THEATRE

Students following the Theatre pathway at Perimeter College receive practical exposure to the process and results of producing a show. The Theatre pathway — strong in performance and stagecraft training — is bolstered by practical application in productions mounted throughout the year. Students also are trained in the business operations side of theatre, giving them the background needed to establish careers in theatre or other areas, such as activity direction, vocal production, event management and others. The pathway is structured to prepare its students for transfer to other institutions for further studies and training.

Theatre Pathway, A.A.

Performance, Design/Tech and Musical Theatre

THE THEATRE PROGRAM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS TO EXPERIENCE A THEATRICAL ENVIRONMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS INVOLVING ATLANTA’S THEATRE COMMUNITY.

FINE ARTS

For more than 50 years, the mission of the Perimeter College Arts and Humanities Department has been to foster student success. To accomplish this, we focus on providing outstanding instruction, excellent facilities, advanced technology and diverse opportunities within a liberal arts setting. An education in the arts and humanities at Perimeter College equips our students with the skills and habits of mind that enable them to become self-motivated learners who flourish, actualize their potential and generate a positive impact on the world.

The Department of Fine Arts at Georgia State University Perimeter College is a multi-disciplinary department: offering instruction in art, music, theatre, and film. Here’s a closer look:

Overview

Study in theatre offers exposure to creative dramatic expression, primarily in front of live audiences. It examines an assortment of artistic performance types and settings — in theaters, movies or educational institutions, on TV and outdoors. Areas of specialization include acting, directing, theatre history and criticism, playwriting, design, theatre technology, theatre studies (education) and creative drama.

Perimeter College’s guided pathway in Theatre offers small classes, professional theatre faculty and on-the-job training on high quality theatrical productions. Students are well prepared to further their college studies or enter into the job market. Studying theatre allows students to develop the artistic depth and professional knowledge needed for pursuing careers in theatrical professions, non-profits, higher education and commercial enterprises.

The Department of Fine Arts at the Clarkston Campus of Georgia State enjoys a 50-year history of offering a Theatre pathway leading to an Associate of Arts degree and providing classes in acting, directing, technical theatre and dance.

Assistance

Are there specialties within the Theatre pathway on which I can focus?

We are a Theatre pathway leading to an Associate of Arts degree. We offer tracks in Performance, Design/Tech and Musical Theatre.

Is there an audition requirement to pursue the Performance track?

No, there is no audition required for the Performance track, however you will need to audition for specific shows. Show auditions typically happen in August, November and February and will be listed on the Theatre events calendar.

Is there an audition requirement to follow the Musical Theatre track?

There is not an audition required to pursue the Musical Theatre track, however you will need to take an assessment and audition to take private voice lessons from the Music pathway as recommended in the Musical Theatre track.

What classes should I take as a Theatre student?

Because of the sequential nature of many of the Fine Arts courses, students must meet with a Fine Arts adviser to plan your course of study. This meeting must take place during your first semester at Perimeter College. Fine Arts students need to start their major area courses in their first semester in order to complete the sequence in two years. Students will work with their advisor to create a personalized path of study that works for them.

How much time does a pathway require for completion?

Our Theatre associate degree tracks are designed to either lead you to transfer to continue work toward a bachelor’s degree or to prepare you to move directly into the professional realm. It is possible to finish an associate degree track in as little as two years, but requires constant ‘full load’ semesters or summers. We generally suggest planning on three years so you have time to participate in shows and department life.

Are there pathway requirements other than classes?

All Theatre pathway students are expected to participate in all Theatre Arts Guild shows in some capacity, attend Drama Club on Wednesdays from noon to 1 p.m. and earn 200 service hours before graduation.

Theatre Arts Guild

The Theatre Arts Guild at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College enhances the educational development of students through theatrical productions that demonstrate an understanding of the importance of the arts and literature in the human experience. To achieve this goal, the Theatre Arts Guild produces a wide range of theatrical genres, from classical to contemporary theatre, and provides opportunities for students to experience a theatrical environment of professional standards involving Atlanta’s theatre community.