Theater (TH)
Description of the major
The Theater Department is a pre-professional program that offers courses in acting, directing, design, technical production, stage management, playwriting, theater management, dramaturgy, and theater history and theory. By offering intensive studio training and production experiences within a liberal arts setting that prizes interdisciplinary thinking, the Department encourages students to immerse themselves in a richly collaborative atmosphere where artistic technique, production skill and intellectual engagement mutually reinforce each other in the service of creative and intellectual practice.
Students interested in majoring in theater should know that the program demands a
serious commitment of time and energy in all facets of theater production: in performance
and design studios, scenic and costume shops, and the management office. Casting for
all shows is open to students in all class years and students in all majors. The
Theater Department makes a concerted effort to involve first-year students in all
aspects of theater production. Students considering a theater major should begin taking
the required introductory courses (TH103, followed by TH129 and TH130) as soon as
possible and should seek to complete these requirements by the end of the sophomore
year. The theater faculty is always available to recommend appropriate courses for
the theater major, including electives and required courses taken outside the department.
Theater faculty are also readily available to discuss student interests and production
experiences and opportunities.
Students interested in design should consider beginning studio art classes in their
first year.
The Department also offers a pre-orientation program designed to help first-year and transfer students immerse themselves in the life of the Department. An important informational meeting is held in the Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater Tuesday evening, the evening before the first day of classes. An audition workshop is offered immediately on Wednesday evening. Auditions take place the first weekend of classes and all are welcome. Students sign up for slots through the Information Meeting.
Recommended courses for a prospective major
Fall 2023
TH 103 Introduction to Theater (this course is a required prerequisite for most other Theater courses)
and/or
TH 104 Introduction to Acting (This course will be offered in Spring, as well; TH103 is not a pre-requisite.)
and/or
TH 129 Theater Production
Other electives:
TH 235: Theater Company
and/or
TH 250: Production Seminar (if cast or serving as an assistant stage manager in a seminar production)
and/or
TH 198: Movement for the Theater
Spring 2024
TH 103 Introduction to Theater (this course is a required prerequisite for most other Theater courses)
TH 129: Theater Production
and/or
TH 130: Introduction to Design
and/or
TH 229: Theater & Culture II
Other electives:
TH 235: Theater Company
and/or
TH 250: Production Seminar (if cast or serving as an assistant stage manager in a seminar production)
and/or
TH 101: Voice and Speech for the Theater
Theater Department
Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater
518-580-5431