Program Overview
Mercer University's Theatre program offers a comprehensive curriculum in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre. Through hands-on experiences and an immersive environment, students develop their creativity, artistic skills, and work ethic, preparing them for careers in the performing arts and beyond. The program emphasizes collaboration, personalized attention, and a variety of theatre productions, providing students with a well-rounded education and opportunities for professional growth.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Theatre at Mercer University
The Theatre program at Mercer University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the performing arts through hands-on experiences and an immersive curriculum. The program emphasizes the development of students' creativity, intelligence, motivation, and work ethic, preparing them for a wide range of careers in the arts and beyond.
Objectives:
- Develop students' artistic and technical skills in theatre
- Foster students' creativity and imagination
- Provide students with a strong foundation in the liberal arts
- Prepare students for careers in the performing arts and related fields
Program Description:
The Theatre program at Mercer University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree. The curriculum includes coursework in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of theatre productions throughout their time at Mercer.
Outline:
Program Content:
The Theatre program at Mercer University covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Acting
- Directing
- Design
- Technical theatre
- Theatre history
- Theatre theory
Course Schedule:
The Theatre program at Mercer University typically follows a four-year schedule. During their first two years, students take foundational courses in acting, directing, design, and technical theatre. In their third and fourth years, students focus on more specialized coursework and have the opportunity to participate in a variety of theatre productions.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
The Theatre program at Mercer University uses a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning, including:
- Performance evaluations
- Written assignments
- Oral presentations
- Portfolio reviews
Assessment Criteria:
The Theatre program at Mercer University assesses student learning based on the following criteria:
- Artistic skill
- Technical skill
- Creativity
- Imagination
- Intellectual curiosity
- Work ethic
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The Theatre program at Mercer University uses a variety of teaching methods to engage students in the learning process, including:
- Lectures
- Demonstrations
- Workshops
- Rehearsals
- Performances
Faculty:
The Theatre program at Mercer University has a dedicated faculty of experienced professionals who are passionate about teaching and mentoring students. The faculty includes:
- Frani Rollins, Associate Professor, Co-Chair of Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Department, and Director of Theatre
- Marian F. Zielinski, Professor Emerita
- Penni Hartley, Center Coordinator for Theatre, Mathematics, and Art
- Shelley Kuhen, Costume Designer
- Scot J. Mann, Professor
- James Ogden, Senior Lecturer and Technical Director
Unique Approaches:
The Theatre program at Mercer University offers several unique approaches to teaching and learning, including:
- A low student-to-faculty ratio, which allows for personalized attention from the faculty
- A variety of theatre productions throughout the year, which provide students with hands-on experience
- A strong emphasis on collaboration, which prepares students for careers in the performing arts
Careers:
Career Paths:
The Theatre program at Mercer University prepares students for a wide range of careers in the performing arts and related fields, including:
- Actor
- Director
- Designer
- Technical director
- Stage manager
- Arts administrator
Opportunities:
The Theatre program at Mercer University provides students with a variety of opportunities to develop their skills and prepare for their careers, including:
- Auditions for theatre productions
- Internships with professional theatre companies
- Study abroad programs
- Guest artist workshops
Outcomes:
Graduates of the Theatre program at Mercer University have gone on to successful careers in the performing arts and related fields. Some notable alumni include:
- Tony Award winner Lena Hall
- Emmy Award winner Tituss Burgess
- Broadway star Christopher Abbott
- Film and television actor Sam Rockwell
