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

Brinie Wallace

“You’ve gotta work hard to play hard. Sure, some people can skirt by without working as hard as others, but that will only take them so far.”

Brinie Wallace is currently an ensemble member in the North American tour of The Book of Mormon after premiering the musical in Australia. She says her Penn State education reinforced in her the need to be “present and persistent” in the musical theatre profession, so you are ready to take on whatever challenges come your way.

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.

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