Theatre Arts at WestConn
Don’t just dream it…..Act on it!
Overview
Our NAST-accredited Department of Theatre Arts provides a strong professional training approach to the study of the art and craft of theatre. Students who major in theatre arts prepare for careers directly related to performance, design/technology, management and dramaturgy. Our Musical Theatre program now provides students with a BFA and requires intensive training in collaboration with the Music Department after the initial audition process for entry into the program.
Diverse theatrical performances presented at WCSU include musicals and traditional plays, ranging from classical to contemporary genres. Connections to the greater theatre community are promoted through sponsorship of professional training workshops and performances by guest artists. Our proximity to NYC (one hour to midtown Manhattan) gives us an opportunity to make excellent use of its vast resources, including hiring well-known casting directors & agents for our annual Senior Showcase, Broadway choreographers for our staged productions, and various guest artists for master classes. Many faculty members have worked extensively in the Broadway and TV community and have received Tony, Drama Desk and Emmy awards. The theatre faculty also maintains close ties with professional organizations, activities, and research facilities within the area. Opportunities are regularly planned to introduce students to the professional environment through the connections.
Our Theatre Arts Department participates in The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival annually and has received top national awards from the festival every year since 2015. Design/Technology students also have the opportunity to attend the national USITT conference annually, gaining access to the latest technology being created for stage productions each year in this ever-growing art form.
We welcome you to come and visit – to see for yourself – the caliber of the program & faculty in any of our six fully produced stage productions each academic year.
Areas of Study
- Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts
Concentrations in Performance, Design/Technology, Theatre Arts Management, Drama Studies - Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre
Program Features
- Professional Resident Faculty
- Six faculty or guest directed main stage and studio stage productions per academic year
- Yearly New York City Senior Showcase with Broadway casting directors & agents
- Workshops with NYC Stage, TV and Film Professionals
- Internships possible with New York City and Connecticut Regional and Professional theatres.
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival Participation
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