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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Theatre

Develop your passion for theatre in a Christian learning environment at OBU. Immerse yourself in a holistic education that nurtures your spiritual, intellectual, vocational, and artistic growth. As a theatre student, you will thrive in a collaborative atmosphere, producing a diverse range of classic and contemporary works. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with faith, excellence, and exceptional skills to embark on a successful career or pursue further education in the dynamic world of theatre.

Augustus Mathews

Class of 2022

“My time in Oklahoma Baptist University’s theatre program challenged me and pushed me to improve my skills and work ethic, preparing me for the world of professional theatre.”

Benefits of OBU Theatre Program

From the day you arrive on campus as an OBU theatre major, you will be involved in all OBU main stage productions, whether you are interested in being on stage, involved in technical areas, or management and marketing. Our faculty will strongly encourage you to seek out all opportunities in your field to build a strong professional resume before you graduate. These activities are supported through attendance at conferences, festivals and scheduled professional auditions and interviews.

Incredible Education, Affordable Cost

At OBU, we believe finances shouldn’t stand in the way of your purpose. With generous scholarships and 100% of students receiving aid, your future is within reach.

To get an estimate of what your cost to attend OBU might be,please check out our Net Price Calculator. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised with how affordable an OBU education really is, especially considering the incredible academic quality, personal mentor relationships with faculty and staff, and strong Christian commitment you will experience at OBU. You won’t find an experience like this anywhere else!

Scholarships and Grants

$60,000

minimum university scholarship per student
over four years

100%

of all OBU students receive financial aid

$24,000

average annual financial award
based on 2022-23 IPEDS data

Program Information

Labs

  • Sarkeys Black Box Theatre
  • Sarkeys Scene Shop
  • Costume Shop

Internship Opportunities

  • Arkansas Passion Play, Eureka Springs, AR
  • Sight & Sound Theatre, Branson, MO
  • AD Players, Houston, TX
  • Lyric Theatre, OKC, OK
  • Playhouse on the Square, Memphis, TN
  • Walt Disney World Parks, Orlando, FL
  • Shakespeare in the Park, OKC, OK
  • Pollard Theatre Company, Guthrie, OK
  • Texas Shakespeare Festival, Kilgore, TX
  • Brevard Music Center, Brevard, NC

Jobs Opportunities and Outcomes

  • Sight and Sound Theater, Branson (dresser; deck crew; hair/makeup stylist)
  • Know Theatre, Cincinnati (resident stage manager)
  • The Academy of Classical Christian Studies (drama & oral presentation faculty)
  • River and Rail Theatre Company (founding artistic director)
  • UCO, Edmond (costume shop manager, director of facilities and productions)
  • Park Square Theater, St. Paul (soundboard operator)
  • Shawnee Public School (drama teacher/director)
  • The King's College, NYC (associate professor of English and theater, playwright)
  • Wichita Symphony (patron services/box office/administrator)
  • UCO, Edmond (resident scenic designer)
  • Walt Disney World (entertainment and pyro technician)
  • Dallas Theatre Center (stage manager; lighting intern)
  • Film Industry (makeup designer)
  • The Shakespeare Theater, Washington DC (acting)
  • Playhouse on the Square, Memphis (stage manager; costume shop supervisor)
  • Wayside Theatre, VA (production stage manager; acting)
  • Actors Repertory Theatre (director)
  • Seaside Repertory Theatre, Seaside, FL (production stage manager)
  • Shakespeare in the Park, OKC (acting; box office asst.)
  • Alley Theatre, Houston (acting; dramaturg)
  • AD Players Theatre, Houston (acting)

Student Organizations

Started in 1919, College Players is the oldest social club at OBU, predating even the Student Government.

OBU Theatre Productions 

OBU presents quality theatre productions each year.  A cast of talented and creative actors and actresses entertains audiences, providing rewarding opportunities for students to perform and enhance their stage presence. For further information regarding productions, visit our OBU Theatre page. 

Faith Integration

Students will integrate and employ Christian principles in their selection and development of theatrical work, ethical and professional behavior as part of a production team, and interactions with fellow theatre artists.

Program Options

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Minor

World-Class Faculty

OBU faculty are experts in their fields and will be with you every step of the way.

Benjamin Baxter

Benjamin Baxter

Chair, Division of Art and Design
Chair, Division of Communication Arts
Associate Professor of Animation and Media Production

John R. Dement

John R. Dement

Associate Professor of Theatre
Director of Theatre

Division of Communication Arts