theatre production.

Video with student testimonials about production opportunities with ACU Theatre

Frequently Asked Questions

Areas of study include the following tracks: Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, Dance, Design/Technical, Theatre Ministry or Theatre Education.

A typical ACU Theatre season consists of five or more productions including musicals, classical productions, a Cornerstone production, comedies, dramas, student-directed works and a summer Shakespeare Festival. Students have opportunities to act, sing, dance and direct; to design costumes, sets, lights, makeup and hair; to stage manage, dramaturg, engage in stage combat, dialect work – and more!

OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACU THEATRE STUDENTS

Absolutely! See examples of alumni who have done just that.

Other universities might offer this kind of quality. But what makes ACU unique is the added dimension of the Christian worldview that defines our work as artists. At ACU Theatre you will find a group of believers who are dedicated to exploring the issues of faith and art.

If you are searching for a place to experience quality theatre, prepare yourself for a life work, and work alongside other believer-artists, ACU could very well be the school for you!

Current Show & Ticket Information

ACU Productions

Learn more about what shows ACU’s current students are performing this academic year. If you are in Abilene, be sure to attend one of our amazing performances. You can find out more on our Show & Ticket Information page.

 

Current Productions