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The Acting Program At...

The theater program at Goshen College has a strong liberal arts emphasis grounded in communication and performance theory. Students explore major historical, philosophical and artistic movements; the specialized areas of theater design, acting, voice and directing; and courses from other departments that augment knowledge and skills for theater studies. Students may focus on theatrical design with art department courses; performance with music classes; communication with communication courses; and language and literature with courses from foreign language and English departments.

Central to the theater program itself are productions  of full-length mainstage shows and one act plays each semester, providing students with the opportunity to learn and apply both technical and artistic skills. Students are encouraged to explore the many facets theatrical productions first-hand as actors, designers, technicians and directors.

Auditions are open and encouraged to all--whether you are a math, English or business major. In addition to acting roles, there are also opportunities to stage manage, work with lighting and costumes, and various other assistant roles.

The John S. Umble Center houses classroom and office spaces in addition to the theater, scene shop, costume shop and storage areas. Built in 1978, Umble Center’s theater features a semi-thrust stage which can be opened up to a pit for musicals and operas. The house seats 419 audience members, helping maintain a feeling of intimacy and audience-connection. The theater space boasts high-quality lighting and sound systems, having received a full-scale upgrade in 2001.