Acting 1
VPT 203
Beginning work on the actor’s physical, vocal and emotional tools. Basic rules, mechanics and methods of analysis for developing a part in a play.
Theatre Concentration & Minor
The Performing Arts major – Theatre concentration and the Theatre Arts minor provide students the chance to enter the world of theater arts and discover themselves and their abilities anew while challenging their body, mind and imagination.
The Arts Take Center Stage
More musicals and professional development are at the heart of a reimagined Visual & Performing Arts program that enhances both intellectual flexibility and the experiences students need to thrive in their pursuits.
Program Overview
Through the study in the humanities, education and collaborative arts, theater students enhance their personal development in several ways:
- A deeper understanding of the workings of the human imagination and emotions
- The use of the body and voice as a means of expression
- The complexities of interpersonal relationships as seen in art and life
- Experiential learning opportunities
Theater students also have the opportunity to study beyond the classroom by attending professional performances in the Boston/New England area. In addition, the work of the Stonehill Theatre Company provides numerous hands-on learning experiences, both onstage and behind the scenes. By taking part in the production of plays, students’ sense of responsibility and self-discipline are further tested and strengthened.
Participation in the Kennedy Center/American College Theater Festival allows our students to compete in various areas including acting, design, tech, dramatic criticism and playwriting. Students may also collaborate with faculty in directing and designing main stage productions.
Performing Arts, B.A., Theatre Concentration
The Performing Arts major with a concentration in Theatre requires the completion of eight courses plus three semesters of production work.
Theatre Arts Minor
The Theatre Arts minor requires the completion of 18 credits.
Recent Accolades
Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.
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WSJ “Value Added” Formula Rockets Stonehill Higher in Rankings
Stonehill moved up 62 places in this year’s WSJ “America's Best Colleges 2024” rankings, putting it in the top 12 among Massachusetts schools and top 6 percent nationally.
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Princeton Review Ranks Stonehill in Top 20 in U.S. for Quality of Life
After considering input for 165,000 at colleges and universities across the country, The Princeton Review recently ranked Stonehill College 19th out of 389 schools for quality of life.
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Money Magazine Ranks Stonehill Among Most Elite Colleges in U.S.
Less than 20% of the 700 schools on Money’s 2023 Best College list, including Stonehill, received 4.5 stars or higher in the magazine’s 5-star rating system.
Sample Theatre Courses
Musical Theatre
VPT 212
Focusing on the history, artistic development, and performance of Musical Theatre, this course provides the tools to create fully developed Musical Theatre performances. Through discussions and workshops on acting, character development, proper vocal technique, staging/choreography, and the art form’s history, students will become informed Musical Theatre performers and critics.
Directing
VPT 302
Analysis and interpretation of play scripts; creating visual imagery; basic blocking techniques; coaching of actors; and the process of producing a play from auditions through performance.
Introduction to Playwriting
VPT 306
Participants will be putting pen to paper with weekly writing assignments covering the basic concepts of playwriting; characterization, dialogue and plot development. This will be an active participation class with students sharing and talking about their own and each other’s work in class as they develop their scenes and one act dramas.
Three Things to Know About the Program
Stonehill Theatre Company
The Stonehill Theatre Company is a professionally-run theater company that gives students direct hands-on mentorship from professional theater artists. Students have the unique opportunity to work and learn alongside professional directors, designers, music directors and musicians.
Stonehill's Theatre program helped me gain confidence in myself to take advantage of as many opportunities as I can and to become my own person.
Theatre Workshops and Guest Speakers
Stonehill’s Theatre program regularly welcomes guest directors and actors to campus to conduct workshops with students.
Past Performances
Visual & Performing Arts Honor Society Affiliations
Lamda Epsilon Sigma
Stonehill’s campus-wide honor society, Lambda Epsilon Sigma, recognizes students from all areas of study. Students who have demonstrated a well-rounded thirst for knowledge are invited to apply.
Alpha Psi Omega
Alpha Psi Omega is the national theater honor society.
Theatre Program Director
Matthew C. Greene
Associate Professor of Theater, Theatre Program Director
Visual and Performing Arts
Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair
Adam D. Lampton
Associate Professor of Visual & Performing Arts, Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair, Studio Arts Program Director, Art History Program Director
Visual and Performing Arts