<p>Hey! So I was just wondering if anyone could tell me a little bit about Princeton's theatre/drama program for undergrads - is there specific theatre major, is the theatre program very active, what performing troupes are there, etc. A lot of people online have said that it's not very good and I wanted to know if this is true. Thanks!</p>
<p>Princeton does not have a concentration (major) in theater but does have a certificate (minor) program. Below find all the info on the program, and the course offerings for the fall, to give an example. </p>
<p>It has various drama/theater extracurricular opportunities but the most well-known is the Triangle Club which puts on completely original musical productions. See list of student theater groups at link below.</p>
<p>Princeton is not known for a theater focus, but for those who want to combine an excellent liberal arts education with plenty of opportunities to participate in shows, it’s a great choice. A few alumni have gone on to become well-known entertainers.</p>
<p>[Theater</a> - Lewis Center for the Arts](<a href=“http://www.princeton.edu/arts/arts_at_princeton/theater/]Theater”>Theater & Music Theater - Lewis Center for the Arts)</p>
<p>[Search</a> Results « Office of the Registrar](<a href=“Course Offerings | Office of the Registrar”>Course Offerings | Office of the Registrar)</p>
<p>Now that Dean’s Date is over, I’d be more than happy to address your concerns. Princeton has no theater major, that much is true. But there is every chance possible to construct something that looks like one. One of my friends is majoring in theater-track (track 5) english, minoring in theater, and has said to me that every course he takes is going to be related in some way to theater. And the english major, theater minor thing is not at all uncommon among theater kids at princeton.
There are multiple performance groups groups on campus. These include Triangle, Princeton University Players, Princeton Shakespeare Company, Theatre InTime, BAC Drama, Princeton South Asian Theatrics…I can’t remember them all (or maybe that’s it). Each has its own niche (PUP is mt, InTime is straight, PSC is shakes, etc.) and the productions vary in size from Triangle (our operating budget is legitimately mammoth) to minimalist (there is no lack of black box theaters on campus. Quality of the show varies production to production. Is it as good as you would get at a conservatory? Probably not. But theater at Princeton is, on the whole, very good.
The Lewis Center is home to our program in theater and is just an amazing resource. We have some of the best playwrights, directors, and dramaturges teaching. The professor for a course I’m taking next semester is a Tony winner. My acting professor teaches at yale drama on his off days. We also have one of the top regional theaters, McCarter, across the street.
As for what people say online, I can’t say I don’t have complaints about theater at Princeton. They mostly revolve around the lack of mainstage space on campus. Stages generally are best for experimental pieces. The only stage with a pit anywhere in or near campus is the Matthews at McCarter.
Productions can also be very hit or miss. One of my friends composed, wrote, and directed a full book musical that was one of the greatest theatrical experiences I have witnessed and that is currently being optioned by producers for professional runs. Some shows just aren’t amazing. Rule of thumb, stick to department shows and they’ll always be good. There’s a bit more variety in production quality of the student groups (other than Triangle which, at this point, kind of exists on tradition alone but always puts on a good show #iambiased).</p>
<p>Wow! Thank you soulpatch for all the information! That was unbelievably helpful. Hope finals and everything went well!</p>