Your Future audience

Take the stage – literally and figuratively – with a major or minor in Theatre. The program allows you to explore the intellectual, artistic and theoretical dimensions of theatre performance, literature and history. You’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to performances, bringing to life your expressive side, preparing you for whatever comes next.  

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Student SpotlightBringing the PastTo Life

ANTHONY BRAY ’23, SAMARI BROWN ’24, SAL FABIO ’22 AND CHRISTINA ROC ’24

Students hold community awards plaque
With the mentorship of Associate Professor of Theatre Chris Woodworth, summer research students shined a light on the underrepresented stories of African American Genevans from the 19th century. Anthony, Samari, Sal and Christina wrote, produced and performed in From Beyond: Geneva’s Unheard Voices

Honors
Honors and Research

And Research

Theatre students looking to engage more in their work can study and complete Honors and research projects in their chosen topic with the guidance of a faculty member.

Past examples of Honors projects include:

  • Margaret Hollister ’20: From Marivaux to Modern Theatre: Translating an 18th Century Play for a 21st Century Audience
    Christopher Hatch, Adviser
  • Edward Austin Jennings IV ’19: Navigating the Chaos of Interpersonal Relationships: Directing for the Theatre
    Heather May, Adviser

Experiential EducationAll the World's a Stage

Students on the Behind the Scenes networking trip in Los Angeles

Attend a staged reading by artist-activists at the Fisher Center for the Study of Gender and Justice or explore careers during the Behind the Scenes networking trips to Los Angeles and New York with the Salisbury Center for Career, Professional and Experiential Education.

At Hobart and William Smith Colleges, learning goes beyond textbooks and classrooms. You’ll gain high-impact practical experience that deepens learning and opens doors.

 

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No Borders:Global Education

Study Shakespearean literature in England or masked performance in Indonesia.

Wherever you go, our top-ranked global education program will allow you to apply classroom knowledge, develop cultural understanding and build global connections that expand your personal capacity and sense of purpose.

Indonesia

Discover and employ the methods, ideas and practices of theatre.

Thtr 160 - stagecraft

Gain a practical overview of the technical production aspects of live theater and performance.

thtr 290 - theatre for social change

Learn a variety of movements, practitioners and approaches to creating theatre that encourage communities to work outside of dominant (and often violent/repressive) structures to instigate social change.

thtr 424 - writing about performance

Explore traditional theatre criticism and its inherent challenges of description, interpretation, and evaluation, while also delving into the intersection of performance writing with cultural studies, archival research, and dramaturgy. 

FacilitiesLearning Spaces

Bring your classroom experience to the stage when you take theatre classes in the 2,450 square-foot McDonald Theatre located within the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts. You’ll get access to modern technology and performance space in an intimate setting.

 

 

Alum ImpactFrom the Stageto the Courtroom

jacqueline fisher '18
Associate at Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth

From studying theatre and politics at HWS, Jacqueline used her time and her experiences to help her suceed in law school at George Washington University and secure a job at Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth. 

Companies that employ our graduates

  • Alley Theatre 
  • Atlantic Theater Company
  • Berkeley Repertory Theatre
  • Children’s Theatre Company
  • Climb Theatre
  • Hilberry Theatre Company
  • Illinois Shakespeare Festival 
  • Playwrights Horizons
  • Portland Stage Company
  • Roundabout Theatre Company
  • Studio Theatre (DC)
  • The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts