The guiding principle of the Theater for Community program is the conviction that theater can be a tool to foster student engagement with the local, national and global community. Students are introduced to diverse social issues and topics outside of their everyday experiences and, as a result, are forced to explore the topic from a different perspective. Using original or adapted scripts, students stage plays that address such compelling issues as revenge, war, prejudice and justice.
The program equips students to become theater professionals, but with an emphasis on using their profession to make a real difference in the world. Quinnipiac students use their training to become not only actors, directors, playwrights, designers and stage managers, but also educators, counselors, health professionals, journalists and social workers—who know how to use drama as an effective tool.
On campus, a fully equipped “black box” theater brings the audience into the workings of the play. The theater group also works closely with Quinnipiac's School of Communications to develop visual and multimedia dimensions for many of the productions.
Opportunities for Personal Growth
Quinnipiac drama students directly experience the real-life contexts of the productions. They traveled extensively in Northern Ireland to deepen their understanding of conflict, peace and reconciliation for the adaptation "The Troubles of Romeo and Juliet" and "Walls." For the intense "Dead Man Walking" theater project, students journeyed to Louisiana and visited with Sister Helen Prejean, author of the book on which the play is based. They also toured the Death House at Angola State Prison and sat in the cell where one of the main characters spent his final hours.