Introduction

For over 50 years, YSU’s Theatre program and University Theatre have offered degrees and high-quality productions that critically and creatively serve Youngstown State University, Cliffe College, and the region. Our world-class faculty and staff provide outstanding training for the theatre professionals of tomorrow. Through coursework and hands-on experiences on stage and behind the scenes, our students explore all aspects of the theatre arts. They receive individualized attention and one-on-one mentoring from our faculty and staff, and our program prepares them with the skills needed for a variety of careers in the theatre arts and beyond. Each year, they're engaged in numerous fully produced mainstage Theatre and Musical Theatre productions, cabarets, the Festival of New Works, conferences, masterclasses with internationally acclaimed guest directors and actors, and more. Our alumni enjoy diverse and fulfilling careers working throughout the theatre and entertainment industries across the globe. We offer the professional B.F.A. degree, where students may pursue either Theatre or a Musical Theatre concentration, and the B.A. degree in Theatre Studies. We also offer minors in dance, film studies, musical theatre, puppetry, and theatre.

contact information

For more information, please contact the Theatre Office at (330) 941-3810. To schedule a personalized campus visit, please contact the Cliffe College Coordinator of Admissions and Recruitment at 330-941-2346 or djlorenzi@ysu.edu.

Dr. Joseph Carucci, Director 
Theatre and University Theatre
1 University Plaza
Youngstown, OH 44555
P 330.941.3810
F 220.941.7183
jwcarucci@ysu.edu

Degrees and minors

The Theatre Program offers coursework leading to the following degrees:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre
  • Minors in Dance, Film Studies, Musical Theatre, Puppetry, and Theatre 

Learning Outcomes

The student learning outcomes for the major in theatre are as follows:

  • Public Performances – Students demonstrate competence in the creation and presentation of public theatre events, either as performers, designers, or technicians.
  • Knowledge of History and Cultural Dimensions – Students demonstrate knowledge of the history and cultural influences of and upon the institution of theatre throughout the ages.
  • Informed Assessments of Quality – Students demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate works of theatre.
  • Critical Thinking – Students demonstrate the ability to define a desired goal in creating a work of theatre and find solutions to achieve that goal.

In addition to the above outcomes, learning outcomes in musical theatre also include:

  • Musical Knowledge – Students demonstrate an understanding of music theory, the keyboard, and the ability to read music.
  • Vocal Competence – Students demonstrate an ability to sing and act a musical selection in the musical theatre style.
  • Movement – Students demonstrate ability in the dance disciplines of ballet, tap, and jazz.

Academic Advising

The Cliffe College Academic Advising Office provides optimum assistance to help our students navigate through their undergraduate years and prepare them for academic and future career endeavors! Our Advisors can provide advice about staying on track with your degree program, combining your major with a supporting minor, finding resources to enhance your coursework with study abroad or other student enrichment experiences, career development, and more. Our goal is to see you succeed! The Academic Advisor for Theatre students may be reached at 330-941-3623 or nakiriazis@ysu.edu.  

FACILITIES

As a theater student, you'll be able to take full advantage of our state-of-the-art production and performance facilities, all located in Bliss Hall. Along with spacious studios, your studies will be further enhanced by:

  • Ford Theater, a 400-seat proscenium stage
  • Spotlight Arena Theater, a flexible capacity theater that serves as an experimental space for University Theatre and also houses smaller-scale productions
  • Lab theater and rehearsal spaces
  • Theater design studio
  • Film screening room
  • Television production studio (affiliated with PBS channels 45/49 in Northeastern Ohio)
  • Scene and costume shops
  • Makeup and dressing rooms
  • Greenroom
  • Box Office
  • Front-of-house facilities
  • Spacious dance studio 

Professional Societies

Alpha Psi Omega

The Theatre Program is a member of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Honorary Dramatics Fraternity. Students may become members of the local chapter by:

  • achieving the prescribed cumulative grade average
  • earning a prescribed number of points through participation in dramatic activities

Membership requires sophomore standing.

General Procedures and Policies

Students are responsible for knowing about degree requirements and university and Theatre area policies and procedures. This information may be found through the Theatre office, from the Theatre Academic Advisor, or from several sections of this Catalog, including the Academic Policies, Rights, and Responsibilities section.