Creativity and collaboration are hallmarks of theater at Connecticut College
The College's theater program emphasizes both performance and study of literature and theory. We challenge students to work in all aspects of theater—acting, directing, playwriting, design, technical theater, dramaturgy and dramatic literature—so that they understand and engage in the process of creating theater, from initial creative spark to performance and post-performance evaluation and criticism.
We believe that a broad liberal arts education in theater produces graduates who are adaptable and self-directed. They are strong communicators, resourceful and resilient leaders, and creative and team-oriented collaborators. Theater study and training is ideal preparation for a life as a thinking artist and productive member of society.
You can participate in our main stage productions as well as in independent productions sponsored by the department or by student groups. Works recently staged include “Cloud Nine;” “Detroit;” “As You Like It;” “Four Dead in Ohio: Antigone at Kent State,” an ensemble-adaptation created by the students; and “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Carousel,” a collaboration with the departments of music and dance.The College's performing arts series, onStage, brings professional theater companies to campus for performances and workshops.
Other highlights:
- Any student can audition for virtually any theater production. You don't have to be a theater major to audition or take part in a production.
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All students are eligible for up to $3,000 for an internship, so you can take everything you’ve learned and put it to work. You can intern anywhere in the world, or locally through the College's long-standing affiliations with the nearby Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, the Long Wharf Theater in New Haven, and the Labyrinth Theater Company, which holds its annual training and developmental retreat here on campus. In recent years, students have completed summer internships at NYC's Pearl Theatre, the Culture Project, Signature Theatre, and The Public Theater, among others.
- Theater students may choose to polish their skills in conservatory-based study away programs, such as the National Theater Institute at the O'Neill Theater Center. Our students have studied theater in Russia, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Many theater majors intend to make theater their career—as actors, directors, playwrights, stage-managers, technicians, producers or educators. Connecticut College alumni are administrators in New York theaters, stage-managers for professional companies, and actors in regional repertory companies, on television and in film.
Visit the theater department's website for more on the student experience, study away, research and news and events.
Events at a Glance
Dance Nation
Tansill Theater, Hillyer Hall
Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024, 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, 2:00 p.m.
by Clare Barron
Directed and choreographed by David Jaffe and Rachel Boggia
Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plot to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Nationals in Tampa Bay. A play about ambition, growing up and how to find our souls in the heat of it all.
Cuteness is death. Pagan feral-ness and ferocity are key.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: THIS PRODUCTION INCLUDES MATURE CONTENT
Tickets go on sale Monday, August 5, 2024
Tickets: $10; Seniors: $5; Students: $5; CC Faculty / Staff: $5; CC Students: $5 (General Admission)
The Prom
Athey Center, Palmer Auditorium
Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, 7:00 p.m.; Saturday, March 1, 2025, 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, March 2, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
by Chad Beguelin (book and lyrics)
Book by Bob Martin; Music by Matthew Sklar
Directed by Ginny Anderson
“One thing’s universal: life’s no dress rehearsal.”
The Prom follows a group of eccentric Broadway actors who visit a small town to support a high school girl banned from bringing her girlfriend to the prom, inadvertently causing chaos while learning about acceptance and love. It's a comedic yet heartfelt exploration of identity, activism, and the power of empathy.
The Prom is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036. www.theatricalrights.com
Tickets go on sale Monday, August 5, 2024
Tickets: $15; Seniors: $10; Students: $5; CC FACULTY / STAFF: $10; CC STUDENTS: $5 (General Admission)