Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there auditions or portfolio reviews for acceptance to the theatre program?

A: No. The University of Vermont offers a liberal arts education with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. To this end there is no interview process for acceptance into our theatre program. Once you are accepted to the College of Arts & Sciences, each student may choose their major.

Q: How do I audition for the season productions?

A: The Department of Theatre permits anyone, student or not, to audition for all productions. Majors, minors, and concentrators are given special notice since they have taken classes but all are invited. Notices are posted in the department and online with audition dates for each production. To get on the online information list, see a student rep or sign-up on the green room door. The Department of Theatre supports a policy of "No Pre-casting" and embraces casting with a "blind eye" whenever possible.

Q: How many productions do you do?

A: There are typically three main stage productions each academic year (two in the fall semester and one in the spring semester). In addition, there is also a children's production in December where we try to highlight incoming students and the spring Festival of One Acts which is our senior theses. For the upcoming or current season.

Q: Are their specific emphasizes with the program?

A major will choose an emphasis in performance, design and technology, or history/criticism. The program allows three courses to be taken to fulfill the requirement of the emphasis. For further specific information on each of the emphases go to major emphasis.

Q: Why study theatre if I'm not a major or minor?

A: You bet! Ask anyone for details. But be careful. Once you've gotten involved, you'll be hooked for life.

Q: Can I be a double major?

A: Yes. Many students are. See the Resources for Current Student Dean's office of the College of Arts & Sciences.

Q: Does the department do musicals?

A: The department tries to do a wide range of productions. In your four years at UVM, we try to offer historical classics, comedies, American classics, contemporary works, social issues as well as the musical. So in those four years we might produce at least two musicals. That being aid, there are other venues in the are that offer musical theatre productions which our students participate: the Players (SGA funded student theatre organization). St. Michael's College summer playhouse, the Lyric Theatre (a community organization producing two large scaled productions each year). We have one class in THE 016: Musical Theatre Performance which is offered by Lecturer Bill Reed.

Q: What is the relationship between theatre and dance?

A: Dance is a new minor on the campus of UVM. The Department of Theatre is proud to have Professor Paul Besaw, director of the dance program, as a secondary appointee within the theatre program. We work closely to provide our students in dance and theatre the best opportunities in collaboration not only in movement/choregraphy but also technical support: lighting and stage management.

Last modified May 19 2010 11:49 AM