Theatre Arts Department

College of Arts and Humanities
Ellensburg
McConnell Hall, room 102
Mail Stop 7460
509-963-1750
Fax: 509-963-1767
e-mail: theatre@cwu.edu, film@cwu.edu
https://www.cwu.edu/academics/theatre/

Faculty and Staff
Chair
Christina Barrigan, MFA

Professor
Christina Barrigan, MFA, lighting design and technology

Associate Professor
Emily Rollie, PhD, theatre studies, education

Assistant Professors
Natashia Lindsey, PhD, dramaturg, history, literature
Kathryn Stahl, MFA, performance

Senior Lecturers
Michael Caldwell, MFA, film, screenwriting
Jerald Dougherty, MFA, production manager, stage and production management
Jason Tucholke, MFA, sound shop manager, sound design and technology

Lecturers
David Barnett, MFA, McConnell stage manager, technical director
Nathan Drackett, MFA, performance
Asad Farooqui, MFA, film production
Todd Maetani, MFA, film production
Callum Morris, MM, musical director, music theory
Lirit Elizabeth Olyan, MFA, costume design and technology
Phan Tran, MFA, film production

Staff
David Barnett, MFA, McConnell stage manager, technical director
Anna Lea Judah, secretary senior

Department Information
The Department of Theatre Arts offers comprehensive study in the varied facets of theatre arts as they relate to theatre production. Coursework prepares students for rigorous and rewarding work within Central Theatre Ensemble (CTE), the production arm of the program, leading to professional work in the entertainment industry. Based on a professional model of theatre, CTE offers students the opportunity to thrive in all aspects of theatre production in a safe and mentoring environment, working in state-of-the-art venues supported by fully equipped shops and studios.

Admission Requirements
A cumulative grade point average of 2.7 (B-) in the pre-major required courses must be achieved with a minimum grade of “C+” (2.3) in each course. The applicant must have earned a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all other collegiate study.

Pre-major required courses:

TH 107 - Introduction to Theatre Credits: (4)
TH 144 - Foundations of Acting Credits: (3)
TH 166 - Theory of Play Production Credits: (3)

BFA Specializations
Admission to the BFA is by audition/interview only. Auditions/interviews are held each year, in late February and early March. See the auditions procedures page https://www.cwu.edu/academics/theatre/productions/theatre-productions-programs-and-activities.php#accordion-2d1e8e89-0244-437a-96b6-b7c8212ed409-1.

Theatre Arts MA, Theatre Production Specialization
The theatre production specialization is specifically designed for the working middle and secondary school teacher who produces plays and would like to obtain an advanced degree through hands-on courses in a program offered entirely during the summer months, within the context of the Summer Institute for Theatre Arts. Options of a blend of summer and academic year models are options, under advisement of the department. This may make the earning of and MA possible in an eighteen-month period.

Graduate Assistantships
A limited number of teaching or research assistantships are available to qualified candidates for the academic year. Assistantships are appointed by the dean of Graduate Studies and Research upon recommendation of the department chair.
Assistantship applications must be completed by February 16 in order to ensure full consideration; applicants should submit all materials required by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research. Contact them at (509) 963-3101 to request application materials or visit https://www.cwu.edu/academics/colleges/graduate-studies-research/.

Course Offerings
Frequency of course offering information can be found at the department website: https://www.cwu.edu/academics/theatre/ or by contacting the department directly.

Film Department Information
The Film program is an innovative, interdisciplinary, undergraduate program leading to a BA in Film or a minor in production, cinema studies, or screenwriting.

In the BA program, students are provided the opportunity to pursue a course of study that encompasses the scholarly study of film as well as the production and technical aspects of the moving image and writing for the screen. The program employs a scholarly, creative, and professional approach to the study of film and seeks to help each student discover their talent as an independent critic, artist, and communicator.

The Film BA is designed to build specific skills in media production from a strong foundation of general knowledge in film. Students can choose from a range of courses that offer both introductory as well as more advanced study in all aspects of mediated storytelling, from writing and producing to directing, cinematography, and editing. The program emphasizes exploration of the student’s personal creative voice through hands-on productions.

All students begin by making short programs, then progress to more complex productions while learning the collaborative nature of film/video production through crew experiences. Students are encouraged to experiment with traditional narrative structures, documentary, and multi-camera production, as the curriculum allows and their interests dictate.

To complete the learning experience and help students prepare for the job market, all students pursuing the major are strongly encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities and are required to compile a portfolio and capstone project.

Admission Requirements
A Film major or minor can be selected by students using the normal major or minor declaration process and with assistance from a faculty advisor. Any student who has a minimum CWU grade point average of 2.4 or higher may be admitted to this program. Admission is dependent upon the number of slots available.

Graduation Requirements
Students must maintain a 2.4 CWU GPA or higher with a minimum grade of C- in all courses counted toward fulfilling the film major or minor requirements.