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The Theatre Departments' combined historical, theoretical and applied curriculum develops a wide range of knowledge and practical skills that prepares students for a variety of careers, and enriches many aspects of their lives. The department provides opportunities for individuals to wrestle with the important questions of human existence, including understanding themselves in many diverse and complex global and domestic cultural contexts.
Theatre students develop the following skills highly sought after by employers:
- Critical thinking
- Initiative and problem-solving
- Public presentation
- Group communication and collaboration
- Interpersonal communication
- Leadership
- Text analysis and research
- Professional ethics
- A deeper understanding and sensitivity towards people, situations and cultures outside their personal experiences
- Vocal awareness and
- Appreciation of art
Theatre Department alumni are working in arts and entertainment in the United States and internationally, have gone on to excellent graduate programs, and have transferred their skills to related fields.
For students interested in acting there are many public performance opportunities. Students may audition for roles in productions, beginning in their freshman year:
- Three Theatre Department full length productions
- Classics
- contemporary plays
- Theatre for young audiences
- Musicals
- Stage II one act plays.
A number of classes also provide performance opportunities through showcases and recitals with no auditions required.
All students have training in all aspects of theatre, but as they discover their unique abilities and talents, the students will work closely with faculty advisors to tailor their experiences to suit their emerging specialties. After appropriate preparation through classes and entry-level experiences, students are invited to take on leadership positions in ESU theatre productions that bolster their resumes and lead directly to internships, employment and graduate school opportunities.
Supervisory positions might include
- Sound designer
- Costume designer
- Lighting designer
- Stage manager
- Assistant director
- Technical director
- Master carpenter
- Master electrician
- Props master
- Lighting designer
- Running crew chief
- Assistant designer
- House manager
- Box office manager
Students have the opportunity to learn to program computer lighting boards and sound systems, draft designs, build costumes and scenery, and read and hang light plots.
Interested students are encouraged to sign up for entry-level, general education classes in theatre, and set up a meeting with any theatre department faculty member to discuss the prospects of a theatre degree.
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