If Shakespeare were alive today, he’d probably set up shop in Kingston. The URI Theatre Department has everything the English bard needed to put on a lively production: gifted young actors, devoted professors, plenty of hands-on experiences and even a course on stage combat—a must for any serious thespian. (In case you’re wondering, that’s a class on how to bump off an actor without shedding a drop of blood.)
The URI program is a shining star and hugely successful, with many students landing jobs in the industry or going on to prestigious graduate schools, like the Yale School of Drama, where Meryl Streep got her start. And just last year, the department picked up four “best’’ awards from a Rhode Island arts magazine to honor the outstanding work of its actors and directors.
Students make wonderful professional contacts that help in the future. We give our students opportunities and encourage them to take advantage of everything.
If you’ve ever participated in a play or a musical, whether it’s on stage or behind the scenes, you know that theater is a collaborative art that requires teamwork—and a willingness to take risks and try new things. At URI, designing a stunning set is just as important as delivering a wickedly funny line. “The program is small but it’s mighty, and loaded with the energy, passion and magic that comes from people working together doing what they love,’’ says Professor Paula McGlasson, department chair. You can choose a concentration in acting, directing, design and theater technology, or stage/theater management. The emphasis is on theory and practice, so count on knowing how to do it all, from running sound and designing lighting to stage managing a musical and directing a full-length play.
And, at URI, the world’s your stage—on and off campus. Over the years, students have interned at New York costume production houses, regional theaters, touring companies, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, and summer stock theaters. If you’d prefer to stay put in Rhode Island, possibilities include the Providence Performing Arts Center, The Gamm Theatre in Pawtucket, 2nd Story Theatre in Warren, and Theatre-by-the-Sea, among others.
The core faculty at URI is top-notch—Professor McGlasson teaches stage and theater management—and with an average class size of 15 to 20 students, you can expect lots of direction. Plus, you get to work closely with the many talented theater professionals from the region, like Tony Estrella, artistic director of the Gamm and a URI theater grad. “Students make wonderful professional contacts that help in the future,’’ says Professor McGlasson. “We give our students opportunities and encourage them to take advantage of everything.’’
They do. Every year, the URI Theatre Department participates in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, with rave reviews. In past years, students have won the Irene Ryan Acting Competition, the Stage Management competition, and the Scenic Design competition—all advancing to the National Festival held in Washington, D.C.
One of those students was Andrew Burnap ’13, who won the Ryan competition in 2012, beating out 250 fellow actors from 55 New England Schools and becoming one of 16 finalists. Now that’s an impressive performance! We’re just as proud that Andrew was selected from a pool of 1,300 to attend graduate school at the Yale School of Drama, where he is today.
Another recent graduate, Olivia Khoshatefeh ’13, won acceptance to a rigorous three-year Master’s in Fine Arts program at the Brown University/Trinity Repertory Consortium. “At URI, I became more comfortable with myself and my body,’’ she says. “I learned what it is to work on your craft. Talent is such a small part of being an actor. A lot of it is hard work, ambition, and education.’’
Thanks to the University’s Theatre Department, Olivia got that education. At URI, the curtain can open for you too.
The next URI Theatre production is “Avenue Q,” presented at the Robert E. Will Theatre, November 13-15 & 20-22, 2014, at 7:30pm and November 16 & 23, 2014, at 3:00pm. See the 2014-2015 performance schedule.
Pictured: Cast members from URI’s 2014 production of “Chicago.”