Come play with us!

The Hollins Theatre Department offers a B.A. in theatre, presenting a wide spectrum of courses that helps build a strong foundation in all aspects of theatre. We present two main stage productions (one musical) and two studio theatre productions every year. Special projects include children's theatre productions that tour the region, and also bring hundreds of school children to the Hollins campus.

Theatre students at Hollins participate fully in every aspect of theatre production, including acting, musical theatre, design, directing, stage management, and technical production. At the same time, classroom work provides a solid foundation in history, theory, aesthetics, and technique.

Across the spectrum of the program, three complementary processes — the individual creative process, the collaborative process, and the critical/analytical process — are given equal attention. The course of study culminates in the senior project, which demonstrates the student's knowledge of theatre, integrates formerly compartmentalized areas of study, and poses new questions and challenges.

Hollins' theatre program provides a solid foundation for those wishing to pursue graduate level work in theatre, professional theatre apprenticeships, or any environment where creative problem solving, collaboration, and research/analysis skills are valued. The major and minor are compatible with many majors, including business, communication studies, dance, English, film, history, philosophy, and other majors.

The department also sponsors January Short Term theatre tours to New York and London and has brought theatre improv to campus, creating a forum for students to participate in regularly scheduled improv nights on campus.

Certificate in Arts Management

The Certificate in Arts Management is available to majors who have a special interest in arts marketing, development, and general business/management. With careful scheduling, a student may incorporate most of the certificate requirements into her major and general education studies.

Hollins' "Paper Cup Ocean" theatre festival finalist

Hollins' theatre department's production of "Paper Cup Ocean" was selected as a finalist in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF). The original, full-length play by Rachel Nelson, a 2007 graduate, was one of five productions from throughout the southeastern United States showcased during regional competition at Clemson University in February 2008. The Association for Theatre in Higher Education subsequently honored the theatre department with a cash prize for "Paper Cup Ocean" in the national student playwriting contest sponsored by the KCACTF.

"Very few original student works make it to this level, and we are honored to be in this group," said Theatre Department Chair Ernest Zulia.

"Paper Cup Ocean" was also staged at the first-ever Roanoke Arts Festival in October 2007.

Regional symposium

In January 2007, the department produced a regional symposium on the work of playwright Wendy Wasserstein. Academy Award-winning actress Jane Alexander, and Tony Award-winning designer William Ivey Long joined college students from the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Radford University, Washington & Lee University, and Roanoke College to celebrate this great writer with the Hollins community.

Hollins Players

This drama association consists of student actors, directors, designers, and technicians who seek to stimulate dramatic activities on campus and to assist in the staging of all departmental workshops and major productions, as well as productions of visiting dramatic groups. Hollins Players offers an opportunity for involvement in the theatrical events and stage works of all types to interest members of the Hollins community. Apprenticeship is available to every person expressing an interest in the organization, and membership is earned by subsequent work on productions.

In spring 2007, we produced an innovative and dynamic production of the Tony Award-winning musical Into The Woods by Stephen Sondheim.

Alpha Psi Omega

Hollins Theatre offers membership to Alpha Psi Omega, the national theatre honor society. Membership is based on outstanding contribution to theatre and strong scholastic standing. Members are honored at the annual Honors Convocation.

Facilities

The 550-seat proscenium theatre is remarkably intimate, with a flexible front-apron configuration. In addition, students have access to:

• fully equipped scenery and costume shops
• design studio, makeup studio, and light lab
• a black box theatre and acting studio
• sound, projection, and computer labs