Overview

Calvin's theatre program incorporates courses in teaching, producing, acting, directing, design management, publicity and more. Courses, internships, productions and off-campus programs will challenge you to explore the human condition, and to develop the skills vital to act in, direct, design, promote and write pieces for theatre. Join the Calvin Theatre Company in its 3-4 annual productions and build a special sense of community with other theatre students.

Careers in Theatre

• Member of a Touring Company
• Writer
• Radio Host
• Studio Director
• Stage Manager
• More

See job placement rates for Calvin grads.

Student involvement

Participate in Calvin Theater Company; Put on a play for the 24 Theater or Film Festival; Join the improv team.

Course Requirements 2012-13

Theatre major

(40-42 semester hours)

• CAS-140 Communication and Culture
• CAS-203 Introduction to Performance Studies
• CAS-217 Principles of Theatre
• CAS-218 Principles of Acting
• CAS-219 Principles of Production Design
• One from
  • CAS-238 Theory and Communication
  • CAS-327 Rhetorical Criticism
  • CAS-383 Film and Theory Aesthetics
• One from
  • CAS-248 Writing for the Media
  • CAS-319 Design for Theatre, Television and Film
  • CAS-323 Scene Study for Actors and Directors
• CAS-316 Principles of Directing
• CAS-320 History of Theatre and Drama I
• CAS-321 History of Theatre and Drama II
• CAS-352 Communication Ethics
• Two CAS electives, one of which may be an interim

Theatre minor

(21-23 semester hours)

• CAS-203 Introduction to Performance Studies
• CAS-217 Principles of Theatre
• CAS-218 Principles of Acting
• CAS-219 Principles of Production Design
• CAS-220 Calvin Theatre Company
• CAS-316 Principles of Directing
• CAS-319 Design for Theatre, Television and Film
• CAS-320 History of Theatre and Drama I or CAS-321 History of Theatre and Drama II
• For the education option the following courses replace CAS 319 and 320/321:
  • CAS-204 Directing Co-Curricular Programs
  • CAS-214 Creating Communication Arts in the Classroom
  • Note: The education option is NOT approved for state teacher certification at this time.

A minimum average GPA of 2.0 for CAS courses completed is needed.

The core requirement in rhetoric in culture may be met by CAS 101, 140, 141, or 214. The department offers an exemption exam for CAS 101. Passing the exam constitutes completion of the rhetoric in culture core.

Scholarships

Dollar amounts reflect awards given for the 2012-13 academic year.

Ervina Boeve' Scholarship for Theatre Arts

• award amount: $2,700
• junior CAS theatre major
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need not required
• apply through the communication arts and sciences department

CAS Department Mentoring Scholarship

• award amount: $1,700
• first-year
• HS GPA of 3.0+
• financial need not required; demonstrate leadership potential for the communication industry
• apply through the communication arts and sciences department by February 1

David J. Holquist Scholarship

• award amount: $1,800
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need not required; preference to those working with victims of injustice/personal tragedy
• apply through the communication arts and sciences department

John Miller Scholarship

• award amount $1,000
• junior or senior
• GPA of 3.0+
• financial need required; demonstrate excellence in theatrical ability
• apply through the communication arts and sciences department

William and Matilda Monsma Scholarship

• award amount: $2,500
• sophomore, junior, or senior
• GPA 3.0+
• financial need required; preference to students from the South Chicago area
• apply through the Calvin Portal

Kenneth and Phyllis Timmer Family Scholarship

• award amount: $2,000
• junior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need considered; Michigan resident
• automatic consideration

Phyllis Den Braber Van Andel CAS Scholarship

• award amount: $2,300
• junior or senior
• GPA 2.5+
• financial need required; first preference to those pursuing a theatre major; second preference to those pursuing a major in film or media studies
• apply through the communication arts and sciences department

View all scholarship opportunities

Faculty