Theatre

Faculty:
Wolfe - Chair, J. Lile and Alford
Thomas E. Taylor Performing Arts Center 237 • 417-625-9393

Mission

The Missouri Southern State University Theatre Department affirms the mission of Missouri Southern State University and contributes to it by committing to the total education of each student. Missouri Southern State University Theatre will develop pioneering and bold atrists, technicans, and scholars who are knowledgeable, responsible, and successful global citizens wanting to be the creative leaders of tomorrow.

Vison

Missouri Southern State University Theatre will be a leader in producing outstanding and groundbreaking work and be the leading choice for students

A Strong Commitment to International Education:

MOSO Theatre Department supports the international mission of the university in its theatre classrooms, on its stages and especially in the international plays selected for themed semesters. As students must become aware of the global nature of all information and comprehend the international arena in which most topical issues reside, the theatre continues to provide a fertile ground upon which to inspire such a comprehension. International travel is encouraged for all faculty and students of the department.

A Strong Commitment to Liberal Arts and General Education Requirements:

Every member of the theatre faculty is dedicated to each and every student in the university. TH 0110 - Theatre Appreciation , the departmental General Education/Core 42 Requirements course for area 5B Fine Arts, provides many students with their first theatre experience; an experience about which they can think, speak and write. TH 0220 - Professional Interaction is a course that is an option for General Education/Core 42 Requirements in area 2B Oral Communications. TH 0252 - Introduction to Western Drama is a new class that is an option for General Education/Core 42 Requirements in area 5A Humanities.

Scholarly and Creative Expression:

MOSO Theatre strives to provide a welcoming, inclusive, safe, and supportive environment for all students, faculty, staff, and visitors. All theatre productions are the end product of scholarly and creative expressions. The Theatre Department brings a balanced, comprehensive variety of plays to its students and audiences. Additionally, graduating seniors develop and complete a creative project showcasing their unique interests and talents.

Community Service:

All of MOSO Theatre’s productions are performed for the campus and public communities and introduce a diverse range of topics. The children’s theatre program alone, plays to approximately 10,000 people each year. MOSO Theatre is responsible for the operation of Taylor Auditorium, a 2000-seat auditorium that serves as a venue for events sponsored by both on campus organizations and community groups, and the Bud Walton Theatre, a large and diverse backbox styled theatre. MOSO Theatre also hosts the Missouri Shakespeare Festival.

Modern, Relevant and Inclusive:

MOSO Theatre is committed to being a mirror of the nation, by producing six varying shows a season, allowing freshmen and transfer student the opportunity to perform on every stage their first year. Our faculty are a dedicated group of arts professionals, committed to engaging students in the creation, performance, analysis, and promotion of the theatre arts. MOSO Theatre offers multiple degree options for performance and production, including an BFA in Performance, along with supporting the Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre Performance, and the Bachelor of Science in Education degree with a major in Theatre/Speech. Certificates in areas such as Arts Management and Leadership, Production, and Design are available, with more coming soon. A minor in theatre is also available. MOSO Theatre supports two theatre organizations: Southern Players and Alpha Psi Omega, a national honorary fraternity.

More detailed information is available in the theatre office, Taylor Performing Arts Center 237.

For additional information contact:
Erick Wolfe
Taylor Performing Arts 237B
417-625-3044 • wolfe-e@mssu.edu