Sarah Lawrence’s Theatre program embraces  the interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of theatre. Theatre students learn not just about one discipline of theatre arts but about many, including directing; acting; playwriting; design; the creation of nontextual, ensemble work; puppetry; and the art of bringing theatre into the local community. They study the fundamentals of the many technical skills demanded by the modern theatre. They make the connection between acting and the physical self—breathing, voice, speech, movement, and the Alexander Technique—and between the theatre arts and those of music and dance. And they encounter not just contemporary American theatre, but the major historical periods that precede our own, as well as the diverse cultural influences that enrich and expand our experience.

The Curriculum

To this end, each student taking a Theatre Third further divides that Third into several “component classes” within the program. Students entering the program for the first time (regardless of their class) enroll in the two components known as the Gateway to Theatre courses, 1) History and Histrionics and 2) Technology, which introduce them to the history of theatre and to a wide range of technical theatre skills. In students’ first year, they also take two or more components of their own choosing.

Continuing students, with the advice of the theatre faculty, construct an individualized program that consists of three or more components based on their level and focus. The components are a balanced selection made from the basic disciplines of study.

The theatre faculty is committed to the philosophy that students learn by doing. Although classes provide a rigorous, intellectual framework, students are continually engaged in the process of making theatre. The program aims to help students build a solid technique based on recognized methodologies while also encouraging students to discover and develop their individual artistic selves.

Practicum

Students have many opportunities to develop their performance skills and gain practical experience. A student may become involved as actor, writer, director, designer, or member of the technical staff with “mainstage” productions and readings sponsored by the department. Students may do the same with the two student-run producing organizations: DownStage and GradWorks. Performance spaces include the Suzanne Werner Wright Theatre, the Frances Ann Cannon Workshop Theatre, DownStage, and GradWorks. Students may also participate in Theatre Outreach, in which perfor-mance and teaching groups work with local small theatres, schools, and community centers.