About the Program

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.

The Major

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.

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:

• Ken McCoy, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University, director. Teaching/research areas: Performance (Acting/Directing/Voice), Latin American Theatre, Theatre and the Internet
• Julia Schmitt, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University, director. Teaching/research areas: Theatre Theory/History, Performance Studies
• William Elliott, M.F.A., Virginia Tech, designer/production manager. Teaching/research areas: Design/Tech.
• James C. Wright, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Ohio State University. Research area: Theatre Theory/History

For More Information

The resources of Stetson’s Career Services Office are available to assist you in setting specific career goals, and to help you develop the skills needed to implement those goals.

For Admission Information:

Office of Admissions
Unit 8378Stetson University
DeLand, FL 32723
Admissions information: 800-688-0101

 For Department and Program Information:

Dr. Ken McCoy, Chair
Department of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts, Unit 8374Stetson University
DeLand, FL 32723