Strong liberal arts emphasis grounded in communication and performance theory

The theater program at Goshen College has a strong liberal arts emphasis grounded in communication and performance theory. Students explore major historical, philosophical and artistic movements; the specialized areas of theater design, acting, voice and directing; and courses from other departments that augment knowledge and skills for theater studies. Students may focus on theatrical design with art department courses; performance with music classes; communication with communication courses; and language and literature with courses from foreign language and English departments.

Internships and work-study

GC has established very good working relationships with many professional theaters all throughout the United States. As part of the requirements for theater majors, field experience may take you to:

• Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis
• Dallas Theatre
• Seattle Repertory
• Actors Theatre Louisville, Ky.
• Cleveland Playhouse
• Hope Summer Theater, Holland, Mich.
• Huron Playhouse, Huron, Ohio
• Magic Theatre, San Francisco.

You may also choose to do your field experience locally. Many graduates are now working full or part time with the companies which worked with them as interns. Visit the career services Web site for more information about internships and work-study opportunities.

Scholarships

Massanari Theater Scholarship – This scholarship is given each year to selected juniors and seniors interested in theater. Between two and four students showing productivity and commitment are chosen for this need-based scholarship. The amount given ranges from $700 to $1,000.

Gorsline scholarship – First-year theater majors, communication majors and transfer students with strong academic performance and theater experience may be eligible to receive this scholarship. The amount ranges from $1,000 to $2,000. Go here for details and a listing of other scholarships.

Areas of concentration

Acting/Performance
This concentration focuses on students interested in performing on stage or directing theater productions. Auditioning for mainstage and one-act plays is expected and there are opportunities to direct for interested individuals. Graduates with this concentration typically have pursued careers in acting, started their own theater companies, attended graduate school (usually a Masters of Fine Arts), or become certified to teach. Students with musical abilities will often add a major or minor in music and those with writing abilities will often combine theater with a minor or major in English.

Film Studies
A blend of video production and film criticism are offered in this concentration. Students must spend one semester at the LA Film Studies Center or an approved alternative off-campus program. An internship and portfolio are required.

Design/Technical
The Design/Technical concentration is for students interested in "behind the scenes" theater work, like stage managing or lighting, sound, costume or set design. Technical operation or stage managing for mainstage and one act plays is expected and there are opportunities to design for interested students. Graduates with this concentration typically have pursued careers as technical directors, stage managers or designers, started their own theater companies, attended graduate school (usually a Masters of Fine Arts), or become certified to teach. Students with abilities in visual arts will often add a major or minor in art and those with electronic/multimedia skills will often combine theater with a minor or major in communication.