One of the programs unique to Siena Heights University is the Creative Stages Child Drama/Children's Theatre Program. It is designed to provide children 4-16 years old with an opportunity to create and take part in improvised creative drama experiences and theatrical productions. 

Originally started in 1963, the Creative Stages program employs students and faculty of Siena Heights University to work with the children to create improvised plays in workshops held on campus during the fall and winter semesters, and in a summer camp.

Theatre Siena’s production schedule is an ambitious one; presenting five to six main stage productions each academic year, in addition to numerous smaller student-produced projects. For the complete Theatre Siena season schedule, please click here.

The focus now turns toward the new Spencer Performing Arts Center. The existing theater space will be renovated for enhanced acoustic performance as to serve the students in our growing music program. A new theater for theatrical performances, as well as program support space such as a new band room, dance studio, scene shop and recital rooms will expand the footprint of the facility by more than 18,000 square feet. Completion is expected by Fall 2018. 
 

COMING FALL 2018!
THE MARY AND SASH SPENCER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Learn about internship opportunities in the Theatre / Speech Communication program.

Theater students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities off-campus as much as possible. Many of these are very personal, one-on-one study experiences and often are paid. Siena Heights has developed internship partners not only in the United States, but throughout the world.

Some of the past internship opportunities include:

• Croswell Opera House
• Purple Rose Theater
• Plowshares Theater Co.
• Theatre Nova
• Spoleto Theater
• Santa Fe Opera House
• Eugene O’Neill Theatre

Where are they now?

Some of Siena Heights' recent graduates and former students are involved in the following:

• Katie Metz (Adrian Mich.): former AEA Assistant Stage Manager at Barter Theatre, Abingdon, Va.
• Matthew Chandler (Chicago Ill.): attended Florida State, currently Associate Production Manager at Goodman Theatre, Chicago
• Michael Kirk Lane (New York City): actor, teaching artist at Wingspan Arts; Associate Producer at No Strings Production; House Manager at Laurie Beechman Theatre, most recently in Hell’s Belles, N.Y.
• Robert Whiston (Brooklyn, N.Y.): currently Literary Fellow at Atlantic Theatre Company, Director at New York Theatre Barn, N.Y.
• Leah Crocetto (San Francisco Calif.): singer, most recently at the Metropolitan Opera, NYC
• Dalton Tyler Gerber (NYC): aspiring actor, attended Actors Studio Drama School of Pace University, N.Y.
• Jayna Katz (NYC): enrolled in Brooklyn College MFA Performing Arts Management Program
• Andrew Dunn (NYC) attended Actors Studio Drama School of Pace University, currently licensing coordinator at Silver Buffalo LLC, N.Y.
• Matt Davis (Astoria, N.Y.): actor/director/playwright, instructor of Michael Chekhov Acting Technique at About Artists Agency, N.Y.
• Lauren Hoag attended Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, N.Y.
• Paul Karle (NYC) studied at The New School for Drama, N.Y.
• Carol Krueger (Denver Colo.): Theatre Service Manager at Denver Center for Performing Arts, CO
• Kalen Larson (Cortland, Ill.): General Manager and Flying Director at Flying Effects, IL
• Amanda Raymond (Astoria, N.Y.) attended Columbia University School of Arts; Audio Engineer and Feinstein’s 54 Below; Stage Manager at the Ohmies, N.Y.
• Emily Victoria Roney (NYC): interned at The Public Theatre, dresser at Hamilton the Musical, N.Y.
• Luke Stanaway-Neblo (Van Nuys, Calif.): SAG-AFTRA actor at The Prison City Players, Calif.
• Andrew Staton (Los Angeles): SAG actor, former rigger at Asylum Stunts
• Chloe Whiting Stevenson (Blissfield, Mich.): attended Illinois State University and Accademia dell’Arte (Italy), performance artist (global)
• Ryan Bernard Tymenski (NYC): interned at Eugene O’Neill Theatre (lighting) and Telsey and Company Casting (casting); former Showroom Designer for Ralph Lauren; currently of Ryan Bernard Casting, N.Y.
• Megan VanArsdalen (NYC): attended New York School for Drama, N.Y.
• Lucas Wells (Temperance, Mich.): formerly of Spring Awakening national tour; formerly of Meadowbrook Theatre, Mich.
• Michael Cicirelli (Mich.): interned at Jackson K105.3 and JTV; actor at Michigan Renaissance Festival; DJ, Mich.
• Suzette Collins Donelson (Ky.) attended University of Oklahoma (design research); taught at Oklahoma City Community College; Wardrobe/hair/makeup/props at Oklahoma City Repertory Theatre, Okla.
• Gretchen Hall (Fla.): model for Dorothy Combs Models, Fla.
• Stephanie Blohm (Mich.): stage manager, marketing and development associate at Theatre Nova, Ann Arbor, Mich.
• Ryan Burke (Ill.): Assistant Technical Director at Quincy Theatre, Quincy, Ill.
• Sam Castle (Fla.): Employed at a theatre company in Sarasota, Fla. 
• Julia Cassell (Chelsea, Mich.): Office Manager at the Purple Rose Theatre, Chelsea, Mich.

Learn more about Theatre / Speech Communication clubs.

The Alpha Psi Omega national theater fraternity is one of the oldest organizations on the Siena Heights campus. It boasts a large membership nationally and is open to not only theater majors, but to those students who excel in theater at Siena Heights.

Arts Scholarship Days

Siena Heights University conducts Arts Scholarship Days for prospective students.

High school seniors and transfer students who would like to major in music, art or theater or perform in the choir, band, marching band, orchestra or jazz band can schedule an audition or portfolio review and campus visit during Arts Scholarship Days @ Siena. Scholarships will be awarded to qualifying students. In addition to their audition or portfolio review, students may have the opportunity to meet with current scholarship recipients over lunch, have an individual meeting with Admissions Counselor and enjoy a campus tour.