Department of Theatre and Dance

Come Explore
About the Department of Theatre and Dance

The mission of the Department of Theatre and Dance at Columbus State University is to educate students in the collaborative art of theatre by preparing them for professional employment, careers in theatre education, and graduate study. The course of study teaches the craft and artistry of acting, directing, design, technical, and educational theatre. The professional and energetic faculty encourages students to experiment, explore, and discover in a supportive yet challenging environment. CSU productions serve as a laboratory where students practice classroom theories, test analytical skills, and undertake cooperative endeavors while promoting the creative act of theatre. Theatrical seasons are selected to provide the student with the opportunity to experience plays from a range of periods and genres presented in a variety of production styles for both adult and young audiences. The CSU Department of Theatre and Dance seeks to enhance the quality of life for the university and metropolitan communities by sharing our student’s growth and development through our eclectic theatrical productions.

Admission into ALL Theatre Degrees requires an audition/interview, which are held on selected dates during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. More information about the Audition Process.

Productions and Tickets

Create Your Future
Degrees and Programs

The Department of Theatre and Dance offers a number of degrees and minors. Explore your options here.

Columbus State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).

Explore All Degrees

See What We Do
Our Students in Action

two people standing on a stage, one person kneeling

a girl holding a prop sword facing several monsters

a large group of people standing on a stage set

several people standing side by side in a line

three people on a stage, two in animal costumes

several people standing together in a group posing on a stage

Our Faculty
Learn From the Best

The Department of Art is home to many accomplished faculty members. Several are highly regarded as experts and have been recognized with notable honors and awards. Thanks to a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll be sure to receive an excellent education in our degree programs.

Dr. Larry Dooley

Professor and Chair

Molly Claassen

Associate Professor

Aaron Crosby

Lecturer in Lighting and Sound

Christopher Dills

Faculty Lecturer and TD

Kimberly Garcia

Lecturer

Steven Graver

Professor

Brenda May Ito

Professor

Tim McGraw

Professor

Amy Mutarelli

Director of Dance/Associate Professor of Dance

Beth Reeves

Part Time Limited Term Faculty

David Turner

Associate Professor

Visit the College of the Arts

We Can Help

Columbus State University offers students a number of scholarships each year. Learn more about available scholarships.

Learn More about CSU scholarships

Riverside Theatre Society

Riverside Theatre Society consists of an incredible group of theatre advocates who provide financial support for student scholarships, faculty development, production support, and departmental activities. Our Department of Theatre and Dance, now with an enrollment of over 200, is one of the fastest growing departments in the University System of Georgia. The challenges of educational expansion and artistic enhancement increase our need for support from alumni, individuals, and foundations.

CSU Theatre alumni are working around the globe to enrich a multitude of communities through the arts. An investment in the CSU Department of Theatre and Dance is an investment in people who reach places far beyond our Columbus home. Please consider joining us in lifting up our theatre students, the artists, educators, and leaders of our future.

Give Now

For more information please contact:

Rex Whiddon
Sr. Associate VP Leadership Philanthropy & Strategic Initiatives
706-507-8430
whiddon_rex@columbusstate.edu

Take a Seat

The campaign to provide funding for the Schwob School of Music and the Department of Theatre and Dance in support of student scholarships, graduate assistantships, visiting artist performances, visiting artist master classes and lectures, and other unanticipated opportunities that arise.

Take a Seat