Theatre
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Theatre FAQs

Do I need to audition to be accepted into the department?
No. But we do recommend auditioning either in person when you visit campus or by DVD if coming here is not possible.

Why?
We rank those who audition for us and send those rankings to the Financial Aid Office. The top ranking students are usually offered a Theatre Scholarship.

Wouldn't an audition indicate that you are more selective about your majors?
Yes and no. The truth is, many of our majors do not come into Gordon College as declared majors. They simply love theatre! However, they usually end up moving our direction because they cannot stay away and/or feel a specific calling in the performing arts. We find that theatre work demands the best of people and theatre majors tend to self-select. They know the road is tough and they recognize what it will take to succeed. What we do is an annual end-of-year evaluation. At these sessions with the full faculty, we review each student's work and potential.  We help guide students to where we see their strengths and gifts. We also use these opportunities to discourage students from continuing if they do not seem to have the drive or talent.

What should be included in the audition?

  • We ask acting and directing students to prepare two one-minute monologues.  One should be comic and one should be dramatic. One should also be Shakespearean (or from that general time period) and one should be contemporary. So if you were to prepare one of Beatrice's monologues from Much Ado About Nothing, you should contrast that with a contemporary piece that is more dramatic.
  • If you sing, we also encourage you to include two contrasting one-minute songs, an up-tempo piece and a ballad. One minute is enough - usually a verse and a chorus of a song.
  • Directors are encouraged to submit a production notebook, if you have prepared one for a past production.
  • Designers are encouraged to submit a portfolio of their work to date, including any scenic or costume renderings, designs, actual light plots and/or production photos. 
  • All submitted materials will be returned.

Do you have to be a major to get a good part in a Gordon production?
No. Auditions are open to everyone on campus, and it is not uncommon for major parts to be played by English, Biology or Social Work Majors.

Is it hard to be involved in production work and college-level academics at the same time?
Yes. We'll be honest. But it also builds life-long discipline and study skills. We want you to succeed in college, and we do all we can to set rehearsal and production schedules so you can plan your work (most are in the evenings, Monday through Friday and end by 10 PM). But as an adult, you need to learn to budget your time well - and seek out appropriate help from your advisor, teacher and director as needed. We continue to be amazed that some of the finest students at Gordon College are involved in theatre and achieve at the highest academic level. Some even work part-time jobs as well. It can be done.

Are there work opportunities in the department?
Absolutely! Individual faculty members often hire assistants, and our production manager annually hires several assistants to help oversee production. These are terrific opportunities to learn with the professional designers we hire for our shows and get paid at the same time. This experience often opens door for future employment. Theatre Art job opportunities are listed below:

  • Stage Manager
  • Costume Shop Manager
  • Master Electrician
  • Shop Assistant
  • Publicity Assistant
  • Teaching Assistant

What shows are you planning for the coming year?
Click on the following link to see the current production schedule: Theatre Schedule
If you are a prospective student and would like to be our guest at one of these productions, please contact our department chair. He would be happy to give you and a guest complimentary tickets--with sufficient advance notice (please allow two weeks!). He can be reached via email at:
e: .