Theatre Arts Department

Participate in a dynamic and thriving theater program that presents provocative and exciting productions.

Develop a broad and rich knowledge of the theater by studying acting, directing, dramatic literature, history, technology and design. Learn and create in a Christ-centered environment as you integrate your faith and the study of the theater. Westmont’s theater professors and staff members, talented teachers and artists, possess a great depth of professional experience and get to know you personally. They work regularly in the theatre, and many have received major regional awards. Charles Donelan, executive arts editor of the Santa Barbara Independent, says, “If there’s a more sophisticated, exuberant, and consistently groundbreaking theater program in another small liberal arts college in America, I’d like to see it.”

Theatre Arts Major Flyer Program Review

All Majors and Programs

‎All the world's a stage...

THEATRE ARTS AT WESTMONT

Support Westmont Theatre

Donate Here

Theatre Arts Presents

Box Office

Announcing our 2026-2027 Season!

"Momentum! - A Musical Revue"

Directed by Samantha Eve

September 18-20, 2026 at Porter Theater

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Theatre and Film Projects

Twirly Zone

A Winter’s Tale (interrupted)

Alumni Stories

Jordyn Clinton ‘26, was able to prepare for the professional theatre scene in myriad ways through her 4 years of involvement in the Westmont Theatre Arts program. Via collaboration with her peers and professors, she was able to build practical skills and hands-on experience in putting together productions. She explored multiple disciplines of interest, including directing, lighting design, acting, producing, and stage management. Upon graduation, she took a position interning for the Broadway Rose Theatre Company in the Portland Metro area.

Rachel Herriges ’23, wrote plays for Westmont’s Fringe Festival and was recognized for her capstone project, Hysteria. She is currently building a life in Chicago, drawing on her rich experiences at Westmont.

Jake Siaki ’25, spent his time at Westmont exploring the world of Theatre, from stage management to acting, to directing, to set and costume design. Drawing on these explorations and gains in skill and artistry, Jake has continued to pursue theatre after college, founding “Savvy Cat Productions!” in Orange County and continuing to direct. Additionally, he has discovered a love for teaching high school students and plans to pursue post-graduate training in theatre.

Ciena Fitzgerald ‘25, participated in every aspect of the Westmont Theatre Arts Department; from acting, singing, directing, writing, designing sets, and producing costumes, Ciena explored it all. A versatile artist and confident collaborator, she has recently worked as a stage manager and production professional on international productions, including touring and festival work.

Career Opportunities

Actor
Director
Educator
Arts Administration
Designer
Playwright

Dramaturge
Worship artist
Casting director
Stage Manager
Technical Direction
Public relations and marketing

See Career Paths for Graduates Who Studied Theatre Arts at Westmont

Faculty Highlights

Jonathan Hicks, M.F.A.

An experimental lighting designer and active leader of IATSE Local 442

Mitchell Thomas, M.F.A.

Acts professionally on the local, national and international stage

Samantha Eve

Artistic Director of Out of the Box Theatre Company

Charlotte Bailey, Ph.D

Scholar, actor, and costumer with a Ph.D. in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies

Kelli Coleman Moore

Kelli Coleman Moore is a scholar and practitioner with a Ph.D. in Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies and an MA in Religious Studies.

Andrea Di Maggio

Theatre Arts and Film Studies Manager

Jonathan Mitten

Technical Director

Stacie Logue

Costume Designer

Yulya Dukhovny

Multidisciplinary artist

Globe Series

The Westmont Theatre Arts department enjoys a long, distinguished history of hosting international scholars, artists, and practitioners, providing transformative educational experience for Westmont students and offering important outreach and programming opportunities for the local community.

The goals of the Globe Series are in line with the mission and vision of the college and department, will enhance student learning, faculty development, community outreach and partnerships, and bolster the national and international impact and reputation of the college.

The rising tide of our global economy, international politics, and greater interconnectedness is making it imperative that we can understand and appreciate the rich diversity of the various cultures and peoples of the world. The Globe Series will continue to explore, enact, and create new ways to envision global interconnection, and develop tools for redemptive, reconciliatory work in the field of international theatre practice in the following ways:

Host residencies by international practitioners, for Westmont students
Present International Theatre productions to the Westmont and SB Communities
Convene conferences, symposia, and festivals on topics of global import
Publish and disseminate proceedings to local, national, and international audiences
Inspire competencies in international teaching and practice
Create opportunities for international artistic and cultural exchange

Theatre Arts

Scholarship Information

THE SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE IS MARCH 1! Applications received after this date will be considered in the order received, and based on available funding.

Westmont Festival Theatre is pleased to award multiple scholarship recipients a $2,000 award on an annual basis. Priority is given to accepted applicants and continuing students.

All scholarships are tuition-only awards, credited to your account at the rate of one–half of the award each semester. Students given scholarship awards are required to participate in varying hours of volunteer work per semester depending on size of scholarship (i.e. 3 hours a week).

Since all Westmont Theatre Arts scholarships are awarded for one year at a time, you must reapply each year by submitting the appropriate application by the established deadline.

Click Here to Apply

Events and News

The Future is Short

Contemporary Short Plays for High School and College Students Mitchell Thomas (Anthology Editor)

Order Your Copy Here

Santa Barbara Independent’s 2026 Indy Awards for Theater

Santa Barbara’s vibrant and resilient theater community came together last week to honor those ideals at the 2026 Indy Awards.

Student’s Film Premieres at SBIFF

Westmont senior Ashley Clark, an English and theater arts double major from Henderson, Nevada, participated in the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s competitive five-month filmmaking program.

Learn More

Professor Keeps King’s Dreams Alive

Wendy Eley Jackson, assistant professor of English and film studies at Westmont, recently joined the board of directors for the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee of Santa Barbara.

Learn More

Sacred Stories Project to Amplify Christian Vocational Narratives

Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a nearly $5 million grant to Westmont for the college’s Sacred Stories Project, which will uncover, share and celebrate the vocational journeys of Christian young adults.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Westmont Magazine

Pratt Plays a Leading Role in Filmmaking

Santa Barbara International Film Festival

“It's important for the students to make films and tell stories from what they know and are passionate about. I push them to be creative and make their films visually expressive and experimental. I want to see something I haven’t seen before.”

Read Article

Inspiring Young Adults to Tell Sacred Stories

Westmont for the Sacred Stories Project to uncover, share and celebrate the vocational journeys of Christian young adults. The college joins 60 other U.S. organizations that have received grants through the endowment’s National Storytelling Initiative on Christian Faith and Life since 2024.

Read Story

Theatre Arts Tracks Areas of Concentration & Requirements

Required Lower-Division Core Courses: 16 units

TA 001 Great Literature of the Stage (4)
TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)

One of the following:

TA 010 Acting I (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)

One of the following:

TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 036 Design for Theatre (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)

Upper-Division Breadth Requirements: 14 units

TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 193 Senior Project (2)

One of the following:

TA 120 Theatre History I (4)
TA 121 Theatre History II (4)

Required Applied Theatre Arts: 6 units

Take 6 units of the following:

TA 050/150 Rehearsal and Performance (1-2)
TA 060/160 Technical Production (1-2)

Theatre Arts Electives: 8 units

TA 009 Voice and Speech Through Performance (4)
TA 010 Acting I: Foundations (4)
TA 011 Acting II (4)
TA 036 Scenic Design (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
TA 111 Acting III: Shakespeare and Clown (4)
TA 120 History of the Theatre I (4)
TA 121 History of the Theatre II (4)
TA 124 Survey of Dramatic Theory and Criticism (4)
TA 137 Design for Performance (4)
TA 140 Race and Gender on the American Stage (4)
TA 142 Global Theatre (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 186 World Theatre I (4)
TA 187 World Theatre II (4)
TA 190 Internship (1-8)
TA 195 Seminar: Special Topics (2, 4)
TA 196 Senior Seminar: Launchpad (4)
England Semester (up to 8 units)
London Mayterm (up to 8 units)
Up to 4 additional units of TA 150, and/or TA 160

Required Courses: 20 units

TA 001 Great Literature of the Stage (4)

One of the following: (4)

TA 010 Acting I (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)

One of the following: (4)

TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 036 Design for Theatre (4)
TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)

TA 050/150 Rehearsal and Performance (2)

TA 060/160 Technical Production (2)

TA 120 or TA 121 History of Theatre I, II (4)

Elective: 4 units

Choose any of the following electives: (4)

TA 009 Voice and Speech Through Performance (4)
TA 011 Acting II: Devised Theatre (4)
TA 036 Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
TA 111 Acting III: Shakespeare and Clown (4)
TA 120 History of the Theatre I (4)
TA 121 History of the Theatre II (4)
TA 124 Survey of Dramatic Theory and Criticism (4)
TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 127 Directing II (4)
TA 137 Design for Performance (4)
TA 140 Race and Gender on the American Stage (4)
TA 142 Global Theatre (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 186 World Theatre I (4)
TA 187 World Theatre II (4)
TA 190 Internship (1-8)
TA 195 Seminar: Special Topics (2,4)

Required Lower-Division Core Courses: 16 units

TA 001 Great Literature of the Stage (4)

TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)

One of the following:(4)

TA 010 Acting I (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)

One of the following: (4)

TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 036 Design for Theatre (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)

Upper-Division Breadth Requirements: 22 units

TA 120 Theatre History I (4)
TA 121 Theatre History II (4)
TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 193 Senior Project (2)
TA 196 Senior Seminar: Launchpad (4)

Required Applied Theatre Arts: 6 units

TA 050/150 Rehearsal and Performance (1-2)
TA 060/160 Technical Production (1-2)

Theatre Arts Electives: 16 units

Students’ elective choices can emphasize a particular specialized part of the field, such as acting and directing, design and technology, or literature and history, or can maintain a broader approach, relative to student interest and vocational goals.

TA 009 Voice and Speech Through Performance (4)
TA 010 Acting I: Foundations (4)
TA 011 Acting II: Devised Theatre (4)
TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 036 Scenic Design (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
TA 111 Acting III: Shakespeare and Clown (4)
TA 124 Survey of Dramatic Theory and Criticism (4)
TA 137 Design for Performance (4)
TA 140 Race and Gender on the American Stage (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 186 World Theatre I (4)
TA 187 World Theatre II (4)
TA 190 Internship (1-8)
TA 195 Seminar: Special Topics (2,4)
Up to 4 additional units of TA 150, and/or TA 160
ART 010 2-D Design (4)
ART 015 Drawing I (4)
ART 070 3D Sculptural Explorations (4)
ART 131 Art Theory and Criticism (4)
EB 080 Principles of Management (4)
ENG 101 Film Studies (4)
ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
ENG 112 Screenwriting II (4)
ENG 113 Screenwriting III (4)
ENG 117 Shakespeare (4)
ENG 183 20th Century Drama (4)
England Semester (up to 8 units)
London Mayterm (up to 8 units)
MUA 070 Private Voice I (1)
MUA 170 Private Voice II (1)

Film Theory & Criticism: 4 units

ENG 101 Film Studies (4)

COM 107 Focus on Film (1 unit each, 4 total units required)

Film in Context: 4 units

One of the following:

COM 148 Postmodern Narratives (4)
HIS 082 History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Film (4)
POL 142 The Politics of Film (4)
RS 132 Theology in Film (4)
SP 130 Hispanic Film and Literature (4)

Film Practice: 4 units

One of the following:

FLM 030 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking (4)
APP 190 Internship (1-4) as approved by the minor advisor
ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
RS 162 Religion and Filmmaking (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)

Portfolio or Capstone Project (up to 2 units) This project will be completed in the context of an internship or existing course as approved by the minor advisor.

Electives: 8 units Two of the following, not taken above:

APP 060/160 Film Production (1-2)
APP 190 Internship (1-4) as approved by minor advisor
ART 065 Digital Tools (4)
ART 131 Theory & Criticism in the Arts (4)
COM 107 Focus on Film (1 unit, may be repeated for up to 4 units as topics change)
COM 125 Media and Mass Communication (4)
COM 129 Persuasion & Propaganda (4)
COM 140 Communication Ethics (4)
COM 148 Postmodern Narratives (4)
ENG 101 Film Studies (4)
ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
ENG 112 Screenwriting II (4)
ENG 113 Screenwriting III (4)
FLM 030 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking (4)
FLM 130 Documentary Filmmaking (4)
HIS 082 History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Film (4)
POL 142 The Politics of Film (4)
RS 132 Theology in Film (4)
RS 162 Religion and Filmmaking (4)
SP 130 Hispanic Film and Literature (4)
TA 010 Acting I: Foundations (4)
TA 036 Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
Film courses from off-campus programs, as approved by the Registrar and minor advisor (Los Angeles Film Studies Semester, etc.)