The Brooks Center for the Performing Arts served as the hub for the 2025 South Carolina Theatre Association (SCTA) Conference this November, welcoming hundreds of theatre educators and students from across the state for a weekend of performances, workshops and networking. The event came to Clemson through the leadership of the University’s Department of Performing Arts, particularly the theatre faculty, who played a central role in securing the event. Their efforts showcase the growing momentum of Clemson’s standout theatre program, which builds its reputation through expert faculty, hands-on learning opportunities, and a commitment to developing well-rounded theatre artists. Additionally, the Brooks Center’s professional facilities positioned Clemson as an ideal host, providing the perfect environment for both instruction and performance.
For Clemson’s Department of Performing Arts, the conference was more than a weekend of performances and professional development; it was one of the year’s most valuable recruiting opportunities. More than 900 high school theatre students and their teachers explored Clemson’s classrooms, performance spaces, and workshops, gaining a firsthand look at the program in action. Potential Tigers had the unique opportunity to meet with faculty, connect with current performing arts majors and experience the program’s high standards of creativity and academic excellence.
“The SCTA, whose vision is to transform the lives of all South Carolinians through theatre, approached us about hosting the conference,” said Linda Dzuris, Chair of the Department of Performing Arts. “That is a testament to the phenomenal resources we have in terms of students, staff, and faculty who collaboratively make great things happen in the Department of Performing Arts.”
Throughout the conference, high school students participated in auditions, technical theatre challenges known as the “Tech Olympics”, a 10-minute play festival, and more. For many, it was their first time on a collegiate stage, and Clemson made a lasting impression. The event also offered current Clemson students valuable professional experience. Students provided support both backstage and front-of-house, gaining real-world experience while representing the University to visiting schools and organizations.
A Legacy of Theatre Education
Clemson’s theatre program traces its roots to 1964 with the founding of the Clemson Players, the University’s student theatre organization. In 1987, the Department of Performing Arts was established, uniting the music and theatre programs under a single academic umbrella. The opening of the Brooks Center in 1994 gave the department a permanent home. In 2001, Clemson established its Performing Arts major, enrolling 12 students, seven of whom chose a theatre concentration.
The theatre program has grown steadily over the decades and has become nationally recognized. In 2025, 41 students are currently enrolled in the program. They take part in multiple fully staged productions each year, ranging from student-devised and contemporary works to classic plays. This semester, both week-long productions of Antigone and Ride the Cyclone sold out, reflecting the program’s expanding audience. Students benefit from mentorship by faculty who are active professionals, hands-on production experience, and opportunities to collaborate across disciplines. Its alumni have gone on to distinguished careers in theatre and film, showcasing the program’s lasting impact.
Looking Ahead
Hosting the SCTA Conference underscored the Department of Performing Arts’ growing traction as it expands its reach and recruits the next generation of theatre artists. As the conference concluded, one sentiment echoed throughout the Brooks Center: Clemson’s Department of Performing Arts is thriving and shaping the future of theatre in South Carolina.
To learn more about the Department of Performing Arts, visit clemson.edu/brooks
