The Department of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to two primary goals. The first is to provide students with high caliber training in theatre and dance that prepares them to create theatre of any kind at any level. The second is to provide Southern Minnesota with a multifaceted, high quality theatrical experience. These goals interweave to provide entertainment and education to those on both sides of the curtain.
The Department of Theatre and Dance is strongly committed to its students and to its audience. It offers the student a varied array of theatrical and dance opportunities exploring a wide range of dramatic literature and movement possibilities in three performance venues. Based upon a strong academic foundation, bolstered by a strong appreciation of the liberal arts, the Department literally allows students the opportunity to put their lessons into practice. This is done with the outstanding support of the local community. Over 35,000 patrons witness, support, and enjoy the Department's offerings each year, ranking it in the nation's top one percent of colleges in theatre attendance.
Want more information? Download PDF versions of our Department newsletter (begun February 2008).
MSU presents six major theatrical productions in its Mainstage Season. These productions are divided between the Ted Paul Theatre (four shows, usually two musicals and a combination of classic, comedic and dramatic shows) and the Andreas Theatre. One dance concert is held each academic semester in the Ted Paul Theatre. Four smaller plays, selected and produced by students (with faculty advice), are presented in the Andreas Theatre. ETC Theatre is an "open stage" with up to 20 minor offerings each year.
Highland Summer Theatre is MSU's professional summer stock theatre specializing in light entertainment. Four productions are presented within a nine-week period of time using professional actors and MSU students making their professional debuts.
The Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Theatre & Dance has a student chapter of the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT). This chapter is made up of 15 students who are working on their undergraduate and graduate degrees in theatre technology, including Set Design, Light Design, Costume Design, Stage Management, Master Electrician and Technical Director.
SEPTEMBER
September 1st Friday, Room 113—4:00 PM USITT Recruitment Meeting
September 5th Tuesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
September 16th Saturday, Ted Paul Theatre—1:00 PM Saturday Session-Stage
Rigging —Ted Jacobsen and Corey Krolikowski
OCTOBER
October 3rd Tuesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
October 21st Saturday, Conference Room—1:00 PM Saturday Session-Stage Management, Angie Hesterman
NOVEMBER
November 7th Tuesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
November 18th Saturday, Andreas Theatre—1:00 PM Saturday Session
IATSE/Equity or Props Workshop, Mick Coughlan
November 28th Tuesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
JANUARY
January 17th Wednesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
FEBRUARY
February 6th Tuesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
February 17th Saturday—1:00 PM Saturday Session Twin Cities Tour
MARCH
March 3rd Saturday, Ted Paul Theatre—1:00 PM Saturday Session—Tech Olympics Training Session
March 6th Tuesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
** Elections and Nominations**
March 10th-March 18th—National Conference, Phoenix, Arizona
APRIL
April 3rd Tuesday, Ted Paul Theatre—10:30 PM Large Group Meeting
TBA Union Stage Connectors Workshop TBA
The United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc., is the American Association of Design and Productions Professionals in the Performing Arts. The mission of the Institute is to actively promote the advancement of knowledge and skills of its members and to facilitate communication among individuals and organizations engaged in all aspects of design and production in the performing arts. The mission of the student chapter is to further our knowledge of theatrical design by:
USITT is dedicated to the professional development of men and women who are an integral part of the performing arts community.
Northern Boundary Regional Section draws its membership primarily from Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Iowa. USITT-NBS provides a forum for communication of all of us involved in design and technology. It is the goal of this organization to promote the exchange of information that is pertinent to design and technology in theatre, opera, dance, entertainment and allied professions. A web page, quarterly newsletter and annual workshops are designed to meet this goal.
Established in 1960 by a dedicated group of theatre professionals and educators, USITT has grown from its modest beginnings in New York City to a truly international organization. Today, USITT has its headquarters in Syracuse, NY, but its Board of Directors is drawn from across the United States and Canada. Elected by the membership, the directors and officers of the board operate a financially sound non-profit organization. This all-volunteer board meets two or three times a year to assess the current activities of the organization and plan for future programs, exhibitions and conferences.
The USITT National Conference and Stage Expo is held in different cities across the country once a year. It gives students a chance to learn new technology outside of the classroom by attending seminars and talking to vendors about their products. This also gives the undergraduates a chance to look for graduate schools to pursue their MFA in theatre.
To learn more about the student chapter or USITT, contact faculty adviser George Grubb. He can be reached at 507-389-5543 or george.grubb@mnsu.edu.
To learn more about USITT, visit the national web page at www.USITT.org
