Theatre

Faculty

Zach Fischer, chair and assistant professor.
B.A., Willamette University; M.F.A., Florida State University/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Traning. Appointed 2016.

Stephanie Henderson, visiting assistant professor.
B.S., Moravian College; M.F.A., Michigan State University. Appointed 2017.

Mark E. Hoffland, staff lecturer.
B.A., Augsburg College; M.F.A., Michigan State University. Appointed 2007.

Joel Klain, technical director.
B.A., Central Michigan University; Appointed 2017.

Lisa TenHulzen, assistant professor.
B.A., Northwestern College; M.F.A., University of Nebraska. Appointed 2018.

Introduction

The Department of Theatre provides a rigorous classroom experience, balanced with an ambitious production season dedicated to professional values and practices. We revere the unique, cross-disciplinary power of the theatre art form to explore the human condition, chronicle history, and contribute to salient contemporary conversations on campus and in our community. Our curriculum emphasizes intensive study of literature, culture, design, performance, and technology, while also demanding dynamic practical application. Our students refine analytical and research abilities as they simultaneously strengthen their imaginative and creative aptitude. From the lecture classroom and practice studio, to the construction shop and performance main-stage, we foster disciplined theatre artists and informed audience members for the twenty-first century.

Theatre Department Website

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the department may pursue careers in theatre performance, production design, stage management, arts management, teaching at all levels, arts criticism, and arts advocacy. Many of our majors continue on to graduate studies in the specialized fields of performance, directing, design, theatre history, stage manangement, playwrighting, and criticism.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete a major in Theatre will:

-Demonstrate knowledge of various means through which a theatrical concept is realized.

-Demonstrate knowledge of theatre history, including essential plays and playwrights, its cultural and political context and impact, as well as its influence on modes of production.

-Demonstrate an aptitude to think critically and analytically about a dramatic text.

-Dispassionately receive and integrate artistic feedback and criticism in the manner required of a collaborative artist.

-Apply specific concepts and skill sets to create an original design, text, and/or performance piece.

-Apply a professional work ethic and discipline to the creative process.

Students who complete a minor in Theatre will:

-Demonstrate knowledge of various means through which a theatrical concept is realized.

-Demonstrate knowledge of theatre history, including essential plays and playwrights, its cultural and political context and impact, as well as its influence on modes of production.

-Demonstrate an aptitude to think critically and analytically about a dramatic text.

-Dispassionately receive and integrate artistic feedback and criticism in the manner required of a collaborative artist.

Programs

• Theatre, B.A.

• Theatre Minor