The Department of the Arts offers both a bachelor’s degree and a minor in Theatre. The curriculum balances solid fundamental study of the literature, history, and theory of theatre with practical theatre experience in performance, directing, design, and technical theatre. The program offers a liberal arts approach to theatre study, an approach that aims at enriching the students’ awareness of the role of theatre arts within society. The program fosters an understanding of the self and of others through the study of the art form.
Performances and Classes
The Theatre program produces a season of fully-realized plays supported by faculty and guest artist direction and design. These productions offer students course credit for participating and are an opportunity to authentically practice skills learned in classes. The main-stage season offers plays in both English and Arabic and rotates between the Malak Gabr Theatre, a mid-size proscenium theatre, and the Gerhart Theatre, a multi-functional 200 seat black box. Once or twice annually main-stage productions perform at both the Gerhart and the Falaki Theatre, at AUC’s downtown campus. The Theatre program is also committed to producing student directed work. The Student Studio Series offers majors or minors the opportunity to stage a play of their choice in the Gerhart. The Theatre Program’s productions are an integral component of its curriculum and an essential part of the learning and training process. Auditions for all shows are open to all registered AUC students. Casting in a play is dependent upon the ability of the student to comply with the rigorous requirements of a given rehearsal schedule.
Bachelor of Arts Degree Theatre
Theatre majors follow a program of courses in dramatic literature, theory, and history as well as a program of studio courses (acting, directing, and design). Theatre students play an active role in the department’s productions.
A total of 120 credits is required for the bachelor’s degree in theatre.