History
The Theatre Arts faculty includes performers, designers, and playwrights with top academic credentials as well as professional experience. The department is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Specialties
At Fresno State, Theatre Arts students work side-by-side with faculty to create exciting productions. Through this close collaboration, students not only develop their talents, but also learn to work well under pressure as part of a team. The Fresno State Theatre complex consists of the John Wright Theatre (a 370-seat proscenium theatre), the Dennis & Cheryl Woods Theatre (a 150-seat arena theatre), the Lab School Theatre (a 100-seat lab theatre), and the Lyles Gallery that also serves as the lobby for both the Wright and Woods theatres. Each season Fresno State Theatre stages 6 productions, as well as other productions within California's Central Valley. Our undergraduates enjoy unusual opportunities to play leading roles, to direct, and to design for lab and mainstage productions. Undergraduate playwrights have seen their work in staged readings, workshops and in mainstage productions. Organizations such as the Kennedy Center/American College Theater Festival and the American College Dance Festival have honored numerous Fresno State Students. Working together, students and faculty have created many shows that have won regional, national, and international honors.