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 The classes in Luther’s theatre/dance department have provided me with wonderful opportunities to experience theatre from a variety of angles. I have learned about stagecraft through an intensive course in which we constructed the set for the spring 2002 production of Drood the Musical, and am able to expand upon these skills in a class designed to expose students to the various jobs needed to produce a production. I have had a chance to study British theatre for three weeks in England, analyzing productions, attending lectures, and enjoying some superb theatre. Perhaps more importantly, I have numerous chances to apply this knowledge outside of class. I was able to learn about the areas of sound and lighting as a technician for Students Works Showcase, a totally new and exciting experience for me. As a director’s assistant for the spring 2003 production of Peer Gynt, I observed and participated in the making of a production that embodied the connection between theatre and dance. I am also excited to share a part in the present and future of our new performing space.
Alyssa Yaklin (’05)
While I was a student at Luther I was very pleased and happy with the theatre/dance program. There were some wonderful opportunities available. I appreciated the diverse class offerings, the highly professional standard of productions, and the chance to do work both on stage and off. What I appreciated the most, however, was the accepting, almost family like feel to the department. The professors were always supportive and insightful and were open to the students trying new things and exploring their own talents and abilities in many different ways. There was rarely a feeling of segregation between the different areas of technical and performance, theatre and dance, and if someone wanted to explore something they hadn’t done before they were accepted and encouraged by students and faculty. This allowed for a great community spirit and a training ground where performers and tech’s could receive a very well rounded experience and have the chance to take at all sides and aspects of the performing arts. I was pleased with my education while I was at LC. Since graduating and going out into the professional world I have realized how invaluable it has been and how extremely lucky I am to have been part of such a program. Encountering other professionals both on stage and off, performers and technicians, has shown me that LC more so than other institutions trains Performing Artist and Technicians to think creatively, independently, and resourcefully in the profession. It is an education that concentrates on developing creative artists, not diva performers or non-passionate technicians. The education and experiences at LC led to my receiving offers and interest from several dozen companies at professional auditions (for acting, tech, and both), led to my working as a full time professional actor/TD at a Children’s Theatre/Shakespeare Festival in a major city in PA, and within that job has led to my not only receiving a raise within my first 6 months, but also obtaining lead roles in several productions as well as being offered the job of designer for a full scale professional Shakespeare production. I account almost all of these blessings to the hands-on, well-rounded and invaluable education that I received from the Luther College Theatre/Dance Department.
Mark Robinson (’01)
My experiences within the Theatre/Dance department were among the best at Luther (and I wasn’t even a major!). From being involved as a designer, a board operator, a stage manager, a projectionist, a puppet master, a rigger, production manager, a costumer, a stage hand, a house manager, and even an actor, I was involved in every facet of a production I could ever want to be in. The professors of the department are committed to making the courses accessible to all levels of interest as well as making the classes, much like the productions in the theatre, a collaborative teaching experience. The Semester-in-Residence Program was a great opportunity to use my skills I learned in the classroom and in the theatre and apply them successfully to a professional theatre company. The Commonweal provides an intense in-depth learning environment that lets students experience through a regular performances and directed classes. I was able to make a real contribution to the Commonweal during my stay with them and it provided an avenue for future employment.
Wally Brink (’02)
I’ve been extremely lucky to work with the Luther theatre/dance instructors in shows, classes, and rehearsals but also getting to know them as people who share a common love for performance art. Over January of 2003 I went on a trip to England with three faculty members from Luther as well as a group of students. I got to experience another part of the world on what felt like a family vacation studying our art in a completely new way. At Luther you work side by side with your professors sharing in the process of creating art together where you both learn and grow from each other! The best part about Luther is you know the people you are working with well and you feel comfortable enough to explore all the possibilities together and push your limits in a safe environment where everyone is an actor and a dancer.
Sara Bowman (’04)
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