The Theatre Arts Department offers an intensive, production-oriented program for students interested in pursuing a professional career in acting, directing, theatre technology or theatre design. The rich curriculum includes courses in acting, directing, costuming, musical theatre, movement, dance, voice, scene design, production and more to give students a multi-faceted exposure to the world of theatre. Renowned faculty with extensive professional backgrounds in teaching, directing, choreography, performance, costume design and technical design bring a wealth of experience and creative instructional techniques. Students have great opportunities for personal and professional growth through involvement in the University Theatre Series, The Straw Hat Players and through extensive peer collaboration. Performances are enhanced by the department’s impressive facilities, including the Delmar J. Hansen Theatre, a proscenium style theatre, and Gaede Stage, a thrust style theatre, in addition to a Green Room, Dance Studio, Make-Up Room, Costume Shop and more. The Department entertains the surrounding community with high-caliber theatrical experiences through its exceptional student performances, and also hosts renowned visiting performers through The Cheryl Nelson-Lossett Performing Arts Series. The immersive hands-on instruction and rich performance opportunities provide an advanced level of training that prepares graduates to excel in the challenging world of theatre arts at any level. Alumni from the program have achieved prestigious careers in performance and acting, directing, theatre design and technology, and many other areas, including business, education and other forms of entertainment.
They grew up in nearby towns on the Iron Range, attended MSUM at the same time, and have lived within 10 miles of each other in Los Angeles for nearly 30 years. But they didn’t meet until they attended a Dragon Alumni reunion in June 2011. Since then, they have collaborated on one book project [...]
Jan Maxwell (attended MSUM in the 1970s and 1980s) was nominated for a Tony Award for “Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.” Follies received a total of eight Tony nominations, including” Best Revival of a Musical.” Actors Kristin Chenoweth and Jim Parsons announced the nominations live from New York’s [...]
Shannon Warne is a 2000 graduate of MSUM’s theatre department. An earlier item stated that she graduated in 1988.
Several pieces of good news related to theatre alumni have landed in MSUM’s theatre department’s in-boxes Two recent MSUM theatre department graduates nabbed leading roles in upcoming shows with professional theatre companies in Minneapolis. Katie Adducci, ’10, debuts in a musical production of Pippi Longstocking, opening April 24 at the Children’s Theatre Company. The show [...]
Matthew Englund, Theatre Arts Major
