Frequently Asked Questions

I'm thinking of making my career the theatre. Is the University of Rochester the place for me?

The University of Rochester is a university with a strong liberal arts component and a focus on research. Within this liberal arts environment, the International Theatre Program offers students a comprehensive theatrical experience, a chance to work with world-class professional directors and designers, and a number of classes to improve and develop both skills and talent. We are, however, not a conservatory training program (though a number of our students have gone on to professional acting careers). If you are sure you want to dedicate your life to the theatre (as sure as anyone can be after high school!) you should maybe look at one of the larger, actor-training programs offered by established universities. If however, you want a solid education with a vibrant and rigorous introduction into the practical world of theatre and acting, the International Theatre Program may be ideal for your needs.

If you're a prospective student and would like to know more, click here

Is there a theatre major?

At the moment there is no theatre major. In the meantime, have you considered the English major with a theatre emphasis, or doing a minor in theatre?

English Major with Theatre Emphasis :: Theatre Minor :: English Dept. Home

Do I have to audition to get into the Theatre Program?

Since we're not an independent department (but rather a Program within the English Department) and since we don't have an independent major, you don't have to audition to be accepted into the Theatre Program. You should apply to the University of Rochester for admission in the same way as any other student would. To be cast in a Theatre Program production, however, you do need to audition. These auditions are held on the first Friday and Saturday of every semester, and are open to all students at the University of Rochester. If you want to stage manage or work backstage on a production, these auditions are also the time to come forward and set up a stage management interview with the Production Stage Manager.

Are there theatre clusters?

There are two theatre clusters (listed under English in the Cluster Directory): Plays, Playwrights, and Theater (H1ENG011) and Theatre Production and Performance (H1ENG018). For more information, click on the links below.

Theatre Clusters :: English Cluster Listings

Do you offer internships?

We offer "internal" internships (a PR and Marketing Internship in the Theatre Program itself -- for more on this internship, click here) and we have arranged outside internships in the past. UR students have worked at the Lincoln Center Institute, the O'Neill Center in Waterford, CT, the Hangar Theatre in Ithaca, NY, and at La MaMa ETC in New York City. We recently cemented our relationship with Geva Theatre Center, Rochester's premiere professional theatre, by creating the UR @ Geva Program which offers students educational and cultural opportunities at Geva, including the possibility of internships. Additionally, we will go out of our way to help students set up specific internships based on their needs.

Do you produce any musical theatre?

We haven't in the past, but the 2007-2008 season is seeing us present our first musical. So we will be doing musicals in the future, but not in every season. That being said, many of our productions have singing and extensive music in them, so if you're interested in musical theatre you should still audition for Theatre Program plays. You might also want to contact the music department, which offers a "musical theatre workshop" (though not every year), or the student activities group 'Off Broadway On Campus'.

Music Department :: Off Broadway On Campus

What student-run theatre facilities exist on campus?

All International Theatre Program productions are acted, managed and built (i.e. the sets costumes, etc.) by students; but the directors, designers and technical directors are all professionals. Drama House, an academic living center across the road from Todd Union, is a great place to go to look for students who are interested in all the performing arts. The house also has space for students wishing to put on their own shows. Finally, don't forget - the Theatre Program sponsors and facilitates a student 'one-act new play festival' in the spring semester. Winning plays are presented in drama house and these are written, directed, built, acted and produced by students.

Drama House

What is Drama House?

Drama House is an academic living center dedicated to providing quality housing and programming for students with an active interest in all branches of the performing arts. Drama House is administered by the International Theatre Program in conjunction with Residental Life and the English Department. The House accommodates up to twenty students and is situated on the Fraternity Quadrangle. Apart from living quarters and a kitchen, it has a lounge area which transforms easily into an intimate black box theatre. Theatre program classes, residential classes, rehearsals, performances, social events, the one-act new play festival, and numerous other events take place in the house. If you're interested in living in the house, please contact the faculty director of the house, one of the student officers, or Residental Life at 275-3166.

Drama House :: Contact a Drama House Student Officer :: Contact the Faculty Director of Drama House

What theatre facilities do you have?

The International Theatre Program uses the facilities of Todd Theatre, a large black-box theatre located in Todd Union. The theatre space, originally the dining hall of the old student union building, is about 80' x 35' feet and can be configured in numerous ways. We've staged plays in the round, environmentally, in a proscenium setting, on a thrust, in an 'alley' configuration, and pretty much every other way too. We have also used the lobby of the theatre for performances; finally, we use Drama House too for special events and our one-act new play festival.

Why is it called Todd Theatre?

Todd Theatre is named after Elizabeth Connelly Todd, a great benefactor of the University of Rochester.

Why is it called the International Theatre Program?

We added the word 'International' to our name many years ago, when a Theatre Program production of The Brothers Karamazov toured Russia and also to New York. The name stuck, and for many years it was very apt as we were (and continue to be) staffed by an international group of artists. Faculty, staff and visiting artists have come from South Africa, the UK, India, Italy, China, Canada, Australia and Russia. We are also dedicated to presenting great plays from the international dramatic canon...so 'International Theatre Program' says a lot about who we are and what we do.