Theatre Major

Students have the opportunity to study performance, design and theatre technology, theatre history, and dramatic literature.

As a theatre major or minor, you become part of a vibrant theatrical community. Our courses integrate body, mind and spirit as you interpret dramatic literature, explore theatre history, and create theatrical productions.

You’ll learn from professors globally acclaimed for their expertise in theatre across world cultures. The department produces four major productions every year, and co-produces a dynamic season of student-generated performance, all in our state-of-the-art facility. 

Studying theatre at Pomona equips you for a wide range of careers in the professional and/or academic theatre. It also equips you with valuable creative, analytical, and collaborative skills to tackle complex problems in the non-theatrical workplace. 

Video Interview with "The Government Inspector" Actors
Interview with Professor Carolyn Ratteray
Scene from “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark”
Scene from “By the Way, Meet Vera Stark”
Scene from Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”
Scene from Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”

What You’ll Study

    • Performance, playwriting, directing, design and theatre technology
    • Theatre history and dramatic literature
    • Theatre as community engagement
    • Production crew opportunities
    • Senior exercise: a written thesis or a creative project
430
Average number of students from across the 5Cs who participate in some way - classes or productions - each year

Performing at Pomona

Chris Chow ’26

A Role in Chehkov’s Three Sisters

Chris Chow ’26 played Tuzenbach in Pomona’s production of Chehkov’s Three Sisters in spring 2023. Tuzenbach is a lieutenant in the army who often tries to impress Irina, whom he has loved for years.

Malena Rivera ’24 nabbed the role of Naja in Pomona’s production of Anon(ymous) in fall 2023. Naja is modeled after the Goddess Athena.

Playing a Goddess

Malena Rivera '24 nabbed the role of Naja in Pomona’s production of Anon(ymous) in fall 2023. Naja is modeled after the Goddess Athena.

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Malena Rivera
Malena Rivera '24

The theatre major can be tailored to your interests and gives you the space to explore multiple aspects of theatre. After exploring classes in acting, theatrical makeup, costume design, and even a one-on-one independent study in costume construction, I can say the Theatre Department has given me a space to explore all my creative interests.

Faculty & Teaching

The welcoming professors of the Theatre Department are committed to offering the highest levels of professional training within the context of a liberal arts tradition to the many students who pass through Seaver Theatre, taking classes or participating in a production as majors, minors, or just theatre enthusiasts.

James Taylor

Studying theatre is a powerful synthesis of specialized knowledge and broader knowledge, which is important. You become proficient in expression in the short-term, and prepared for learning and practice in the art for a lifetime.