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.
Building off their experience as a stage manager at Hobart and William Smith, Derrielle got professional advice and opportunities to network in the performing arts field during the 64th USITT Annual Conference and Expo.
“Working on “The One Act Play Where Everything Goes Wrong” in my first semester, I realized the theatrical arts could continue to be a prominent part of my life. Professor of Theatre Christopher Hatch challenged me to new limits as an actress, having me approach acting with greater logic and precision while also exploring comedic physicality through stage combat and broadening my views on the art of theatrical storytelling. Additionally, “Theater for Social Change” with Professor of Theatre H. May helped me see how theater can be a powerful tool for political expression and social justice while Professor of Theatre Chris Woodworth’s class on playwriting expanded my writing abilities and deepened my understanding of character, intent and structure. In the future, I hope to continue advocating for the importance of entertainment through the art of storytelling as an entertainment lawyer.”
Honors
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:
Christina Marie Roc '24: Writing Find This Star: An Honors Project in Advanced Playwriting Christine, Woodworth, Adviser
MargaretHollister ’20: From Marivaux to Modern Theatre:Translating an 18th Century Play for a 21st Century Audience Christopher Hatch, Adviser
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.
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.
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.
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.
troy tedeschi '22 master of fine arts student in film and animation
Troy's inspiration for a career in cinematography began when he served as the director of photography for HWS Theatre's production of Memories of Overdevelopment. He is continuing on that path as a master's student at Rochester Institute of Technology.
Current Position: Broadway Casting Professional Current Location: New York, NY Majors: Theatre, Media and Society
"There were many so many professors at HWS that were essential to my path. These included Professor of Theatre Chris Woodworth, Professor of Theatre H. May, Professor of Theatre Chris Hatch and the late retired Technical Director Bill Burd. Everyone gave this indescribable reassurance that I’d be able to not only achieve my goals, but also excel in them."
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