Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theater
The theater curriculum at Johnson State College is comparable to that of other institutions of similar scale and resources. The overall emphasis, however, is unique to JSC. The program emphasizes a balance between liberal arts and pre-professional studies. The B.A. program is built on core courses in literature, voice and theater arts followed by course work in Shakespeare, theater history and advanced dramatic literature.
Production skills are also a major focus including: acting, directing, improvisation, children's theater, stage craft and dance. In addition, two senior capstone courses provide professional transitions into the theater world: Senior Project in Theater and Seminar in Professional Preparation for the Actor. The heart of the program's curriculum is the course credit students receive for each production they undertake as part of their four-year plan. These productions are the testing ground for work explored in the classroom where the collaborative nature of theatre is constantly reaffirmed.
The program is designed to serve students who aspire to become theater performers, teachers, theater technicians and managers or those who wish simply to gain a broader knowledge and understanding of themselves and the world around them as part of a strong liberal arts education. It also prepares students for graduate work.
Required Courses
Click here to view the courses required for a B.A. in theater degree.
JSC Theater Student Finishes in Finals in American College Theater Festival 2011
Claire Desmarais finished as the second alternate out of four finalists in the 2011 American College Theater Regional Festival in January 2011. Nominated for her performance in the JSC production of Arthur Miller's 'All My Sons,' Desmarais competed with scenes from 'Almost, Maine' by John Cariani and 'Miracle Worker,' by William Gibson. This was Desmarais' second trip to the festival — last year she was nominated based on her performance in 'The Trojan Women'.
Faculty Profile
Russ Longtin
Professor, Fine and Performing Arts
Dibden Center for the Arts
802-635-1316, Russell.Longtin@jsc.edu
After 40 years in the theater and more than 200 productions, Russ
Longtin still follows the advice he gives his students: "Do not ever,
ever give up your passion." As the eldest of 15 children, Russ was
encouraged to pursue another profession. "But my parents raised me to be
stubborn, and I refused to give up on theater." He obtained a Ph.D. in
acting and directing from the University of Michigan and then worked in
New York. He grew weary of city life, so he pursued college teaching
and, along with it, directing and acting in campus plays. "It's the
smartest thing I ever did," he says. He also performs in community and
professional theater. Read more about Russ Longtin
VIEW PHOTO ALBUMS
- Images and more from the JSC Theater Department's most recent productions Here