The New Theatre Program at Emory

E&H has approximately 1,000 students. Because of that size, the school is able to give you personal attention, something that is sometimes lost at large universities. There will also be more opportunities for you to be actively involved in the theatre program. Many large programs include not only undergraduate students but also graduate students. Although this is sometimes a good part of a large program, it does limit the amount of involvement an undergraduate student has overall. Here you will be given opportunities both on-stage and off beginning your first semester.

2. What is unique about Emory & Henry Theatre Department?

Our students take a combination of professional conservatory training, and liberal arts classes. This type of training along with our association with the Barter Theatre a professional LORT C Equity theatre in nearby Abingdon is not offered by any other small, private liberal arts college.

3. What are the available concentrations?

We offer four pre-professional tracks:

Acting
Directing
Musical Theatre
Design/Production

We also offer a traditional broad-based degree in Theatre

4. Are auditions/portfolio reviews required?

Interviews/Auditions/Portfolio Reviews are required for acceptance into the Pre-professional training program in Association with Barter Theatre. If you are considering specialization in one of our four pre-professional tracks (Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, or Design and Production), you will need to sign up for a 10 minute audition/interview slot and come prepared to share your talents and/or discuss your interests and goals.

If you are interested in our traditional broad-based Theatre program or if you have not had extensive theatre experience, we do not require an interview/audition/portfolio review, but we strongly encourage you to sign up for a 10minute one-on-one session with E&H Theatre faculty to introduce yourself, discuss your plans, and ask questions.

5. What do I need to prepare for the audition/portfolio review/interview?

Pre-professional: Acting

Prepare two contrasting contemporary monologues and bring your resume. The total audition should be under 3min. long. All monologues and songs must be from published plays.

Pre-professional: Musical Theatre

Prepare one monologue and a contrasting song from a musical and bring your resume. You must provide your own accompaniment on a CD or a standard cassette tape. All monologues and songs must be from published plays.

Pre-professional: Directing

Bring a portfolio of directing work from productions or class work to share with the Theatre faculty.

Pre-professional: Design or Technical Production

Bring a portfolio with samples of your work (designs, drawings, photographs, or stage manager's book) to share with the Theatre faculty.

6. Can I double major?

Yes. Several of our students double majoring in theatre and another discipline. The most popular are the combinations between Theatre and Psychology, Business, Education, English, Public Policy and Community Service, Mass Communication, and Political Science.

7. What about performance opportunities?

If the director of the production feels that you can fulfill the requirements of a role better than anyone else auditioning, you can be cast your first semester. There is not a "age hierarchy" that you might have experienced in high school.

How many shows does E&H produce per year?

The program currently offers four main stage shows directed by faculty and/or guest artists. We also offer five "showcase" slots per semester for student directed productions. E&H also has an active chapter of the theatre fraternity Alpha Psi Omega that produces one-two show per year. More shows are in our future plans.

8. Will I be able to work backstage?

All students will have opportunities to learn backstage duties. Students will be in positions as designers, technicians, running crew, house management, and stage management. It is vital to your growth as a theatre artist to learn all about the production process, not just "being on stage". By learning and understanding these elements you will not only gain a better appreciation and understanding of how the collaborative process of theatre operates, but also you might discover other areas of theatre that you wish to concentrate you studies in. All students will work on various crews during their time here.

9. What kind of theatre do you have?

E&H has a 500 seat proscenium stage available in Wiley Hall. Our main production space is the Studio Theatre, a 60' x 30' black box theatre. The practice of "found spaces", that is spaces that are not normally considered "theatres" but are converted to that purpose, has been used for the department's past productions.

My high school did not have a big theatre program. Should I even try to apply here?

Not every potential college theatre major has been involved in a large high school theatre program. What truly makes a good theatre student is a positive attitude, the ability to work well with others, and a disciplined outlook to studies and work. Never count yourself out just because of limited experience.

How do I start the process of applying to the New Theatre Program at E&H?

The first step is to apply to Emory & Henry College. You may either call 1-800-848-5493 or email the admissions' office for an application, or you may click here for an online application form. This will open up a new window for you to fill it out. You will also need to contact your high school guidance office and have them send an official copy of your latest transcripts with SAT or ACT test scores to the Emory & Henry Admissions Office.

10. Are there internships available at various professional places?

E&H is located ten miles from the Barter Theatre, a LORT-C Equity theatre and the State Theatre of Virginia. Internship possibilities are not only available there but also at various professional and amateur theatres within a 3 hour radius of the college. Faculty will also prepare you to audition at large regional conferences such as SETC, SWTA, URTA's, Midwest Theatre Auditions, outdoor Drama Auditions, and for other auditions/interviews at regional theatres.

What do I do now?

Fill out the "request information" form on this website and a theatre department representative will be contacting you shortly. They will help guide you throughout the process.