Theatre Arts Courses

If, as John Calvin suggests, "the primary duty of the Christian is to make the invisible kingdom visible," theatre is uniquely endowed to vividly fulfill this calling. Whether by creating work which decries what is cheap, hollow, pretentious and evil or by celebrating what is valuable, excellent, good and holy in our culture, quality theatre has the potential to awaken an audience to its own spiritual failures and capabilities.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE THEATRE ARTS MAJOR

In addition to a solid foundation of theatre history, dramatic literature, acting, directing and technical production, majors can focus their program through selected electives including special topics such as acting Shakespeare, advanced acting, design (scenic, costume, lighting), dialects, historical interpretation, musical theatre, movement, stage combat, stage management, technical topics and voice. 

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN THEATRE ARTS

A minor in theatre arts may be constructed in consultation with a departmental faculty member. All minors are required to take a minimum of 20 credit hours in the department. TH234 Introduction to Theatre and TH150 Technical Theatre Production I are required of all theatre minors. The remaining credits will be taken in the concentration area or as a faculty-approved combination.

Theatre Hour

Theatre Hour is a monthly time set aside for lectures, workshops, and for students to meet visiting artists. Students develop tangible skills in preparation for work in the field and engage with theatre professionals in order to build a network for after graduation.

Prior guests have included:

Catherine and Dan McNeil, Denver Center for the Performing Arts
Matt Peruse, Director of Performing Arts, Bradford Christian Academy
Lynda Robinson, SAG/AFTRA actor, winner of Eliot Norton Award for Best Actress
Dreme McLennan, Drama Therapist
Bob Walsh, Artistic Director, Gloucester Stage
Joe Short, Equity actor, Theatre Producer at Harvard University
Kristina Stevick, Artistic Director, History Alive, Inc.
Jessica Richmond, Producer, American Immersion Theatre

End of Year Review

Theatre majors are required to undertake a “Review” at the end of every Spring semester. First, students fill out a written questionnaire, which requires significant reflection on the development of one’s abilities, involvement with the department, and personal and artistic growing edges. Then, in a meeting with department faculty, students discuss the questionnaire and receive candid feedback on their year’s work. This yearly “Review” prepares students for their lives after Gordon, encouraging them to critically assess strengths and weaknesses, as well as realize the development needed to achieve their goals.