Stetson University
  Theatre Arts
  Contact:
Kenneth McCoy
386-822-7528
kmccoy@stetson.edu

Full Time Faculty: 3

Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Arts, Minor in Communication Studies, Minor in Journalism , Minor in Theatre Arts

 
Major & Minor

Department Site:
http://www.stetson.edu/csata/index.php

At Stetson, theatre is a liberal art that prepares students for life beyond college, whether in the professional theatre, graduate study, or even a career path outside the theatre.

We are dedicated to providing a well-rounded, practical approach to the study and practice of theatre, striking a balance between study and application, between academic and professional opportunities, between performance and technology-with all students collaborating on an equal footing, whether as actors, technicians, designers, or directors.

The Department Communication Studies and Theatre Arts at Stetson University offers exciting opportunities for practical experience in and out of the classroom. You will find small classes, which provide maximum interaction between professors and students, and experienced faculty members who enjoy teaching undergraduates.

Outside the classroom, the theatre program helps you translate theory into action through performance. The Stetson dramatics production program focuses on undergraduates, which gives you the opportunity to play major roles under the direction of a faculty member.



Faculty
Excellence in teaching and a focus on student development are hallmarks of Stetson University and of this department. Highly professional and dedicated to their programs, faculty and members take a personal interest in their students and their progress. They stay in touch with their field through research and/or performing.

Our faculty includes:

  • Kenneth W. McCoy, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University; Latin American theatre and the Internet, Bowling Green State University; associate professor of Communication Studies and Theater Arts
  • Julia Ann Schmitt, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University; Theater theory/history, performance studies
  • William David Elliott, MFA, Virginia Tech University; Designer/technical director
Special Features
From the outset, your teachers will support your career goals. They stress learning by doing, and you will be asked to carry out projects with real-world applications. Theatre students are encouraged to seek professional work during the summer through regional auditions as well as local contacts.

Course Information
The study of theatre is very demanding, and the rewards are as great as the dedication required to succeed. The Theatre Arts major is designed to give students learning experiences they can apply to productions, as well as lay a solid foundation for the future.

Theatre arts classes cover a broad spectrum. By choosing course offerings in the department, students can tailor a program to fit their interests and needs, within the guidelines established by the College of Arts and Sciences. Their course of study is crowned by a senior project that addresses their individual career goals. For those whose career plans include teaching drama in the public schools, Stetson offers teacher training through a cooperative program with the Division of Education.

Alumni Highlights
Learning and doing theatre within a liberal arts environment helps a student to develop a well-informed world view which will have a profound influence on their life in college as well as after. Through hands-on learning, not only do students learn about theatre, they also learn other things while doing theatre. This "training for the real world" includes developing such universal skills as working under the pressures of competition and deadlines, creative problem-solving, teamwork, and self-expression.

To give you an idea of what our theatre graduates do:

  • Vanessa Aranegui, '03, high school drama and Spanish teacher in Orlando, Fla.
  • Heidi Howard, '99, technician and director in the professional theatre in Atlanta, Ga.
  • Erin Jones, '00, earned an M.F.A. in Art at Clemson University
  • Erin Lett, '02, professional actress in Orlando, Fla.
  • Mark Kenneally, '97, earned an M.F.A. in Playwriting from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.
  • Kendra Legendre, '01, high school drama and biology teacher in New Smyrna Beach, Fla.
  • Hanna Miller, '03, director of entertainment at Arabian Nights Dinner Attraction in Orlando, Fla.
  • Maryalice Phillips, '02, high school drama teacher in Miami, Fla.



Stetson University | 421 N. Woodland Blvd. DeLand, FL 32723
Phone: 386.822.7100 | Toll-free admissions information: 800.688.0101
Email: admissions@stetson.edu