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:
”Pen to Paper to Performance“
May 1 and 2, 7 p.m., Black Box Theater, Keim Center
The last production of the season is one of our favorite events! Pen to Paper to Performance or “P3” is a collection of plays submitted by area playwrights with the hope of having theirs performed by HC theatre for Hesston’s campus and community audiences. The playwrights’ tones vary greatly — comedic, dark comedy, satire, historical and dramatic. We have a record number of submissions this year, some from playwrights who have participated in the past and many from new playwrights, as well. After each performance, the playwrights will take the stage and talk about their work — what inspired them to submit, why those topics, what is their process — and answer questions from the audience. This has always been such a rewarding experience. It creates conversations in our community using theatre as the catalyst. Can’t wait to see you!
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!
