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The Acting Program At...

The Department of Theatre offers a major and minor in theatre. Students interested in the study of theatre may also look into studio art, communication, secondary speech and theatre education, and music.

Through a wide range of productions — Shakespeare to children’s shows — you will thrive, learning from faculty with professional experience in the fields they teach, maybe even securing a major role as a freshman. By graduation, you will have an opportunity to design, manage and direct productions.

Students receive training and practical experience acting, directing, technical theatre and design. They also prepare for careers in theatre education, creative dramatics, children’s theatre and experimental and alternative theatre forms.

Each year, the Department of Theatre hosts a series of productions. Each season features at least one main-stage production per semester, directed by a guest director or member of the theatre faculty. Student-directed and student-produced shows are held throughout the year. Campus productions are diverse, ranging from ancient Greek and Shakespearean plays to modern works. The genres often include tragedies, comedies, musicals, melodramas, mysteries and farces.

Directing
Students interested in directing generally begin with positions as assistant directors for faculty and student-produced productions. To be eligible for a lead directing position, you must first complete a directing course. If you are interested directing, you will work with theatre faculty to plan your production. They will then guide you through the directing process. Opportunities for student directing include the Senior Capstone, independent student projects and the annual show produced by Alpha Psi Omega, the honor society for theatre students.

Performance
Both theatre majors and nonmajors audition for roles in Baker's productions. During auditions, majors are prepare monologues, preparing them for the audition process in professional theatres. The audition process also includes improvisational activities and cold reading, allowing students to meet other students interested in theatrical arts.

Technical Theatre
Students interested in technical theatre have many opportunities to practice their craft. Student designers and constructors create professional-quality productions. Possibilities in technical theatre include set design and construction, lighting, costuming, makeup, sound and props.

Stage Management & Theatrical Administration
Students interested in the behind-the-scenes areas of theatre have opportunities to work on theatrical productions and to organize and promote the theatre season on campus. Student stage managers gain practical experience working with faculty in organizing and executing the logistics of a theatrical production. Students are also instrumental in scheduling, planning and promoting theatrical productions.

Loud Noises
An improv/comedy group started by two Baker students, Loud Noises provides theatre students and theatre enthusiasts the opportunity to practice their theatrical skills in a less structured and often funnier environment. Students audition to be in Baker’s improv group each year. Throughout the year, students practice the art of improvisation and perform throughout the semester.