Major in Theatre Arkansas State University’s Bachelor of Arts in Theatre degree provides students with professional-caliber training within the framework of a liberal arts education. We want our students to be lifelong learners who are prepared to enter a complex, ever-changing global society. Arkansas State University’s worldclass faculty provides students with a foundation in the sciences, math, communications, writing, the humanities and more. Whether you hope to pursue a career in professional theatre, teaching or any other field, your degree from Arkansas State University will prepare you for the next step of your journey.
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
CONNECT WITH THE FACULTY Claire Abernathy
COURSE OFFERINGS INCLUDE: Acting Musical Theatre Dance Costume Construction Stagecraft Playwriting Tap Dance Sound Design and Production Fashion History Acting Shakespeare Scenic Design Acting in Song Principles of Design
Creative Improvisation Computer Aided Design Jazz Dance Lighting Design Professional Practice Seminar Theatre History Stage Makeup Voice and Movement Stage Combat Social Dance Directing Stage Management
Dayday Robinson
Virginia Hirsch
OUR FACULTY
At A-State Theatre, teaching is our top priority and our faculty strive to help students connect theory to practice every day. Our faculty and staff bring a wealth of expertise to their work with our students. Our faculty are professionally active, bringing the latest techniques and skills to the classroom, rehearsal studio, shops and stages.
Jeff McLaughlin
Alumni Spotlight
Brianna Larson
“I was very fortunate to have spent four years at A-State Theatre with such a supportive group of faculty and students.� Tonae Mitsuhashi, Class of 2013 Freelance Scenic Designer Tokyo, Japan
Caisa Sanburg
Courses
An A-State Theatre degree combines a rigorous core curriculum with enough flexibility to specialize in an area that sparks your interest. Because we offer such a variety of courses and experiences, you have countless options when it comes to customizing your educational path. If you prefer a more structured path, we offer several emphasis areas:
ACTING Students in the Acting emphasis select elective courses in scene study, dance, voice and speech, movement, stage combat, audition techniques, and Shakespeare performance.
DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY The Design & Technology emphasis includes elective courses in costume, lighting, scenic and sound design, as well as courses in drawing, stage management, makeup and costume construction.
MUSICAL THEATRE Private and group singing instruction, scene study, musical theatre performance and a variety of dance courses are essential components of the Musical Theatre emphasis.
MEET THE FACES
Caelon Colbert, Class of 2021 Little Rock, Arkansas
MEET THE FACES
Reilly Heffer, Class of 2021 Little Rock, Arkansas
Leave your Legacy You want to live an extraordinary life. You want to make a difference. Arkansas State University Theatre provides the opportunities you need to do both. Whether you see yourself on a stage in New York, behind the scenes in Hollywood, in front of your own classroom or changing your corner of the world, we can help you get there. To find how you fit at A-State Theatre, join us for a campus visit. Email Theatre@AState.edu to schedule your visit today.
Alumni Spotlight “A-State Theatre taught me to lead with enthusiasm and curiosity. I wake up excited every single day to share my passion for theatre with my students. I try to encourage and challenge them, just like I was challenged at A-State.� Emma Watkins, Class of 2018 Drama Teacher, Visual and Performing Arts Magnet School Jonesboro, Arkansas
THEATRES The Department of Theatre is located inside the Fowler Center, our beautiful performing arts complex. The 344-seat Drama Theatre is our primary venue for plays and musicals. The flexible Simpson Theatre is a black box that allows us to change the stage configuration with every production, providing students opportunities to develop skills required to work in many different kinds of venues.
LABS Light lab: This classroom and lab space is equipped with Apple TV, a digital projector, intelligent LED theatrical lighting and console, as well as a small theatrical sound system, which makes it an excellent environment for hands-on learning. Design Lab: The design lab features Apple iMacs outfitted with CAD, lighting and sound design software, and access to Adobe’s complete Creative Cloud. This space is also equipped with drafting tables and a wide-format printer, allowing students to create designs and technical drawings using both manual and digital techniques.
SHOPS Costume shop: Filled with natural light and equipped with 14 Bernina sewing machines, two industrial irons, two industrial sergers, a dye vat, three large cutting tables and an embroidery machine, the A-State Costume Shop serves as a classroom as well as a producing shop. Scene shop: Our spacious scene shop is among the finest in the region, equipped with a wide variety of professional-grade stationary and portable power tools as well as a 3D printer. Here students learn to build and paint scenery and props in a safe and productive environment. Dressing Rooms: Large dressing rooms with individual lockers are separated by a makeup room with wall-to-wall mirrors on both sides and excellent lighting, able to accommodate 18 people at one time.
SEE YOURSELF HERE
CAREERS
Our graduates have developed careers with prestigious organizations: • Westport Country Playhouse • Universal Studios Orlando • Stages St. Louis • Denver Theatre Center • Orlando Shakespeare Festival • Annie (national tour) • Houston Astros • Colorado Shakespeare Festival • Walt Disney World • Gulfshore Playhouse • Triad Stage • Jennifer Love Costumes • Arkansas Repertory Theatre • Finding Neverland the Musical (national tour)
Alumni Spotlight
“When I went to graduate school for acting, it felt amazing to be so well-prepared and confident in my theatre studies. After graduate school, I was able to work professionally as an actress touring the country. Now that I am teaching, I use the training I received at A-State Theatre every day and I pass those lessons on to my own students.” Sheridan Posey, Class of 2003 Director of Theatre, Pulaski Academy Little Rock, Arkansas
CONTINUED TRAINING
Our students have continued their training with many impressive institutions: • HB Studios • University of California at Irvine • Indiana University • Wayne State University • Larry Singer Studios • Society of American Fight Directors • Western Illinois University • University of Texas • International Stunt School • University of North Carolina at Greensboro • Knight-Thompson Speechwork • University of Southern Mississippi
BUILD YOUR FUTURE
Careers
MEET THE FACES
Elizabeth Escobedo, Class of 2021 Russellville, Arkansas
Kickstart Your Success Studying Theatre at A-State means when you learn something in class, you’ll have a chance to put that learning into practice the same day in our vibrant production program. Every aspect of our productions, onstage and backstage, is driven by students applying what they’ve learned in class. Every student registers for Practicum, a course in which students undertake major creative and technical responsibilities on a production while receiving expert faculty mentorship. We believe that great theatre training should be well-rounded, which is why we encourage our students to pursue a wide variety of creative and technical experiences.
Alumni Spotlight “The theatre department really laid a strong foundation for me as an artist, gave me room to expand into my own style professionally and introduced me to careers that I would have never known existed.” Hunter Moody, Class of 2013 MFA Candidate, Sound Design University of California - Irvine Irvine, California
(870) 972-2037 | Theatre@AState.edu |
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