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Everyone can find their niche in the theatre!

Are you a person who loves the spotlight? Did you live for the hustle and bustle of your high school musicals? Are you interested in learning what happens behind the scenes-what gives the stage that Hollywood glow? If you answered yes to any of these questions you might be a perfect candidate for the W&J Theatre Department. The relatively new program, introduced in 2001, is an exciting major that introduces you to many aspects of the theatre experience. Many may believe that all there is to theatre is acting, but there are many different personalities and talents that can succeed and prosper within the theatre field. Although acting is an intricate part of the Theatre experience there is much more to be learned and applied to the field. W&J's theatre major according to the school website provides a broad-based education in theatre with the goal of creating the complete, passionate theatre person.

 Not everyone is an actress, and not everyone prefers to direct, but at W&J that is not a problem for someone interested in the Theatre field. There is a perfect fit for everyone who wants to find a home in the theatre. Perhaps you do love to perform. ACTING I might be a good course choice for you. This course introduces elements of acting through different acting exercises, games, monologues etc. Yet, maybe you are a person who shies away from the limelight, but still celebrates the theatre. THEATRE 152 may be the option you are looking for. From directing to reading plays, this Theatre as a Liberal Art course introduces the student to all aspects of theatre and how they have been used in the past and how they are still used today. Perhaps you have an artistic flair? If this is a quality that you as an individual possess and would like to improve, then THR 260 would be an excellent class for you to take. Production design introduces you to scenic, lighting and costume design for the theatre- students will even capitalize on their own creativity by creating their own individual designs!

Now I'm sure by now you have no doubts in your mind that the W&J Theatre Program is the perfect place for you! But where do you begin- just what are the requirements for a theatre major- What are the first steps you should take as a theatre enthusiast? Mr. William Cameron, Professor of Theatre and Communication, advises "Come talk to one of us. Let us know you are here and interested."  The requirements for a W&J Theatre Major are listed on the school website as follows:

-         A total of ten courses
-         THR 151( two semesters, equivalent to one course)
-         THR 180
-         THR 271
-         THR 272
-         ENG 315
-         THR 499
-          Four additional courses from the theatre curriculum, two of which must be at the 300 level or above.

W&J Student Theatre Company

 Although the Theatre Program does not have a mandatory lab or internship attached to the course load, unlike many of the other academic programs on campus, it does have a beneficial program that replaces this element. The W&J Theatre Company is described by Mr. Cameron in this way, "It is the producing arm of the department, central to what we are doing, the 'lab experience'." Three hours a night, five or six days a week brings to life what we talk about. It is a great way to meet people. People tell me it is a great tool for time management."

The W&J Student Theatre Company produces numerous shows a year, ranging from comedic performances, dramatic pieces, to improvisational skits produced completely by the students. An exciting example of a new experiment that took place this year was W&J's first ever 'Theatre Slam'! Students gathered in the Olin Fine Arts Center to write, produce and direct their own creations, performing them exactly twenty- four hours later! The result of this evening was a hysterical variety of plays, resembling the feel and improvisational atmosphere of Saturday night live, that many may not have known were only written a mere twenty-four hours before. 



 I had the privilege of writing and performing in this experiment and can honestly say that I have never had more fun in my life. It was amazing both seeing something I co-wrote come alive on stage, and being a core part of something that my peers put a lot of hard work and spirit into. A bond was developed between the participants of this experiment that many sport teams and clubs may take years to develop. You will find this often in the W&J Student Theatre Company. Students work together to put on the best possible shows that they can. Hours are spent working on shows, building sets, developing characters, building relationships. You will not only learn valuable lessons about the Theatre, you will learn lessons about teamwork and functioning together.

An Interview with a Pro!

Danielle Shover is a current junior majoring in Child Development and Education. She is also pursuing a minor in Theatre. She has been an active member of the W&J student theatre company since her arrival on campus as a freshman. Her experience in all aspects of the theatre made her an excellent subject for a personal narrative! (April 10, 2007) 

 I have been an active member of the W&J theatre department since my first year as a student here at the college. As a junior I've been in many theatre activities, not all of which I have acted in. I've been in the productions, and I've also been behind the scenes. However, my favorite experience so far was acting in the play "The Last Night of Ballyhoo." It was a very challenging role that I got to take on, but I learned so many valuable lessons from that one single experience. While participating in this play, I developed a very tight bond with everyone; it was the closest I've ever been with a cast. I learned more from this play than I did from some of my classes. The Last Night of Ballyhoo was about a Jewish family, so as a cast we learned a lot about the Jewish faith in order to further develop our roles to the best of our abilities.  

I've taken numerous theatre classes at W&J but my personal favorite and in my opinion the most enjoyable, was ACTING I with Mr. Cameron, and CHILDREN's THEATRE with Mr. Shaw. As a rising senior, I could probably offer many words of wisdom to students interested in a future in theatre, but I will leave you with these few words:

Other Interesting Links

Pittsburgh CLO

Apple Hill Playhouse

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

 Olin Fine Arts Center

Little Lake Theatre