Theatre Arts

Immerse yourself in the reality of theatre-making at the highest level! From your first semester, you’ll be acting, building, thinking and learning about theatre’s rich history and literature; the elements of dramatic structure, performance, design and technology; and the people, places, and activities that put theatre at the vanguard of contemporary art and culture.

Whether you choose the flexible theatre arts track, performance concentration or the production concentration, theatre at Bradley offers you the tools, opportunities and experiences you need to set yourself apart and succeed. Take a thrilling excursion course to London, intern in the film industry during the Hollywood Semester or journey to Las Vegas to work backstage with the artists of Cirque du Soleil. Your degree prepares you for life as a performer, director, producer, designer, technician or arts manager. It also provides you with vital training in communication, collaboration, organization, financial planning and strategic thinking — skills prized by potential employers in and beyond the arts. And, the Department of Theatre Arts offers generous scholarships to qualifying students.

Meyer Jacobs Theatre

The Meyer Jacobs Theatre, a 270-seat modified thrust stage, is the home for most Bradley University theatre productions. Named for Peoria businessman Meyer J. Jacobs ’39, this intimate performance space is equipped with up-to-date digital lighting and sound systems and provides a dynamic showcase for both musical and non-musical theatre ranging from the classics to the boldest contemporary works.

The Blythe O’Sullivan Studio Theatre

Generously supported and dedicated by Mr. and Mrs. John O’Sullivan in memory of their daughter, Bradley alumna Blythe O’Sullivan, this flexible, fully-equipped theatre space is home to many of the Department’s performance classes , student projects. mainstage rehearsals, special events, and occasional season productions.