Student Opportunities

Through coursework, student clubs, acting, backstage and technical work, dance and other hands-on opportunities, our Theatre Department is here to help you learn, explore and develop skills to prepare you for a variety of careers. Our department is small and close-knit, and the intense, immersive experience of working side by side with faculty, staff and peers to put on a production often leads to friendships that last a lifetime.

Act

From your first year, you’ll have opportunities to audition, perform and grow on stage. We produce a variety of plays each semester, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience, confidence and connections in a supportive, collaborative environment.

All SUNY Oneonta students are encouraged to audition for department productions. Roles are not reserved for theatre majors only. Additionally, every spring, students enrolled in the Directing course cast students from the SUNY Oneonta campus community to perform in class projects consisting of scenes and short plays.

The “Identity Play Reading” series is a faculty-advised, student-driven initiative that presents staged readings of plays about diversity, inclusion and individuality. The series celebrates plays that turn a spotlight on the differences that delineate us from each other, and that give unique voices a chance to be heard. Anyone interested is welcome to attend and help the committee select scripts and organize readings.

Productions

Operating alongside its traditional coursework, the Theatre Department's productions serve as valuable laboratories in which the theories and skills learned in courses are applied and further developed. A selection of shows is produced each year, calling upon a variety of themes, genres, cultures, time periods and styles.

The Theatre Department welcomes students from across SUNY Oneonta to participate in productions. Onstage and off, more roles are available that can be filled by majors alone. Any student involved in a production may register to earn academic credit in the Theatre Practicum.

Help Backstage

Every production involves a team of collaborators that create and implement an artistic vision for how the story will be told. The production team commonly includes the director, dramaturg, stage manager, designers, props master, technical director, and master electrician. Other positions may be added depending on the show. Work is carried out by production team members on an extremely varied schedule that includes many meetings and rehearsals. Serving on a production team requires the highest level of commitment.

The scenery and costume shops function as educational studios and professional workplaces that are relied upon to create the scenery, props, and costumes envisioned by the production team. The shops are routinely in need of helpers.

It is the responsibility of the run crew to ensure a show is consistently presented as the production team intended. Among other tasks, the run crew wrangles props, moves scenery, cues lights and sound, and operates rigging. The work of the run crew must be carried out during technical rehearsals and performances, which take place during evenings and weekends for about a two-week period.

Take a Class

Taking a class is a great way for non-majors to get a taste of what theatre has to offer. Some theatre courses do not have prerequisites or may be used to fulfill a general education requirement. Courses that are required for theatre majors often have seats available for non-majors as well. Some courses are more hands-on or require greater time commitments than others. Here are a few classes you might consider exploring:

• Theatre Appreciation: Learn about what theatre is and how it works and see shows for credit.
• Acting I: Step outside your comfort zone and gain confidence speaking and performing with others.
• Stagecraft: Build and paint scenery in the shop and help backstage during performances.
• Stage Costuming: Help build costumes for shows and learn how to construct your own.

Dance

We offer classes in various styles for both the beginning and more experienced dancer. Styles of dance offered include modern, jazz, ballet, ballroom, and tap. All the dance classes participate in a final performance each semester that showcases their work. Check with the Registrar's Office to see what dance courses are being offered next semester. If desired, students may also culminate their dance training with a minor in dance. Theatre Department productions occasionally include dance as a significant element.

Getting involved in one of our many dance-related student clubs is a great way to make friends who share your love of dance. The Terpsichorean Dance Company (affectionately known as “Terps”) produces sold-out dance shows every semester to showcase the work of student choreographers and dancers. For more information about Terps, visit Campus Connection or the club’s Facebook page.

Mask and Hammer Theatre Club

Mask and Hammer, the Student Association theatre club, is an active and dynamic campus organization that promotes opportunities for students of all majors to become involved in theatre activities. One of the longest-running clubs on campus, Mask and Hammer works closely with the theatre faculty and staff to support and promote Theatre Department productions and events. The club also sponsors a variety of social and artistic events throughout the academic year, including a production each semester that is entirely student produced and directed. Auditions for Mask and Hammer productions are held at the same time as those for Theatre Department productions.

Independent Study

In addition to the regular courses offered, students may also arrange independent studies with individual faculty members to pursue material or projects of special interest.

Teaching Assistantships

It is possible for a student to assist a faculty member in the teaching and management of a course. If a student has successfully completed the course and fits the SUNY Oneonta criteria to serve as a teaching assistant, they may receive one to three credits and gain valuable teaching experience.

Student Employment

Federal Work Study positions are available in the scenery and costume shops. Theatre students who qualify for Federal Work Study should request placement with the Theatre Department if they would like to earn money toward their education by helping out backstage.

Paid part-time positions in the scenery and costume shops are sometimes available through on-campus temporary service student employment. Temporary service positions are generally reserved for students already possessing skills in scenery or costume construction.

Internships

You’ll have support finding internships that connect your classroom learning to real-world theatre experience. Work with professional theatre and production companies to explore your interests, build your résumé, and gain a glimpse into life after graduation. You can even earn academic credit by arranging your internship in advance. Your academic advisor, the Theatre Department and the Career Planning and Networking Center are all here to help you take the next step toward your career.