The theatre minor combines studio and hands-on courses in acting, directing, and production with a grounding in the history of drama and theatre. It will enhance a wide range of majors and future professions by helping you learn self expression, body language, adaptation, improvisation, interpersonal communication, group problem solving, and strong public speaking skills.
Whether you want to be in the spotlight or designing the lights, you’ll be able to experience all aspects of theatre.
Read and perform plays from the masters alongside new, critically-acclaimed shows.
Keuka College’s theatre program produces award-winning students.
When you choose to take on a theatre minor, you receive hands-on experience performing, producing, and analyzing theatre. You’ll learn to work as an intrinsic part of a group as well as communicate verbally, kinesthetically, and in writing.
You’ll develop your organizational and interpersonal skills as well as your creativity. You’ll have many opportunities to be both onstage and behind the curtain and will gain invaluable communication and speaking skills that will help you succeed in any career.
In addition to being creative on and off the stage, you’ll also learn about the history of theatre and drama, from Greek tragedy to Shakespeare to Sondheim. There’s something for everyone in this playful minor.
The faculty in the theatre program are well-versed in all aspects of theatre; you’ll finish your minor having been taught history, acting, directing, and technical direction by professionals and award-winners.
Theatre is greatly enhanced by digital learning. Modern-day dramaturges are able to do research on their plays with the entire Internet at their fingertips; set, costume, make-up, and hair designers are able to use technology to enhance their craft; and actors have access to programs and apps that make memorization easier.
Theatre is one of the most universal experiences in the world. You will study plays from a variety of areas and playwrights who represent many different demographics.
The Keuka College Red Barn Theatre is one of the most distinctive buildings on campus, and everyone who spends time in the building grows to love its unique charms.
The Keuka College Arion Players Drama Club is available for those who just can’t get enough theatre. The group has presented 24-Hour Play Festivals, Fine Arts Night (a talent show/open mic night), Who’d Pay a Dollar to See This Anyway?! (our take on the popular improvisation show Whose Line is it Anyway?), and more. You’ll also have the opportunity to attend regional theatre festivals and productions.
When you participate in the fall or spring production, you have the opportunity to be considered for awards from the responding theatre organization. Keuka College students and professors have won awards from the Theatre Association of New York State and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
(Under direction of Professor Mark Wenderlich)
Professor Mark Wenderlich
Dan Roach
Shelley Peterson ‘99
The Cast of Woofer, the Psychic Dog, the Musical!
Sarah Mucenski
Aubrey Bastian‘00
Lynn Henderson ‘02
Tiffany Jackson
Patrick Alf ‘06
Liz Rice ‘07
Robert Gunn ‘09
Kelsey R. Marquart‘12
Meghan Russell ‘09
Dustin Schultz ‘10
Danica Zielinksi‘13
Jacob Banas‘15
Marissa Rogers ‘17
Amelia Gonnella‘18
Amelia Johnson ‘19
Arion Players Drama Club
