Biola University’s Theatre Program was recently ranked by Onstage Blog in the publication’s “Top 25 B.A. Theatre Programs for 2018-2019” list.

“Everyone who is a part of the Biola theatre program has been overjoyed by the news of OnStage Blog’s Top 25 Ranking for 2018-2019,” said Zachary Bortot, professor of theatre. “It is an encouraging affirmation of strategic decisions we began to implement over four years ago to update the curriculum, increase student learning opportunities through more productions, and attract industry experts to work with students.”

OnStage Blog highlighted the opportunity Biola theatre majors have to perform in on-campus productions through Theatre 21, Biola’s 94-seat performing arts venue.

“While we are collectively rejoicing in the celebration of the work being done, our community recognizes that our ultimate goal is always to honor God and His purposes, through crafting deeply meaningful tales of redemption and hope,” said Bortot. “When you make service and collaboration the priority, the rest of the pieces fall into place.”

Biola’s theatre major allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the dramatic craft, including acting, directing, design and storytelling. Students will experience the practice of acting and study theories of how theatre functions and communicates, preparing graduates for a professional career in theatre and other communicative arts venues.

OnStage was founded in 2014 by Scott Peterson, whose work has been featured in The New York Times and other major publications. The OnStage team is composed of theatre critics and professional artists from Los Angeles, New York, and other major theatre cities, as well as faculty from colleges and universities. The research period for Onstage college rankings begins each year on May 1. Research teams get a list of colleges from a secured database and evaluate the colleges by a thorough study of each school’s website, interviews with theatre departments, admission departments, alumni, professors, and in some cases, taking a campus tour.

Visit the Biola Theatre program’s website to apply.

Written by Bella Burchett, media relations intern. For more information, contact Jenna Loumagne, manager of media relations, at (562) 777-4061 or jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.