Theatre Arts
For more than 75 years, theatre has been a vital part of the academic life and mission of Hamline University. The official start of the program was in 1930 when Miss Anne Simley, prepared with a $150 budget and a small platform stage on the third floor of a Science Hall, began a regular series of performances and classes.
Today our facilities include a modern theatre, a black box space, and a small TV studio. While our productions, classes, and facilities have changed over the years, the core of the program has remained consistent. Through mentoring relationships, the faculty seek to provide the best possible training so that performance artists, designers, and technicians can achieve their full potential.
Our focus is on shared learning, so every show is created by a mixed group of faculty and students. Our auditions also welcome students from the entire Hamline community.
Our classes are small, the feedback is direct, and the learning is hands-on. Hamline University is fortunately situated in the center of one of the strongest regional theatre communities in the nation. Guest artists are a feature of each season and many of our classes are enriched by presentations and special workshops lead by professionals from the local theatre community.
Course Work
Course work in theatre arts combines the study of history, literature, criticism, and theory of theatre and drama with courses in performance, design, and technical production.
The Department philosophy is that artists benefit from the broadest possible range of training and experiences to develop their creative potential. We believe that every aspect of the college experience is an important part of artistic and personal growth. We seek to train artists who possess an understanding of the both humanities and the sciences, have a lively curiosity about the world around them, and are able to be reflective and critical of their own work and the work of others.
The courses in the major, embedded within the liberal arts traditions of the Hamline Plan, provide an ideal meld of theory and practice to help students hone and refine their abilities.
Current Season
Reserve your tickets today! Email tickets@hamline.edu or call 651-523-2905
Stage Whispers
We're blogging! Visit the official Theatre Arts blog to:
- Get currents new and events at Hamline
- See information on the shops within the Theatre Department
- Find out about theatre in the cities featuring the work of alumni and current Hamline students
- Leave a comment for our performers or technicians at our CONNECTIONS page