Page 125 of Albion College Departments and Courses Catalog by Albion College Michigan
Theatre and Dance
Faculty
Robert J. Starko, chair and assistant professor.
B.A., 1974, State University of New York at Oneonta; M.F.A., 1991, Illinois State University. Appointed 1999.
Jennifer J. Chapman, assistant professor.
B.A., 1995, San Francisco State University; M.A., 1998, Ph.D. candidate, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Appointed 2003.
Daniel C. Walker, visiting assistant professor.
B.A., 1984, Washington University, St. Louis; M.F.A., 1987, University of Texas, Austin. Appointed 2003.
Royal A. Ward, professor, vice president for academic affairs and dean of the faculty.
B.A., 1968, MacMurray College; M.A., 1969, University of Illinois; Ph.D., 1984, University of Michigan. Appointed 1979.
Melissa B. Wyss, visiting instructor.
B.S., 1966, M.A., 1968, Ohio State University. Appointed 1977.
Introduction
The goal of Albion College's Department of Theatre and Dance isto provide the College community with examples of the best
theatre and dance from our cultural heritage and from contemporary life. We value the effectiveness of theatre and dance to
explore issues of human consequence and to offer to the student, as performer, designer, technician and audience, the opportunity
for self-affirmation and self-actualization. The curriculum, therefore, balances a sequence of literature and history courses with the
traditional theatre process courses in performance and production as well as dance technique and choreography. Students develop
simultaneously their analytical and research skills with their imaginative and creative skills. In the classroom, in the laboratory and
in performance, students acquire the knowledge and experiences essential to becoming a gifted theatre artist and an informed
audience member.
Participation in theatre and dance productions is open to all students enrolled at the College. Our productions have, on-stage and
back-stage, a diverse mix of collaborators from all disciplines. Theatre majors are expected to complement their course work with
active participation in the department's programs. Four major theatre productions, two student productions and one dance
performance yearly provide the opportunity to gain a thorough knowledge of all facets of theatre production. Majors are expected
to participate in all assessment objectives as outlined by the department.
Theatre and Dance Department Web site
Career Opportunities
Professions open to graduates of the department include theatre and dance performance, production design, arts management,
teaching at all levels, arts criticism and arts advocacy. Many of our majors pursue graduate study in the specialized fields of
performance, directing, design, theatre history and literature and criticism.
Special Features
Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to participate in semester apprenticeships and internships in theatre through the GLCA
New York Arts Program and in international opportunities which focus on literary, cultural and artistic experiences. Dance
frequently brings in guest artists of regional and national reputation in order to broaden the exposure of the students to different
styles. The theatre program at Albion has close ties with the regionally-based Purple Rose Theatre Company and Performance
Network. It also sponsors the Kurtz Theatre Enrichment Series which brings outstanding theatre scholars and practitioners to the
campus. The department is very active in the American College Theatre Festival, sending a number of students to the annual
conference each year.
Requirements for Major in Theatre A minimum of 10 units in theatre, including: 209, 211, 251, 280, 281, and four 1/4-unit practica (175, 176), and four
units of electives chosen from 208, 210, 260 or any 300 or higher level course. A total of two cognate courses must be completed for a major in theatre: one course in English (English 261, 349,
374, 375, 376) and one course in music or art (Art History 111 or 112 or Music 111). Courses required for the major must be taken for a numerical grade.
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