Department of Theater

In the Lake Forest theater program, students gain the techniques of theater professionals and the instincts of serious artists. Here, what happens on stage is always connected to the struggles and triumphs of real people's lives, giving students great insight into the human experience. Guided by professors who work as theater professionals and scholars, students grow into capable, creative practitioners who consider, intuitively, theater's social, political, and historical relevance.
 
With Chicago so close by, students have access to the wealth of work being presented in one of the nation’s most vibrant theater scenes. The department also makes possible a number of behind-the-scenes learning experiences at many of the city’s professional theaters. Internships can be arranged at Steppenwolf Theater, Goodman Theater, and Second City, among other smaller, but no less well respected, companies in the area. One extraordinary opportunity culminates in a world-premiere presentation of original student work at Victory Gardens, the 2001 Tony award recipient for Best Regional Theater. This project, known as Playwrights in Progress, pairs company mentors with student playwrights who are developing new work. The resulting plays open in Chicago before moving to Lake Forest for the remainder of the run.

Away from the hubbub of the city, the Lake Forest campus is home to its own lively, and historic, theater scene. The Garrick Players, established in 1902, is the oldest collegiate theater organization in the Midwest. Run by a committee of faculty and students, the Players plan the department’s season of five mainstage productions, three directed professionally by faculty or visiting directors and two showcasing student work. Experience in all aspects of theater is offered: acting, directing, playwriting, dramaturgy, design, stage management, and so on. The combination of a relatively small student body and no formal conservatory system translates into an abundance of hands-on production experience for all students, regardless of their year in school. Theater students also keep busy with the Poor Players Guild, a student-run theater organization; Expressions, a multicultural theater company; and FLASH, an improv troupe.
    
Lake Forest theater students go on to graduate schools such as Northwestern University, UCLA, DePaul University and Julliard. Many find professional work as actors, designers, and directors in Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago.

Department Contact:
847-735-5169

 

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