Chair and Associate Professor of Theatre
Mark Cryer
Mark Cryer wrote and performs a one-act play, 99 Questions You've Always Wanted to Ask an African American But Were Too Afraid to Ask.
Theatre
You’ll learn, create and perform in the new Kennedy Center for Theatre and the Studio Arts, an inspirational space that is home to the theatre program. You’ll take part in productions that are innovative – and often provocative. Faculty will help you develop your own identity through classes, workshops, projects and productions.
About the Major
The program focuses on the process of creating theatre including performance, design and analysis. This approach enables students to develop tools with which to approach other disciplines with creativity and rigor. Students may major in theatre or minor in theatre or design and production. Majors maintain high academic and artistic standards as they work on individual and collaborative projects. (See a calendar of events and opportunities)
I found the biggest strength of my theatre education at Hamilton was the balance between hands-on learning experience and research. The senior project in theatre best exemplifies the equal emphasis on practice and research.
Michael Breslin — Theatre major
What ultimately distinguishes Hamilton’s program is what one professor calls its “contemporaneousness.” Productions not only entertain but explore the many social and multicultural dimensions of performance. Theatre on the Hill is a dynamic, challenging community that aims to awaken and cultivate every student’s creative potential and presence.
Careers After Hamilton
- General Manager, Actors Theatre of Phoenix
- Actor, Donna on USA Network’s Suits
- Master Electrician, South Coast Repertory Theatre
- Chief of Strategy and Planning, Goldman Sachs
- Producer, NBC Universal Media LLC
- Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State
- Physical Therapist, Rhode Island Rehab Institute
- Teacher/Theatre & English, NYC Board of Education
- Public Relations Director, Dallas Children’s Theater
- Features Producer, Entertainment Tonight
Meet Our Faculty
Assistant Professor of Instruction in Theatre
Jeff Larson
Jeff Larson is a projection designer, performance curator, production manager, and educator.
Professor of Theatre
Craig Latrell
Craig T. Latrell has worked as a director in the Pacific Northwest and in Southeast Asia.
Assistant Professor of Theatre
Jeanne Willcoxon
Jeanne Willcoxon studies feminist performance and theatre for social change.
Director of Technical Theatre
Tom Marhenke
Tom Marhenke has worked in film but found a love in theatre, where he has extensive experience.
A Sampling of Courses
Out Loud 106S
Through the introduction of a variety of performance genres, this course develops oral communication, public speaking and public performance skills. Although no prior experience in performance or public speaking is expected, students will learn about and participate in such genres as storytelling, solo performance, hip-hop theatre, spoken word poetry, Sprechstimme and cabaret. Writer/performers to be studied/performed include Tim Miller, Karen Finley, Ntozake Shange, Danny Hoch, Sarah Jones and Bertolt Brecht.Not eligible for concentration credit. Oral Presentations.
View All CoursesPuppetry & Object Theatre 219S
This is a production and performance course to introduce students to the basics of puppetry. It will explore a variety of puppetry techniques.
View All CoursesOutrageous Acts: Avant-Garde Theatre and Performance Art 236S
An examination of experimental art’s capacity to shock and to force us to recognize ourselves from new and unexpected perspectives. The historical, cultural and philosophical origins and influences, as well as exemplary works from the early avant-garde movements (1890-1940) and more contemporary avant-garde theatre and performance art (1950-1990). Discussion of the art, music, literature, theatre and film of Surrealism, Symbolism, Expressionism, Dada, Futurism, Constructivism, Epic, The Living Theatre, Grotowski, Monk, Wilson, Foreman, The Wooster Group, Hughes, Finley. Oral Presentations.
View All CoursesAfrican-American Theatre from Ira Aldridge to August Wilson 238F
Study, discussion and oral performance of selected works of drama by African-Americans from the 1860s to the present. Focuses on themes within the plays in relation to the current social climate and how they affect the play's evolution in the context of changing U.S. cultural and political attitudes. Oral Presentations.
View All CoursesDirecting 303F
Fundamentals of play direction and script analysis. Study of selected directors and directorial problems; the direction of exercise scenes; and direction of a final scene or one-act for public presentation.
View All CoursesThe Study of the Theatre through Production and Performance 398FS
Performing a major role, stage management, dramaturgy or design of scenery, lighting or costumes for a faculty-directed production. Oral Presentations.
View All CoursesToday and Tomorrow
Connections and Careers
Hirsch ’21 Chasing Dreams at United Talent Agency
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