Steve Earle
Theatre Department Chair
searle@gsarts.net

The goal of the Theatre department is to develop a strong understanding of the craft of theatre. The department strives for both academic and production excellence, believing that each depends to a great extent on the other. The department seeks students who have immense energy, commitment, and an interest in learning about all facets of the industry: performance; design; production; management; history; literature/ criticism; directing; and playwriting.

The Theatre department is one of six major programs operated by the Governor's School for the Arts. The Program, with an average membership of fifty students, is housed in the Monroe Building/ Wells Theatre complex, home of the Virginia Stage Company. A flexible black-box theatre, located in the complex, serves as the principal producing space for the theatre program.

Students have the opportunity to work in the Wells Theatre, one of the most architecturally beautiful and theatrically functional theatres of its kind outside of New York ; it closely resembles Broadway's Helen Hays Theatre. Instruction takes place in well- equipped classrooms, studios, and rehearsal space; and, students receive hands-on experience with state-of -the-art computer lighting and sound equipment.

The department produces three mainstage and several workshop productions per year. Students have the opportunity to train and perform with professional theatre artists and visiting faculty from university theatre departments. Internships with Virginia Stage Company (LORT C) are available for selected students.