| Theatre and Dance productions are open to all students on campus,
not just majors. You can participate in a cast, on a backstage crew, and
in producing the shows. Enrolled students get course credit that meets
GE Area F requirements.
For a list of upcoming shows, see Public
Performances.
Casting for Theatre Shows
Everyone is invited to participate.
Why? Acting is a great experience for learning to present yourself
well and developing the confidence in front of a crowd. You practice skills
related to voice and body that make people look at you positively. Acting
is also an interpretive art, so you develop additional skills related
to understanding literature, life, and people.
How do I get in a show? Watch for audition announcements
at the beginning of each year and again in the middle of the previous
quarter. Each audition is different, so preparation is usually listed
on the announcements. The director's name and contact information are
typically listed, too, so you can ask for more information. The department
office often has scripts available before an audition.
How much credit and time? The cast earns four units after attending
all the rehearsals, performances and helping to build the show. A show
can take from one half to a full quarter of work, mostly evenings, but
some days.
Can I meet the faculty in advance? You can meet the directing faculty
by taking acting related classes. One might invite you to audition. Consider
taking THEA 1020 (Discover Acting), 2016-18 (Stage Movement), 2026-28
(Improvisation), 2031-33 (Stage Voice), 2041-43 Musical Theatre Technique),
2310 (Interpretive Reading), 3031-33 (Acting), 3050 (Teleplay Acting and
Production), 3310 (Interpretation of Women's and Ethnic Literature), or
3610 (Interpretation of Children's Literature). Some shows are cast from
a participatory class like THEA 3311 (Filipino Theatre) and 3660 (Children's
Theatre).
Casting for Dance
Dance pieces are often cast from technique classes.
Why? For the same reason acting is so good for someone entering
a career, dance helps you learn to use and control your body so that people
can see your confidence and poise. Also, dance is an interpretive art,
so you learn to read and say things in movement terms that you might not
notice otherwise.
How can I get in a dance? Just take any beginning or intermediate
class and tell the instructor of your interest. Or, ask at the department
office to talk with one of the regular dance faculty.
Production Shops
We make the sets, lights, sound, props, costumes, effects, and makeup
for every one of our shows.
Why? The skills and tools you learn to use will prove helpful in
everyday life. You might learn enough to mend you own clothes, build or
repair furniture, check wiring, or record better. After several experiences,
you become eligible for creative experiences like designing something
yourself or getting one of the paid jobs.
How much time and credit? It takes just four hours a week to earn
two units of credit. Most students earn a good grade, too.
How can I find our more? Visit one of the shops: Costume Shop in
Theatre 285 and Scene Shop in Theatre 184 or come to the department office.
Backstage Crew
Every show needs people to run the lights, sound, rigging and effects;
to change the sets and props; and, to help dress the cast.
Why? If you want to be in a show but not on stage, the crew is
the way to go. No matter what the job, it is important. You learn responsibility
and teamwork.
How much time and credit? The crew earns two units after attending
all the dress rehearsals and performances. One show takes only about two
weeks of evenings for two units of credit.
How do I find out more? To find out more, visit the department
office or one of the shops. Usually you can get a schedule from the department
Chair.
Types of Shows We Produce
Dramatic |
|
See any professor |
Musicals |
|
See Professor Jones or Jacobs |
Children's |
|
See Professor Fajilan |
Multicultural |
|
See Professor Fajilan |
Dance |
|
See Professor Haft or Kupers |
Improvisation |
|
See Professor Fajilan or Jacobs |
Student |
|
See Professor Hird |
Dance Touring |
|
See Professor Haft |
International Tours |
|
See Professor Hird |
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