FAQ
1) Do I have to be a theatre major to participate in productions?
No. Of the many students who are actively involved in theatre at Augustana, approximately 25% are Theatre Arts Majors or Minors. The program is designed to allow all students who are interested in performance, design, technology, and theatre history to fully participate in all aspects of production. We welcome your active involvement at whatever level you choose.
2) How often do you produce musicals?
We recognize the importance of presenting musical theatre to our students and audiences, and we consider many different musical titles in the planning of our seasons. Currently, we produce one musical every other year. We are always careful to select musical works that are challenging and thought-provoking, as well as entertaining.
3) Can first-year students be involved in the program?
Absolutely! We frequently use our first-year students on both sides of the stage. We try our best to select a season that will provide plenty of performance opportunities for novice and veteran thespians. Even though cast size is always limited, there are always opportunities available to work behind the scenes. The best news is you don’t have to wait until your sophomore year to become an active participant in the program.
4) How many plays do you produce each year?
Our season includes three mainstage productions, an annual festival of student-produced short plays, and senior project presentations. We frequently produce a studio-showcase production in addition to our regular season offerings. Each of our mainstage plays runs for six performances over the course of two weeks. The student-produced work runs for one or two performances on a single weekend.
5) What kinds of plays do you produce?
We produce a wide variety of works from classical tragedies to contemporary comedies, and everything in between. We are committed to giving our students and audiences a rich theatrical experience consisting of works from different times, places, and genres.
6) If I am involved in the Theatre Arts Program at Augustana, can I still participate in other activities?
Certainly. While there is a significant time commitment expected of all students involved in theatre productions, our students can and do participate in other activities including choir, band, orchestra, athletics, debate, student government, and various other campus organizations. Most of the students who are attracted to Augustana are interested in a lot of different things, and we try to encourage our students to explore all aspects of the liberal arts experience.
7) What kind of financial aid opportunities exist in theatre arts?
We have several work-study positions in all the technical areas of production. Work-study opportunities also exist in house management and administration through the Office of Cultural Events. We also offer theatre scholarship awards for outstanding students in performance, design, and technology. More information on Theatre Scholarship Awards »
8) Can I take theatre classes if I am not a Theatre Arts major?
Yes! Our Introduction to Theatre class is designed specifically for non-majors, and most of our other course offerings count toward general education credits in the fine arts area. Academic credit can also be earned for participation in productions. One credit can be earned for each onstage or backstage assigned production experience. Up to four credits in Practical Theatre can be counted toward overall credits needed for graduation. More detailed description of our course offerings »
9) What kinds of positions are available behind the scenes?
There are opportunities in virtually every area of technical production: set construction, scene painting, costume construction, make-up, lighting, sound, props, and run crew. Additionally, students fill positions in stage management and assistant directing for each production. Although there are a limited number of positions available on the run crew of each production, you can work year-round in all areas of construction.
10) What in the world can I do with a liberal arts degree in Theatre?
About 97% of Augustana graduates begin jobs or begin studying for an advanced degree within six months of graduation, regardless of their chosen major. Your studies in Theatre Arts will prepare you to pursue advanced training or professional opportunities in performance, design, directing, technology, and theatre history. You will also acquire valuable skills that can be applied to many professions outside of theatre arts. Theatre majors develop skills in interpersonal communication, group problem-solving, artistic expression, creative thinking, organization, and leadership. A liberal arts degree in theatre may open the door to careers in public relations, arts administration, government, marketing, law, communications, education, and many other fields of endeavor.
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