Acting

Brains. Body. Voice. Heart … Pick your part. Acting at McDaniel is a chance to explore so many of the parts of ourselves that make us human — and to put them to use in bringing the stories of others to life.

Mortarboard

Degree Types

Minor

Institution

Complementary Programs

Theatre Arts

Cinema

Heart

Distinctive Requirements

Lab

Document

Special Components of the Degree

Headshots in Senior year (included), Stage Combat training

A minor offered in the Theatre Arts program, Acting prepares you to pursue work on stage or on the screen. You’ll take courses that help you realize the full potential of all the actors’ tools — movement, voice, and improvisation (among many others)—and courses that give you a grounding in the art of Acting and its history. Look out Netflix, here you come.

Future Career Paths

In addition to acting opportunities on stage and in film and television, graduates of the Theater Arts program have gone on to careers in:

Technical direction
Costume design
Lighting and electrical design
Music direction
Stage management
Teaching

Special Opportunities

Streetcar Named Desire performance on stage.

Student Productions

The Theatre Department offers an active season of performances, giving student actors many opportunities to showcase and practice their craft. Typically, a season will include four or five productions, including plays directed by faculty and visiting artists, student-directed plays or scenes, and a community-based performance. Additionally, there are several student productions that happen when active theatre students get excited about doing their own "thing.”

Distinctive Courses

An introduction and exploration of the range of techniques used in developing the potential of the actor’s voice. Exercises emphasize vocal production, articulation, posture, and breathing—all applied through work on texts and other forms of performance.

A study in costume design theories and techniques for modern and period plays in a wide variety of styles. You’ll be introduced to the history of Western dress and will be expected to research period costume. A laboratory session each week will explore the principles of makeup design and application.

Explore various forms of improvisation: contact improv, authentic movement, viewpoints, impulse improv, as well as short and long form improv. The course is largely experiential, but will also employ written critique and analysis of both the student’s own work and that of classmates.

Acting Program Requirements

Acting Minor

Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel

Department Faculty

Learn more about the faculty and staff behind this program.

See Theatre Arts faculty

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Wade at the Heineken Brewery In Amsterdam.

Study Abroad

Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Gene and Alex Closeup.

Internships

Student writing in notebook outside of Budapest campus.

Research

Theatre Arts Najee Banks Senior Capstone Video

The Capstone Experience

Theatre Arts major Najee Banks talks about his senior capstone — his role in the musical “Hair” as the culmination of his theatre training at McDaniel.

A capstone experience is a requirement of all McDaniel students. Typically defined as "a culminating experience in which students are expected to integrate special studies with the major, and extend, critique, and apply knowledge gained in their major" (Wagenaar, 1993), your capstone showcases your knowledge and your critical thinking. Adding an element of cohesion to your four years of study, capstone experiences vary by major and demonstrate your mastery of your discipline. Capstones might include an original screenplay in Cinema, a gallery show in Art, or a field placement in Social Work.

Professor Richard Sautter stands in a blue button up in the campus theatre.

Faculty Spotlight Richard Sautter, M.F.A.

"To me, one of the most romantic views in the world is an empty stage. It seems to sing. It’s alive with possibilities. I am always aware of what a privilege it is to fill that stage and try to achieve those possibilities. And because Theatre is fundamentally interdisciplinary and collaborative, a huge part of the director’s job is making sure everyone’s contributions fit together. That element of teamwork is something I cherish."

Read the full Q&A with Professor Sautter.

McDaniel College student Amanda Halcott portrayed Caroline in “The Grass is Greenest at the Houston Astrodome,” directed by McDaniel College student Patsy Zetkulic. Halcott is with Marshall, played by McDaniel student Corey Van Huff.

Theatre Arts students receive national nominations

Theatre Arts majors Amanda Halcott and Kevin Tyson were nominated by the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) for the national Irene Ryan Scholarship Award for their acting work during McDaniel College’s 2020 Student-Directed Play Festival, and competed at the 2021 KCACTF. Other McDaniel students earned regional recognition for their acting.

Read "Theatre Arts students receive national nominations"

Alumni Spotlight Peter Mark Kendall '08

From stage to screen, Peter Mark Kendall has made a mark as a professional actor, on shows like "Strange Angels," "Girls," and "The Americans."

View Peter's Work

Theatre Arts Cinema English Writing Teaching, M.S.

Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Keep in Touch

See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel

Department Faculty

Learn more about the faculty and staff behind this program.

See Theatre Arts faculty

Acting

Future Career Paths