
Theatre Minor
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.
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.