Helfaer theatre stage with chairs

A Liberal Arts Tradition

In Marquette University’s J. William and Mary Diederich College of Communication, the study of theatre takes place within the context of a liberal arts education. A liberal education is a freeing education. Its aim is to release the student from the bonds of ignorance, intolerance, parochialism and prejudice. A liberal education seeks to free the student for citizenship in the realm of the intellect.

young woman acting in a theatre arts production

The mission of the Department of Digital Media and Performing Arts is to lay a foundation for our students in the theatrical principles, techniques and practices that will help them realize their potential not only as artists, but also as human beings. We recognize the role of theatre in social communication and the importance of fostering in our students and in ourselves scholarship, artistic expression, and expertise in the performing arts to accomplish our mutual goal.