Degree and Certificate Options

Theatre (Fine Arts)

Program Overview

The Rose State College Theatre Program offers a two-year, comprehensive program that prepares the theatre major for transfer to a baccalaureate-granting institution. In addition to acting, students gain hands-on experience in such areas as scene painting, set building, and makeup. Four shows are produced every year. Students learn the nature of producing each show as well as building organization, teamwork, and leadership skills.  Faculty and staff work closely with students in all aspects of the discipline. Rose State Theatre Department participates annually in the Kennedy Center/ American College Theatre Festival.

Program Objectives

  • Rose State College produces four shows every year.
  • Students have the opportunity to work alongside professional guest artists.
  • High level of opportunities to participate in productions allows students to get more exposure to theatre than they would at larger institutions.
  • Students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the area of theatre that interests them: scene painting, set building, singing, acting, publicity, playwriting, stage managing, dramaturgy, etc.
  • The collaborative nature of producing each show reinforces skills in organization, teamwork, leadership, and responsibility.
  • Faculty and staff work closely with students in all aspects of the discipline.
  • Students are encouraged to pursue a variety of internships in professional theatre.

Performance Venues

H.B. Atkinson Theatre

A 256-seat thrust theatre, which is a perfect performance space for intimate live performance. Acting and performance classes are also held in this space. 

Rose State Performing Arts Theatre

The soaring Performing Arts Theatre seats 1,400. This acoustically-superb, nearly-new facility includes recent upgrades to the theatrical lighting system in 2011 and a half-million dollar sound renovation in 2012.

Student Theatre

RSC Theatre Season 2024-25

PETER AND THE STARCATCHER 

Written by  Rick Elise with music by Wayne Barker 

September 26-28, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Sept. 29th at 2:00 pm.

Atkinson Theatre 

Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). A wildly theatrical adaptation of Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson’s best-selling novels, the play was conceived for the stage by directors, Roger Rees and Alex Timbers. From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, Peter and the Starcatcher playfully explores the depths of greed and despair... and the bonds of friendship, duty and love.

 

STEEL MAGNOLIAS 

By Robert Harling 

Nov. 14-16 and 22-23, 2024 at 7:30 pm and Nov. 17th and 24th at 2:00 pm.

Atkinson Theatre 

Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, is where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Annelle: who is not sure whether or not she is still married. The outspoken, wise-cracking Truvy who dispenses shampoos and free advice to the town’s rich curmudgeon, Ouiser,  an eccentric millionaire (“I’m not crazy, I’ve just been in a bad mood for forty years”). Miss Clairee, who has a raging sweet tooth; and the local social leader, M’Lynn, whose daughter, Shelby (the prettiest girl in town), is about to marry a “good ole boy.”

 

PINKALICIOUS, THE MUSICAL 

Book by Elizabeth Kann & Victoria Kann
Music by John Gregor
Lyrics by John Gregor, Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann
Based on the book "Pinkalicious" by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann 

Thursday and Friday, March 6-7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 8 at 11:00 am and 3 p.m.   

Sunday March 9th at 2pm.

Atkinson Theatre 

Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious, who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe–a dream come true for this pink-loving enthusiast. Alas Pinkalicious needs a way out of her pink predicament, and joined by her family they find unity and appreciation in the quirks that define us all.

 

SHORT AND SWEET: A PLAY FESTIVAL 

May 2-3, 2025 at 7:30 pm and May 4th at 2:00 pm

Atkinson Theatre 

Written, Directed and performed by RSC students and staff, this is an exhilarating journey through different playwrights and their stories.  Rose State students in collaboration with Faculty and Staff are responsible for choosing, directing, designing and performing plays ranging from one acts to ten-minute plays.  The play festival is a fun evening not to be missed! 

Go to www.rosestatetheatre.org for tickets and info 

Transfer Agreements

Rose State College and other Oklahoma colleges and universities have memorandums of understanding which identify course equivalencies between both institutions. These agreements aid transfer students.  Transfer Agreements webpage

Contacts

Rickey Nelson
Rickey Nelson
Professor Humanities Department
(405) 736-0364
Chris Shaneyfelt
Chris Shaneyfelt
Humanities Advisor Humanities Department
(405) 733-7999