The Department of Theater and Dance

from In the Studio 2021 | High Point University David R. Hayworth School of Arts and Design

2020-21 Highlights

the department of

theater and dance

2020-21 challenged all of us, but social distancing protocols required exceptional resilience from our theater and dance majors. The manner in which they navigated the year showcased not only their artistic skills, but also the professional skills embedded in our curriculum.

Improvisation: The ability to think quickly and work under pressure.

Project Management: Working in teams of various size and complexity to successfully accomplish the task on time and on budget.

Dealing with Individuals: The ability to appreciate, understand, and effectively communicate with a widely diverse group of human beings.

Understanding the Human Condition: Through observation and introspection, growth in self-awareness accentuates understanding and empathy.

Doing Whatever Needs to Be Done: Learning all aspects of production to help solve problems and get it done.

Hard Work: As one of the busiest majors on campus, our students experience long nights, exhausting rehearsals, work-calls, load-ins, and strikes, which creates a strong work ethic. Making Difficult Choices: Working in the arts, students are constantly faced with making difficult choices. Students get to practice that skill in a safe and supportive environment.

Presentation Skills: The ability to communicate a message confidently and effectively in front of a group of people while being motivational and entertaining.

With these skills mastered our students brought forth productions of Godspell, The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later, Act I, Oedipus the King, and This Random World, as well as dance concerts and student-authored productions.

Study what you love. Follow your passion. It will serve you well wherever life’s road takes you!

— Mr. Doug Brown, chair

Theater

Madeline Cunningham and Madelyn Mudd, This Random World: The Myth of Serendipity

Jack LaSalla and Jacklyn McGhee, This Random World: The Myth of Serendipity

Emma Russell, The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later

Jessica Dickey, playwright/actress

Joanna Jones (actress/singer) who played the role of Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds in the Broadway Production Hamilton Cassidy Stoner from Disney’s Aladdin tour

John Cariani, acclaimed playwright and award-winning Broadway actor

Guest Artists/ Workshops

This year the Department of Theater welcomed four acclaimed professionals into the acting studio. Jessica Dickey, playwright and actress, offered a virtual reading for her new play and a workshop focused on a “Life in the Arts.” John Cariani discussed the idea of theater during the pandemic as well as playwrighting techniques and exercises. Students had firsthand access to Joanna Jones and Cassidy Stoner who shared their experiences and advice about musical theater. Much like our commitment to network some of America’s most influential innovators via our in-residence program, individual programs target professionals to enhance the educational experience for their particular program.