Programs

To know is nothing at all; to imagine is everything. - Anatole France

Like a human being, theatre is always a thing greater than the sum of its parts. It is a synthesis of all the other art forms known to man, and is created through a complex process. Many different artists and craftspeople gather together to work on a common project, toward a common goal, one play at a time. At its best, theatre helps us understand who we are; it can explain, examine, ridicule, or celebrate the human condition.

St. Scholastica Theatre Program Mission Statement

The Theatre Program at The College of St. Scholastica emphasizes student learning and participation. It is a non-major program that provides opportunities for theatre minors and students majoring in other fields to develop a sense of the aesthetic through exposure to theatre as a performing art. Students construct the sets and costumes, manage the box office and house, and perform in the productions. The Program emphasizes the production of scripts with academic value. This combination of work, learning, and self-expression is a unique component of the liberal arts education.

St. Scholastica Theatre, like any theatre, is an expression and reflection of the larger community of which it is a part. Course offerings, play selection, and the production process are based in the liberal arts tradition of the College. Students from all disciplines contribute to each play that is produced at St. Scholastica. Because of the inter-disciplinary nature of the program, it is possible to pursue and maintain professional theatrical standards without finding the narrowness of focus and competitive concerns that often characterize pre-professional training programs in the arts.

The stage is an institution combining amusement with instruction. . .

Friedrich von Schiller

Study in theatre exposes students to some of the greatest writers and best literature in the world. Performance classes, in addition to developing speaking, listening, and observation skills, demand a level of personal self-discipline and involvement in subject matter that often exceeds the demands placed on a student in more traditionally structured courses. An acting class can be a great self-confidence builder as well as a rewarding exercise of one's imagination. Participation in play production exercises a complex scheme of skills used in human interaction. Problem solving, self-expression, organization, leadership, cooperation, initiative, analysis, and compromise are all part of the process while working on a play. Skills in carpentry, painting, photography, management, music, and many other areas can be learned and practiced while working on a play. Whether as a profession or a hobby in later life, theatre can be an outlet that contributes to one's overall quality of life and to life-long learning and enjoyment.

Theatre Course Listings

• Introduction to Theatre
• Acting for the Stage
• Stage Craft
• Design
• Directing
• Greek to Elizabethan Theatre
• Restoration to 20th Century Theatre
• Performance Practicum
• Technical Practicum

Students may choose a performance or technical option in completing a theatre minor. For more information on the theatre minor click here.

A play in a book is only the shadow of a play and not even a clear shadow of it - Tennessee Williams

St. Scholastica Theatre mounts three major productions each academic year. Cast and crew members are actively recruited from all students on campus. Whether you are acting or involved with lighting, stage managing, set design and construction, or costuming, you can earn course credit for working on a major production. Shows are reviewed regularly by the area theatre critic in the Duluth News-Tribune.

The St. Scholastica Theatre is a flexible theatre space. Productions can be staged in a proscenium, arena, or 3/4-thrust configuration, with an intimate seating capacity of 100. It also houses production support areas for set, prop, and costume construction, as well as providing space for makeup and dressing room facilities.

In addition to a full-time designer/technical director, and guest directors, the theatre staff includes a core of students. Those interested in obtaining a student worker position in the theatre should contact the Theatre Department or the Student Financial Planning Office.

For Further Information

If you would like more information about our program or financial aid contact:

Admissions Office
The College of St. Scholastica
1200 Kenwood Avenue
Duluth, Minnesota 55811
(218) 723-6046 or 1-800-447-5444
TTY/TDD (218) 723-6790
e-mail: admissions@css.edu

Visitors are always welcome! To help us best plan for your visit, please call us in advance.