WORLD-CLASS training, MAKING WORLD-CLASS ARTISTS.
The Norfolk State University Drama and Theatre Program is widely recognized for its prestige and commitment to cultivating excellence in the performing arts. Rooted in a rich tradition of artistic innovation and academic rigor, the program provides students with a transformative education that blends technical mastery, creative exploration, and cultural awareness. With a curriculum that emphasizes performance, production, and the study of theatre as a reflection of the human experience, students are trained to become skilled, confident, and socially conscious artists. This dedication to both craft and character has established the NSU Drama and Theatre Program as one of the most respected programs among historically Black colleges and universities, and a vital contributor to the broader American theatrical landscape.
At the heart of the program’s success is its holistic approach to theatre training, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience through the acclaimed Norfolk State University Theatre Company. Under the guidance of distinguished faculty and visiting professionals, students engage in every facet of theatre-making—from acting, directing, and playwriting to design, management, and production. This immersive learning environment mirrors the demands of the professional world, preparing students to navigate the challenges of the industry with discipline, creativity, and resilience. The program’s productions consistently earn recognition for their artistic excellence, cultural significance, and technical sophistication, reflecting the high standards that define NSU’s approach to theatre education.
The prestige of the Norfolk State University Drama and Theatre Program is best reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni, who have gone on to achieve remarkable success on stage, screen, and beyond. Graduates of the program perform in film, television, and in regional theatres across the country, as well as becoming influential educators, producers, and arts advocates. Their achievements not only speak to the exceptional training they received at NSU but also to the program’s enduring legacy of empowering artists to lead with excellence and purpose. Through the success of its alumni, the Norfolk State University Drama and Theatre Program continues to affirm its role as a powerful incubator of talent, innovation, and cultural leadership in the performing arts in America.
We See A Tony Award In Your Future