Hesston College is a great place to get involved in theatre. Our smaller size ensures one-on-one attention and a genuine relationship formed with the students. We care about you as a person.
If you are interested in theatre as a major, Hesston is a perfect place to begin your education because of the experience you’ll receive here. Students have ample opportunities to perform on stage or help behind the scenese. The theatre department produces four shows each school year in addition to several other performance venues that arise including chapels, worship services, special college functions and miscellaneous community events. Students with special interests (i.e. improv, dance, mime, church drama) are encouraged and supported in their endeavors.
Many students who participate in our theatre program are not theatre majors. Some enjoyed participating in high school and want to continue in college. Some have never participated before but have always wanted to try it. Others consider it to be their niche and audition for every show. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned pro, we have room for you in our program and will prepare you for whatever comes next.
At Hesston College, we believe that
- Creativity and talent should be nurtured by positive and driven faculty and staff who recognize the potential in every individual.
- Students should be given hands-on, professional experiences with individual instruction.
- Theatre is not contained on the stage but can be utilized in every profession and classroom.
- Theatre is a gift and that the talents and skills of each of us were given by God so that we might use them to better understand and appreciate God’s creation.
Coming soon:
”Xanadu“
December 6 and 7, 6:30 to 7:15, at Dyck Arboretum Prairie Pavilion, in conjunction with Prairie Lights 2025
We all remember the wild 1980 movie Xanadu with Olivia Newton John and Gene Kelly! No? Well-that’s ok. It did have great music, but that story…wow. A Greek muse from Mt. Olympus comes to earth to help a struggling artist open the world’s first roller disco and of course, fall in forbidden love.
Fast forward to 2007 when the stage musical, with an award winning script, opens on Broadway to fantastic reviews.
What changed? Not much. The awesome music from the movie is still featured (Electric Light Orchestra and John Farrar) and the weird story is the same, but the musical has some hilarious additional characters and the source material is lovingly parodied. And don’t worry, there will still be roller skating.
We can’t wait to bring this huge show to our small stage, and have you singing “Xanadu” on your way out!
The 2025-26 Season
- “Journey to the Poles of Inaccessibility,” Oct. 2 to 5
- “A Quiet Christmas,”, Dec. 6 and 7
- “Xanadu," March 5 to 8
- “Pen to Paper to Performance,” May 1 and 2
- Theatre Showcase, May 16
TheatreFest
Spend the day immersed in theatre alongside Hesston College performing arts faculty and students as you sharpen your tech crew talents, hone your acting skills and have a blast doing it all. After the final performance, students can also audition for a theatre scholarship.
Theatre camp
Hesston College's theatre camp is an opportunity for students ages 11 to 18 to immerse themselves in the world of theatre. Participants will enjoy staying on campus during the weeklong experience that culminates in a performance where they can show off all they've learned!
