91ÉçÇø

students performing in a play

Theater

Why study theater at 91ÉçÇø?

The theater program at 91ÉçÇø merges active learning, creative expression, artistic development, and historical and theoretical understanding. Majoring in theater puts students in a dynamic and immersive learning environment where they make connections and learn skills that lay the foundation for a career beyond graduation.

Guided by faculty who work as theater artists and scholars, students in the theater department develop skills in multiple areas and techniques to realize their own creative visions in the classroom and on the stage. Theater students have unparalleled access to world-class theater in the city of Chicago, with courses regularly taking trips to , the , and , as well as to many other smaller but no less well-respected venues. On a campus stage or in Chicago, texts and techniques discussed in the classroom come to life for students and faculty.

Careers in theater after 91ÉçÇø

At 91ÉçÇø, we believe students should never have to choose between their passions and pragmatism. We help them make their dream careers work for them. We support students' professional development every step of the way. With the wide-ranging career options available to theater majors, the Career Pathways are instrumental in helping students position themselves for the internships and life after graduation.

A wide range of thrilling and dynamic careers are available to theater majors after graduation. To get an idea for which pathways students might join, check these out:

  • Stage Manager – Creative Arts
  • Teacher – Law and Public Service
  • Performer – Creative Arts
  • Public Policy Advocate – Law and Public Service
  • Health Care Administrator – Science and Health Care
  • Entrepreneur – Business and Finance or Build Your Own
  • PR/Media Associate – Creative Arts

cast of triumph of love jumping on stage An anachronistic adaptation of the classic Marivaux comedy of the same name, Triumph of Love is full of delicious deception, gender confusions and all the complexities of l'amour, revealing the beauty, absurdities and bittersweet nature of love. This was our musical for the Fall 2022 semester.
Chelsea Davis portrait
Theater is such a team experience, and getting to work with people all across campus that you may not have spoken to otherwise is exciting. The faculty are very well connected to Chicago's theater scene, so if you want to do theater as a career, they can help you form connections with industry professionals.
Chelsea Davis '24

Some of Chicago’s best-known theater pros have been graduation speakers for 91ÉçÇø, including:

  • Barbara Gaines, co-founder and artistic director, Shakespeare Theater
  • Kelly Leonard ’88, vice-president of Second City
  • Regina Taylor, Golden Globe-winning actress and playwright
  • Rebecca Gilman, award-winning playwright
  • Robert Falls, artistic director, Goodman Theater
Recent Productions

poster

Triumph of Love

November 4 - 12, 2022

totally tolerable poster

Totally Tolerable

April 7 - 9, 2022

All the world's a stage poster

All the World's a Stage

October 15 - 23, 2021

March 26 - 28, April 2 - 4, 2020

The Chicken Bone (photo credit: Evan Hanover)

Related Programs

Contact Us

Chloe Johnston
Chair of Theater
Associate Professor of Theater and Performance Studies
847-735-5140
johnston@lakeforest.edu

Bob Knuth
Director of Theater
o:  847-735-5141    c: 708-663-2538
bknuth@lakeforest.edu

Joy Markee
Department Assistant
847-735-5083
jmarkee@lakeforest.edu