Department of Theatre

Studying Theatre at Lamont

Students in our Department of Theatre join a vibrant community of artists where hands-on learning, creative exploration, and collaboration shape every stage of their education. In our intentionally small program, students build meaningful relationships with faculty and peers while gaining a strong foundation across every aspect of theatre-making and the flexibility to deepen the disciplines that inspire them most.

Rather than training students for a single specialty, we emphasize the craft of storytelling through broad artistic training and a deep understanding of the entire theatrical process. Students develop experience in acting, directing, design, production, and leadership while engaging with straight plays, contemporary works, classical theatre, devised performance, and collaborative ensemble creation—building the versatility needed to thrive in today's interdisciplinary performing arts landscape.

Theatre students at Lamont learn by doing. In classrooms, rehearsal/performance spaces, and shops, students build the story from initial concept to final performance, gaining experience as actors, directors, designers, technicians, and stage managers while developing the artistic, technical, and collaborative skills that define successful theatre professionals.

Theatre Concentrations

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  Acting

  Refine your performance craft through extensive stage experience in departmental and professional productions while demonstrating excellence in acting coursework.

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  Design

  Develop your artistic vision by designing productions, collaborating with faculty and guest professionals, and creating a professional portfolio that highlights your creative process and technical skills. Learn more about our Theatre Tech Internship Program.

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  Directing

  Cultivate your voice as a theatre director by leading productions, working alongside experienced directors, and developing the artistic and collaborative skills to bring stories to life.

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  Dramaturgy

  Develop expertise in theatrical research, literary analysis, and production collaboration by serving as a dramaturg on multiple productions and deepening your understanding of dramatic literature.

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  Playwriting

  Create original work for the stage through writing, revision, and production opportunities that prepare you to develop compelling new plays.

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  Theatre History

  Explore the cultural, historical, and scholarly foundations of theatre through advanced research culminating in an original senior thesis.

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  Stage Management

  Master the art of theatrical leadership by coordinating productions, gaining professional experience, and building a portfolio that demonstrates exceptional organizational and communication skills.

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  Technology and Production

  Build advanced expertise in theatrical production through leadership roles, hands-on technical experience, professional mentorship, and a portfolio showcasing your work behind the scenes. Learn more about our Theatre Tech Internship Program.

Faculty

Led by Anne Penner, chair of the department, Lamont’s theatre faculty are accomplished artists, educators, technicians, and industry professionals whose work spans professional theatre companies, national touring productions, Shakespeare festivals, design studios, and stages around the world. Students learn from mentors with expertise across every aspect of theatre-making: from acting and directing to design, production, playwriting, and scholarship. In Lamont's intentionally small program, students are known by name and mentored by faculty who are deeply invested in their artistic growth, helping them cultivate both creative excellence and the confidence to thrive in collaborative careers.