About Vanderbilt University Theatre
Vanderbilt University's academic theatre program covers a wide range of interests including acting, directing, dramatic literature, playwriting, theatre history and criticism, and theatrical design and technology. All combine a healthy respect for the written word, practical experience, intellectual curiosity, and hands-on instruction.
Students explore all aspects of theatre, as the faculty believes that a broad understanding of the art strengthens skills in whatever area students eventually choose to study in greater depth. The Vanderbilt University Theatre student organization gives students opportunities to experiment with different roles in theatrical production as it staffs and manages all crews for departmental productions in coordination with the department's faculty.
Neely Auditorium, the centrally located site of the four annual mainstage productions, is a unique and flexible theatre facility.  Neely offers production teams a range of options for stage arrangement within its flexible space. Set are constructed in a well-equipped shop adjacent to the stage. The costume shop and dressing rooms are located above on the third floor with ready access to the performance space. Lighting technicians hang and focus lighting fixtures while standing on a wire mesh grid over the performance area. Industry standard lighting and sound control equipment and software complement the versatility of the space.
The Fred Coe Artist-in-Residence endowment brings theatre professionals to Vanderbilt to perform, direct plays, teach classes, and contribute to the department in a variety of other ways. The Coe endowment provides students with direct exposure to professional theatre artists from all areas of theatrical practice.
Student production include The First Year Showcase, directed and designed by upper-class Vanderbilt University Theatre students, is cast from the incoming first year class and the annual 24-Hour Production is an opportunity for Vanderbilt University Theatre students to write, stage, and perform new plays in a single day and night. End of the semester performances highlight the work students are creating in their courses. These may include acting and directing scenes, solo and group devised work, and dramatic writing works in progress.