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Unlock your artistic potential at HSU in Abilene, Texas.
Majoring in theatre is your invitation to explore the limitless realms of creativity, expression, and storytelling. You’ll be empowered to harness your artistic talents, whether you dream of commanding the stage, directing productions, designing captivating sets and costumes, or even applying theatrical skills in diverse industries, like marketing and education.
Earn your bachelor’s in Theatre degree and explore your passion for the stage in a well-rounded program boasting a 100% employment rate. As a Theatre major at Hardin-Simmons University, you’ll prepare for multiple roles and careers in theatre — from acting to directing to design. Whatever your personal and professional aspirations are, reach them with HSU’s Theatre program.
As one of the leading Theatre degree programs inspired by Christian faith, Hardin-Simmons University provides unique opportunities to combine your love of theatre with your faith and values. Our Theatre degree graduates are always in high demand both on and off the stage. We focus on skills like accurate communication, building a strong work ethic, and adaptability — traits that are desired in every industry, not just theatre.
A Theatre Degree That’s Uniquely You
Theatre is an incredibly diverse career field. That’s why we’ve designed a Theatre program with multiple educational tracks to prepare you for the career of your dreams. Choose between the following tracks:
- Acting
- Musical Theatre
- Theatre Education
We also offer a Theatre minor to complement your major with skills in performing, managing, and design. If you’re interested in teaching theatre to students from elementary to high school, you should explore our Theatre Education degree.
Theatre Program Auditions and Requirements
Students seeking admission into the BFA Program (Acting and Musical Theatre tracks only) must audition for acceptance. Audition dates are:
- Friday, November 20, 2026
- Saturday, February 27, 2027
- Friday, April 2, 2027
Can’t make the scheduled dates? Auditions are available by appointment or video submission.
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Hardin-Simmons?
Why Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Hardin-Simmons?
A Well-Rounded Theatre Degree
Regardless of which track you choose for your theatre degree, you’ll receive experience in every facet of production — from acting to producing to technical design. Our theatre department produces six to eight shows a year, giving you many opportunities to practice new roles and see which ones are right for you.
Caring and Experienced Faculty
With smaller class sizes, our theatre program lets you receive the attention and support of our highly skilled faculty mentors. Faculty members specialize in design, dance/choreography, technical theatre, direction, and acting. From your first day to well beyond graduation, you’ll benefit from their expertise and assistance finding the most rewarding jobs for theatre majors like you.
Exceptional Career Preparation
We take great pride in our theatre degree program graduates and their many successes. On top of our 100% employment rate, many of our students find satisfying jobs for theatre majors within six months of graduation. Thanks to our diverse curriculum and focus on practical experience, our alumni are in high demand in graduate programs and professional organizations around the country.
Outcomes
Theatre majors work in many different settings: film, television, the stage, writing, and education. Many of our theatre program graduates are accepted into prestigious graduate programs to continue their theatre education. The fundamental skills and knowledge you’ll accrue as you earn your degree in theatre will translate to many other careers outside of acting and directing, including managing, writing, and design.
Many jobs for theatre majors also offer excellent job security. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for actors is predicted to grow 32% over the next decade, more than triple that of most occupational fields. The BLS also predicts that employment for producers and directors will grow 24%, adding about 16,000 new jobs each year.
Travel the World With Your Degree in Theatre
HSU’s theatre degree program gives you several exciting opportunities to travel the world with other theatre majors to see performances and gain real-world experience performing for others. Trips you’ll be able to take include:
- New York City: This trip is filled with Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, workshops, and conversations with professionals. You’ll also have extra time to explore the city on your own.
- Edinburgh, Scotland: Spend two weeks in Scotland at the International Fringe Festival — the world’s largest theatre festival. You’ll get to tour, perform, and see as many shows as you can as you travel up and down the Royal Mile.
In addition to these yearly trips, you’ll also have campus-wide opportunities for study abroad, including Summer I/II courses in Spain, an entire Spring semester in London, and more.
“I was drawn to Hardin-Simmons because I felt God’s presence so strongly on this campus. Since I have been at HSU, I have been immersed in numerous communities that have supported and sharpened my faith and character. My education at HSU is preparing me for my future in theatre ministry by teaching me all aspects of technical theatre and performance, while intertwining Christian values throughout. Alongside my involvement in theatre, I am a member of Kappa Phi Omega and the honors council; I also sing in the choir and serve on the HSU chapel band. I know that God has plans for me at HSU immeasurably more than I could ask for or imagine.”
Logan Hughes,
Program Details
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2026-2027 Season of Shows
Wait Until Dark, Sept. 24-26 at 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 27 at 2:00 p.m., Down Center Stage Lab Theatre
A suspenseful thriller about Susy Hendrix, a blind woman who becomes the target of ruthless criminals searching for a valuable doll hidden in her apartment. As the danger escalates, Susy must rely on her intelligence, courage, and heightened senses to outwit her attackers in a tense battle of survival. Filled with twists, deception, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, the play builds to one of theatre’s most memorable climaxes. Written by Frederick Knott; adapted by Jeffery Hatcher; Directed by Mackenzie Marshall. Best suited for ages 12 and up. LIMITED SEATING!
Pops at the Pond, Oct. 2, 6:00 p.m., Anderson Lawn
Outdoor musical showcase featuring music and theatre students. Songs from Broadway and beyond. Bring a picnic basket, a blanket or lawn chairs! No admission charge. Appropriate for all ages.
Daisy Pulls It Off, Oct. 8-10 at 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 11 at 2:00 p.m., Van Ellis Theatre
This delightful, fast-paced comedy is packed with adventure, mystery, and heart. When Daisy Meredith, a bright scholarship student from a modest background, arrives at an elite girls’ boarding school, she finds herself battling prejudice, forging unlikely friendships, and uncovering clues to a long-lost treasure hidden on campus. Filled with witty humor, lovable characters, and unexpected twists, this charming coming-of-age story is an irresistible theatrical treat that will leave audiences cheering for the underdog until the very end. Written by Denise Deegan; Directed by Dr. Victoria Spangler. Appropriate for all ages.
1776, the Musical; Nov. 19-21 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 22 at 2:00 p.m., Van Ellis Theatre
This witty, inspiring, and surprisingly timely musical brings the birth of America to life. As the delegates of the Continental Congress debate independence from Great Britain, passionate personalities clash, alliances shift, and history hangs in the balance. Filled with memorable songs, sharp humor, and powerful moments of drama, 1776 reveals the human stories behind one of the most important decisions ever made. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, there is no better time to experience this beloved musical and reflect on the ideals, challenges, and courage that shaped the United States. Stage direction by Dr. Stace Gaddy. Music direction by Dr. Robert Brooks. Appropriate for all ages.
Big Fish, Feb. 11-13 at 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 14 at 2:00 p.m., Van Ellis TheatreWritten by Andrew Lippa and John August, Big Fish is a heartfelt and imaginative musical about the larger-than-life stories of Edward Bloom, a man who tells extraordinary tales of his adventures, and his son Will, who struggles to separate truth from fiction. As Edward’s health declines, Will sets out to uncover who his father really is, discovering along the way that the most important truths are often found not in facts, but in the meaning behind the stories we tell. This musical is a moving celebration of family, legacy, and the power of storytelling. Stage direction by Dr. Victoria Spangler; Music direction by Dr. Robert Brooks. Appropriate for all ages.
24 Hour Shakespeare, March 20 at 7:00 p.m., Van Ellis TheatreStudents present a somewhat abbreviated version of one of Shakespeare’s plays, all prepared in 24 hours. The title will be revealed on Friday at 6:00 p.m.; that’s when the students begin their rehearsal process. This performance will be a fundraiser for our HSU Theatre Travel Fund. Co-directed by Anicia Salyers and Allie Byork. Appropriate for all ages.
PLAYFEST, April 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m., Van Ellis Theatre
We are introducing a new initiative in our theatre season called Playfest, a showcase of three original short plays written by our students. These works will be presented as staged readings, followed by a talkback with the audience. Playfest is designed to celebrate new writing and highlight the importance of developing original work. Students will submit their plays in the fall, a committee will review the submissions, three plays will be selected in December, and rehearsals will begin in March for the staged readings.
DirectFest Spring ’27, April 23 – 24 at 7:30 p.m., Van Ellis Theatre
The Spring Directing I class is given the opportunity to produce and direct their own 15- minute shows. Appropriate for all ages.
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Audition/Interview Requirements for HSU Department of Theatre BFA/Scholarship Auditions
BFA – Acting
All applicants interested in auditioning for the BFA degree in Acting must select an audition date and prepare the following audition materials in addition to the required application forms online.
Acting Audition Requirements:
- Perform two age-appropriate, contrasting contemporary monologues
- Perform one classical piece
- (Have a fourth monologue of your choice prepared if so requested)
- Each monologue should be memorized and 60-90 seconds in length
- Applicants should have read the entire play from which the monologue comes in order to comprehend the given circumstances of the character
- A chair will be provided for your audition should it be needed
*Note: This will also count as a theatre scholarship audition
BFA – Musical Theatre
All applicants interested in auditioning for the BFA degree in Musical Theatre must select an audition date and prepare the following audition materials in addition to the required application forms online.
Musical Theatre Audition Requirements (an accompanist will be provided):
- Perform two contrasting Broadway songs (one Golden Age and one contemporary) – 32 bars – have a third song prepared if requested
- Please bring your sheet music clearly marked for the pianist
- Perform two age-appropriate, contrasting contemporary monologues – memorized and 60-90 seconds each
- At the end of the auditions, all Musical Theatre applicants will participate in a dance call – please bring appropriate dance attire.
*Note: This will also count as a theatre scholarship audition
BFA Theatre Education Requirements
All applicants interested in auditioning for the BFA degree in Theatre Ed must sit for a brief interview in addition to the required application forms online.
BA, BBS, and Theatre Minors
All applicants interested in applying for a theatre scholarship:
- Perform one age-appropriate, contemporary monologue
- Perform one classical piece
- (Have a third monologue of your choice prepared if so requested)
- Each monologue should be memorized and 60-90 seconds in length
- Applicants should have read the entire play from which the monologue comes in order to comprehend the given circumstances of the character
- A chair will be provided for your audition should it be needed
Any inquiries regarding these requirements should be made to Victoria Spangler at (325) 670-1404 or vspangler@hsutx.edu.
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Organizations
The Department of Theatre is a member of:
- Texas Educational Theatre Association
- Kennedy Center American Collegiate Theatre Festival
- International Collegiate Theatre Festival
- Student chapter of the Alpha Psi Omega National Dramatic Fraternity
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Theatre Faculty
Victoria Spangler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from McMurry University, Master of Arts in Theatre from Texas A&M Commerce, and a doctorate in Theatre at Texas Tech. She serves as our Artistic Director University Theatre; Department Head, Associate Professor of Theatre. vspangler@hsutx.edu
Dr. Stace Gaddy holds a B.A. in Theatre from Texas State, an M.A. in Theory and Analysis from Texas State, and a Ph.D. from Southern Illinois State in Speech Communication and Playwriting. He serves as Assistant Professor of Theatre, teaching Intro to Theatre, Lighting, Directing II, and Auditioning. Stace.gaddy@hsutx.edu
Trey Spivey received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre from McMurry University. He is currently serving his fourth year as our Technical Director. James.spivey@hsutx.edu
Emilia Richardson holds a BA in Theatre with a specialty in costuming from Tarleton State University. She earned her Master of Fine Arts in Design/Costuming from Texas Tech University. Emilia is currently the resident costumer at the Paramount Theatre in Abilene. emilia.richardson@hsutx.edu
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Theatre Alumni
HSU graduates are working in their field. From Oregon to Florida to Los Angeles, Dallas, and New York, our theatre grads are in demand. They are teaching, acting, managing, and designing. They work at schools, independent theatres, regional theatres, and touring companies. They are being accepted into the country’s top graduate programs. Armed with the skills, training, and experience that they need to succeed, they are soaring.
Jess Westman ‘21
BFA Musical Theatre
Writer, composer, lyricist, actor, & disability activist. While at HSU, Jess wrote Wheels: An Original Musical, which was a 2022 Eugene O’Neill National Music Theater Conference semifinalist. He currently lives in Queens, New York.
Dom Gordon ’18
BFA Musical Theatre
Currently working as a dancer/ performer with Carnival Cruise Lines.
Michael Kelly ‘18
BFA Acting
Currently working at the Gyeonggi Future Education Campus in Seoul, Korea as an Artist-in-Residence and Playwright Fellow.