A theatre studies education at Concordia University Texas can help you thrive on any stage

The Theatre Studies program at Concordia University Texas is designed with a broader vision that goes beyond the allure of being on stage and soaking up the applause. (Not that there’s anything at all wrong with enjoying the spotlight.)

The program is led by Kelly Carolyn Gordon, Ph.D., whose passion for the arts is in her DNA. Her grandfather, Eddie Bracken, was a celebrated actor in the 1940s, known for his work with Paramount Pictures. Her grandmother, Constance Nickerson Bracken, acted on Broadway.

If the goal is to instill essential life skills in students, such as effective communication, problem-solving, and project management, Concordia Texas's Theatre Studies program excels. These core competencies, along with a high degree of versatility and adaptability, prepare students to become valuable assets in any career path they choose to pursue in today's dynamic world.

At the heart of our Theatre Studies program is the close collaboration between students and our dedicated faculty, complemented by instruction from seasoned professionals. This unique aspect of our curriculum provides students with direct insights and guidance from those with real-world experience and offers an immersive learning process that not only refines their artistic talents, but also equips them with a comprehensive understanding of the practicalities and nuances of the theater and film industries.

For those wishing to pursue graduate studies in theatre and film, Concordia Texas’s program lays a solid foundation. By emphasizing critical analysis, creative thinking, and scholarly research alongside practical skill development, we ensure students are well-prepared for the rigors of graduate-level study.

Our commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The Theatre Studies program at Concordia Texas has been nominated for BroadwayWorld Austin Awards, showcasing our standout performances and productions. We've also proudly received several awards from the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

While a minor in theatre studies has been available for many years, we were proud to launch a major degree in theatre studies in 2020. By spring 2023, we celebrated the graduation of Concordia Texas’s first two theatre studies majors, who have since embarked on exciting career paths. Nicholas Vallee now teaches technical theater at Pflugerville High School, and Tyler Ortega has taken his talents to multiple stages in Austin, including Ground Floor Theater, Speed Run Studios, and The Vortex Theatre. Last summer, Ortega played the leading role of Percy Jackson in “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.”

The remarkable value of Concordia Texas’s theatre studies education lies in its ability to transcend the boundaries of the stage. Because the skills our students develop are universally sought after in virtually every industry, our graduates emerge not only as talented artists, but also as well-rounded individuals capable of leading, innovating, and collaborating in diverse professional settings.

Whether they find themselves in corporate boardrooms, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, or entrepreneurial ventures, Concordia Texas alumni leverage their theatre studies education to make meaningful contributions. Their ability to think on their feet, approach challenges creatively, and communicate with clarity makes them valuable assets wherever they go, and on any stage.