We produce one dance concert and four main stage plays each season, with many more student-produced theatre activities.
Theatre
The theatre program annually produces four main stage shows. Every other year we do a musical, which is rehearsed during January Term. Auditions usually take place during the first week of each semester, although occasionally auditions for an early spring term production will be held before the end of fall term. Students who might be interested in auditioning are encouraged to read the play before the audition and usually to prepare a short monologue of their own choosing. Specific audition information is posted prior to all audition dates.
Dance
The dance program annually presents one fully produced dance concert. There are two dance companies, with auditions held the first or second week of fall semester. In the fall, students are able to choreograph and perform in an informal dance concert, with the companies' formal work performed in the spring dance concert. Further participation opportunities are offered during the year through alternative, experimental, or student-produced projects. Specific audition information is posted prior to all audition dates.
Technical
Students can work on show and concert technical support crews. There are also design opportunities (i.e. set, costume, lighting, and sound) for students who have expressed interest and have taken related classes. The department uses designers for all of their productions. If you are interested, speak with a faculty member or our technical director.
Student Productions
Students annually produce plays and dance concerts. This offers opportunities to majors and non-majors as actors, dancers, and others interested in being part of the technical crew. There are also student organized groups (like I Am We Are and Shared Space) which present additional opportunities for student involvement. Specific information is posted prior to all audition dates.
Guidelines for performers and technical crews
The following guidelines have been established for those participating in the performance aspect of all productions sponsored by the Theatre and Dance department. In addition to these, the faculty of the Gustavus Theatre and Dance Department expects all performers to exhibit the same high degree of professional behavior no matter the size, context of the work, or curricular commitment.
- It is expected the performers will treat the production of a play with the same importance and responsibility as regular class activities. Many of the participants in any given show may indeed be receiving class credit.
- Time and its management is very important to any performance piece. Everyone must be on time. As the saying goes “on time n theatre is being 10 minutes early.” Being on time also means being dressed, warmed up and psychologically prepared to work.
- Directors must be notified early in the rehearsal process of any schedule conflicts, preferably at the first cast meeting. Conflicts with other classes, exams or field trips may be negotiated. Conflicts with other co-curricular activities (e.g. choirs, band, sports, etc.) may also be negotiated, but top priority must be given to theatre production work. As the audition form notes, you may need to make some hard choices in limiting your participation. Sorority or fraternity activities will not be regarded as legitimate reasons for missing, leaving or rescheduling rehearsals.
- If emergencies arise later in the rehearsal process, the director or stage manager must be notified immediately. There is absolutely no excuse for an unexcused absence.
- If you are called to a rehearsal, you are expected to be present on time, at all times. When you are not on stage, stay in the theatre unless the stage manager or director releases you.
- Outside preparation will be expected of all performers. This includes picking up missed blocking, looking up foreign words and learning lines.
- Due to the nature of play production, actors and rehearsals must remain flexible. The directors will make every effort to keep the rehearsal on schedule, but sometimes extra rehearsals may have to be scheduled. Please try to keep your schedule (especially during the two weeks before opening) flexible.
- Any student planning to perform frequently is strongly encouraged to purchase personal stage makeup, for reason of health safety.
- All crew members must be present for all technical and dress rehearsals and performances. Absolutely no excuses or variations from this rule will be permitted. If you cannot be present for every single scheduled rehearsal and performance, DO NOT, DO NOT volunteer for the job.
- All cast and crew members must check in on the callboard every night.
- Everyone involved in the performance must plan ahead to avoid mistakes and accidents. A prop left on the floor by a crew member backstage can be dangerous. An actor playing with a prop offstage can be noisy and ruin a quiet moment onstage.
- Absolutely no smoking, eating or drinking will be allowed during the run in the backstage areas. All areas must be swept and cleaned each night.
- While you are here your allegiance and focus should be on the show in production. You may do homework, needlepoint, etcetera, only if you can still do your job as actor or crew member perfectly. When you are offstage you must remain alert to the needs of the show.
- Do not speak poorly of the show to friends if you do not like it. Encourage your friends to come to the show and make up their own minds.
- Performance is collaborative. Actors, dancers and crew members must work together to achieve something that cannot be achieved alone.
Show Selection
The directors, in consultation with other members of the Department, choose the plays produced by the Theatre and Dance Department. The Department attempts to provide students with the opportunity to work on a variety of productions during the course of four year. A musical is produced every other year. Suggestions for shows are encouraged.
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