Theater (TH)
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 (TH 103, followed by TH 129 and TH 130) 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 Wednesday 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. Please visit our department website for additional information.
Recommended courses for a prospective major
Fall
TH 103 Introduction to Theater (highly recommended; this course is a required prerequisite or co-requisite for most Theater courses.)
And one of the following:
TH 104 Introduction to Acting (TH 103 is a co-requisite.)
Or
TH 129 Theater Production (No pre-requisites.)
Or
TH 101 Voice and Speech (No pre-requisites.)
Students may also consider TH 235 Theater Company, if they are unable to take the above and want to get involved in production right away, and/or TH 250 Production Seminar (if cast or serving as an assistant stage manager in a seminar production).
Spring
Two of the following:
TH 130: Introduction to Design (TH 103 is a pre-requisite; TH 103 may be taken as a co-requisite with special permission)
Or
TH 101 Voice and Speech (No pre-requisites.)
Or
TH 104 Intro to Acting (TH 103 is a co-requisite.)
Or
TH 229 Theater & Culture II (TH 103 is a pre-requisite)
Or
TH 140 Intro to Directing (TH 103 is a pre-requisite)
Students may also consider TH 235 Theater Company and/or TH 250 Production Seminar.
Janet Kinghorn Bernhard Theater
518-580-5431