The FAMU Essential Theatre

The Essential Theatre maintains its dedication to developing a competitive and quality theatre program that provides the student with pre-professional training achieved through classroom activities and practical production experiences.

Essential Theatre performance
"Where Creativity Takes Center Stage, And Stories Come To Life."
Our Mission

The Essential Theatre maintains its dedication to developing a competitive and quality theatre program that provides the student with pre-professional training achieved through classroom activities and practical production experiences.

Our primary aim is to provide undergraduate students with the well-rounded formal preparation necessary for advanced academic or professional study and to expose the student body, the Tallahassee community, and surrounding areas to experiences in the arts.

Discover more about our dedicated faculty & staff, as well as the trailblazing history of the Essential Theatre.

Let The Show Begin! 

Spotlight Unveiled: Curtain Up on the 2023 – 2024 Theatre Season!

Theatre
2023 - 24 Productions

It's Showtime! Explore this seasons showstoppers.

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Explore Benefits

Become an Essential Theatre Subscriber. Check out the various options and perks!

Box office
Save Your Seat

Find out how and where to purchase show tickets to be sure you have the best seats in the house

Season
hand peeking through the middle of red theatre curtain

A Peek Behind the Curtain: Everything You Need To Know About The Essential Theatre

Whether you're seeking details on our current season, ticket information, and auditions, OR you're eager to explore our exceptional facilities and programs, we've got you covered. Your theater Essential Theatre experience starts here.

man sandong on stage in Theater infront of audience

About Us, Faculty & Staff

Discover more about our dedicated Faculty & Staff who guide our aspiring talents. Faculty & Staff Directory, Faculty & Staff Highlights
Behind The Brilliance
Student audition on stange

Auditions

Auditions are open to Non-Theatre majors and to the general public. FAMU Theatre majors will have preference for roles that are suitable for them. 
Prepare Like a Pro
lighting in theatre dressing room

Facilities

The Essential Theatre houses several facilities that assist us in putting on our fantastic productions.Charles Winter Wood Theatre - Edmonds Stage, Ronald O. Davis Acting Studio, Green Room/Student Lounge, Costume Shop, Construction/ Scenic Shop, Dressing Rooms
Our Theatrical Playground
Star award wooden table and on the background of green curtain

Gallery of Distinction

Enshrinement into one of FAMU's Galleries of Distinction is one of the highest honors the university may bestow upon one of its graduates. 
Legends of the Limelight
A trio of friends enjoying a show at the theatre

General Information & Etiquette

Acquainting yourself with our Etiquette guidelines will ensure that the theatre experience is an enjoyable and memorable for every audience member.  Accessibility, Etiquette, Parking, etc.
Stage-Ready Decorum
House of Jene Rene (2013-2014) | Photo by Jamal Coleman

I.C.E Youth Theatre

Since 1997 the Irene C. Edmonds Youth Theatre (ICEYT) has been a creative force in Tallahassee children’s Theatre. 
Young Thespians Unite
Theater concept. Closeup of white classical simple masquerade mask infront of books

Latest News

Your front-row seat to all the behind-the-scene buzz and onstage brilliance. Stay in the know about whats happening in the Essential Theatre 
Spotlight Scoop: Stay in the Loop
Happy African-American woman and young girl watching profuction in theatre

Morning Matinee Series

This Program creates cultural excursion opportunities by offering students and senior citizens morning performances of our productions at discounted rates 
Rise, Shine, and Enjoy!
happy actors and actresses bowing on stage

Senior Showcase

The FAMU Essential Theatre presents the 2023 Senior Showcase. This presentation of scenes and monologues allows students to share their projects with the community. Discover more about each senior by visiting their websites and resumes!
Our Rising Stars
phone in jean pocket. on screen there is a "make a donation" button

Support The Essential Theatre

Empower the Future of The Essential Theatre at FAMU. Your contribution fuels creativity, innovation, and emerging talent talent in our theater program. 
Elevate the Arts
Theater concept. Closeup of white classical simple masquerade mask infront of books

Theatre Degree Program

Under the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, and the Department of Visual Arts, Humanities and Theatre, the theatre program offers two degrees: the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science. 
Earn Your Spotlight
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Contact Us

The FAMU Essential Theatre
515 Orr Drive
FAMU Tucker Hall
Tallahassee , FL 32307
P:
(850) 561-2425
F:
N/A
E:
famuessentialtheatre@famu.edu

Contact The FAMU Essential Theatre on our socials

  • Check out our upcoming productions, show dates & times, and pictures from present/past shows