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The Acting Program At...

Theatre has been and continues to be a traditional and vital force in bringing the Earlham and Richmond communities together. The Theatre major at Earlham College was developed and approved in 1986, arising out of the need for and development of individual majors in the arts. As a result, the Theatre Arts major is more comprehensive and better suited to meet the educational needs and career development of theatre artists.

The faculty of the Theatre Department firmly believes that the strongest and best preparation for a career in theatre is an excellent liberal arts education. The curriculum provides comprehensive background in all major aspects of theatre as well as certain allied fields. Academic theory is interrelated with practical application through student participation in theatrical productions and in-class projects. Each student’s progress in the various arts and craft of theatre is, of course, entirely determined by that student’s initiative, ambition, talent, energy and dedication.

A liberal arts program is offered in theatre for the specialist as well as the generalist. Classes are environments for discovery and discussion in a supportive atmosphere. We encourage interaction and participation in this comprehensive program, so that the students take full advantage of the opportunities offered, will be well equipped to enter graduate school or begin the apprenticeship process leading to work in the professional theatre.

Earlham students often choose to participate in off-campus study to enrich their education. Our New York Arts Program is popular. There, students pursue internships in a professional theatre, while living in New York City for a semester. Theatre students also choose the London Program. In London, they regularly attend theatrical performances as a part of their course of study. During their vacation away, some students have explored the British Isles and Europe.