In the Theatre Arts department, our faculty and students impart a sense of community in a supportive and creative environment. Care to join us? We’re always welcoming new members. Every student, regardless of major, can audition for a play, assist in front of house or backstage roles, work in a shop, or take a class with us.
Current Students
The first Wednesday of the Fall Semester is when we host and Open House for new and returning students to come to The Playhouse and get to know folks who like theatre like you!
There are so many options of courses to take, but we want to be sure you have the chance to study theatre and dance in your first year on campus. Here are some options to get you started (and there are more where these came from!):
DAN-120 Foundations of Dance (MB GER) This class offers pathways to activating the body’s expressive potential and encourages naturalness and spontaneity of movement through dance.
THA-101 Introduction to Theatre (VP GER) A survey of script analysis, dramatic structure, production styles, introductory overview of acting, directing, design, and technical elements of production.
THA-111 Introduction to Acting (VP GER) Training in the basic element of the actor’s craft. Exploration of the study and practice of realistic acting principles. Designed for Non-Fine Arts majors.
THA-116 Costume Crafts (VP GER) Principles of costume technology, including basic sewing/construction techniques, fabric identification, and modification technique; and crafts techniques, such as millinery, armor construction, and dyeing and painting.
THA-120 Foundations of Acting (VP GER) Fundamentals of acting technique including script reading and analysis, movement, vocal development, and performance theory and practice. Designed for Fine Arts majors or potential majors.
At the beginning of every term, we hold open casting calls for our productions. You might see one of our posters on campus or an email in your inbox detailing when our auditions will be held. We also post audition & production team on our social media networks, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates, and scroll down for current audition postings.
If you’re interested in working on a show, more information is below!
Actors can’t succeed without everyone who works on a production. Understanding every aspect of a production will make you more marketable in the theatrical world. We set you up for success after graduation by making sure each student is cross-trained in every aspect of theatre. Your passions may lie backstage, in marketing, as a stage manager, or as a designer.
We offer shop assistant work-study positions for those who want to hone their technical skills in areas of carpentry, electrics, sound engineering, and costume technology. We give preference to our majors for these positions, but lots of non-majors work with us, as well.
All are welcome here! Audition for a show, work backstage, get involved with our student group The Order of Furman Theatre, or take a class with us.
You don’t have to major in our department to get involved in our productions. We welcome the different perspectives that non-majors can bring into our productions and we encourage you to get involved. If you want to start acting, it’s as simple as coming to one of the announced audition times. If behind the scenes work is more your style, you’re welcome to take advantage of one of our backstage opportunities.
Most of our 100-level or 200-level courses are open to all Furman students without pre-requisites. Register to take a class with us one semester!
The Order of Furman Theatre always attends the Fall Student Involvement Fair, so sign up with them to get information about the fun events that they have planned each semester or follow their instagram page!
We have students all over the globe creating theatre and in non-theatrical professions. Our alumni have gone on to do great things, but they never forget where they started. We can put you in touch with alums who can offer career advice or help you make connections all over the globe. Part of our Purposeful Pathways program is to bring in alumni who want to help current students – join us for events all year long!
You’ll find even more opportunities through our internship program. Our students have found internships across the country, including positions at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and Georgia Ensemble Theatre in Atlanta, GA.
Greenville has been hailed as the “City of the Arts” by Southern Living magazine. Naturally, we think they’re on to something. Our home city has a thriving arts community with many opportunities for young artists to participate and engage with professionals, strengthening career prospects. When you’re a student here, you can gain experience through a summer internship in one of Greenville’s local theatres or just catch a show throughout the season. Theatres in our area include:
Resources
There is a lot for our majors and “friends of the theatre” to keep organized, and here we’ll help you do just that. Whether you are a major wanting to know what’s next, a non-major working on crew for one of our shows, or a student looking for your next opportunity, this is the material you will need to succeed.
Audition & Production Team Information
Auditions for the Spring 2026 Main Stage show will take place January 14 & 15 at 7:00 PM and January 15 & 16 at 3:00 PM. Seeking actors and crew members for THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST and "HumanKind: be both!"
Our Calendar
Want to know what's coming up next in The Playhouse?
Theatre Arts Department Handbook
Students can get what they need to succeed in our department using this tool.
Majors Reading List
Need to find an important play to design for class? Looking for a monologue to do at an audition? Interested in classical scripts? This is a list of plays that we think you should read by the time you graduate Furman.
Declare Your Major
Declaring your Theatre Arts or Theatre Studies major is easy. Fill out this questionnaire, and email the department chair for a meeting.
Declaration Meeting
Ready to declare? Meet with the department chair to go over the logistics.