The Theatre Department at Emory & Henry College

Our program is small enough that students build relationships with each other and with teachers and are able to get practical experience as freshmen instead of having to wait through three years of college to be on stage (’06).

The relationship w/ Barter, because that is very unique (’06).

The individual attention and the amount of hands on training (’06).

I have liked the hands on experience and approach to teaching. I have liked that I have been able to stick my hands in everything and get experience in different fields (’06).

I like the fact that we are working with a well known professional theater (’06).

I really love that we are granted so many opportunities in this program. I also think that we are very lucky to have the professors that we do (Mackenzie Myers ‘07)

I think the fact that we are so small lends itself well to personal attention and direction of the students. (Katherine Morton ‘07)

The professors the small size the encouragement (Meghan Kelleher ‘07)

Small class size, excellent professors, personal attention and beneficial, professional relationships formed between teacher and student (’07).

I enjoy getting to know the professors and being able to call on them when I have questions outside of classes or rehearsals. I do like the relationship that we have with Barter. I also like the fact that the program/department is growing. (Arlie Reed ‘08)

I like being close to my professors and being able to build a rapport with them. I'm not sure that would have the same opportunity if I had gone to a large school with 20 faculty members. I also like the opportunities for showcases and mainstage shows and the encouragement that we receive from the faculty to participate in these things. I really do think that my education here has prepared me to enter the real world and go to graduate school or find a job in theatre. (Meghan Hawkins) I like that students are involved in every aspect of production, and that we closely work with the faculty. (Courtney Fridley '08)

I love the fact that our professors work well with us and that if they do not know something or aren't prepared to be able to teach us, that we have the Barter connection that can teach us what we do not have the facilities/expertise in. (Annika Steele '08)

I love the opportunity we are given to exceed and practice what we learn in our college setting. I love the fact that as a freshmen, not only can you audition for mainstage shows, but you can also be cast where as in many other colleges, mainstage is only for seniors and only for a select few. Our connection with Barter is really great; we take advantage of it and it is not something many other theatre programs have. The size of school allows us to have smaller class sizes where we can have good one on one attention from professors, so it is great to have professor's who are willing to work one on one with you. My favorite thing, however is that our department improves based on suggestions from students! (Shane Miller) I really like that the theatre professors make time for you on an individual basis. I like the fact that not only they let you, but they encourage you to participate in practicum your first year. I like that the department give several opportunities to make contacts with professionals in the industry and the chance to study under them. (Christina Schildroth '08)

Also, I've been able to be in more shows and have roles that I may not have had if I were in a bigger program. Everyone in the department knows each other very well and that makes for a nice working environment. (Ashley Goodwin '09)

I never felt that I couldn't talk to any of my professors. They were always there to help, at any time, and were more prepared to help the students than my other majors. The professors also knew so much about us and were willing to give us feedback on any project we did while still pushing us further in our classes. (Rachel Linkous '09)

One of the things I like most about our program is the commitment the faculty has to its students. I benefited greatly because of the individual attention I received and the numerous times that the faculty would be willing to sit down and go over papers with me, or help me figure out how to make my classes work well together, or especially in this last year, help me figure out what to do in order to plan for next year. (Carrie Winship '09)

The most valuable aspect of this program is the intense one-on-one attention that you get from the faculty. If you truly apply yourself and show that you are willing to work, this program will be the most amazing experience and will give you unbelievable opportunities. Honestly, I do not know what I would've done without Dr. B and Dr. LaPlant during my four years at E&H. They are the most loving and giving faculties members ever and they have taught me more about life and a love for theatre than I have ever known. (Caitlin Morgan '09)

I liked being able to use what we learned in classes while putting together a play. I love that we can do student showcases and the variety of workshops we have had. I loved my classes, I feel like I learned a lot in them. The current theatre faculty are fantastic teachers and passionate about the theatre. The Professors work hard to make sure each student is well versed in many aspects of theatre. They provide a sounding board for ideas and coach us to achieve our potential. The affiliation with Barter Theatre has provided a valuable learning experience for the students. (Callie Almond '09)

The training and the great emphasis on professional life. I love the relationship and the contacts that I have built by being here. (Michael Brown '09)

Theatre History courses, small department, focus and help in preparation for professional auditions. (0000000239 Anonymous)

I feel that I grew as an actor working with outside guests, in terms of understanding that each director wants something different from actors (John wanted a superior visual product, Dr. B wanted learning opportunity, Derek wanted a feel-good play where we had fun). I can't put my finger on what exactly makes the professors so good; we never get to see some of the hiring procedures, but our theatre department has attracted some seriously talented artists and teachers. (Keegan Donovan '09)

Dr. LaPlant and Dr. B. By far both of these teachers are the most astounding thing about this program. I came into this program as an acting major and left as a directing major, and since the first day (and before in Dr. B's case) these teachers have helped me in every way they can. They have taught me more than I had ever even dreamed of knowing about theatre and I can never thanked either of them enough for this. As is often the case with influential teachers, not only did they help me to grow as a theatre professional, but also as a person as a whole. This is not to disregard the significance of the other professors, these two were just the most helpful to me personally (based on my time spent and the prior knowledge I had). (Nathan Waters '10)

I like the size of the department because it means we're able to get individualized attention. If we need help, we can always go to one of the professors and it isn't an issue. I also like how we're able to do a variety of different jobs, and that we're encouraged to step out of our comfort zones and do something we've never done before. I also like that, as an acting major, I was required to take classes like Script Analysis and Theatre History instead of focusing solely on acting, because I think that makes me a smarter actor. (Emily Trainham '10)

I love the sense of community that the program builds, not only among the students but with the professors as well. The opportunities we receive at E&H are incredible. In my time here, I have gotten to know theatre professionals through our relationship with Barter. I have also been able to flesh out my resume with countless designing opportunities, both for student and main stage productions. (Anna Nichols '10)

I love the enthusiasm of the professors for their classes and areas of theatre. (Jacqueline Simounet '10)

The incredible amount of hands-on experience that is available to every student, major or non-major, is excellent. (Kelsey Cropp '10)

What I like most is the the overall aspect of learning everything that you can possibly learn about theatre. There are trained theatre faculty teaching you acting, directing, technical theatre, theatre history, dramaturgy, stagecraft, dance, musical theatre and everything. The versatility in knowledge that you can learn is inspiring and amazing that there is so much to learn. The teachers are all awesome as well and help you in any way they can and that is something I have treasured. They have all challenged me in my career here at Emory as well as the other students and that is something to be commended. Thank- You!!! (Jamal Crowelle '10)

You make us do more than just what we came in saying we wanted to do. Seriously, I came in thinking I wanted act. Then, through classes and practicum, I realized that wasn't my thing. Now I know what I want to do, what I feel I was meant to do. Sure, we don't have a class in it, but I have the opportunity to work with people on it anyway. There are opportunities to learn and work as long as people take them. I've always felt challenged in my theatre classes. (Eileen Casterline '10)