About the Program
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 inside and outside 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 theatre arts program focuses on undergraduates, which gives you the opportunity to play major roles under the direction of a faculty member throughout your education.
Classes
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.
Major in Theatre Arts
10 Course Units
Requirements Introduction to Theatre, Principles of Acting, Stagecraft, Principles of Directing, Foundation of Theatre History, an additional course in the area of History/Theory, Senior Research, and Theatre Practicum.
Electives Students may choose at least two courses from over a dozen courses in performance history/theory/literature, and/or design/technical theater, including one independent study. Sample courses include: Stage Lighting, Scene Design, Voice and Diction, Costume and Makeup, Advanced Directing, a number of topical Acting, History, and Literature courses, and Arts Management.
Minor in Theatre Arts
4.5 Course Units
Requirements - Introduction to Theatre, Theatre Practicum, plus one course in each area of performance and theatre history/theory.
Electives Students may choose at least one course: see above for listing.
Learning by Doing
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.
Life After Stetson
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:
- Jeff Bowen, '93, professional actor and Obie award-winning composer in NYC.
- Heidi Howard, '99, professional production stage manager and director of education for 7Stages Theatre, Atlanta, Ga.
- Erin Lett, '02, professional actress in New York.
- Mark Kenneally, '97, a published playwright, 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.
- Debra Stunich, '05, professional stage manager in NYC.
- Michael Yeargan, '68, Broadway designer, won the Tony award for best scene design for A Light in the Piazza, 2006.
For Department and Program Information
Dr. Ken McCoy, Chair
Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts, Unit 8374
Stetson University
DeLand, FL 32723
kmccoy@stetson.edu