The Theater major is designed to prepare a student to work in professional theater as an actor, director, stage manager, scene designer, costume designer, lighting designer, dramaturg, production or house manager, or in the areas of publicity and promotions. In the area of technical theater, students gain valuable experience in scenic construction, costuming, rigging, lighting and sound. And for students interested in graduate study in the Theatre discipline, our program provides a solid academic foundation.

Our program encourages students to become well-rounded theater practitioners while developing their skills in one or more advanced areas of theater practice: acting/directing, design/production, history/dramaturgy. This program values collaboration and high academic goals in the learning and teaching of theatre, while still preparing students for the realities of a competitive profession.

Our students gain authentic practice in many aspects of theatre, including: acting, directing, dramaturgy and text analysis, stage management, scenic, costume, make-up, sound and lighting design, construction and fabrication of sets, props & costumes, wigs, make-up & prosthetics, wardrobe and running crew experience; as well as independent study, teaching assistantships, and internships.

What Can A Student Do With This Degree?

Our graduates frequently pursue professional careers in theater, television, film, regional and corporate theater, arts advocacy, and education. Many of our students pursue graduate degrees at top institutions, while others join professional unions and associations in the field (Actors’ Equity, United Scenic Artists, IATSE, Screen Actors’ Guild, etc.) Our students gain valuable insight into the functions and requirements of unions in the field of performing arts, the realities of employment in the theatre professions, and the preparations required for continuing on into graduate programs of study. They leave our program informed about the challenges and opportunities intrinsic to careers in theatre.

Students are encouraged to take advantage of internships and alumni/faculty contacts to bridge the transition from college to professional careers, and faculty continue to mentor graduates in those crucial years after graduation.

Where is the Theatre Department located?

The faculty offices, classrooms, and performance spaces are located in the Elfenbein Fine Arts Center. The main offices and the department secretary are housed in Fine Arts 106.

The Theatre Department was established as an independent academic department in the Fall of 2006, having previously been housed in the Communication Arts Department. The faculty offices, classrooms, and performance spaces are located in the Elfenbein Fine Arts Center. The main offices and the department secretary are housed in Fine Arts 106. While theatre is a well established major at Oneonta, the increased visibility and flexibility of the newly formed Theatre Department is producing changes in the academic and production activities of our faculty.

What degrees are offered through the department?

B.A. in Theatre - for students interested in studying theatre as part of a general liberal arts education.
B.S. in Theatre - for students wishing to specialize in a concentrated program of theatre study.

We offer minor programs in Theater and Dance (in cooperation with the Physical Education Department), so that students wishing to complete other academic majors at the college can still concentrate in theatre and receive recognition for their studies.

Do majors need to audition to get into the program?

No. Any student accepted into the college or currently enrolled may choose to declare as a theatre major, or pursue a minor in theatre or dance.

Can non-majors audition for shows in the department?

Yes. Theatre productions are open to students enrolled in any program of study. While faculty try to ensure that declared majors receive consistent opportunities for performance and involvement in productions, any student may audition and participate. Theatre department productions typically include a cross-section of students pursuing a variety of majors.

Who are the Theatre Faculty?

The Theatre Department consists of four full-time teaching faculty, two full-time non-teaching staff, and a small group of adjunct faculty. All of the full-time teaching faculty have earned the highest possible degrees in their teaching specialties. Most of the faculty also maintain professional theatre affiliations and credentials, continuing to work as designers, production staff, actors, directors, voice coaches and consultants in academic and professional theatre organizations. Our faculty prides itself on quality teaching and values collaboration with our students and among ourselves. We strive to make our courses responsive to the post-graduate world our students will enter. Please follow this link for a more detailed description of our faculty.

What are the Theatre Facilities?

We have two beautiful theaters for use by our department—The Goodrich Theatre, a large proscenium house which seats 487, received recent renovations in 1999 and 2005. Our flexible “black box," The Hamblin Theatre, seats 200 and completed a total renovation in 2001. It is slated for additional improvements during 2007. We also have fully equipped scene and costume shops, teaching and studio spaces and dedicated dressing room, box office, and storage areas in the theatre complex. All these facilities and the offices of theatre faculty are located in the Fine Arts Building on the Oneonta campus.

Are there Student Organizations associated with Theatre at Oneonta?

Mask & Hammer, the Theater Club, works closely with the Theater faculty to support and promote theatre productions and events. The club is an active and dynamic campus organization, promoting opportunities for students of all majors to become involved in theater activities and sponsoring a variety of social and artistic events throughout the academic year. Follow this link to visit the Mask and Hammer website.

Alpha Psi Omega (ΑΨΩ) is the American National Theater Honors Fraternity. Membership is open to those who are active in the college theatre. Students must participate in a certain number of shows and receive points to be considered for membership.

Does the Department help with Internships?

Students are encouraged to pursue internship opportunities and can receive academic credit and/or valuable experience in the professional theatre. Theatre faculty provide assistance and support for students wishing to arrange and apply for internship opportunities. Internships with professional theatre and production companies can provide a preview of experiences that lie beyond graduation or a beginning foothold for graduates beginning careers in the field.

How do Teaching Assistantships work?

Students can work closely with a faculty member in the teaching and management of a faculty member’s course. If a student has successfully completed the course and fits the college criteria to serve as a teaching assistant, he or she can receive one to three credits of Theater credit and gain valuable teaching experience.