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.
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