Theatre and Drama

The Theatre and Drama minor combines studio and practicum courses in acting, directing, and technical direction with a grounding in the history of drama and theatre.

The program is designed to integrate studies in the academic classroom with drama as experienced in the collaboration of performance. This integration offers a challenging curriculum that encourages self-learning, and that provides many venues for students’ self expression. This balance is achieved through a coordination of core concepts and skill courses, practicum experiences, independent learning opportunities, self-initiated projects and experiential learning opportunities.

The minor provides students with an excellent foundation for a range of careers which rely on self-expression as well as training in the humanities. Program learning goals focus on helping students to

• acquire skills in interpersonal communication and group problem solving;
• develop crucial life skills useful in a wide range of professions including business, government, law, the natural and social sciences and industry;
• awaken their intuitive, perceptive capacities as well as their logical, analytical abilities;
• develop their imaginations, through which they can make significant, constructive changes in their communities; and
• enhance critical reading, writing and thinking skills associated with liberal arts majors and which are applicable to a wide range of professions.

Engaging with theatre arts shapes people to be articulate communicators, effective listeners, perceptive thinkers, and task-oriented leaders. These skills are positive assets in any career and also help shape a life worth living.

The program features three components. One focuses on the foundations of acting, directing, and design as well as the literature of the theatre. A second provides advanced training in a special theatre project or in the literature of the field. The final component consists of theatre lab experiences, in which students earn credits by actually working hands on as actors or theatre technicians. In addition, Field Period internships are available at regional professional theatres.