<p>Will anybody who has been involved in theater at Stanford in any way share their impressions and experiences about the strength of the drama program and other theater experiences there? Will a student with a fair amount of experience and a passion for acting have ample opportunities to try out for shows, even if not a theater major? Generally how many productions both formally through the department and more informally through student organizations are put on each semester/year? What's the quality of these productions and how enthusiastic and open to newcomers is the "theater crowd" there right now? Do the courses tend to be more academic and theory-based as opposed to hands-on practice? Do theater professors and instructors take an active interest in getting to know students and fostering their love and talent for the profession? Are these theater courses popular with students?</p>
<p>Thanks much,
Parent of a student thrilled to be admitted EA to Class of 2014</p>
<p>Hi, congrats to your son/daughter! I’m not directly involved with the theater community on campus, but I am active in the arts community. Quite a few of my good friends are very involved with theater at Stanford. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Absolutely! All auditions I have heard of are open and Stanford puts on a significant number of productions each year. The Stan Shakes, Ram’s Head, and Academic Departments all organize performances. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I’m not sure exactly how many show are put on at Stanford but these are the largest: Gaieties, Into the Woods, the Winter One Acts, The Vagina Monologues, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and The Tempest. I know there are many others mostly through the drama department that are seniors’ or professors’ projects. </p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Well, I would say that the quality is comparable to good community theater. I mean, the acting/singing/etc is generally very strong in my opinion but the university is not throwing money at these productions in this economic climate (or at anything really but b/c of the arts initiative the arts community has been a bit sheltered from cuts). Productions connected to the Drama Department might have a bit more to work with.</p>
<p>The “theater crowd” that I have met are all wonderful people who are very open to growing their numbers and welcoming new thespians.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I’ve never taken a course in the drama department at Stanford (unless a intro seminar on Shakespeare counts) but my friend who is in advanced acting says he loves the class and that it is very practice oriented. At Stanford it is not hard to find great theory courses that challenge your critical analysis of theater if your are interested. </p>
<p>I’m a parent of a Stanford '13 who was very involved in theatre during high school, but has so many other interests that he did not want to consider a conservatory. He was just cast in a Stanford drama department production for winter quarter. I believe they will have an intense rehearsal schedule over about a 6-week time frame and receive 1 or 2 units of college credit as well. He took a drama class (academic) this quarter, really enjoyed it, and will be taking another one spring quarter; he plans to take an acting class next year. He has found more creative outlets than he has time to take advantage of, and he is absolutely surrounded by brilliant, creative young people. He has pronounced it the “perfect” college experience. As a parent, I could not be happier.</p>
<p>Mamae: Is your child doing the Winter One Acts?! One of my best friends is producing.
Gert777: If you would like more information I’ll ask one of my friends. PM me or let me know what your most pressing inquiries are.</p>