Students arrive at Lawrence with a wide variety of theatre experiences and nearly as wide a set of expectations. Most have had a high-school experience of working in theatre productions. Some see their college years as the first step toward a career in theatre. Others see theatre as a rewarding co-curricular activity to complement their college experience, and they hope to continue enjoying that involvement. To meet the interests of the first group, the Department of Theatre Arts has designed a curriculum that allows each student to deepen his or her general knowledge of the field while beginning the process of specialization within a particular focus area. To meet the expectations of the second group, auditions and other production assignments are open to all students, regardless of their major.

Because the study of dramatic art requires a grounding in the study of production methods, past and present, and must be intimately connected to and supported by the study of theatre history and dramatic literature of various periods, the department has developed a core curriculum in those areas required of all majors.

Additionally, students are invited to further explore an area of concentration or to continue a generalist’s study of dramatic art. Areas of concentration include performance; design and technical theatre; and dramatic theory, history, and literature. We expect our majors to contribute to each area of the curriculum, to integrate their whole liberal arts exploration into their theatre studies, and to consistently participate in production — on stage, backstage, and in dramaturgical preparation.

Typically, majors complete most of their studies in the core curriculum early in their junior year. At that time, students begin to work toward a finalizing senior project in that area. The senior project is required of all majors and is designed to exhibit the student’s strengths in the area in which he or she hopes to continue studies or seek employment. Students anticipating graduate study in an area of concentration should consult with their advisor to ensure that their auditions, résumés, or portfolio presentations are appropriately prepared. In addition, students are strongly encouraged to participate in one or more off-campus programs, such as the Lawrence London Centre, the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin, or the ACM Chicago Arts Program, to deepen their understanding of the various areas of concentration prior to designing their senior projects. Students hoping to become certified as secondary-school teachers of theatre should consult with an advisor in the Department of Education to ensure that they have completed the necessary courses for that certification. Additional details about certification are contained on the education department’s website.