Theatre and Dance

 


Welcome to Theatre and Dance at Alma College

The Theatre and Dance Department is motivated by the belief that the performing arts are vital and necessary to the human experience. At their heart, theatre and dance explore the mystery and exhilaration of human relationships - the myriad aspects of our relationship to self, to each other, to our world and to larger spiritual forces. We are firmly aligned with the mission of Alma College, and uniquely positioned to cultivate and promote experiences that lead students to an outlook on life of wholeness and openness. Theatre and dance have the power to profoundly affect the development of human potential. This influence can be felt both by the participants actively engaged in the creation of a performance and by the participants actively engaged in the viewing of a performance.

We strive to teach each student not only the craft of theatre and dance, but also to inspire each student to the heights of art, which at its best is a quest for truth. A quest where truth is found not only in the results but also in the process of the journey; a process which focuses on the questions that are raised rather than only on the answers to those questions. Even though adversity and conflict are at the very core of drama, our journey is a process which demands that a community of artists strive to work collaboratively to illuminate the human experience.

This quest for truth begins with each artist’s individual contribution, continues in the collaboration of the design, technical, and rehearsal studios, and is not complete until the communal efforts of the artists are shared on a stage with the larger community with whom we have a relationship. In this vital final step of the process we must strive to present our best possible work, but we must never be afraid to take the risks to truthfully explore the questions.

The Theatre and Dance Department is committed to:

  • challenging students to aspire to high standards of excellence and reach new heights in the development of their craft and artistic growth;

  • awakening in students the importance and value of the culture, history and tradition of theatre and dance;

  • providing quality opportunities for both majors and non-majors to actively participate in all areas of production;

  • exposing students to various styles, genres and methods of performance and production;

  • preparing students with the necessary skills to pursue vocations in theatre and dance.

 

Bob Devaney, a 1939 graduate of Alma College, went on to become known as one of the greatest coaches in collegiate football history. In his 11 years as head coach at Nebraska, Devaney produced 11 winning seasons with two national championships. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1981. At Alma he played end and was the Scots’ Most Valuable Player in 1938.

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Student Profile

Shelby Schroeder

Shelby Schroeder
Graduation: 2014
Major: Theatre and Psychology

Maybe it’s seeing your name on the cast list. What about the butterflies in your stomach as the curtain goes up? For Shelby Schroeder, the best part of a theatre production is when it’s over.

“I love the part after the show when you’re able to see people’s reactions to your performance, especially when you’re really able to move someone,” she says. “Knowing that you did a good job and that all your hard work really meant something are such strong feelings.”

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