Theater at Goshen College

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.

Central to the theater program itself are productions  of full-length mainstage shows and one act plays each semester, providing students with the opportunity to learn and apply both technical and artistic skills. Students are encouraged to explore the many facets theatrical productions first-hand as actors, designers, technicians and directors.

Auditions are open and encouraged to all--whether you are a math, English or business major. In addition to acting roles, there are also opportunities to stage manage, work with lighting and costumes, and various other assistant roles.

In January of 2009, the Saint Plays (2008) traveled to Saginaw, Michigan to participate in the regions Kennedy Center/American College Theater Festival. You can read the original press release  here. Information about the trip to Saginaw is available from GC Public Relations and the Record.

Deanne Binde

At the end of the 2007-2008 school year, Deanne Binde -- one of the theater department's most beloved members -- died in a car accident while returning from Goshen College to her home in Minnesota. During her time at GC, Deanne was involved in the theater in many capacities. During the 2007-2008, she acted in Step on a Crack and Absolutely [perhaps] and served as the Technical Director's personal assistant for the May-term musical Quilters. The Saint Plays (Nov '08) honored Deanne's memory through its exploration of her Catholic faith and section composed specifically for her by the playwright Erik Ehn. You can read more about Deanne at her memorial website.