Theatre

Program Description:

The Theatre program at Hampshire College offers students a unique opportunity to explore the art of performance through an interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum. Emphasizing creativity, experimental approaches, and collaborative processes, the program encourages students to develop their own artistic voice while engaging with various aspects of theatre, including acting, directing, playwriting, design, and production. Students are challenged to think critically about theatrical forms, themes, and technologies, fostering a comprehensive understanding of theatre's role in society and culture.

At Hampshire College, the theatre experience is driven by a flexible, student-centered approach. Students design their own individualized pathways, selecting courses that align with their artistic interests and academic goals. The program integrates theoretical studies with hands-on practice, ensuring that students gain practical skills alongside critical analysis. This approach allows for the exploration of contemporary issues through performance, fostering a socially conscious and innovative mindset.

Throughout their studies, students engage in collaborative projects, experimental theatre, and original productions, often working with visiting artists and community partners. The program emphasizes diversity of perspectives and inclusion, inspiring students to create work that challenges norms and explores different cultural narratives. Moreover, Hampshire's emphasis on self-directed learning encourages students to pursue independent projects, cultivate their creative potential, and prepare for careers in theatre, performing arts, or related fields.

Faculty members with diverse backgrounds in theatre arts provide mentorship and support, guiding students through their creative journeys. Additionally, the program offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, rehearsal spaces, and laboratories, enabling students to bring their ideas to life. Graduates of the Hampshire College theatre program emerge as innovative, adaptable artists ready to contribute thoughtfully to the evolving landscape of theatre and performance arts.

• Where are the Dressing Rooms?
• Advanced Studies in Theatre Design
• Designing with Light
• Directing Contemporary American Drama
• Documentary Drama
• Classroom Drama: Theatre Education K-12
• Lightworks
• Little Course of Horrors: the Psychology of Terror and Humor in Theatre
• Opening the Instrument
• Playwriting
• Race, Empire, and the Renaissance Stage
• Everyone’s a Critic
• Setting the Stage for Social Action
• Staging Original Drama
• Storytelling as Performance: Voice, Body, Narrative
• Theatre of the Oppressed
• Take the Show on the Road
• Where Are the Dressing Rooms?
• Exploring Performance Space
• Word Play
• Writing a Child’s Voice for Theatre
• Projection Design for the Theatre
• Brecht in America (MHC)
• Chekhov and His Theatre (AC)
• Contemporary Canadian Drama (SC)
• Costume Design I and II (SC)
• Directing I and II (SC)
• Performance in Detonated Language (UMass)
• Sound Design I (AC)
• Stage Movement (UMass)
• Stage Management (Umass)

Requirements

• Common Application
• An academic paper in English
• Supplemental essay responses
• Current transcripts
• School report, including guidance counselor recommendation
• At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher
• Certification of Finances form
• TOEFL or IELTS score (Minimum TOEFL score of 91 or a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. Predicted grades for IB English A1 or A2, or for A-level English, will also be considered.
• Additional letters of recommendation, up to three

Scholarships

• MacArthur Foundation Grant Making Programs
• American Association of University Women
• Fulbright International Scholarship Program for non-US students

Theatre at Hampshire College offers a unique and innovative approach to the study and practice of theatrical arts. The program emphasizes experiential learning, interdisciplinary exploration, and the development of a personal artistic voice. Students are encouraged to engage with diverse theatrical traditions and to experiment across various mediums, including performance, production, scriptwriting, and design. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking and creativity, enabling students to analyze theatrical works and productions from multiple perspectives. Hampshire College’s flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, combining theatre with other disciplines such as literature, psychology, and social sciences to enrich their understanding and practice. The college provides state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated rehearsal and performance spaces, technical labs, and design studios, to support students’ creative endeavors. Collaborations with visiting artists and participation in workshops and festivals are integral to the programme, providing real-world experience and exposure to industry professionals. The theatre program at Hampshire also encourages community engagement and socially conscious theatre, with projects often addressing contemporary issues and fostering dialogue within and beyond campus. Graduates of the programme have pursued careers in professional theatre, film, television, education, and arts administration. The department prides itself on fostering a supportive and inclusive community where students can develop their craft and find their voice as artists and thinkers.