We value high academic standards with a dedication toward learning classroom theories blended with the practical application within our production season. With two main stage productions in our Eckilson-Mabee Theatre and two shows in our Morris Experimental Theatre, and multiple Flatliners Improv shows each year, you will be provided with plenty of opportunities to develop your abilities. Through theatre you can learn skills coveted by the modern workforce, such as collaboration, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, communication skills, and self-discipline.
Theatre
Why a degree in Theatre from Missouri Valley?
We understand that well rounded theatre students make stronger theatre artists, that’s why our program introduces you to the full spectrum of theatre subjects including acting, directing, set design, costume construction, playwriting and more. We believe that Long Form Improvisation is a key element in actor training and are the only college in Missouri to supplement traditional training methods with intense training in improvisation. This creates artists who are more flexible and ready to meet the demands of today’s performing arts industry. The Fine Arts Division offers scholarships to help offset the cost of tuition. To receive a scholarship, you must provide an audition or portfolio presentation either in person during a campus visit, at a state Thespian Festival, or through an electronic submission. Students should either prepare two contrasting monologues or a monologue and a 16 bar musical solo or present a portfolio of design/writing work. Scholarships are available for majors and non-majors who plan to participate in theatre as an activity.
Career Possibilities
- Actor
- Director
- Scenic, Costume, Lighting Designer
- Stage Manager or Stagehand
- Voice Over Artist
- Theme Park or Cruise Line Entertainment
- Educator
Graduate Program Possibilities
- Performance
- Design and Production
- Management
- Theory & Criticism
- Playwriting
Courses & Concentrations
Degree in Fine Arts-Theatre
The BFA program is designed to train you for a career in professional theatre. It provides the development of skills and techniques required to be a successful theatre artist. The faculty will work with you to develop a plan designed to provide you with the training and experience to get you on the right path. The BFA requires the theatre core, a professional immersion experience, plus 27 additional hours in your personalized focus path.
Degree in Theatre
The Bachelor of Arts program is a generalist degree which will provide you with a solid foundation in all aspects of theatre. It is not intended as a concentrated professional training program, but rather a program which will give you the foundational skills to prepare you for graduate studies or any career you choose. This degree offers you a chance to easily add a second major and/or minor. Course requirements include the theatre core plus six credit hours of theatre electives, for a total of 48 hours.
Minor in Theatre
The theatre minor is designed to provide a wide open option for any student who wishes to learn more about theatre, and wishes to expand upon their own major. Simplicity and flexibility are the keystones to the minor. In order to earn a minor in theatre, you must complete 18 hours of any set of theatre courses, nine hours must be upper division.
Admissions & Scholarships
Ready to apply? Get started now by reviewing our admissions process and explore financial aid options.
Faculty
Jay Rozema
Professor of Theatre
Harold Hynick
Professor of Theatre
Theatre Beyond the Classroom
MVC Flatliners
The MVC Flatliners, is a long form Improvisation troupe designed to help students develop performance skills while providing entertainment for the campus community. The MVC Flatliners, perform on campus twice a month in the Morris Experimental Theatre. They also travel to high schools and colleges to present workshops and performances. In addition, they compete in the College Improv Tournament at professional Improv Companies in either Kansas City or St. Louis. Participation is open to majors and non-majors through competitive auditions.
Theatrical Productions
Each year the Theatre department produces several productions of plays and musicals designed to provide practical experience for our students and thought – provoking entertainment for the campus and Marshall communities. Students can be involved in all areas of production. Participation is open to majors and non-majors through competitive auditions.
Musical Theatre Ensemble
Music Theatre Ensemble is a 12 - 14 member musical theatre style vocal group that performs literature from a variety of Broadway shows and popular musical styles combined with choreography and staging. The ensemble was started over twenty-five years ago and has maintained a long history of entertaining audiences of all ages and interests. Each year they do an annual Holiday and Spring show in addition to performing throughout the school year at a variety of events. The ensemble is open to all interested MVC students. Auditions are required and a full year commitment is preferred.
Turning your passion into a career
See how our mission of guiding students to succeed through personal instruction and intellectual inquiry has positively impacted our Vikings!
Student
Makayla Rodgers
Theatre
The thing I like most about Missouri Valley College is the sense of community that it gives, being a smaller school i feel that people are more likely to intermingle and have the opportunity to get involved in areas that they may have not been able to explore at a bigger university. Getting experience outside of activities strictly within your major is a great way to explore your interests and maybe even build your resume
Read Makayla 's Story