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The Acting Program At...

The theatre area at SMWC offers students a unique major titled "Women and Theatre" and two theatre minors. The major degree is for women who are considering work in the theatre (as performers, directors, educators, arts administrators) and wish to become a part of the vanguard of women creating major changes in the arts.

The degree combines study of the rich history and tradition of theatre with the innovative work being done by women's theatre groups throughout the world (often connected to social and spiritual issues). Additionally, women's theatre/feminist theatre is a firmly established academic discipline and most large theatre programs include at least one faculty member specializing in this area. Finally, the program allows enough schedule flexibility for the student majoring in Women and Theatre to add a minor (or even, possibly, another major). For example, a student interested in play writing might add a creative writing minor; a student who wished to combine art and theatre could add an art minor; a singer could fit in a music core major. The possibilities are limitless!

SMWC also offers a theatre minor in both the campus and the WED programs. This minor can serve as a useful addition to a major in such varied fields as vocal performance, art, psychology, business, or education. SMWC graduates with theatre majors and minors have gone on to perform in professional theatre, manage children's theatre groups, become lawyers, and receive full assistantships to pursue graduate study.

How we prepare you…
The program can prepare young women for the special challenges facing women in the performing arts and help them create their own performance pieces (a significant trend for female actor/artists who want to create professional space outside of the standard "show business fare"). The degree is closely aligned with SMWC's mission in promoting moral values, fighting female stereotypes, and giving students the strength and courage to "effect positive changes in society." Students pursuing this degree gain invaluable skills in teamwork, self-discipline, effective communication, and critical thinking.