Abstract

Many have documented the impact of Christianity on higher education in the United States, and some have written on the impact of an institution’s religious heritage on its queer students. There is far less literature concerning the study of theatre at religious institutions, or how a university’s religious affiliation affects queer engagement in theatre education. This study analyzes the theatre departments at four Christian universities in Southern California to determine how their respective denominational affiliations influence how their theatre programs engage with queer students and queer content in theatre productions. Chapter 2 explores the prevalent literature regarding religion and theatre in higher education, as well as the complex relationship between religion, sexual orientation, and theatre. Chapter 3 presents the methodology used in this study. Chapter 4 outlines the history of sexual orientation and theology at four faith-based institutions. Chapter 5 explores the institutional histories of queer drama at these schools. Chapter 6 analyzes eight interviews with professors and administrators at three of these schools. Chapter 7 presents three models for how Christian universities approach queer students and stories, and offers best practices for each model based on the research. The Open-Door model represents the most transparently welcoming stance toward queer students and theatrical content, while the Closed-Door model represents an institution that draws clear boundaries and policies regarding student sexual orientation, while providing structures of support for queer students and encouraging free inquiry. A Glass-Door model represents a university that does not clearly advertise its positions and boundaries regarding student sexuality, or advertises positions and boundaries that are not reflected in practice. This study concludes that, absent an affirming institutional stance, the Closed-Door model is safer for queer students than the ambiguity and uncertainty of the Glass-Door model.

Keywords

LGBTQ, Theatre education, theatre, sexuality, queer, Pepperdine University

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Theater—Study and teaching (Higher); Christian universities and colleges —California, Southern; Sexual minorities in higher education—California, Southern; Sexual minorities in the theater

Date of Award

2025

School Affiliation

Seaver College

Department/Program

Religion

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Masters

Faculty Advisor

Christina Littlefield

Subject Categories

Christian Denominations and Sects | Feminist, Gender, and Sexuality Studies | Higher Education | Theatre and Performance Studies

Download

Share

COinS