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 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 Fall 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
In general, we rehearse during a 3:30-6:30 p.m. laboratory class period. Rehearsals last for 6 to 9 weeks and the run of each production 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 are also fulfilled during a 3:30-6:30 p.m. laboratory class period, which focuses on run crew during the performances of the productions and building the sets, hanging & focusing lights, sewing costumes, &/or finding & building props in advance of opening night.
All theatre artists 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 production is over, our artistic teams continue to meet during pre-determined time to finish space cleanup, start build for next show, or assist in regular theater operations.
Box Office, Usher, Arts Management
Box office and ushering can be combined with technical roles if full credit is desired. 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 are prepared to interact with the general public. Arts Management positions include marketing & branding, social media outreach, writing press releases and human interest stories, and more.