Theatre History and Performance Texts Concentration • Academics • Marymount Manhattan College

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Mark Ring, Professor of Theatre Arts and Rob Dutiel, Associate Professor of Theatre arts, in Gree...

Why Study Theatre History and Performance Texts?

Our past not only informs, it inspires. From ancient Greek tragedy to 17th-century Shakespearean comedy; from post-war musical theatre to current conversations of a darkened Broadway, theatre has inspired its artists, communities, and societies throughout time. To explore performance, theatre history, and dramatic literature is to connect our past to our future. Let’s get started.

Why Study Theatre History and Performance Texts at MMC?

Our program allows you to design you own path based on your specific interests in fields like dramaturgy, theatre history, artistic development, or criticism. You’ll work closely with faculty advisors to create a unique blend of courses—both in Theatre and in related areas—that will provide exciting collaborations with your peers and prepare you for professional opportunities after graduation.

This concentration is a great complement to other Theatre Arts majors and allows students pursuing Acting, Design, Directing, or Writing for the Stage to expand and explore their academic interests.

What You Will Learn

You will develop a sophisticated, contextualized understanding of theatre and performance as it relates to culture, society, and the arts, including how it has been used to reinforce and/or challenge oppressive structures and narratives.
You will learn to analyze, discuss, and respond critically to various forms of theatre and performance across historical, geographical, political, and cultural traditions.
You will demonstrate advanced level critical writing, research, and analytical skills by engaging a variety of primary and secondary sources, including images, videos, and live performances.
You will learn to work & create collaboratively with colleagues in other disciplines of Theatre Arts in order to support a common artistic goal.

Required Courses

Stagecraft

Script Analysis

Theatre Histories I & II

Elements of Directing

Shakespeare, the Stage, & Humanity

Advanced Studies in Drama and Theatre (two courses)

Theatre Elective (from list of courses)

Performance Research

Dramatury Practicum, or Independent Study, or Internship

Three 300-400 Level Dramatic Lit Courses (from a list of courses)

Check out the Theatre Arts major

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Program Highlights

Make It Your Own

This concentration has few specific requirements. Instead, faculty advisors help students design their own path of study that allows them to develop a unique body of knowledge and repertoire of skills. Each year, students will choose courses that support their unique interests, and pursue internships and independent studies to develop specialized skills.

Professional Prep

The skills you’ll gain in this concentration apply to a range of professions. Our strong emphasis on critical thinking, writing, research, and communication serves students after graduation regardless of what you pursue—immediately or in the decades to come.

graduate programs

Dramaturgy, Theatre Pedagogy, and Dramatic Literature
Professional Directing and Dramaturgy
New York Historical Society
Broadway for All
Dixon Place
Drama League Resident Artist
Founder of Shuga Pie Supreme
Artist in Residence at Brooklyn Academy of Music

Top College Program

Each year, the team at OnStage Blog announces the best performing arts schools for the coming year based on research by theatre educators, students, alumni, and parents—the people who really know what’s important in theatre education. MMC made the cut and was praised for our impressive master classes and lectures.