Theatre
Department
The Faculty
Performing artists, actors, dancers, and directors in their own right, the members of the Theatre and Dance Department not only teach but also continue to practice their craft in a variety of ways. They are acclaimed producers and directors, choreographers, contemporary and Shakespearean actors, and stage and lighting designers. They share their real life experiences with students in the classroom. Their numerous honors and awards include two Kennedy Center bronze medallions, selection as one of only seven in the country to direct a production for the 1984 American Theatre Festival, invitations to choreograph musical productions in New York City and multiple (Shreveport) Times Drama Awards for acting, directing, lighting, and production.
About the Major
Many believe that Centenary College has the best theatre in the area. After attending a production, you will understand why. Within the first few weeks of class, theatre majors are exposed to all aspects of creating a full-scale theatrical production. Acting, directing, lighting, costume design, set design, sound, and make-up are several of the areas that a theatre major will practice both inside and outside the classroom. Courses in technical theatre, lighting, theatre history, criticism and analysis, design and stage management serve as a foundation for advanced work in the theatre. Any interested student may audition for plays at Centenary. It is truly a community experience that students, staff, and local patrons support and enjoy immensely.
Career Opportunities
A degree in theatre, dance, or performing arts can lead to rewarding careers in the fields of teaching, performance, design, radio and television, arts administration, public relations, and advertising. Centenary graduates have gone on to do successful graduate work at such prestigious schools as Yale, Juilliard, Emerson College, Sarah Lawrence, California State University-Fullerton, Virginia Commonwealth University, Southern Methodist University, and the North Carolina School of the Arts. Many have also moved to New York and Los Angeles to work and continue study in their respective fields.
