In this section

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • To be collaborative, informed, imaginative
  • To make, understand, and evaluate theatre events
  • To speak and write persuasively and honestly
  • To manage long-term projects and bring them to fruition
  • To create and execute public events

WHO YOU COULD BE

  • Actor
  • Playwright
  • Event Planner
  • Producer/Project Manager
  • Stage Manager, Stage Technician
  • Artistic Director, Managing Director

 

 

 

OVERVIEW

Courses and activities offered in Theatre Arts are designed to unlock the artistic potential of students, enabling them to become imaginative, informed, engaged, and collaborative theater- makers, educators, entrepreneurs, and leaders.

Through participation in student- and faculty-directed productions, students ground their study in experiential learning through rehearsal and performance. The intimate Norton Clapp Theatre, located in Jones Hall, serves as the performance center for the department.

Students of any major may pursue all aspects of theatre-making at Puget Sound, from lighting and sound design to acting, directing, dramaturgy, and front-of-house management. The department offers a major and minor as well as numerous performance opportunities throughout the academic year.

 

 

Andrew Russell, Former Artistic Director, Intiman Theatre, Seattle
THEATER DIRECTOR
Andrew Russell, Former Artistic Director, Intiman Theater, Seattle

"Hands down, University of Puget Sound Theatre Arts students have a reputation of being unafraid of taking risks, willing to make bold and daring choices, and carrying themselves with a sense of, 'we can do this, even if it seems crazy.'"

SAMPLE COURSES

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

Students have a variety of research and practice opportunities:

  • Max Tapogna '20, summer research grant, "Art vs. Theory"
  • Hannah Ferguson '17 and Erin Ganley '18 interned as part of the ARTBARN residency on campus
  • Volunteer/work in the scene or costume shop, lighting lab, production positions, or as a course assistant
  • Perform with Ubiquitous They and Sketch Comedy Groups
  • Molly McLean '19 performed as a lead and dramaturg in one of the Senior Theatre Festival's plays, as well as researching and annotating the show

 

 

AFTER PUGET SOUND

A sampling of things our alumni are doing:

  • Portland Stage Company (company manager, props master)
  • Northwest Playwrights Alliance (playwright)
  • Washington University St. Louis (associate professor)
  • St. Martin's University (costume designer)
  • New School for Arts & Academics, Phoenix (middle school social studies and drama teacher)
  • University of California, San Diego (M.A., theatre arts)
  • Royal Welsh College of Music (M.A.)
  • University of Puget Sound (Master of Arts in Teaching)
  • Antioch University (education, drama therapy)
  • Westminster College, Salt Lake City (leadership)

FACILITIES

Norton Clapp Theatre

All Theatre Arts productions are set in our intimate 250-seat Norton Clapp Theatre.

Norton Clapp Theatre
Building theater sets
SCENE SHOP

Students learn how to interpret and execute design plans, and how to safely use tools and equipment to erect stunning sets for our main-stage productions.

Students in costume in a Theatre Arts performance
COSTUME SHOP

Students learn to read patterns, sew, and construct the beautiful designs that actors wear on stage.