Program Requirements
Performing Arts Department | Theatre

Any academic advisor can advise theatre students. To become a theatre major, advisors must fill out the appropriate forms for major declaration and advising.

• Be on Time
• Dress appropriately
• Continued and effective class participation
• Be respectful of others
• Do your homework and turn it in on time.
• Ensemble duties

Be prepared for all rehearsals:

• Rehearsal calls will be posted/emailed at least 12 hours prior to rehearsal
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before call (Stage Management should arrive at least 20 minutes before call)
• Be aware of the call and know what is needed in preparation for the call
• Bring script, pencil and notebook with you
• Dress appropriately for all rehearsals.
• Turn off all cellphones and computers while rehearsing.

Notify Stage Manager immediately if:

• You will be late
• You will not be at rehearsal due to illness or emergency (must be done 30 minutes before call)

Take care of your body:

• Be respectful of your body’s limitations
• Report anything dangerous to the Stage Manager
• Report any injuries to the Stage Manager (forms may need to be filed)
• No skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, mountain biking, etc. during the rehearsal/run of the show
• The use of alcohol or tobacco is strongly discouraged. The use of recreational drugs on campus is subject to campus discipline.
• Stay hydrated
• (Actors) Warm-up the voice and body 15 minutes prior to rehearsal
• (Actors) Do NOT change your physical appearance once cast in a show
• NO change of hair color/style or shaving unless instructed
• NO new body piercings/tattoos

Cooperate with all ensemble members (cast, crew, administration):

• Repeat ALL instructions with a “thank you” in order to verify understanding/compliance with instructions
• Communicate with Stage Management regarding ANY concerns
• Maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the rehearsal space.
• Be polite, helpful, and courteous to your fellow students, staff, and faculty.
• No gossiping
• No complaining
• No “personal life” in the rehearsal space – leave it at the door!

Be responsible for care/maintenance of costumes and properties:

• Hang up your costume/s at the end of the show
• Preset props for the following performance/rehearsal
• Refrain from “playing” with another’s props
• DO NOT smoke or eat in costume

Be prepared for all tech/dress rehearsals and performances: 

• Rehearsal calls will be posted/emailed at least 12 hours prior to rehearsal 
• Arrive at least 15 minutes before call (Stage Management should arrive at least 20 minutes before call) 
• Technicians are expected to be on the job ready to go to work at the call time. 
• Bring script, pencil and notebook with you 
• Dress in blacks 
• Black shirt without lettering and/or printed designs 
• Black pants (or dress depending on crew requirements) 
• Black shoes and socks (and wear the appropriate shoes for your work)

Notify Stage Manager immediately if:

• You will be late 
• You will not be at rehearsal/performance due to illness or emergency (must be done 30 minutes before call) 
• The Stage Manager will direct all issues related to drugs & alcohol to the Director or Chair.

Be safe:

Our primary and foremost concern is safety. This means your safety as well as the safety of others. In theatre, “others” not only includes your coworkers but also extends to the staff, audience and the public-at-large. Always err on the side of caution.

• Be respectful of your body’s limitations 
• Report anything dangerous to the Stage Manager 
• Report any injuries to the Stage Manager (forms may need to be filed) 
• No skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding, mountain biking, etc. during the run of the show 
• Stay hydrated 

Cooperate with all ensemble members (cast, crew, administration): 

• Repeat ALL instructions with a “thank you” in order to verify understanding/compliance with instructions 
• Communicate with Stage Management or your crew head regarding ANY concerns 
• Police the rehearsal/performance space to maintain cleanliness and hygiene 
• Be polite 
• Be helpful 
• Be courteous 
• No gossiping 
• No complaining 
• No “personal life” in the rehearsal/performance space – leave it at the door! 

Be responsible for care/maintenance of costumes and properties: 

• Props and scenery are for the actors’ use and the audience to view. Do not use props as your personal furniture.
• Preset props for the following performance/rehearsal.
• Refrain from “playing” with another’s prop.

Every major production and several minor works or events staged by the Department of Theatre is documented via still photography and, if possible, video. Copies of these images are available free of charge to students and alumni as downloads from the Theatre website. Each production’s program including cast and crew lists, dramaturgy, and notes are also available via the website for free download. Specific imagery or high-resolution photos are available via request to the Media Coordinator. Requests are filled as time allows, first come first serve. Edited videos of productions will be made available for purchase as production calendars allow.

Theatre Majors are required to complete at least one internship during their tenure in the Department of Theatre (THEA 460 Internship in Theatre for 3 credits). Internships provide students with the opportunity to integrate their academic study with community service/action in educational, professional, or amateur organizations.

Students are encouraged to embrace leadership roles in defining needs, and working towards successful, sustainable working relationships with internship partners. Internships serve the educational growth and professional development of each student, helping them toward a marketable advantage in the future job markets.

Fort Lewis College Department of Theatre is actively involved in The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival on both regional and national levels, giving our students opportunities to network and compete on regional and national levels.

Our productions are often entered for competition as Associate or Participating entries to the regional festival every year. Students can be nominated for multiple competitions, awards and acknowledgements including: Meritorious Achievement awards, the Irene Ryan Acting competition, and competitions in dramaturgy, designing, directing, and stage management.

Students also have the opportunity to audition and interview for career positions. To participate on the regional level, students are required to register for the THEA 390 Special Topics Course.

All Theatre majors must take Theatre 496 and 497, Senior Seminar, in their senior year of study. Theatre majors demonstrate the ability to connect analytical research to performance. The requirements include a research paper on an approved topic and a public performance or presentation of that research paper.