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Founded in 1855, Kean University has grown to become one of New Jersey's largest institutions of higher learning. In 1958, Kean moved from Newark to Union and currently occupies over 150 acres in Union and Hillside Townships.
Kean was granted university status on September 26, 1997. While maintaining its significant role in the training of teachers, Kean has become a comprehensive institution offering 48 undergraduate and 28 graduate degree programs serving some 13,000 students.
Across four undergraduate colleges and the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, Kean's academic programs cover an exceptional range of disciplines.
Kean is a metropolitan, comprehensive, interactive, teaching university.
A campus dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in higher education, Kean University supports a student-centered learning environment that nurtures the development of the whole student for rewarding careers, lifelong learning and fulfilling lives in a global society. It maintains a commitment to excellence and equity in enrollment, instruction and administration.
Kean is accredited by all major accrediting organizations. Many majors have accreditation in their field.
Residence Life:
The staff of Kean Universty's Office of Residence Life has a single goal: to create an environment coducive to learning.
We are dedicated to making the residential experience a full and rewarding one for you.
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Admissions:
The University is dedicated to providing students with all the resources needed to succeed - world class faculty, exceptional support staff, financial aid and scholarships, new residence halls - all on a 180 acre picturesque campus.
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Scholarships:
Kean University offers a number of scholarships to help qualified students meet the financial requirements of attending college.
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Contact Information:
Kean University
1000 Morris Avenue
Union, NJ 07083
908-737-KEAN
Admissions:
908-737-7100
Email The Admissions Staff by Clicking Here
Scholarships:
908-737-3480
Residence Life:
908-737-6800
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Financial Aid:
908-737-3220
Email Our Financial Aid Staff by Clicking Here
Home > Tour the Colleges! > New Jersey > Kean University
The Acting Program At...
Kean University
Welcome to the Kean University Department of Theatre
A walk through our doors will allow you a wealth of theatrical experiences both in and out of the classroom. Whether you want to perform, design, direct, teach or otherwise work in theatre, Kean can help you turn your talent into a life's work, your passion into a profession, your dream into a reality. It is our common passion for theatre that creates a diverse group of students and an outstanding faculty who are working together to create a community that will help you discover the best in yourself and in others.
Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, Kean University's Department of Theatre mirrors the University's mission to provide a core educational foundation based in the liberal arts. Our major curricula are designed to educate theatre students to enter the realm of professional theatre, theatre education or advanced graduate studies.
• BA in Theatre - a liberal arts curriculum, allowing for a broad array of coursework in theatre and in related subjects for those who envision a career as a director, playwright, theatre administrator, technical director or stage manager.
• BA with Teacher Certification - Students may elect options in Early Childhood Education (P-3), Elementary Education (K-8), or Secondary Education (K-12).
• BFA in Theatre Performance - an intensive, conservatory-style curriculum in theatre for those who envision a career as a performer.
• BFA in Theatre Design and Technology - intensive curriculum in theatre for those who intend to pursue a theatrical design or technical direction career.
Prof. Nadine Charlsen: M.F.A., [Brooklyn College], M.A. [Wichita State University]; Professional Affiliations: AEA [Equity], ATAC [Association of Theatrical Artists and Craftspeople], and USITT [United States Institute of Theatre Technology]; teaches scenic & lighting design/technology, stage management, scenic painting and construction.
Dr. Teresa Choate: Ph.D. [UCLA], M.F.A. [Catholic University of America], M.A. [Denver University]; Professional Affiliations: SDC [Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers], President, Alpha Psi Omega [National Theatre Honor Society], ATHE [Association of Theatre in Higher Education]; teaches theatre history/literature, script analysis/dramaturgy, period styles in acting, beginning acting, directs for the main stage; Assistant Department Chair.
Prof. Anna Sycamore DeMers: M.F.A. in Directing and Movement [Sarah Lawrence College]; teaches movement, advanced movement, resident choreographer, beginning acting.
Prof. Rachel Evans: M.F.A. in Directing [University of Pittsburgh]; Board Member of EdTA [Educational Theatre Association]; Professional Affiliations: AATE, ATHE, SCASS-Arts, TYA/USA; teaches Acting I, Creative Drama, Theatre for Young Audiences, Creating Plays for Children, Methods of Teaching Secondary School Theatre, and Topics in Theatre Education; Program Coordinator for B.A. in Theatre with Theatre Certification [K-12] and student teaching field supervisor.
Prof. Karen Hart: M.F.A. [University of Texas, Austin]; Professional Affiliations: ATAC [Association of Theatrical Artists and Craftspeople], and USITT [United States Institute of Theatre Technology], and Phi Kappa Phi; teaches costume & make-up design/technology, costume history and construction.
Prof. Holly Logue: M.F.A. [Rutgers University], M.T.A. [Rutgers University];Professional Affiliations: AEA [Equity], SDC [Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers], NAST [National Association of Schools of Theatre], ATHE [Association of Theatre in Higher Education]; teaches acting, directing, musical theatre, camera technique, dialects, theatre as a profession, directs for the main stage; Acting Dean.
Prof. Michele Mossay: M. Ed. in Dance [Temple University], M.A. in Education, Administration and Supervision from [St. Peter's College]; Professional Affiliations: SDC [Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers]; teaches Movement for the Actor, Advanced Movement, Acting I, Issues in Theatre: Dance; resident choreographer; Interim Department Chair.
Prof. Ernest Wiggins: M.F.A. [New York University]; Professional Affiliations: AEA [Equity], National Black Theatre Association, VASTA [Voice and Speech Trainers Association], New Federal Theatre; teaches voice for the performer, acting, directs for the main stage.
Adjunct Professors: Deborah Andrews, Jin Hwan Byan, Stephen Davis, Joseph Gallo, Carol Greski, Joy Hermalyn, Hope Hudson, Dawud Jackson, Keisha Kogan, Kathleen Kelly, Susan Speidel, Andi Stover, Dennis Turney, Valerie Van Hoven, AC Weary, Gail Winar, John Wooten, Dan Yates - teach script analysis, improvisation, dance, singing, arts administration, musical theatre, Shakespeare in performance, playwriting, acting for the camera, issues in theatre, acting as a profession, and beginning acting; direct tour show.
Wilkins Performing Arts Center - 956-seat, multi-purpose university proscenium theatre.
Zella Fry Theatre - experimental studio theatre/classroom.
Murphy-Dunn Theatre - black box theatre/classroom with flexible audience/stage configurations.
Little Theatre - 225-seat, small multi-purpose university proscenium theatre.
Computer Design Lab - G-4 Macintosh computers for scenic/lighting design, portfolio preparation and research.
Costume Shop - Professionally equipped with multiple sewing stations, 3 cutting tables, fitting rooms, laundry and stock storage.
Scene Shop - Equipped for the construction of all theatre productions.
Prop shop - Located between the Murphy-Dunn and Zella Fry Theatres, this small shop is useful for the construction of smaller set pieces and props.
Television Studio - Equipped for cable, television and for video production
• Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship – A select number of full-tuition scholarships are awarded to incoming freshman with a minimum 3.0 unweighted high school GPA who pursue undergraduate degrees in theatre. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA and continuous full-time enrollment. Eligible applicants will be required to submit a College of Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship Application and provide a portfolio review, audition, or assessment by the department faculty.
• Vince Leona Memorial Scholarship – Awarded to students with a minimum 2.5 GPA who are interested in theatre management or stage management.
• Choregos Endowed Scholarship – A merit/talent based scholarship awarded to an undergraduate majoring in theatre or theatre and education. Audition/portfolio review and interview required.
• Adelaide Anna Maria Kornau Endowed Scholarship in Theatre – Awarded to undergraduate theatre majors in high academic standing who demonstrate financial need and have a conviction to pursue a career in theatre.
• Estelle Ritchie Scholarship - to support a female performer.
• Elizabeth McColgan Theatre Scholarship – Granted to a senior theatre major with a minimum 3.0 GPA and proven financial need.
• Shaffer-Koras College of Visual and Performing Arts Endowed Scholarship – Granted to sophomore, junior, and senior majors within the College of Visual and Performing Arts with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Thomas H. Kean Scholarship – Qualified students must be United States citizens and New Jersey residents who are pursuing an undergraduate degree in the performing arts, have completed 60 credits and are registered for a minimum of 6 credits in the upcoming semester. Awarded through the Garden State Arts Center Foundation.
• James R. Murphy Endowed Scholarship for London Theatre Study – Granted to theatre majors or minors who are interested in studying in London.
Our Mission, Objective, and Goals:
The Department of Theatre seeks to engender lifelong artistic appreciation by providing cultural and educational experiences for the student body, the university, and surrounding communities. We are deeply committed to exploring cultural diversity through learning about oneself and the human condition and learning about world cultures, past and present. In support of the above mission statement, we have developed specific objectives for the department, attainable via coursework, mentorship, and participation in the theatre production series:
1. Develop an understanding of the humanistic values found in the study of theatre.
2. Develop knowledge of the history, traditions, and literary richness of theatre.
3. Develop oral and written communication skills applicable in theatre and related fields.
4. Develop research skills and techniques.
5. Develop critical and creative thinking in relation to design, performance, production, and pedagogy.
6. Develop skills in the design and technical aspects of theatre.
7. Develop skills in the performance aspect of theatre.
8. Provide pre-service experience and training in theatre education.
9. Expose students to current developments in theatre technology.
10. Promote Kean University as a regional and statewide cultural resource in theatre.
11. Prepare student artists for the profession through one-on-one mentorship with members of our theatre academicians and professional artists.
12. Promote faculty development through active participation in state, regional, national, and international professional organizations and through scholarly, artistic and creative pursuits.
13. Promote the importance of networking within the professional community by encouraging student and faculty participation in professional activities and providing opportunities through Premiere Stages, a professional theatre in residence at Kean University, and in the New York City area.
Phone: 908-737-4420, Fax: 908-737-4425
Address: Kean University, Department of Theatre, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
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