Academic Programs

fact sheet

 

What You'll Be Doing

Lights! Camera! Action! Gannon University believes in the many possible paths artists in the performance industry can travel. Whether you are interested in “on stage” performance, technical theatre, arts management, television, news, radio or public relations, Gannon’s theatre and communication arts program can help you reach your dreams. As a theatre and communication arts major, you will learn about the many ways to effectively communicate in today’s media and performance industries, build the skills necessary to apply your talents as a writer, performer or producer, and gain real world experience in the field.

Employment projections for positions in theatre and communications arts through the year 2014 are expected to continue increasing. Positions available in related fields include: arts manager, community theatre director, children’s theatre, dinner theatre, cruise line performers, theme park performers, radio and television personalities, public relations and production designer.

 

College Connections

Theatre and communication arts is housed in the Gannon University School of Humanities. Students in the program interact with students and professors in the fields of business, education, advertising, journalism, political science and language.

Theatre and communication arts students receive hands-on experience at 90.5 WERG and The Gannon Knight, a student newspaper.

Alpha Psi Omega (National Honorary Theatre Society) is an active and vibrant production group on campus.

Theatre and communication arts students participate in the preproduction and production processes of the Schuster Theatre’s main stage. Lighting, sound design, set construction, scenic painting and graphic design are integral elements for this large scale theatrical program.

Professors in the theatre and communication arts program are dynamic, experienced scholars and practitioners who are part of Gannon because they have a passion to teach. The combined TCA faculty has more than 100 years of real world experience. All of these experts are continuously engaged in their fields, assuring students access to the latest knowledge and trends.

 

The Gannon Advantage

  • Students at Gannon enjoy internships, co-ops and study abroad opportunities. In addition everyone completes our "Liberal Studies Core" -- 39 credits that will help prepare you for life.
  • Gannon's Career Development Services Office reports that 97% of Gannon's recent graduates are employed or are enrolled in graduate studies.
  • On our urban campus, students can enjoy all the conveniences of city living while feeling at home in Gannon's caring community.
  • An overall 13:1 student to faculty ratio ensures that students receive the genuine commitment and personal attention they are seeking.
  • Gannon's Career Service Center helps students search for graduate school or job opportunities, develop interviewing skills and design a professional resume.
  • Over 70 clubs and organizations as well as 18 NCAA Division II athletics provide students the chance to be involved.
 
Departmental Web Pages
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
 
Major Facts

    • Gannon’s Schuster Theatre has the distinction of being one of only a few “teaching theatres” in the region.

    • Theatre and communication arts students are eligible to participate in four main stage theatrical productions per year. There are also numerous studio productions and fundraisers held throughout the year.

    • Students can achieve prominent roles in theatre productions as early as freshman year.

    • Theatre and communication arts students can also take part in the “Shakespeare Summer Nights” production, held annually.

    • Gannon students can find practicum experiences and internships at local professional theatres, TV affiliates, radio stations, cable outlets and nonprofit organizations.

    • Theatre and communication arts students have access to upgraded digital equipment and industry standard software including: Adobe Premiere, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe (Macromedia) Flash and others.

    • Theatre and communication arts students participate as on air performers, news directors, managers and producers for 90.5 WERG, the University owned 3000-watt radio and streaming media station.

    • Gannon alumni from the theatre and communication arts program work in locations such as New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., and of course, Erie.

 
 
 

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