Theater Arts and Acting

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Theater Arts and Acting Faculty

Associate Professors: Kathryn Petersen, Dr. Jonathan Shandell (Co-Director)    
     
Assistant Professors: Aaron McAllister, Mark Wade (Co-Director)            

Adjunct Professors: Courtney Boches, Parris Bradley, J. Alex Cordaro, Diane Gaary, Kevin Glaccum, Grace Gonglewski, Katherine Hanley, Alisa S. Kleckner, Janet Marini, Robert Napoli, Joshua Schulman, Karen Vicks, Greg Wood

Theater Arts and Acting Overview

• Preparation for careers in theater, television and film
• Preparation for careers in directing, play and screenwriting, stage design
• Preparation for teaching
• Preparation for graduate study in theater and media studies
• Opportunities to perform in MainStage and studio productions
• Opportunities to study abroad at some of the top universities in the world

The Theater Arts program offers artistic education centered on maximizing the passions, talents and personal development of our students. We go beyond a traditional conservatory-style approach by creating opportunities for immersion in all aspects of theatrical creation. Our small size enables close interaction with faculty in an intimate liberal arts setting. Our proximity to Philadelphia’s dynamic theater community connects students with industry professionals (who work with us as instructors and guest artists) and professional opportunities beyond campus. Students are encouraged to develop their talents and also to study globally and educate themselves in a wider world of cultures and ideas.

The Theater Arts program provides students with a rigorous four-year sequential course of study in acting, the speaking and singing voice, speech, movement for actors, and dramatic literature. In addition, there are offerings in acting and directing for the camera, stage combat, dance, improvisation, mask, make-up, and audition techniques.

Theater Arts majors also participate actively in the life of the University through four Main Stage productions per year.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting degree provides the opportunity to prepare for a career in

• Professional theater
• Musical theater (for those completing the Concentration in Musical Theater)
• Television
• Film

An audition is required for admission to the program.

The Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts is designed for students seeking a degree in theater for careers in directing, play and screenwriting, stage design or education. Career options for the Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts include:

• Directors, designers and production managers of stage, television and film
• Teachers of theater in elementary or secondary education
• Arts administrators, television executives, film producers or entertainment lawyers
• Drama and speech therapists
• Playwrights and screenwriters

Pathways to Study Abroad in Theater Arts

Arcadia Theater Arts students can participate in extensive study abroad opportunities in Great Britain, Ireland, Greece, Australia and New Zealand. In addition to their studies abroad, students can find exciting internships abroad, such as an internship at the Royal Court Theater through the London Internship program, an intensive semester of acting in Ireland through the program at Trinity College, Dublin, or an intensive semester of acting, directing and producing television and film in Sydney, Australia, at the University of New South Wales.

Visit the University’s website for more information. Since it is important that students plan ahead for study abroad, they should consult with their advisers as soon as possible and make their intentions known to the Department Chair and the Office of Study Away ((215) 572-8514), which is located on the first floor of Taylor Hall.

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