March 25, 2024
Story and photo by Joe Vinduska
Barton Theatre is thrilled to announce its immersive “Theatre Day,” filled with insight, auditions, workshops, and camaraderie from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 13 in the Fine Arts Auditorium, which will focus on both technological and performance aspects of this exciting field.
There will be sessions for information, opportunities to audition for scholarships, a complimentary lunch, and industry-relevant workshops that focus on everything from lighting and sound to set building, costume design, dance theatre, and improv. There will also be a guided tour of Barton’s state-of-the-art Fine Arts Auditorium.
Barton Theatre Director Dan Williams said he wanted to put on an event that covered all the elements of an education in theatre.
“In order to be effective in this industry, whether it be as a performer, educator, or more of a behind-the-scenes- technical engineer, it’s important for individuals to understand all the aspects of what it takes to put on a production,” he said. “They may know they want to specialize in one of these areas, but being well-rounded in all aspects of production is very beneficial because each part or person affects the overall product in a big way.”
Williams said Barton Theatre offers various certificates and degrees, including Barton’s new Technical Theatre Certificate Program which is recognized as a national certification through the United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT).
“This new program is designed to give students the tools they need to succeed in this industry,” he said. “We want to learn all the skills and how to operate all the equipment, but we also wanted them to leave with something that is recognized nationally by the USITT so employers know the standard and curriculum that our students will have gone through and know that they will be ready to go to work.”
Aspiring performers and scholars are encouraged to participate in auditions and interviews for Theatre scholarships or take a guided tour of our cutting-edge facilities. Prospective candidates are kindly requested to prepare a monologue not exceeding three minutes or a song from a musical of similar length. Those interviewing for a technical theatre scholarship will need to bring a resume, portfolio, or access to your online presence showcasing your work.
For more information and to RSVP, please contact Williams at williamsd@bartonccc.edu or (620) 875-2885.