Creative expression and artistic excellence are the foundations of Theatre Simpson. Departmental courses and projects provide students with cultural and artistic experiences and develop their abilities to observe, reflect, think critically and express themselves. In an atmosphere of cooperation and respect for the individual, students are challenged to achieve academic, aesthetic and production standards of excellence. The theatre department is located in Blank Performing Art Center which houses the 500-seat Pote Theatre and the 125-seat Barnum Studio Theatre.

• Productions are open to all Simpson College students regardless of major. Scholarships granted by audition/interview are available for theatre majors or minors.

• Each year Theatre Simpson produces three faculty-directed productions and a festival of student-directed one-acts. The Simpson Underground, an “open-mic” style venue, provides students another creative outlet.

• Theatre Simpson regularly participates in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

• Recent graduate schools: University of Georgia, University of Cincinnati Conservatory, University of Arkansas and Creighton Law School.

Recent jobs and internships
Television programs (Dawson’s Creek, Seventh Heaven), Theatre de la Jeune Leune (Minnesota), Jean Cocteau Repertory Theatre (New York), Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Women’s Project & Productions (New York), Fox 17 Television (Des Moines) and Iowa Public Television.

“In the theatre department, we encourage students to develop their critical thinking both in and out of the classroom. Working on a production for Theatre Simpson gives students a chance to work within a community. Only when all involved work to their best potential will the play be successful.”

Jennifer Nostrala, M.F.A.
professor of theatre arts

Learn more about the Theatre Department.