School of Theatre

Gain the skills, experience, and professional know-how to pursue careers in the demanding world of the stage.

Succeed around the globe

Award-winning faculty whose experience spans the world provide individualized instruction, giving students the extra edge they need to succeed. Preparation that extends beyond skills and experience – that’s what you’ll find in the School of Theatre.

The School of Theatre offers undergraduate and graduate degrees covering a range of areas, including Acting, Musical Theatre, Stage Management, Theatre Design and Technology, and Directing.

Learn more about our community commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Contact

School of Theatre
116 Theatre Building
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-7586
814-865-5754 (fax)

Rick Lombardo
Director, School of Theatre

Other Contacts

Live Theatre at Centre Stage

The School of Theatre houses Penn State Centre Stage (PSCS), the professional theatre training program in Central Pennsylvania. PSCS presents theatrical masterpieces and new gems – including a series of livestreamed virtual performances – by emerging masters.

Penn State Centre Stage 2023-2024 Season!

  • Hit the Wall
  • Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812
  • Bonnets: How Ladies of Good Breeding are Induced to Murder
  • A Christmas Carol
  • Urinetown
  • Tartuffe
  • Bernarda Alba
  • Falsettos
  • Special Event: One Night on Broadway

Learn More

Buy Tickets

Centre Stage Collage
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alumni spotlight

Andrew Giffin

Inter-College Bachelor of Philosophy 2005

“Penn State embraced my vision for a cross-disciplinary education that combined electrical engineering with theatre and stage lighting.”

Andrew Giffin – a Schreyer Scholar who earned a inter-college Bachelor of Philosophy incorporating studies in Theatre Design and Technology plus Electrical Engineering – is the associate lighting designer for the rock band, Phish, and is widely considered as the top lighting programmer in the industry. Andrew has designed and programmed light shows for musicians such as Pearl Jam, Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber in addition to his work on music award shows, theatre productions and sporting events.

www.gifld.com

Studios, Labs and Venues

Production studio spaces, a design and lighting lab, and venues that support student, faculty, and professional performances.

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faculty spotlight

Milagros Ponce de León

Associate Professor of Theatre

Milagros' areas of specialization include scenic design, 3D drafting, scene painting, and rendering for the theater. Recent design credits in the Washington DC area include scenic designs for Into the Woods, Jefferson’s Garden, and Ragtime at Ford’s Theatre; Life is a Dream at Gala Hispanic Theatre; and Matilda, In the Heights, and Sweeney Todd at Olney Theatre Centre. Additional credits include scenic designs for Ensemble Studio Theatre in NYC, Children’s Theatre of Charlotte in NC; and Catalyst Theatre, Everyman Theatre, Imagination Stage, The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Metro Stage, National Players, Opera Vivente, Roundhouse Theatre, Theatre Alliance, and Studio Theatre 2nd Stage in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area.

Milagros has received three Helen Hayes nominations for outstanding scenic design in the Washington, D.C. area. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, Local-829, an Associate Artist at Ford’s Theatre, and an Artistic Associate at Olney Theatre Center.

See all our Faculty