Participation Guide
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.
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 Fall. 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 semester of work, mostly evenings, but some days.
Can I meet the faculty in advance?
You can meet the Acting faculty by taking acting related classes. One might invite you to audition. Consider taking THEA 110 (Discover Acting), THEA 252 (Voice and Movement for Actors), THEA 150 (Improvisation for Life, Stage, and Wellbeing), THEA 251 (Stage Voice and Classical Repertoire), THEA 371 Musical Theatre Techniques), THEA 351 (Intermediate Acting), or THEA 344 (Interpretation of Women's and Ethnic Literature). Some shows are cast from a participatory class like THEA 233 (Pilipinix Culture: Theatre Ensemble) and THEA 234 (Social Justice Theatre Ensemble).
Dance pieces are often cast from technique classes. We also hold dance auditions at the beginning of the Fall Semester for both Dance Ensemble & Concert Auditions and
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.
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 sew or mend your 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 in the Costume or Scene Shops.
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 out more?
Visit one of the shops: Costume Shop in Theatre 285 and Scene Shop in Theatre 184 or come to the department office.
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.