Frequently Asked Questions About the Undergraduate Program
When applying to the University, do I need to set up an audition?
As a liberal arts program, it's not appropriate for us to hold auditions. If you are accepted at Brown, all of our Department's activities and offerings will be open to you. Since members of the Theatre Arts and Performance Studies faculty do not normally become directly involved with the undergraduate admissions process, an interview is not required. We do recommend a visit so that you can take the campus tour and sit in on a class to observe our spectacular students in action. While you're on campus, you should have many opportunities to chat informally with students and faculty.
Would it be possible to sit in on some classes while I am visiting the campus?
Yes, check out the class schedule and email the instructor.
Is most of your faculty adjunct?
We have only one adjunct acting teacher in the undergraduate program. She is a Juilliard graduate and a fully qualified and very gifted teacher.
How large are most of the classes in your department?
Size depends entirely on the nature of the class. First year acting classes have 18 students. Some performance classes have a few as 12 students. There are plenty of small seminar-style classes as well.
How many Theatre Arts and Performance Studies majors typically graduate each year?
We graduate 10-20 per year, but that number does vary. The answer is a little misleading because there are many serious theatre students who are concentrating in other areas but would consider Brown theatre their “home on campus.” We don’t advantage concentrators in any significant ways.
Are any of the classes by audition only?
No.
What is the difference between the Theatre Arts and Performance Studies concentrations?
Performance Studies offers a base for studying a broad spectrum of transnational performance, performance media and intermedial art, and does not have the same set of required courses as concentrators in Theatre Arts.
Would a double major in Theatre Arts and Performance Studies another academic area be feasible?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s fairly common.
I've read through the courses offered -- they look wonderful -- so from that I can get a pretty good idea of the balance between studying theatre history and studying craft, but what do you feel is the Department’s main emphasis?
We emphasize the development of individual artistic vision. We’re interested in turning out students who are unique, confident, entrepreneurial artists. We emphasize the ‘whole artist’ and encourage Brown students to work outside their comfort zone. We want actors to write, design, direct and writers to act, direct, design, etc.
Do you offer a Dance major or concentration track?
There is no separate dance major or concentration track, but you can focus on dance academically within the Performance Studies track. See the Dance pages and the dance FAQ.
Do you offer a Playwriting major or concentration track?
You can follow the Writing for Performance track within the Theatre Arts concentration. This will empower you with advisement, with a community of writers, and a capstone project.
What are some of your alums doing?
Check out our Alums page.
How do I find out about auditions, technical positions, and other theatre related openings?
The brown doors at the entrance to Lyman Hall (off Lincoln Field) are used to post all cast lists only. The main bulletin board is just inside the building where all audition notices, and other information is posted. Auditions are also listed here on our website.
Do freshman ever get leading roles in plays, or do they mostly go to the upperclassmen?
Freshmen consistently play leading roles. A freshman played the lead in both ANNA IN THE TROPICS and THE GLORY OF LIVING for example, but of course, most leading parts do go to upper classmen because there are more of them and they have greater experience, training and maturity. This only indicates that our students are better actors when they graduate than they were when they entered Brown.
Is there any kind of requirement you must fulfill in order to perform in a show, for example, to have worked backstage for one previous show, or to have completed a course?
No.
Who usually directs the shows?
Faculty or distinguished guests direct the mainstage shows, except one senior slot production. Students direct all the rest. Between 70 and 90 shows a year of one kind or another go up on the campus.
How many musicals are put on a year?
We produce one musical on our mainstage seasion, but there are several student groups devoted to musicals.
How many performing venues are there?
7 or 8.
Would I be able to take voice lessons at Brown?
You could take voice lessons through the applied music program in the Music Department.
If I'm planning on pursuing theatre professionally after college, do you feel I'll be prepared after being a theatre major?
For those who are interested in acting: The majority of our most talented performers go on to graduate training in one of the top ten graduate acting programs in America. Some do go directly into the business, but that is less and less the norm as most young actors today realize that advanced training will allow them to become the very best performers they can be.
What directing opportunities exist on campus?
There are opportunities all over Brown campus. Production Workshop and other student groups host myriad directing opportunities. The Department mentors students who seek mentorship when directing. A stellar opportunity for concentrators is Senior Slot Directing. Every Spring, a junior concentrator is selected to direct a funded and staffed production on the mainstage Department Season in their senior year. For a description of this opportunity, and the benefits involved, see the description on the concentration page.
What design and production opportunities exist on campus?
There are design and production opportunities all over Brown campus. The Department of Theatre Arts and Performance Studies relies heavily on students for both design and production on Sock and Buskin shows as well as dance concerts. The Brownbrokers musical, produced by the Department every other year is fully designed by students, technically run by students, and mentored by the production staff of the department. Rites and Reason Theatre also provides many student design opportunities. Outside student groups such as Production Workshop, Musical Forum, and Shakespeare On the Green are always looking for excited students to design and be involved technically.
Do I need experience to get involved?
No. But you’ll gain experience by getting involved!
How can I usher for productions?
Call the box office (863-2838) or stop by during regular box office hours (Tues.-Fri. 12noon- 5pm) to sign up. Usher training takes place on nights of performance and is open to all underclassmen and graduate students. Ushering is a wonderful opportunity to see free theatre!
A note from Lowry Marshall:
Glad to hear of your interest in Brown. I can tell you, in just a few words, that Brown does 80-90 productions a year, that anyone who can get accepted at Brown can take our classes. We don't audition for classes - just for our shows; majors and non-majors are treated equally. We are not a conservatory, and our primary focus is on the growth of our students' imaginations and confidence rather than on teaching a narrow band of skills. We encourage entrepreneurism and experimentation in our students.
We don't have a single method or philosophy in our acting/directing classes. We encourage each student to develop his or her own "method" over the years spent with us.
We believe our program is the best liberal arts theatre major in the country. Brown is a place to get a great education while you grow as an artist. No other program in the U.S. sends more students to the top five MFA programs. We have many students at Brown whose parents work in the industry, which I think says a lot about the image of our program within the profession. Brown theatre graduates are omnipresent in New York and L.A.
Our students are what make our program so very special. I believe that they are the best in America, and our faculty tries very hard to give them the individual attention and encouragement that they deserve. I would urge you to come for a visit at a time that classes are in session and sit in on one of my acting/directing classes. You'll learn most by talking to the students and watching them work.