Theatre

Program Overview

Fairfield University's Theatre program offers a comprehensive approach to theatre education, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills. Through a combination of theoretical and practical training, students prepare for diverse careers in performance, design, production, and more. The program emphasizes hands-on experience, small class sizes, and mentorship from experienced theatre professionals.

Program Outline

Theatre Program at Fairfield University

Degree Overview:

The Theatre program at Fairfield University offers a comprehensive and individualized approach to the art of theatre. The program prepares students for diverse careers in the field, ranging from actors and directors to educators and managers. Through a combination of theoretical and practical training, students gain a solid foundation in theatrical history, performance, design, playwriting, and production management.

Key objectives of the program:

• Foster creativity and artistic expression.
• Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Hone specific technical and performance skills.
• Gain exposure to diverse theatrical styles and methodologies.
• Prepare students for success in graduate studies or professional theatre careers.

Structure of the program:

• Major in Theatre: Requires 33 credits, including a capstone project and hands-on experience through participation in Theatre Fairfield productions.
• Minor in Theatre: Requires 18 credits, offering flexibility and allowing students to combine interests with other majors.

Coursework:

• Exploring Theatre: Introduces the fundamental principles of theatre.
• Acting I: Develops foundational acting techniques and performance skills.
• Great Theatre of the World: Students explore influential playwrights and their works from different cultures and historical periods.
• Entertainment Technology: Introduces students to the technology used in modern theatre productions.
• Design for Stage & Screen: Develops skills in scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design.
• Additional electives: Students can choose from a variety of options in performance, design, theory, history, playwriting, and production management.
• Theatre Fairfield Performance/Production Practicum: Provides practical experience in production management or performance for the Theatre Fairfield company.

Assessment:

• The program employs a variety of assessment methods, including:
• Performance-based evaluations:
Demonstrating skills through acting, directing, or production work.
• Written assignments: Essays, critiques, and research papers.
• Class participation:积极参与课堂讨论和活动.
• Portfolio development: Collecting and showcasing creative work.
• Final projects: Culminating projects demonstrating knowledge and skills acquired through the program.

Teaching:

• The program boasts a dedicated faculty of experienced theatre professionals.
• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention and mentorship.
• Guest artists and industry professionals contribute to the learning experience.
• Hands-on learning through workshops, rehearsals, and productions is an integral part of the program.
• The program utilizes innovative approaches, including interdisciplinary collaborations and opportunities for independent exploration.

Careers:

• The program prepares students for a variety of careers in theatre, including:
• Performance:
Actors, singers, dancers.
• Directing: Stage directors, film directors, artistic directors.
• Design: Scenic designers, costume designers, lighting designers, sound designers.
• Technical theatre: Stage managers, technical directors, lighting technicians, sound technicians.
• Playwriting: Playwrights, screenwriters, dramaturgs.
• Production management: Theatre managers, producers, company managers.
• Education: Theatre teachers, arts educators.
• Theatre administration: Theatre administrators, arts administrators.
• The program also equips students with transferable skills valuable in other fields, such as communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Other:

• The program offers opportunities for students to intern with Theatre Fairfield, gaining invaluable practical experience in running a professional theatre company.
• International study abroad opportunities are available for students to broaden their horizons and explore theatre practices in other cultures.
• The program encourages active participation in student-led theatre organizations and productions.

Closing remarks:

The Theatre program at Fairfield University provides a rich and dynamic learning environment for students passionate about the art of theatre. Please refer to the official Fairfield University website for more information.

• The program website showcases student testimonials and showcases examples of student work.
• The Theatre Fairfield website contains details about upcoming productions and opportunities to get involved.