Welch College will begin offering a Theater emphasis in the Humanities and Arts bachelor’s degree in Fall 2021, according to Provost Dr. Matthew McAffee. Welch has offered successful extracurricular theater performances since former Speech and Drama faculty member Mrs. Laura Thigpen’s arrival at the college in the 1940s. In recent years, AnnaGee Harris has produced and directed Welch’s many popular plays, musicals, and Evangels’ summer tours.
The new emphasis will be under the direction of Harris, who toured with the Evangels as a student and who has served as director of theater at Welch for thirteen years. A 2005 secondary education and theology graduate of Welch, Harris, who also directs enrollment events and student reps at Welch, holds a master’s degree in teaching from Trevecca Nazarene University and a master’s degree in theater from Regent University.
“I am excited that our students now have the opportunity to study theater, not just on a performance level, but also on an academic level,” Harris said. “The Humanities and Arts degree is a wonderful place for students to grow not just as artists, but also as Christians who will positively impact culture.”
Humanities and Arts degree program coordinator, Phillip Morgan, said about the new emphasis, “This will be a great addition to our growing Humanities and Arts degree program, giving students the opportunity to explore the impact of theology and a Christian worldview on the arts. We want to help prepare students to serve Christ faithfully in the world through this art form. I am very excited about Ms. Harris’s new opportunities to help Welch College to fulfill this aspect of our mission.”
Students majoring in Humanities and Arts with an emphasis in theater will be prepared to continue their studies in a theater on the graduate level as well as be prepared for professional work as an actor, director, and dramatic writer.
Those interested in Theater or the bachelor’s degree in Humanities and Arts should contact GoToWelch@welch.edu for questions and Welch.edu/GoToWelch to apply.