Ever since Georgia State rescinded their Bachelor of Arts degree in performance arts a few years ago, the world of school theatre has suffered a lack of student awareness on campus. While they may not offer the Bachelor of Arts, other alternative degrees are available and the theatre department is still going strong. In an interview with Emily Scherer, who assists with the theatre department, The Signal learned how get the most from the plays, what other degrees are helpful, and what the Drama department is up to recently.
When a viewer goes to watch a play, there are several ways to derive greater meaning and enjoyment from it. Dr. Keith Tims, a professor for the theatre department and the teacher for the Introduction to Theatre course, says in his class that theatre plays contain more symbolism, allegory, satire, depth, and life themes than most other forms of entertainment, namely television. Awareness of this fact while watching a play can make the play significantly more profound. Looking out for what the playwright intended to criticize about society and considering the embedded themes makes seeing a play an active and hence more enriching experience.
One suggestion Scherer made in order to have the best play-viewing experience was for audience members to read a play through independently before arriving to see the play. This can give an interesting contrast, since usually what one imagines when reading a play is drastically different from their initial impression. Furthermore, Scherer noted that focus and respect while viewing a play are imperative. Since Introduction to Theatre students are mandated to see that semester’s play as a part of their grade, problems with lack of attention often arise in audience members.
This year one of plays that the theatre department produced was the play Getting Out, which was written by Marsha Norman. This play casts light on the plight of a woman who, against nearly insuperable odds, tries to escape her past self and uses religion as a guiding force. While tempted by antagonizing family members, lewd past friends and prison guards, and ghastly memories of her past, she takes the difficult “high road” in order to reach her best self and leave the past behind her. This play contained the deeper meanings that Dr. Tims emphasizes in his Introduction to Theatre course.
While students cannot pursue a Bachelor of Arts in the performance arts at the school, Georgia State offers theatre students the opportunity to receive a B.I.S. Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (B.I.S.) degree, which is can be confusing to explain to employers and often requires that a student take more classes and study another scholastic area in addition to the performance arts work. Still, for those interested in performance art this could be the way to pursue a degree in the field. When speaking with Scherer, she mentioned that most students do not realize that the B.I.S. degree is an option for students. For this reason, Scherer concluded, many students will pursue other degrees out of sheer ignorance of the B.I.S. degree program. While the theatre department has worked to bring the B.A. back to the school, the current efforts have seemed somewhat futile.
The theatre department draws in students from a multiplicity of majors and gives students different niches to try out until you find where you belong. For instance, Scherer loves the theatre environment, is exceptionally organized, and avoids public speaking like the plague. This combination makes her equipped for the role of stage management, where she takes in the drama environment while capitalizing on what she’s best at – organizing. For all students the same opportunity exists. Whether a student is a talented singer, designer, or manager, there is a niche for them.
For Scherer, one of the benefits of working with the drama department is that she can apply what she learns through the department to other parts of her life. For instance, when learning about how to assemble a shelf as a prop, she learned how to create her own shelf to make at home.
Another benefit Scherer cited was that working with the theatre department teaches you a lot culturally. Going to plays are more hands-on than the movies. “It’s also like going to the opera, it’s something that makes you excited,” Scherer continued.
Right now the drama department is in the midst of an interesting opportunity. Since the television program Glee is a favorite amongst drama students and Glee is holding national auditions, several members of the theatre department have submitted videos for consideration. While the applicant pool is immense, these Georgia State students show that they have the potential and belief in themselves to compete.
Scherer noted that the theatre is located in Alumni Hall. They usually do two big productions, one in the fall and one in the spring. However, they are also now doing one over the summer. Scherer continued by noting that the drama department is “very friendly,” and that if there are any questions or if you are interested in performance art or set design to speak with someone within the department. This way, students can learn more about the B.I.S. degree, if interested.
Even if you aren’t considering a theatre degree, as Scherer mentions, theatre is still “a good extracurricular.” The auditions for the summer play will take place either at the end of May or in June.
What you probably didn’t know about the theatre department
Published: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Updated: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 19:04
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The theatre department works with students’ strengths and weaknesses to find their place within the department.
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