Theatre Arts FAQ

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Q. How many productions do you do a year?
A. 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.

Back to Top Q. What kinds of shows do you present? A. They vary through genre from year to year. The faculty tries to assess student needs and desires, and craft a season of plays accordingly. The ’03-’04 season included: WORKING, a Stephen Schwartz musical THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (ABRIDGED), a student project HAY FEVER by Noel Coward, a production lab exploring comedy of manners and a student directed one act play festival, including THE BALD SOPRANO by Eugene Ionesco, TONGUES, and SAVAGE LOVE, both by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin. We presented William Shakepeare’s THE TEMPEST, Michael Frayn’s NOISES OFF, Playback Theatre, and a SOMETHING’S AFOOT (a murder mystery musical) for the ‘05 season.

Back to Top Q. What’s the difference between a degree in Theatre Arts from a Liberal Arts college and a degree from other University systems? A. 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 and interactive process (therapeutic theatre, community-based theatre) political science, (most plays reflect the politics of the time in which they were written), business and economics (management), and more than can be addressed on this page. 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, allowing for specialization while not ignoring the rest of the art.

Back to Top Q. Can I still take classes and do shows if I have another major? A. 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 with one of our dual majors in Theatre-Communications, Theatre-Music, or Theatre-English. One of our alums, Ed Milliner, majored in Math, ended up 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. We generally only have 6-8 majors graduate every year, but many theatre arts minors, acting minors, and dual majors in Theatre-Communications, Theatre-Music, and Theatre-English. Many music students participate in our Musical Theatre productions, both in the orchestra and on stage.

Back to Top Q. Can I be active in theatre and be involved in sports? A. 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 on occasion. For example, one could play spring baseball, and forgo fall sports to be involved with more theatre during that time.

Back to Top Q. What are your graduates doing now? A. 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 D.C. area
Julie-Ann Elliott is Equity actress currently co-starring in Olney Theatre’s BLITHE SPIRIT
Josh Selzer is an Equity Stage Manager, and serves is the Arts Manager here at McDaniel
Steve Zumbrun was musical director for a national tour of THE UNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN, and recently spent his summer at The Barn Theatre in Michigan where he was musical director for BATBOY, THE FANTASTICKS, AIDA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and GUYS AND DOLLS (which starred both Tom Wopat and Adrian Zmed)
Denise Umland is the costume shop manager for Round House Theatre in Bethesda
Tony Rosas is the tech director at Towson University
Dan Franko is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and has been featured on the television shows The West Wing, The Jersey, and America's Most Wanted
Colin Forman is a freelance actor working in film and television
Joy Thomas is now an adjunct professor of Theatre Arts here at McDaniel, as well as the Reading Series Manager at Charter Theatre in DC
Jon Reynolds spent two years on tour with National Players and recently performed Ariel in THE TEMPEST for Washington Shakespeare Company
Kelly Dunnavant recently completed his MFA in Technical Theatre from SUNY Purchase and is working as a free lance tech director
Cassie Domser has her MFA in Stage Management from Rutgers University, and is working as an assistant stage manager for the Baltimore Opera
Julie Keough recently played Gueniviere in CAMELOT and Laurie in OKLAHOMA at Riverside Dinner Theatre, and will soon be at the Dutch Apple Theatre in PA performing in GYPSY.
One of our alums, Grant Rice, has volunteered to have his phone and e-mail published below so that you can contact him with further questions. He served as Associate Company Manager for LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS on Broadway, the General Manager of the off-Bway plays FEEDING BEATRICE and I WITNESS, as well as president of Granticus Productions Inc (his production management company). He also consults on various B'way and Off b'way productions. Ph: 646-831-0467; Email: grant@granticus.com

Q. Who do I contact on the faculty for more information?
A. 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, Department Chair. Areas: Design and Technical Theatre, Theatre Management
idomser@mcdaniel.edu (410)857-2592
Ron Miller, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts. Areas: Acting, Interactive Theatre and Drama Therapy, Theatre History
rmiller@mcaniel.edu (410)857-2440
Elizabeth van den Berg, Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts; Areas: Acting, Directing, Voice and Movement, Musical Theatre
evandenb@mcdaniel.edu (410)857-2591