Department of Theatre Arts 2005 - 2006 Handbook
Why Major in Fine Arts at Vanguard University?
Department of Theatre Arts Overview
Theatre Major Emphases
Mission Statement
Curriculum
Performance and Production Opportunities
Touring and Missions Opportunities
Career Opportunities
Faculty
Theatre Major and Minor Requirements and Course Descriptions
Theatre Major Internship Information
Theatre Major and Minor Advisement Information
Graduating from Vanguard University
Classes and Credits
Extras
Career Options
Sample 4-year Plans by Emphasis
Course Rotation Schedule
Sample Theatre Major Check Sheet
Fall 2005 Theatre Course Logistics Schedule
2005-2006 Season Schedule
Department Forms
Personal Information
Scholarship Application
Junior Project Proposal
Junior Project Completion
Senior Project Proposal
Internship Forms
Senior Project Completion
Theatre Minor Petition
Why Major in Fine Arts at Vanguard University?
Fine Arts Majors choose to study Theatre and/or Music at Vanguard University because of the excellent degree programs, the outstanding faculty, the availability of in-training experience, and the exciting opportunities that are available to our graduates. The Theatre Department currently produces seven events each year, including Student Showcase Week. These shows are produced in the Lyceum Theater, a 200-seat three-quarter thrust stage. We also have a ministry team called the Vanguard Players that tours churches and high school chapels for three weeks in June.
Vanguard University’s strategic location in Costa Mesa -- The City of the Arts for Orange County -- offers our students many opportunities to see and hear world-class performing artists, ensembles, and theatre. The Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory, and Irvine-Barclay Theater are all just minutes away from the Vanguard University Campus.
The best preparation for a career in the Fine Arts must be broad in scope, encourage excellence as well as versatility and creativity, and provide opportunities to learn through hands-on experience. Both majors in the Fine Arts Division (Theatre and Music) offer well-qualified faculty, comprehensive curricula, and extensive student participation to provide this training. At VUSC you can major in Theatre Arts with an emphasis toward performing/directing or design/technical theatre. You can also minor in theatre.
A program can be evaluated by its graduates. Vanguard University has ample reason to be proud of its Fine Arts alumni. Theatre alumni are finding increasing opportunities for professional work in both church-related and other professional performance venues, as well as educational theatre. Our music grads are professional music educators, church music ministers, studio musicians, and professional performers.
It is our mission to provide each student with a well-rounded, quality education in theatre from a Christian world-view. We accomplish this by focusing on two aspects of education: professionalism and mentoring. By setting high standards across the department, we ensure you will be getting some of the best private training that higher education has to offer. However, professionalism and knowledge are empty without the Lord. In addition to high quality instruction, VUSC provides caring mentors who help shape your career and your commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.
We encourage you to take full advantage of your educational experience at Vanguard University. This opportunity for you to invest your gifts, passions, time, energy and resources will garner great personal rewards for you, multiple benefits to the world around you, and eternal treasure where it really matters.
In Christ’s Service,
Susan K. Berkompas, MFA
Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Department of Theatre Arts Overview
Theatre Major Emphases
Performance/Directing --- Design/Technical Theatre --- Theatre Education
Drama Ministry --- Musical Theatre --- Theatre Management --- Scriptwriting
Mission Statement
The Department of Theatre Arts seeks to establish a Christ-centered, professional environment for artistic expression by developing the creative mind, body and spirit of each student in the disciplines of performance; directing; design; technical theatre; production; theatre management; script writing; theatre history and dramatic literature. By imparting knowledge and allowing hands-on participation, the department can be about preparing students to impact our world for God’s own glory.
Curriculum
The Department of Theatre Arts offers a B.A. degree as well as a minor in Theatre. The areas of emphasis are Performance/Directing, Design/Technical Theatre, Theatre Education, Drama Ministry, Musical Theatre, Theatre Management, and Scriptwriting. The curriculum also provides an excellent background for students who intend to pursue graduate education or teaching, as well as for those who plan a professional career in theatre.
The theatre major is designed to give students a well-rounded exposure to the art form. It is important for all theatre students to know about all of the disciplines of theatre in order to be well-rounded and versatile. Studies include performance, directing, design, technical production (set construction, sound, lighting, makeup, props and theatre management), theatre history, dramatic literature, theory & criticism, and scriptwriting. Scholarships are available to qualifying students.
Each fall semester, 2-3 shows are entered into the prestigious Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival where the students’ work is adjudicated and 2-3 candidates are chosen to compete for the Irene Ryan award, the highest national acting scholarship award for college students. Student designers are also considered for top KCACTF awards.
Performance and Production Opportunities
Six mainstage shows are produced each year, as well as student directed showcases. The mainstage shows are directed by resident faculty and guest artists. Classes and performances are held in the Lyceum Theater, a 200-seat intimate theater with a thrust stage.
Past works include plays and musicals such as Little Women, Once Upon a Mattress, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Something’s Afoot, Steel Magnolias, Little Shop of Horrors, A Few Good Men, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Mousetrap, Fiddler on the Roof, Brigadoon, Macbeth, The Lion in Winter, and Into the Woods.
Touring and Missions Opportunities
Students may audition to tour with the Vanguard Players during the summer semester where they will perform a play based on Christian themes while touring churches, high schools and other theaters both in and out of state. Past tours have included a two-month trip to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, where students performed nightly and held theatre camps for youth. Tour members receive credit and/or scholarship.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Theatre Arts program have the option of seeking immediate employment or continuing their studies in graduate school. Opportunities include careers in drama ministry, theatre education (primary, secondary and collegiate levels), professional Christian Theatre companies (such as Lamb’s Players in San Diego, Covenant Players, and Actors Co-op in North Hollywood), professional or community theatre, film/T.V., and various careers in public relations.
Faculty
Susan K. Berkompas, M.F.A., Theatre Department Chair and Artistic Producing Director. Professor of Theatre; M.F.A.,- California Repertory Company, California State University, Long Beach. Extensive theatrical experience in professional performance/directing and teaching. Teaching areas include Acting, Directing, and Voice and Speech.
David Pecoraro, M.F.A., Production Manager and resident Lighting Designer; Associate Professor of Theatre; M.F.A.,-Temple University, Philadelphia. Extensive educational and professional experience in stage management; production and design. Teaching areas include: Stage Management, Lighting Design, Theory and Criticism, Producing/Theatre Management, and other courses.
Paul Eggington, B.A., Scenic Designer and Technical Director; Staff/Faculty; B.A.,- National University, San Diego. Extensive professional experience in performance and production management/design. Teaching areas include: Drafting & Scenic Design, Sound Design, CAD, and other design courses.
LiaM. Hansen, M.F.A., Resident Costume/Makeup Designer; Assistant Professor of Theatre; M.F.A.,- San Diego State University. Experience in education and professional credits in costume design. Teaching areas include Costume Design, Makeup Design, and History of Theatre.
Warren Doody, M.F.A., Resident Playwright; Assistant Professor of Theatre; M.F.A.,- Chapman University. Experience in education and professional credits in playwriting and directing. Teaching areas include: Scriptwriting, Stage and Film, Script Analysis, and Introduction to Theatre.
Andrew Levy, M.F.A., Guest Director/Adjunct Professor; M.F.A.,- University of California, Irvine. Extensive educational and professional experience in performance and directing. Teaching areas include: Voice and Speech, Movement, Introduction to Theatre, and acting courses.
Marianne Savell, M.F.A., Guest Director; Adjunct Professor; M.F.A.,- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. Extensive educational and professional experience in performance and directing. Teaching areas include performance courses.
VandaEggington, B.A., Guest Director/Musical Director/Vanguard Players; Adjunct Professor; B.A.,- California Lutheran University. Extensive professional experience in music composition and arranging, musical direction and performance. Teaching areas include: Vanguard Players Summer Tour, Introduction to Theatre, and music courses.
AmickByram, B.A., Guest Director/Adjunct Professor; B.A.,- Oral Roberts University, Oklahoma. Extensive professional experience in musical theatre performance and directing. Teaching areas include musical theatre performance courses.
Aaron Genzink, B.A., Pianist/Conductor/Adjunct Professor; B.A.,- Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
James Mulligan, Professional Scenic Artist/Adjunct Professor.
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