Through the teaching of theatre, Loyola seeks to produce well-rounded students able to synthesize theory and practice, body and mind, interpretation and action. Students may declare a fine arts major, minor, or interdisciplinary major with a concentration in theater. Our goal for students interested in theatre is to prepare them for the rigorous demands of working in professional theatre, further study at the graduate level, or to benefit students in business, speech pathology, or the social sciences.
Required coursework is designed to expose students to all aspects of the collaborative process – acting, directing, design, and dramaturgy. Plays are taught not only as literature but also as blueprints for performance. An integral dimension of Loyola’s theatre program is frequent attendance at professional productions, followed by critical reflection and dialogue with mentors. Also essential to our training is required participation in our production season. We are committed to maintaining a wide range of plays, and exposing students to a wide variety of dramatic literature and production styles.
Loyola has two theatres: the McManus Theatre in the Julio Fine Arts Center, a 300-seat house with state-of-the-art computerized lighting and rehearsal and dressing rooms, as well as a 100-seat blackbox theatre.
Performance Opportunities
The Evergreen Players is Loyola’s main theatre troupe with three yearly productions directed by theatre faculty. There is no precasting and the entire college community is invited to audition. Recent shows have included Chicago, Antigone, A Flea in Her Ear, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Cabaret, The Crucible, and How I Learned to Drive.
Built into the season is a selection from The Poisoned Cup Players, a student-run theatre group that stages shows with minimal assistance from faculty. Each aspect of the show is handled by the students, from designing and building the sets to directing and acting in the show. Recent shows have included Trust, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Taking Sides.
Spotlight Players, another student-governed production, recently featured Angels in America.