General Theatre Major

The General Theatre degree takes a liberal arts approach to studies in theatre and provides students with a broad-based background in theatre history, dramatic literature, theory and criticism, as well as, a comprehensive study of the components of current theatre practices. Story-telling and mythic context reflected in the human condition are an integral part of this investigation. The model is the “Renaissance” wo/man who wants to view theatre from a rich vantage point, poised to comment and act in the world around him/her... The guiding question is always, “what elements stir or motivate the creative act? And, “how does one find the pulse within oneself to manifest this relationship between theatre and a path of one’s choosing?”

Each individual in the program is encouraged to find his/her special bond to and talents in theatre so that a lifelong journey of discovery and action can begin. Be it: directing, teaching, writing, teaching, promoting or working with diverse populations--the knowledge and practices gained in theatre becomes a vast resource for human understanding, personal growth, healing and social change.

You do not need to audition to be accepted into the General Theatre track. If you want to apply for a talent scholarship, you need to apply in February and audition in March for the coming year. Scholarships are granted only to those students who have been admitted to the University and are declared Theatre Majors.

We aim to:

Nurture individual artistic process
Expand the student’s participation in theatre—as reader, doer, thinker and maker
Develop performance skills
Introduce a broad range of genres and dramatic writers
Provide a safe environment to encourage risk taking
Inspire passion for the art and craft of making theatre

We offer:

A Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Arts
An curriculum, that includes contemporary writing, theatre history, world theatre, experimental playmaking, cross disciplinary approaches to theatre study
Close connection with a supportive faculty
Ample opportunities to perform dramas, comedies, musical theatre, experimental works, student writing and improvisation in a variety of venues from the first year through graduation
Class sizes that allow for personal attention and individual feedback
A community of theatre students in acting, dance, technical theatre and general theatre majors who work together and support one another
State-of-the-art facilities including a 475 seat proscenium theatre, a black box studio theatre, 2 dance studios, and an amphitheatre
Opportunities to collaborate with dancers, musicians, singers, and technicians
A foundation for professional acting career, graduate studies, creative work, or teaching acting and theatre,
A life broadened and enriched through person immersion in the art and craft of acting

We welcome your interest in our program, invite you to visit the campus to sit in on classes, meet with instructors, and see our work on stage.

September 2006

Auditions Fall 2007

Auditions for Flea In Her Ear and Decameron are on:
Aug.25 from 5pm-10pm,
Aug 26 from 12pm-6pm.
The callbacks are on Aug 27 from 6pm-11pm. Click for details.

Auditions for West Side Story:
sing & dance on Sept. 7th, and Sept. 8th. The callbacks are on Sept. 9th
sing & act on Sept.13th and Sept.14th. The callbacks are on Sept. 15th

Auditions for Romeo and Juliet are on: Sept. 10 and 11th. The callbacks are on Sept.12 and 14th.

2008/2009 Academic Year
Scholarship auditions are
March 8, 2008
Application due date is
February 8, 2008

For information about the General Theater Major contact:
Judy Navas
Director of General Theatre
(707) 664-7477
judy.navas@sonoma.edu