A Word from Stephen Hudson-Mairet,
Chair of the Department of Digital Media and Performing Arts

I want to thank you for your interest in the Department of Digital Media and Performing Arts at Marquette University. As part of the J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication, our department offers students a unique opportunity to grow as theatre artists seeking to affect their world.

Our department is committed to Marquette University’s Jesuit mission. We incorporate the tenets of excellence, faith, leadership and service in our work. Our students gain the benefits of a strong liberal arts education. The well-rounded curriculum extends beyond theatre classes, as it helps our students develop into artists who reflect the world around them.

We believe the best way to teach theatre is to do theatre. Our production season is an integral element of our pedagogy – this is where the classroom meets the practice. You work closely with our faculty that are active in Milwaukee theatre companies, and you participate in our mainstage season from the first day of the semester. Students explore opportunities in acting, directing, scenic design, lighting design, costume design and technical theatre, learning all aspects of theatre as part of a Bachelor of Arts program.

Our students have the opportunity to double-major in theatre and another discipline, within the Diederich College or across the university. Whether that second major is in digital media or mechanical engineering, our students take full advantage of what is available at Marquette, and our students are encouraged to choose a double-major or a major-minor field of study.

The theatre faculty at Marquette are committed to teaching the whole person. We are concerned not only with guiding you to your personal best as an artist; we want you to use your talents for the well-being of humankind. The department believes art is needed to make a difference in the lives of others, to share each other's stories, and help one another be seen and be heard.

In our department, we expect our students to support each other and work together as a company of artists. With this frame in mind, students create lifelong friendships and support networks among their fellow students and outside links while doing something they love and believe in. As a student of our department, you will develop strong professional links and industry relationships, which provide internships and career beginnings after graduation. In our network, you’ll find a large family of artists working in the various theatre, television, film and entertainment industries who continue to support each other as they venture into their life and career beyond their time at Marquette.

I invite you to spend some time and explore our website. Whether you are an interested audience member, prospective student or valued alum, you can discover more about the Department of Digital Media and Performing Arts at Marquette University. I would like to hear more from you, so please feel free to email me with any questions or comments.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Stephen Hudson-Mairet
Chair, Scenic Designer
Department of Digital Media and Performing Arts
stephen.hudson-mairet@marquette.edu