Calling all theatre artists, practitioners, and scholars!
Are you curious about pursuing a graduate degree in Theatre? Would you be a good fit for one of our many scholarships and assistantships? Want to learn more about our certificate in Nonprofit Management? How about our new Performing Arts Center?

For all this and more, join us at the Villanova Theatre Open House. Prospective students will have the opportunity to meet current students, faculty and staff of the Villanova Theatre Department and attend our production of HOUSE OF DESIRES directed by James Ijames.
The Graduate Theatre program at Villanova offers a distinct fusion of inspiring academic work and practical production experience. 

As a student, you will have the opportunity to expand your mind through courses covering topics such as dramaturgy, script analysis, directing, acting, playwriting and more. 

You will also join a producing theatre company that collaborates and performs in the brand-new, state-of-the-art John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Our seasons feature a broad theatrical repertoire showcasing classics, contemporary plays, musicals and new works still in development!

We hope you will join us for our Open House on Sunday, November 13th. Prospective students will have the opportunity to meet current students, faculty, and staff of the Villanova Theatre Department and tour the Mullen Center for the Performing Arts. Following the Open House, prospective students are invited to attend the 2 PM performance of HOUSE OF DESIRES as our guest!

All attendees will have their application fee waived.
Click on the video to learn more about our Master's and Certificate Programs in Theatre.
Click on the video to learn more about how Villanovans create, adapt and discover.
The John and Joan Mullen Center for the Performing Arts
Villanova’s new Center for the Performing Arts is a hub for performances, creativity, engagement, and exploration for the University’s performing arts community - enriching Villanova’s campus and enhancing educational opportunities across the University.

The Smith Performance Lab
The Topper Theatre
The Court Theatre
The dream of a performing arts center on Villanova University's campus became a reality in 2020. Click on the video above to learn about the project from conception to completion, including a tour of its performance spaces and information on its use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The approximately 85,000 square-foot center includes state-of-the-art performance spaces, studios and classrooms to support education and artistic innovation, with common areas for use by all members of the University community.

The performance spaces include a 400-seat proscenium-style theatre with tailored acoustics, state-of-the-art theatrical lighting and a 30-member orchestra pit, a 200-seat Court Theatre featuring flexible staging and technologically advanced lighting and sound equipment, and a performance lab that has flexible seating for approximately 75.


Explore the Theatre Program
Villanova’s Master’s and Certificate Programs in Theatre offer a distinct fusion of both academic work and practical experience. Our flexible, multi-faceted degree program prepares students from a variety of disciplines to succeed on stage, behind-the-scenes and in the classroom. The comprehensive 36-credit MA can be completed in two years as a full-time student or at your own pace as a part-time student. Funding opportunities are available in the areas of Acting, Research, Public Relations, Costumes, Set Construction and Properties Construction.
Discover the Nova Nation
At Villanova, you’ll experience it all. Two hundred and sixty acres of lush greenery and beautiful collegiate architecture, just steps from Pennsylvania’s historic Main Line and minutes from the bustling city of Philadelphia. A climate that encompasses all four seasons, with mild spring mornings, crisp autumn afternoons and serenely snowy days. Spend a day at Villanova, and you’ll see why so many students couldn’t wait to make it their new home. 
From Dawn 'til Dusk: An Aerial Tour
From dawn to dusk, there’s no place quite like Villanova – our warm, welcoming community bustles with an energy and spirit you won’t find anywhere else. Get acquainted with our beautiful surroundings, our breathtaking architecture and the unique environment that make this a place like no other.

Explore Campus
There’s nothing like being on campus, but taking a virtual tour of Villanova is a close second! Traverse Villanova's 260-acre campus through an interactive photorealistic map featuring every building and facility. Follow along on a student-led walking tour and discover what it's really like to be a Villanovan. 

Philadelphia Area
Villanova is just 12 miles (19 km) west of Philadelphia, the sixth-largest city in the US and the second-largest on the East Coast. And getting there is remarkably easy -- hop on a train (we have three rail stops on campus) or use a ride- or car-sharing service (we've got quite a few options!). You'll find plenty to do in Philly -- there are world-class theatres, museums, historic sites, great restaurants, performing arts venues and a wide spectrum of neighborhoods and attractions. Sports fans can grab tickets to see an Eagles, Phillies, Sixers or Flyers game -- and the Villanova Wildcats play many of their games at the Wells Fargo Center, too! 
Villanova is also close to Valley Forge National Historical Park and the King of Prussia Mall, the largest mall on the East Coast. And the bucolic Main Line, featuring shops and restaurants, is just steps away.