Campbellsville University’s Theater Department offers students a unique and fascinating experience, blending performance, technical training and community engagement. The department encourages a welcoming environment for students of all backgrounds, helping them grow as performers and individuals.
A junior theater major, Emily Burchett initially came to Campbellsville University in a different field but soon found herself drawn to the theater department through a work-study position.
“I didn’t start as a theater major at Campbellsville University,” she said. “I was a work-study for two years at the theater department, and it only took half a semester to realize that’s where I wanted to be. The program gave me a great community. I saw how invested the faculty and staff were in the future of the students. That’s what drew me to the theater department.”
Being part of the program has significantly impacted Burchett both on and off the stage.
“This program has helped shape me in a lot of ways,” she said. “I think everyone comes to college scared, I know I did. This program has and continues to give me the tools to succeed. They try and teach you what life will be like outside of college. They emphasize the importance of failure and how it helps you grow. As a performer, I’ve always had stage fright, but this program and its people teach you how to be comfortable on stage in any circumstance. Most importantly, this program has taught me how to never give up, even when it’s hard.”
Burchett also shared the experience of working alongside faculty and students in productions.
“Our productions move quickly,” she said. “We start on our next show during our current show. The faculty, staff and students often work under pressure and on multiple shows at once. What’s so great about this program is that students are offered positions to work alongside their faculty and staff to design and produce our shows. So, during the process, you get to feel a part of the team. Your decisions matter as much as everyone else’s. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to balance it all, but it’s always rewarding.”
For Burchett, one of the most rewarding experiences has been the department’s tradition of striking a set after the final show.
“The day of our last show, we have a strike,” she said. “This is where all the cast and crew take everything down to prepare for whatever show comes next. It’s one of the toughest days of the production process. Once we’re done, all of us stand together and toast to the production. Every time, it’s the most rewarding part. You get to see everyone who worked on the show, standing together and saying goodbye to it before we move on. It’s really special and really rewarding.”
Collin Harris, a senior double majoring in political science and theater, found his passion for the department after participating in their summer camp for high school students.
“After the camp, I loved performing and decided to keep going and turn that enjoyment into a major,” he said.
Harris credits the program for its in-depth training and professional atmosphere.
“The theater department trains excellent technicians and performers who leave ready to tackle the theatrical world in whatever field they choose,” he said. “I am proud to be one of those students who have been well-trained by this wonderful department.”
For Harris, one of the highlights of the program is the professional environment created during productions.
“It’s honestly the best part of the program,” he said. “This idea of professor and fellow students leaves the room when we begin a production. We enter this professional environment where we learn what our jobs as performers will be like once we enter the world.”
As Harris is preparing to graduate, he looks at how the program has prepared him for his future.
“Funny enough, I am a political science major as well,” he said. “I will primarily be focusing on that major when I leave college. With that being said, after I leave this program, I will have everything that I could need to find a job in theater. They have prepared me with mountains of both knowledge and experience that any theater company looks for in an actor. I am very grateful for the experience I have had.”
Even though Harris is in his final semester, he encourages students to get involved in upcoming productions.
“I will say that both ‘White Christmas’ as well as ‘Romeo and Juliet’ will be wonderful shows,” Harris said. “I recommend that anybody with free time in the evenings and an interest in performing audition for shows. The department loves welcoming in and teaching new people.”
Lacey Miller, a junior technical theater major, also found her passion for the department through an unexpected opportunity.
“I initially had no plan to major in theater until I received a performance grant, which helped me pay for college with the requirement of being in every show,” Miller said. “That opportunity led me to discover my passion for theater.”
Miller said the department has helped her grow both personally and professionally.
“The department has definitely helped me become a stronger and more confident person in my skills and abilities,” Miller said.
She describes the ups and downs of working with faculty and other students.
“Working alongside faculty and students can be unpredictable,” she said. “At times, you may reach your breaking point, but then someone will do or say something that reignites your passion, making you fully invested again. It really depends on the process that day.”
For Miller and many theater students, the most rewarding experience is receiving nominations and attending the KCTCaf convention, which is an annual event where Kentucky theater students participate in workshops, competitions and networking opportunities. It allows them to showcase their talents, gain industry experience and connect with like-minded performers from across the state.
“It’s an opportunity to spend a week in a new place surrounded by like-minded theater enthusiasts,” Miller said.
She also highlighted how the program’s structure helps students develop a broad skill set before specializing.
“This program prepares students in many ways,” she said. “You gain a broad understanding of every aspect of theater before choosing an emphasis to specialize in and build upon.”
Looking ahead, Miller and her classmates are excited about the department’s upcoming production.
“We are all looking forward to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’” she said, “because the show is full of whimsy and magic.”
