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. It is also normal that one production slot is made available to student directors who are enrolled in courses in directing. Often there is an interactive theatre performance, such as Playback Theatre, an interactive and improvisational approach to story theatre.
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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 2007-2008 season was J.M. Synge’s PLAYBOY OF THE WESTERN WORLD, a community based theatre piece written by the students involved entitled PLAYING GENDER, a new musical based on Cyrano de Bergerac entitled BRING ME GIANTS, and a comedy called HOT L BALTIMORE. Additionally student directors will present a series of 10-minute plays in conjunction with the Directing class. ‘06-‘07 included WAITING FOR GODOT, URINETOWN, a student directed play festival, and LOBBY HERO. The year before, we presented a contemporary comedy called QUAKE, PLAYBACK THEATRE, a Variety show for families’ weekend, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, student directed one-acts, and CRIMINALS IN LOVE. The ’04-’05 season included: THE TEMPEST by William Shakespeare; PLAYBACK THEATRE, SOMETHING’S AFOOT, a musical murder mystery spoof; Michael Frayn’s NOISES OFF, and a student written/directed play entitled THE NINE MUSES, based on ancient Greek poetry about women.
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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.
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4. What options for study are available in Theatre Arts?
The program offers a major, four 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 Communication. 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. Two dual majors are offered in Communication. The dual major in Interpersonal Communication and Interactive Theatre prepares students to work with groups in social, community, and institutional settings. The dual major in Theatre, Film and Video Production 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. Many majors take advantage of the study abroad opportunities, both semester-long, or over Jan term. Our program is small and individualized. About 10 students graduate each year with one of our majors.
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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-Communication, 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. Many music students participate in our Musical Theatre productions, both in the orchestra and on stage.
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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.
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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 recently nominated for two separate 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 recently received critical acclaim in Olney Theatre’s THE CONSTANT WIFE; Josh Selzer is an Equity Stage Manager, and serves as the producer for Theatre on the Hill and Arts Manager for McDaniel; Steve Zumbrun wrote the book for a new musical based on Cyrano de Bergerac entitled BRING ME GIANTS and served as musical director for the premier at McDaniel College. He also is musical director/Director and “L.M.” for PUMP BOYS AND DINETTES with Theatre on the Hill for the summer of 2008; Denise Umland works for the National Touring Company “Troika”, and designed costumes for Theatre on the Hill’s INTO THE WOODS 2008; Tony Rosas is the tech director at Towson University, and served as set designer for Theatre on the Hill’s 2007 season; Dan Franko is a member of the Screen Actors Guild, and has been featured on the television shows The West Wing, The Jersey, The Wire and America's Most Wanted; Colin Forman is a freelance actor working in film and television in LA, recently seen on a “National Bo” tv commerical; Jon Reynolds spent two years on tour with National Players and 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; Cassie Domser has her MFA in Stage Management from Rutgers University, and is working for the Washington Performing Arts Society; Julie Keough recently played Gueniviere in CAMELOT and Laurie in OKLAHOMA at Riverside Dinner Theatre, and also at the Dutch Apple Theatre in PA performing in GYPSY; Two of our recent alums (Albert Pero III and Andrew Pecoraro) toured the North Eastern US with the NATIONAL PLAYERS performing in DRACULA and TAMING OF THE SHREW. Andrew completed a run of LONG DAYS JOURNEY INTO NIGHT with Firebelly Productions, and will be attending grad school at Virginia Commonwealth University.. Albert performed at Totem Pole Playhouse in PROPOSALS. Grant Rice served as Associate Company Manager for LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS on Broadway, the General Manager of the off-Bway plays FEDDING BEATRICE and I WITNESS, as well as president of Granticus Productions Inc (his production management company). Jeff Goeller works in the box office of Olney Theatre Center for the Arts.
Tony Cimino is attending the graduate program for Drama Therapy at NYU. Chris De Rose is attending the graduate conservatory training program with Second City in Chicago. Melvina Coker is a technician at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Matt Weese is working for PAR LIGHTS, a theatrical lighting company, Jessica Behar is participating in Playback Theatre, and dual English-Theatre major Jennifer Harrington is attending graduate school for creative writing. 2008 grads – Peter Kendall was an understudy for The Studio Theatre’s production of HISTORY BOYS, and will be touring with NATIONAL PLAYERS in AS YOU LIKE IT and 1984 during ’08-’09. Jacob “Tex” Moriarty-Stone and Mike Chittenden both have internships at Centerstage in Baltimore. Jon Teter will stage manage for Baltimore Shakespeare Company.
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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, or THE 1117 Group Process in Interactive Theatre. All three are required for the major, but you should start with one during your first semester. If you are considering a dual major with Communication or Music, consider also taking an introductory course in that field. Speak with your First Year advisor, or contact one of the Theatre Faculty (listed below) to get more information.
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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, (sabbatical 2008). 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. Areas: Acting, Directing, Voice and Movement, Musical Theatre
evandenb@mcdaniel.edu (410)857-2591
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