Department of Theatre & Drama
The Department of Theatre & Drama provides students with a stimulating blend of intellectual rigor, professional experience, and cultural diversity all in an intimate and supportive atmosphere.
The department commits to inquiry and self-assessment, ongoing dialogue, and above all, to actions that will lead to equitable theatre processes. Committed to attracting, recruiting, and retaining students with wide-ranging backgrounds and identities, the department continues to examine repertoire and performance techniques, approaches to pedagogy, amplifying traditionally under-represented voices both on stage and behind the scenes, and is dedicated to developing each student’s unique voice and talent. The notable faculty comprises accomplished working professionals including actors, directors, designers, technicians, playwrights, and published scholars. The program combines rigorous, conservatory-style training within the context of a liberal arts education at one of the nation’s leading research universities. SMTD supports a comprehensive set of class offerings, encourages community connections and involvement, multiple performance opportunities both on stage and off, and a rich schedule of acclaimed guest teachers and artistic residencies. Renowned for their breadth of experience, Michigan theatre alumni work on stage, on camera, and in all behind-the-scenes roles, and they boast one of the strongest and most supportive networks in the industry.
Faculty
Theatre & Drama department faculty members are dedicated, passionate, and accessible teachers who maintain active professional lives, providing a balance between their commitment to teaching while enabling them to keep abreast of current trends and techniques. They foster a nurturing climate that encourages personal growth and builds lifelong relationships.

Raja Benz

Paul Bonin-Rodriguez

Laura Brinker

Daniel Cantor

José Casas

Shavonne Coleman

Mark Colson

Scott Crandall

Antonio Disla

Patrick Drone

Jess Fialko

Jenna Gerdsen

Jungah Han

Amy E. Hughes

Kevin Judge

Tzveta Kassabova

Halena Kays

Jeffrey Kuras

Richard Lindsay

Ashley E. Lucas

Jenn Rae Moore

Christianne Myers

Mbala Nkanga

Sarah M Oliver

Geoff Packard

Jay Pension

Rogério M. Pinto

Henry P. Reynolds

Alexis Riley

Emilio Rodriguez

Beth Sandmaier

Eli Sherlock

Jeremy Sortore

Christina Traister

Tiffany Trent

Malcolm Tulip

Karin Waidley
Degrees

Undergraduate
Bachelor of Fine Arts
- BFA in Theatre Design & Production
- BFA in Interarts Performance
- BFA in Theatre Performance: Acting
- BFA in Theatre Performance: Directing
Bachelor of Theatre Arts
Creativity Lives Here
Theatre & Drama students perform, study, rehearse, and collaborate in a wide array of places and spaces designed to support all facets of performing arts education. Among dozens of venues and facilities across campus where students study and perform, here are a few highlights of the buildings that play an important role in daily life at SMTD.
Walgreen Drama Center
The sleek and modern home for musical theatre and theatre & drama students features 100,000 square feet of space and includes the Arthur Miller Theatre, Stamps Auditorium, state-of-the-art classrooms, and studios for design, sound, screen acting, and performance, as well as extensive theatre shops.
Power Center for the Performing Arts
This 1,300-seat theatre is primarily used for our dance, musical theatre, theatre, and large-scale opera performances.
Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre
In this 600-seat theatre, many of our smaller, more intimate theatre, musical theatre, dance, and opera productions are held.
Arthur Miller Theatre
A flexible performance space used for theatre & drama and musical theatre, this venue can accommodate proscenium and thrust stage configurations and an audience of up to 280.
Performance Calendar
Attend an upcoming Theatre & Drama performance
Performance, Production, and Engagement Opportunities
Students in the Department of Theatre & Drama have a wide range of opportunities available to them outside of the classroom, both on and off the stage–depending on your major. View a list of all our Past Productions.
Our Stories
Alumni Notes
Show Your Support
Any gift to SMTD helps launch the next generation of artists, scholars, educators, and entrepreneurs who challenge and inspire the world.
You can support the Department of Theatre & Drama with a contribution to the following funds:
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Applications for 2024-2025 are due by December 1
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