Theatre Major

Whether you long to take center stage, design a new world, dress your favorite character, or bring an untold story to life, the Washington College theatre major will help you grow into a multifaceted storyteller and expose you to every aspect of the production process. There are regularly courses or experiential opportunities on playwriting, dramaturgy, adaptation, improvisation, stage management, arts administration, performance, movement, design, directing, event management, backstage production, front of house and publicity, and leadership and administration, exposing our students to every aspect of the theatre world. Throughout your time at Washington, you will not only be exposed to many different aspects of production, but you'll also be encouraged to try as many as possible to see what interests you.  

The major includes programming balanced with theory and practice, breadth and depth, and an emphasis on being a strong collaborator. Students work with one another, as well as department faculty and staff, to bring productions to life. We are regularly producing more new and contemporary plays than other colleges of our size. Through coursework and experience, you will better understand the human condition and learn empathy by stepping into the shoes of other people. 

You can get involved with productions—in any way that interests you, regardless of experience—as soon as your first semester. There are typically between four and six productions each semester, most of which are Senior Capstone Experiences (SCEs), but some are faculty productions. There are three options for the theatre SCE:  

• A traditional research thesis in the areas of theatrical criticism, theory, or history 
• A playwriting thesis in which the student writes, workshops, and produces a rehearsed reading of a full-length play 
• A production thesis in which the student serves as dramaturg, stage manager, designer, performer, or director of a department production 

As part of the SCE process, seniors, as producers of their production, build their teams and find the right people to complete their production, from cast to crew.  

Many facets of the department are student-driven, from the shows produced to the way those shows look on the stage, to the new equipment purchased to help students succeed. With access to two theatres, scenery, props, costumes, and lighting and sound shops, a design lab, rehearsal rooms, and outdoor performance spaces, Students are encouraged to participate in departmental productions, workshops, lectures, and other events.  

It is possible for students to double major or minor in other areas of interest across campus. Students can also study abroad, and are encouraged to do so in England, Ireland, or Australia. Visit our online catalog for more information on our course offerings.