Theatre Major

Our Philosophy of Theatre

“Concordia University, guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus and the Lutheran Confessions, empowers students for a life of learning and service through integrative participation in the liberal arts and professional studies."

Concordia University’s Theatre department helps fulfill this mission of the University by training students to integrate artistic excellence with a Christian world view and by producing theatrically exciting plays which reflect that world view. In so doing, we seek to provide learning opportunities in the fine arts for our students and to present high quality entertainment to the people of Orange County.

“helps fulfill the mission of the University"

• We’re a subset of the University, part of a larger whole
• We’re here for the same reason everyone else is – we are not self absorbed
• Plays will reflect the faith commitment and educational mission of the University – faithfulness and excellence

“by training students”

• We’re an educational enterprise, not a professional theatre company
• Play choice reflects our educational mission – balance and variety

“artistic excellence”

• We can’t and won’t settle for second-rate because we’re Christians or because we’re small
• We expect a lot from students, because we want to give a lot back

“with a Christian world view”

• “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof…” We recognize the Lordship of Christ over all creation and all areas of human endeavor
• Including the “secular” areas of life
• We do take a frank look at good and evil in our plays
• This world view may be overt or implicit
• Truth, not “niceness,” is the standard
• The artist is servant
• Of God, of the work, of the audience
• Artists serving each other
• “Do nothing out of selfish ambitions or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others.” (Phil. 2:3-4) – Artists educated and encouraged to manage egos
• Collaboration is the Biblical model for the arts (Bezalel in Exodus)
• Serving the audience means encouraging them sometimes, and challenging them sometimes
• From a position of engagement, not superiority
• We’re not free to give offense
• We’re called to serve society, not just talk to/among ourselves

Implications for doing Theatre

• “No theatre of human sacrifice” – our students come first – we don’t “break them down” to accomplish art
• “No prima donnas” – we’re here to encourage, support, serve each other
• We’re called to speak the truth in love – including the difficult parts
• We’re called to engage our audience and our culture – celebration, affirmation, and criticism
• We’re called to artistic excellence