Department of Dramatic Art
Introduction
The study of dramatic art focuses upon the dramatic texts of the classical and modern periods from across the globe and introduces the student to the variety of artistic endeavors necessary to realize the text in theatrical performance. Majors concentrate on the literature and history of the theatre while investigating the processes involved in acting, directing, design, costume, and technical production.
Courses focus on the connections between theatre and society, between theatrical performance and the visual arts, and between dramatic literature and philosophy, history, and other literary forms. The study of theatre embraces a range of subjects in the humanities and fine arts, including literature, language, aesthetics, culture, and performance.
Advising
All majors and minors have a primary academic advisor from the Academic Advising Program. Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with their advisor and review their Tar Heel Tracker each semester. Every student whose primary major is dramatic art will also be assigned a departmental advisor, beginning in the semester that 60 hours will be completed. The department’s director of undergraduate studies and undergraduate advisor work with current and prospective majors by appointment. Please contact the department at CB# 3230, (919) 962-1132. Further information on courses, undergraduate research opportunities, the honors program, careers, and graduate schools may be obtained from the department’s website.
Facilities
The Department of Dramatic Art’s offices, classrooms, studios, rehearsal hall, and construction shops are located in the Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art. Each year the Department of Dramatic Art’s Kenan Theatre Company (KTC) supports four full productions in the Elizabeth Price Kenan Theatre. The Department also sponsors a variety of other productions such as student-directed work in the smaller classroom environment. The department provides showcase venues for new student writing, including readings and fully produced plays.
Graduate School and Career Opportunities
The dramatic art major is associated with a variety of career opportunities, including graduate study, public relations, communications, arts management, public service, teaching, and theatre-related careers, including literary management, stage management, acting, design, publicity, marketing, fund-raising, technical production, sound and lighting technology, box office management, costuming, electrics, and stage craft.
Professors
Janet A. Chambers, Julia Gibson, David Navalinsky, Michael J. Rolleri, Adam N. Versényi,
Associate Professors
Tracy Bersley, Samuel Ray Gates, Doug Hall, Jacqueline Lawton.
Assistant Professors
Tia James, Gwendolyn Schwinke, Kathryn Williams.
Professors of the Practice
Vivienne Benesch, Triffin Morris.
Teaching Professors
Jeffrey Blair Cornell, Gregory Kable.
Teaching Assistant Professors
Jim Bray, Rachel Hynes, Laura Pates, Mark Perry, Rachel Pollock, Aubrey Snowden.
Professors Emeriti
Judith L. Adamson, Mckay Coble, Raymond E. Dooley, David A. Hammond, Roberta A. (Bobbi) Owen (Michael R. McVaugh Distinguished Professor in Dramatic Art), Kathy Perkins, Bonnie N. Raphael, Craig W. Turner.
