Western Theatre Program

Sandpapering the Soul

The Western Theatre program combines the academic disciplines of theatre history and theory and the production specialties of acting, playwriting, and directing. Research faculty in Western theatre have such diverse interests as Russian theatre, performance theory, the American avant-garde, and African-American drama. Teaching and productions in the Western area reflects a similar diversity and international scope. Students have also attended special workshops and training programs in commedia dell'arte, stage combat Theatrical Biomechanics, clowning, and TV.

Production Highlights

Western theatre faculty and directing students regularly present classic and contemporary work on the Mainstage and in the Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. Some Western Theatre productions are enriched by the application of Asian theatre techniques to Western drama, in a fusion style (a Noh-influenced Marguerite Duras play or a Kabuki-style Ubu Roi). Late Night Theatre, a student-run theatre company, offers students opportunities in theatre management and artistic direction, as well as another venue for experimental theatre work in an intimate setting.

Aafter Graduation

Graduates in Western Theatre work as faculty in such places as Virginia Commonwealth University and Colby College; others teach in community colleges or high schools. Recent Masters students pursue doctoral studies at the University of Maryland and CUNY. Other graduates work as actors, directors, and educators in such professional theatres as Gorilla Tango Comedy Theatre (Chicago), Arena Stage (Washington, DC), San Francisco Playhouse, and Theatre of Yugen (San Franscisco).

Acting

We believe that an actor needs as many artistic tools as possible. The Acting program at UHM allows the serious acting student to study forms and methods from the broadest array available at any university. Students leave the program with the unique knowledge of how these styles intersect, intertwine, and inform the art of live performance. Nowhere else can actors get the breadth and depth of theatrical experience than in the Western Theatre Program at UHM.

Playwriting

While learning dramatic structure, dramaturgy and collaborative play development, students in our program are encouraged to find their own individual voice as upcoming playwrights. The art and craft of playwriting taught at UHM nurtures new and innovative works based on Hawai‘i’s diverse cultural heritage, and a distinct sense of place.

Directing

The Directing program at UHM is a rigorous exploration of self-expression that simultaneously engages in history, dramaturgy and cultural anthropology. A hands-on implementation of fundamentals provides an invaluable base for the craft of directing, and classes in devised theatre tap into personal creativity. The spirit of entrepreneurship is also essential to our curriculum.

Theatre History/ Theory/Dramaturgy/ Performances Studies

Our program is widely renowned for its World Theatre history classes, which are co-taught by Western Theatre and Asian Theatre specialists. Theatre History courses treat topics from commedia dell’arte to women in theatre to contemporary political drama. Theory courses address major dramatic theories, contemporary critical theory, and performance studies.