Shepherd Theater welcomes all who are interested in being part of the theatremaking process. While Shepherd offers a both a Contemporary Theatre Studies (CTS) major and minor, the CTS program actively seeks to break down barriers & to not be “gatekeepers” who determine who can and cannot be art-makers, so all students are able -and encouraged to- be involved in departmental productions.
Shepherd’s CTS program also offers both upper and lower level classes (3 credits) for participation in either acting or tech that can satisfy requirements for most Shepherd majors’ electives.
Shepherd Theater always welcomes participation by members of the general public as well. To get involved, please contact the theatre program director, kb saine, at ksaine@shepherd.edu
For full information & details about auditions for Spring 2023 productions, click here.
Theater production participation can be a major time commitment, so we’ve laid out some of the basics so that you can make informed decisions about your level of participation:
Acting and Stage Management
This is the most time intensive part of our process. In general, we rehearse 4 hours a night Sunday to Thursday from 6-10 p.m. Rehearsals last for 4 to 6 weeks and the run of the show is 2 weeks. Essentially, this will take up one half a semester. Acting positions are secured by an audition and successful casting by the show’s director. Stage Management typically requires starting as an Assistant Stage Manager for at least one production, or successful completion of the Stage Management course, but exceptions are made based on experience, aptitude, and enthusiasm.
Technical Staff
Technical roles fall into one of two categories: one is run crew during the performances of the shows and the other is building the sets, hanging & focusing lights, sewing costumes, or finding & building props in advance of opening night. Run crew members are with the show for 4 weeks including designer/tech run through, technical rehearsals, the run of the show, and strike. Shows typically run Thursday to Saturday for two weeks. Technicians are required to strike and restore the show after the final performance
Build Technicians can include any of the crews (sound, lights, scenery, costumes, etc) that actually create and install the items for the show. These people may, but are not required, to run the shows as well. Build Technicians set up times during the week that they come in to the shops and perform jobs with the crew head. Build technicians are required to strike and restore the show after the final performance, and also assist in the final cleanup and restore of the theater. Once the show is over, this technical team continues to meet during a determined time to finish space cleanups, start build for next show, or assist in regular theater operations.
Box Office, Usher
Box office and ushering are not available for credit, but can be combined with technical roles if credit is desired. This is a great way to become involved without a major time commitment. Box Office personnel and ushers work for the run of the show, typically from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday. We do ask that people in these positions dress nicely and be prepared to interact with the general public.