Theater Major

The Honors Tutorial Program in theater provides a solid liberal arts education combined with a strong professionally oriented training in theater. The program is based on the philosophy that theater artists and scholars should have a broad humanistic knowledge of the world around them. The art of theater is richer when it is infused with politics, history, literature, philosophy, anthropology, psychology, and the other arts.

As a student in the School of Theater, you will become part of a community of artists, building links and liaisons in the field through your contact with faculty, guest artists, teachers, and your fellow classmates. Faculty will mentor and work with you individually, tailoring your talent and needs to quality benchmarks that will ensure your competitive entry into the profession.

The School of Theater faculty is made up of esteemed theater professionals who not only nurture and encourage your development as an artist, but also, facilitate and target your professional placement through internships and high-level networking. Graduates include Tony-award-winning performer Chuck Cooper, movie and television star Piper Perabo (HTC), and major Hollywood scene designer David Sackeroff.

Curriculum

The theater program is built around a set of recommended tutorials and courses, but each student devises his or her individual course of study in consultation with the Director of Studies. The student is expected to learn the foundational information in all areas of theater, to be involved in production and performance, and to specialize in one area. The student may earn either the B.A. or B.F.A. in theater, with an emphasis in performance (acting), playwriting, directing, or production design and technology.

View full B.A. curriculum in the Academic Catalog

View full B.F.A. curriculum in the Academic Catalog

Honors Tutorial and Thesis

Honors Tutorial students are required to complete a thesis, which may involve research and/or creative work. The director of studies for the tutorial program assigns tutors in accord with the interests of the individual student. The tutor, in consultation with the student, develops an individual plan of instruction. For B.F.A. students, the thesis involves participation in a performance, with a written report, evaluation, and documentation. For a B.A. student, the thesis is a scholarly research paper.

Career Opportunities

Graduates have entered graduate school in areas of theater (acting, design, theater history, playwriting), as well as areas outside theater (law, social work, education). Graduates have gone on to work in the professional theater, broader entertainment industry, and in such professions as education, law, and social work, and they also regularly attend graduate school (in and outside theater).

Admission Requirements

This is a selective admission program. Students should have a background in dance and demonstrate potential for self-motivated study, research, and creative work. Students must demonstrate:

• Exceptional academic performance
• Strong potential for independent study and research
• Submission of additional essays and high school teacher recommendations
• An interview with the director of studies

First-year, transfer, and external applicants are held to the same high standards. More details can be found on the HTC Application Page.