Most students choose a theatre major because they excel in performance or want to improve their performance. The Millsaps program offers a balanced curriculum of study that includes both high quality coursework and excellent opportunities for performance. Each of our professors is a performer or creative artist who truly understands the demands of performance and wants to help undergraduates develop their abilities.

Millsaps' small classes and individual instruction give every student ample opportunity to study and practice the art of the theatre in its many forms. The program integrates academic work with:

The Millsaps Players

The Millsaps Players are the production arm of the theatre program, producing three full-length plays each year at the Christian Center's fully equipped Marion L. Smith Auditorium. They also present several one-act plays directed by senior theatre majors. Casting for all plays is by audition and is open to all students. Participation in Players productions, either onstage or backstage, earns credit toward membership in Alpha Psi Omega, the national honorary dramatics society. Academic credit is also available.

Millsaps students are very fortunate to have a special internship and performance resource in Jackson's New Stage Theater, Mississippi's only not-for-profit professional theatre. Now in its 38th year, New Stage produces a full season, including five main stage shows in the subscription series, a Christmas show, children's shows and selections in the Eudora Welty New Plays Series.

New Stage is committed to exploring new worlds of theatre, including important contemporary plays and classics, selected for their artistic merit, their power to illuminate the human condition and their impact on the community. Facilities include a 364-seat main stage and a smaller performance space.

Second Century Scholarships in Performing Arts

Available to talented students who can make significant contributions to the performing arts at Millsaps, Second Century Scholarships recognize outstanding achievement in the performing arts and potential for continued development. Renewal is contingent upon a successful student record in performance at the College.

Call the Department of Performing Arts (601-974-1422) or contact the Millsaps Office of Admissions to schedule an audition (601-974-1050). Actors should prepare two modern two-minute monologues of contrasting styles.

Life After Millsaps

Students who choose to major in theatre often do so because they are driven to exercise and develop their creative impulses. Some are focused on a related career, while others pursue a performance major even though they have other career aims. Many of our majors go on to study at top universities and conservatories or to perform in major venues around the world. Other graduates enroll in professional schools or -- because of the unique skills that the Millsaps program develops -- work at jobs that embrace creative, disciplined thought.

For more information visit the Department of Performing Arts Website.

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