Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many productions do you do a year?
Usually four. One is usually a musical, or a play with a significant amount of music in it. One is usually a performance lab, a course designed for upper class theatre arts majors to explore specific areas of craft. Auditions for this course are by invitation only, but other productions are open to all students. Often there is an interactive theatre performance, such as Playback Theatre, an interactive and improvisational approach to story theatre. Once a year Alpha Psi Omega (Theatre Arts Fraternity) puts on a children’s play, adding a 5th show to our season.
Back to top
2. What kinds of shows do you present?
They vary through genre from year to year. The faculty tries to assess student needs and desires, and craft a season of plays accordingly. Our 2011-2012 season is Bertolt Brecht’s GOOD SOUL OF SZECHUAN (translated by David Harrower), an improvisational storytelling format PLAYBACK THEATRE, a British musical panto of CINDERELLA written by Professor Ira Domser, a comedy of manners by Richard Sheirdan – THE RIVALS, and ALMOST MAINE, a contemporary comedy by John Cariani. Titles for the coming year are still to be determined, but we are considering HAIRSPRAY, a contemporary musical, a Shakespeare piece, a company created piece of Forum Theatre, and student directed one act plays..
Back to top
3. What’s the difference between a degree in Theatre Arts from a Liberal Arts college and a degree from other University systems?
In order to be well-rounded theatre artists, we must understand the world around us. Theatre is a reflection of life. It encompasses the performing arts, visual art (sets, costumes), science and technology (lighting, sound and design), historical research (the Greeks, the Renaissance, and more), literary analysis (Shakespeare, Kabuki, and more), group dynamics, interactive process and interpersonal communication(therapeutic theatre, community-based theatre), business and economics (management), and more. Larger university systems need to focus on more conservatory style training which prepares the student for work in a specific area of theatre arts. McDaniel College’s Theatre Arts Department focuses on teaching the student in a holistic fashion. Majors are expected to take at least one course in every area of emphasis. Within the major, students choose a primary and secondary focus area from acting, interactive theatre and production.
Back to top
4. What options for study are available in Theatre Arts?
The program offers a major, three dual majors and three minors. Within the major, students can design a program that emphasizes acting, interactive theatre, or production. Each major also chooses a secondary area of focus. Dual majors are offered with English, Music and Cinema. The English dual major emphasizes theatre history and literature, and is a good preparation for graduate studies, teaching and dramaturgy. The Music dual major takes a holistic approach to both Theatre and Music, but focuses on musical theatre performance. The dual major in Cinema prepares students for work and further study in dramatic storytelling in a variety of media. Students majoring in other areas may minor in theatre arts, acting or interactive theatre. Our program is small and individualized. About 10 students graduate each year with one of our majors.
Back to top
5. I like theatre, but plan to major in something else. Can I still take classes and do shows?
You bet! Many of our students take a few classes, work backstage, design, audition for and are a part of the productions, and even become members of ALPHA PSI OMEGA (the theatre arts co-ed honors fraternity) without majoring in theatre. Many end up with a minor in theatre arts, acting, or interactive theatre; or with one of our dual majors in Theatre-Cinema, Theatre-Music, or Theatre-English. One of our alums, Ed Milliner, majored in Math, with a minor in Theatre Arts, and was involved in every production we put up during his four years with us. He went on to Villanova University, and completed an MA in Math and an MA in Theatre, completed his math PhD – teaches math, but directs and acts in community theatre productions. Many music students participate in our Musical Theatre productions, both in the orchestra and on stage.
Back to top
6. Can I be active in theatre and be involved in sports?
Being heavily involved in an extra curricular sports team and in productions will certainly put a heavy strain on your time, but it’s possible. It takes good time-management skills, and a willingness to sacrifice one for the other on occasion. For example, one could play spring baseball, and forgo fall ball to be involved with more theatre during that time.
Back to top
7. What are your graduates doing now?
Working in the theatre, related fields, and elsewhere. A few examples: Steve Parsons is a free lance set designer; Rob McQuay is a pastor, and still performs professionally as an Equity actor in the DC area – he was nominated for two Helen Hayes Awards – one for playing the role of Jesus in SUPERSTAR, and the other for directing GODSPELL; Julie-Ann Elliott is Equity actress who received critical acclaim in Olney Theatre’s THE CONSTANT WIFE; Josh Selzer is an Equity Stage Manager, and serves is the Arts Manager here at McDaniel; Denise Umland is a freelance costume designer in the DC area; Tony Rosas is the tech director at Towson University; Dan Franko is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and has been featured on television shows The West Wing and The Wire; Jon Reynolds performed Ariel in THE TEMPEST for Washington Shakespeare Company; Kelly Dunnavant completed his MFA in Technical Theatre from SUNY Purchase and is the tech director at the Shakespeare Theatre in DC; Julie Keough recently played Gueniviere in CAMELOT and Laurie in OKLAHOMA at Riverside Dinner Theatre; Albert Pero performed at Totem Pole Playhouse in PROPOSALS. Grant Rice serves as Company Manager for the National Tour of STOMP; Recent alum Peter M. Kendall performed at Center Stage in Baltimore in ‘TIS PITY SHE’S A WHORE, and is currently in the MFA Acting program at Brown University. Tony Cimino completed the graduate program for Drama Therapy at NYU, and is teaching at Liberty High School. Chris De Rose trained with Second City’s graduate conservatory training program. Matt Weese is working for PAR LIGHTS, a theatrical lighting company.
Back to top
8. What Theatre course(es) should I take my first semester if I plan to major or minor in Theatre Arts?
Once you are enrolled in a Freshman Seminar, you’ll want to take one of the three entry level core courses in theatre: THE 1111 Stagecraft, THE 1113 Acting (which is offered as a Freshman sem in 2011), or THE 1117 Group Process in Interactive Theatre (also offered as a FYS course in 2011). All three are required for the major, but you should start with one during your first semester. Speak with your First Year advisor, or contact one of the Theatre Faculty (listed below) to get more information.
Back to top
9. Who do I contact on the faculty for more information?
Feel free to call or e-mail any of us. Our specific areas of expertise are listed so as to help you decide who best to contact.
Ira Domser, Professor of Theatre Arts. Areas: Design and Technical Theatre, Theatre Management.
idomser@mcdaniel.edu (410)857-2592
Ron Miller, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts. Areas: Interactive Theatre, Drama Therapy, Community-based Theatre, Acting Styles, Performance Theory.
rmiller@mcaniel.edu (410)857-2440
Elizabeth van den Berg, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts, chair. Areas: Acting, Directing, Voice and Movement, Musical Theatre.
evandenb@mcdaniel.edu (410)857-2591
Back to top
Print-Friendly Page
Email a Friend