Theatre Studies at Capital is a co-curricular program, which means we offer both a variety of academic courses and an active production season.
Theatre at capital
Theatre always has been a collaborative art. The playwright, the director, the designers, the technicians, the actors and – finally – the audience, all function together to create a work of theatre. The art involved in such work is obviously quite important. Here at Capital, we also value the communication that must take place between the various artists and the audience to create dynamic art.
Shakespeare wrote that the purpose of theatre is to “hold a mirror up to Nature.” What is reflected depends on the mirror and the angle at which it is held and viewed. The reflection might be comic or tragic. It might sing and dance, speak ancient truths, or sound as fresh and searing as last evening’s news. In any case the theatre artist and audience must look in that mirror. We need to see what is reflected. Perhaps we will see – and learn about – ourselves.
The communication major with an emphasis in theatre studies and its two minors (theatre and entertainment technology) housed in the communication department. Participation in the production season can lead to academic credit through our pre-professional activity program.
OTHER THEATRE ACTIVITIES AT CAPITAL
The Cabaret Theatre, home to Capital University Theatre, is a modified black-box space located in the lower level of the Harry C. Moores Student Union. With flexible seating and staging (thrust, arena, proscenium and environmental), the theatre can seat 120. It's equipped with a scene shop, a control booth and a production design office. These facilities combine to provide students, faculty and the Capital community the opportunity to collaborate on a variety of theatrical productions including musicals, Shakespeare, contemporary drama and premieres of original works.
Auditions and participation in theatre activities at Capital are open to the entire university community. We produce four main stage shows a season in the Cabaret Theatre.
There are other opportunities as well. You could be involved in a musical or an opera produced by the Conservatory of Music. You might go to performance festivals in other states and work with students from other schools or participate in a Reader’s Theatre Program or join the Fat Tuesday Debutantes – our improvisational comedy group.
You might design the scenery for a main stage production or direct a play as a class project. Any student involved in Capital’s production program can earn academic credit through the pre-professional activity program.
Work-study positions (for those who qualify) also are available for students involved in the technical and managerial aspects of our season. We sponsor a chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the National Theatre Honorary.
CAREERS AND THE FUTURE
Despite what you may have heard, it is possible to get a job and make a living in theatre. This does not necessarily mean Broadway or Hollywood. There are other possibilities. Here's a sample of what some of our students have done after graduation:
- Stage managed for opera companies and Purple Rose Theatre Company
- Served as director of education for Columbus Children’s Theatre
- Toured with Madcap Puppet Theatre
- Held a graduate assistantship while pursuing a master’s degree in theatre
- Opened in a musical on Broadway
- Published plays
- Managed a scene shop
- Worked with Schell Scenic Studio and Costume Specialists
- Served on the board of directors for a local community theatre
- Designed and costumed shows
- Earned Equity Union membership
We encourage our students to pursue internships and work with summer theatres. Recently our students have performed with the Huron Playhouse, the Ashland Summer Theatre Festival, Johnny Appleseed, Tecumseh and Trumpet in the Land. We also have placed interns with the Araca Group, the production company for Wicked and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.