Theatre Program
About the program
The art of theatre is only completely realized in performance, so our program encourages active learning by focusing on hands-on experiences with the collaborative arts that go into creating performance.
Why study theatre at Roanoke?
Explore all aspects of theatre: acting, design, stage managing, literature, and history. Our program allows students to tailor their classes to meet their individual interests.
Challenge yourself by collaborating with faculty in bringing plays from the page to the stage. Past productions include classic pieces by Shakespeare, Goldoni, Moliere, and Plautus as well as modern works by writers such as Sarah Ruhl, Wendy Wasserstein, Lauren Gunderson, Tennessee Williams, and Thornton Wilder.
Experience working with outstanding artists-in-residence. TRC has hosted the Living Theatre, Commedia del Arte expert Doug Berky, internationally known voice specialist Louis Colaianni; cutting edge creators of devised drama, The New Yorkers; British actors from The American Center for Theatre Education and Research; actors from the American Shakespeare Center; and guest directors. Students also have the opportunity to experience theatre in London with the May Term travel class, Contemporary British Theatre. Plus, there are opportunities for local internships with professional theatre companies.
Experience theatre
What's next?
Roanoke's theatre graduates currently can be found working as actors, stage managers, directors, costumers, theatrical agents, and production managers. Many also work in related fields such as marketing, communications, non-profit management, education, analysis, and sales. Some alumni have founded their own acting companies, and many have gone on to pursue graduate studies at such prestigious institutions such as The New School for Drama and Acting in New York City, the University of Delaware, the University of Hawaii, the University of Louisville, the University of Iowa, the University of South Carolina, Florida State University, and Virginia Tech.