CU Theatre Program Earns Accreditation

Commonwealth University has been renewed for membership in the National Association of Schools of Theatre by the Commission on Accreditation.

The National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), founded in 1965, is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 193 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for theatre and theatre-related disciplines. Commonwealth is one of just 10 accredited institutions in Pennsylvania and has continued its membership in NAST, which was previously held prior to integration by Bloomsburg University in 2008.

“This is a thrilling update from NAST that speaks directly to the level of support for our program,” said Ethan Krupp, program director of theatre. “This recognition would not be possible without the commitment of our faculty and staff to our students, and it clearly demonstrates the commitment to high quality education in Theatre at CU-Bloomsburg.”

CU’s academic theatre and dance programs are located on the Bloomsburg campus. The programs sponsor two main stage theatrical performances and one dance concert every year, along with numerous student-driven projects. 

Notable graduates of CU’s theatre program include actor Jimmi Simpson, known for his work in “West World,” “Always Sunny in Philadelphia,” “Star Wars: The Bad Batch,” “Dark Matter” on Apple+, “Black Mirror,” and Jake Baigis, currently working worldwide as a Stage Manager for WWE, and James McMenamin, who appeared in “Orange is the New Black” and is currently in “Gypsy” on Broadway with Audra McDonald.

“Commonwealth University’s theatre and dance programs are a vibrant part of our campus culture,” said CU president Bashar Hanna. “It’s gratifying to see the quality of the work of both our faculty and students recognized nationally.”