Theatre Program

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Information: 1-888-722-SRSU droman@sulross.edu

In Western civilization, theatre has always maintained an important role as a means of education, creativity, expression, criticism and entertaiment. Individuals who explore the world of drama grow in self-knowledge, self-worth, communication and self-expression skills, as well as developing an appreciation of the creative and the educational worth of the performing arts.

The theatre program offers a bachelor of fine arts degree in theatre, offering three separate tracks: acting/directing, technical design and production and teacher certification (elementary and secondary levels). Students may also minor in theatre.

The philosophy of the program is to produce graduates who have a broad background in all aspects of theatre, including acting and directing, design and production, playwrighting, children's theatre, script analysis, movement and stage combat, promotion and administration and history and criticism. Students at Sul Ross are well prepared for careers in the professional theatre, theatre education and/or graduate studies.

The program is active in all forms and styles of theatre, including musical theatre, children's theatre and original script development. The program sponsors the Area 3 UIL One-Act Play competition, using students as organizers and staff. In addition, students and faculty members attend UIL One-Act Play and forensic meets throughout the year as judges.

Since 1984, the program has participated in the Kennedy Center-American College Theatre Festival with full-length plays. A number of individuals and casts have been recognized for excellence in all aspects of theatre by this organization (promotion design, stage and sound design, acting, ensemble work, et al).

During the 2007 Thanksgiving break a number of students, faculty and community members went to the theatre district in New York to attend plays and workshops. The program has also traveled to London for theatre productions. Along with the communication program, the theatre program is involved in tadio theatre, video productions and other performance events.

Students have access to four performance areas and a number of production facilities at Sul Ross:

• Studio Theater in the Fine Arts Building, a 120-seat proscenium house.
• Marshall Auditorium, a 40-foot proscenium theater and primary event center at Sul Ross
• Kokernot Outdoor Theatre, traditional home of Theatre of the Big Bend, SRSU's summer theater.
• Kokernot Amphitheater, an outdoor Greek-style performance space
• Scene Shop with modern equipment, electric shop and prop storage adjacent to the Kokernot Outdoor Theater
• Costume Shop, along with costume storage located in the Fine Arts Building
• Sound/Television Studios, supporting the Theatre Program and shared with the Communication Program

Summer Theatre 2006 Photos by Barbara Richerson and Jason Hennington