Theater

The theater program at Fresno Pacific is committed to exploring through art what it means to be human. Onstage and off--in the classroom, at rehearsals and during production work--we learn the craft of telling stories dramatically. As storytellers, we look for the stories that reflect who we are: our passions, pains, pleasures, and diverse perspectives on life and living. As followers of Christ, we seek to tell stories that reflect themes of redemption, justice, grace and love; themes that address the greater spiritual reality in which we all play a role.

Stories teach us both what is human and what is humane. As we put our theatrical storytelling onstage at Fresno Pacific University, we share our discoveries, our immediacies, with the community that is our audience.

The FPU theater program offers classroom and performance experiences which encourage student growth on multiple levels--artistic, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual. As we perform, audience and study theater, we engage with various voices, cultures and styles of performance. Students are active collaborators in the process of making theater.

View our theater programs

Students involved in Fresno Pacific Theater:

• join an artistic community
• learn multiple aspects of the theatrical process--from performance and design/construction to directing and stage- and house-managing
• pursue vocational and avocational goals through coursework in theater and performance
• gain skills that can be applied to future church and ministry work, teaching, graduate study or conservatory training
• have opportunities to explore related courses in film, media video and audio production and music

Students share their artistry with the public through the following:

Fall

• Fall Mainstage Play: A full-length play is produced each semester. The mainstage plays form the core of the Company's production efforts.
• College Hour: Students have opportunities on occasion to present dramatic sketches as a part of the weekly campus worship services.
• Studio Performances: In alternating years, Acting and Directing students prepare final scene projects.

Spring

• Spring Mainstage Play
• Spring Showcase - Students showcase their talents through one-acts, scene performances, or musical revues
• Re-enactment Project -- Students from the World Theater course perform a historical play on the campus green for the community. Past performances include medieval mystery plays, a Spanish auto sacramentale, and 20th century social protest theater from California and Argentina.
• Senior Thesis Performances -- Seniors in the theater major complete their requirements with a self-designed performance.