Areas of Study

Learn by Doing

SUNY Oswego Theatre is committed to preparing students for positions within and outside of the professional theatre industry. Our hands-on programming offers the opportunity to gain expertise in acting, directing, sound, lighting, scenic design, makeup, costuming, dramaturgy, dance and more.

All theatre programs are generalist in nature, which will give you experience in multiple areas of the theatrical arts, both in areas of your interest and beyond. You will gain historical perspective, familiarity with the great plays of the world, and an opportunity to participate in all areas of the theatre.

Theatre B.A.

Required classes

For more information on specific areas of study, please read below.

Three actors (woman on the left, man in the middle, and woman on the right) acting out a scene

Acting and Directing

Students have the opportunity to train in a variety of acting and directing techniques, building from early fundamentals up to advanced concepts of performance. Students will train in varying levels of traditional and contemporary performance styles, character interpretation, music theatre, and script analysis, to create a well-rounded performer. In-department performance and directing opportunities make this a hands-on site to prepare you for the professional world.

More About Acting & Directing

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Design and Technical Theatre

Students in our generalist program will have the opportunity to learn applicable skills for both the design and implementation of technical and backstage tasks. Designers will gain valuable skill and practical experience in the areas of scenic design, costumes, lighting, props, or sound; while technicians will learn through hands-on experience in areas such as set construction, costume building, electrics, operation, prop building and stage management, all of which will build to the development of a professional portfolio.

More About Design & Tech

Dramaturgy, Theatre History, and Criticism

Students will have the opportunity to deepen their academic experience in theatre through research, analysis, script development, theatre history, and dramaturgy. Students may contribute to departmental productions as dramaturgs, help develop new plays, and write contextual material, to engage in the many practical, applicable opportunities available for any detail-minded student.

More About Dramaturgy

Student Positions

Students interested in filling roles on a future SUNY Oswego Theatre production will require a professional-style cover page and resume, and may be asked to attend an interview to gauge their suitability. Please note that application to a position does not necessarily guarantee selection, and this is set at the discretion of faculty.

Requirements for the student director

Junior or senior standing
Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a 3.0 in the major subject area, completion of the directing sequence (THT 341 & THT 440)
Written proposal and interview with faculty committee

Requirements for student designers

Minimum overall GPA of 2.5 and a 3.0 in the major subject area
Portfolio presentation and interview with faculty/staff committee

Faculty and staff work as mentors with the directors and designers on the Honors Production. If you are interested in working on the production team for the Honors Production, it is recommended that you gain experience in stage management and assistant directing (for directors) and in assistant design, crew and crew head positions (for designers).

Applications

Acting/Directing Track

Applications for students interested in future opportunities in Directing, including serving as AD to a Faculty Director, or as Director on the Blackfriars Student Honors Production.

Student Director Applications

Design/Tech Track

Applications for students interested in future opportunities in Technical Theatre, including roles in stage management, lighting, sound, and scenic design on both Mainstage productions and the Blackfriars Student Honors Production.

Student Technician Applications

Dramaturgy/History Track

Applications for students interested in future opportunities in Production Dramaturgy on both Mainstage productions and the Blackfriars Student Honors Production.

Student Dramaturgy Applications

Potential Job Outcomes

Scenic Design
Lighting Design
Costume
Makeup
Sound Design

Wardrobe
Production Dramaturgy
New Play Development
Stage Management
Casting

Props Design
Props Building
Theatre Criticism
Publicity
Literary Management