Theatre At Ashland University
The theatre program provides students with the opportunity to explore the process of creating theatre and the relationship between theatre and society. In courses and productions, students examine dramatic texts from a variety of perspectives to develop an understanding of the aesthetic values of theatre. The production program seeks to engage the campus and broader community with quality performances that explore important issues and provide opportunities for students to be involved in as performers, technicians, stage managers and designers.
Students participating in theatre work alongside faculty and guest artists to create three productions each year.
- Scholarships are available to Theatre minors and participants
- Theatre teaches skills that transfer to any profession:
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Public speaking and confidence
- Planning and executing creative projects
Upcoming Performance
Proof
After the death of her genius mathematician father, a young woman must face her fears and ask the question, “How much of her father’s genius or madness will she inherit?” When a mathematical proof of historical proportions is discovered, its authorship is in question, testing the bonds of family loyalty and love. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play explores emotional truths related to trust, grief, love and the nature of genius. This production is performed by Ashland University students and directed by faculty member Teresa Durbin-Ames.
A discussion with mental health professionals will be held after the Oct. 22 2:00 p.m. performance.
Co-Sponsoring Organization: College of Arts & Sciences Symposium Against Indifference
Tickets for Proof go on sale Sept. 1.
Theatre Minor
A Theatre Minor can complement many majors, bolstering your skills in planning, collaboration and personal presence.
The Theatre Minor requires 15 credit hours. The required courses are:
- Theatre Aesthetics
- Script Analysis 3
- Acting for Non-Majors
- Theatre Production Laboratory
You also choose an elective from Visual Art of Theatre, American Musical Theatre, Studies in Shakespeare and Dramatic Literature.
Facilities
Ashland University has two theatre spaces: the Hugo Young Theatre and the Studio Theatre. Hugo Young Theatre is a proscenium house that seats 724 and is used for many of the Theatre Department's main stage and student productions, the Music Department's major concerts, occasional Ashland Symphony Orchestra performances, and other campus and community activities.
The Studio Theatre is a black box space that seats about 75 in a semi-permanent thrust configuration.
Drop of a Hat Players
The Drop of a Hat Players are a diverse group of students united under one goal: being able to perform at the drop of a hat! The group is a traveling musical theatre revue troupe that rehearses throughout the academic year to create themed cabaret-style shows. From all-group numbers, to solo acts, duets and trios, they can do it all!
The Drop of a Hat Players 2023-2024 season theme is Post-Golden Age Musicals. This Broadway era brought forth great theatre creators like Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the songwriting team John Kander and Fred Ebb.
The group accepts bookings from October through the beginning of May based on performer availability. They are excited to perform in the community and can be booked for 20- to 60-minute performances. For more information or to book Drop of a Hat Players, contact Teresa Durbin-Ames at tdurbin@ashland.edu or 419-289-5821.
Contact Information
Ron Blackley
Chair, Music and Theatre Departments
Professor of Music
209 Center for the Arts
rblackle@ashland.edu
419-289-5114
Teresa Durbin-Ames
Artistic Director
235 Center for the Arts
tdurbin@ashland.edu
419-289-5821
Auditions and General Information
Theatre Department
204 Center for the Arts
theatre@ashland.edu
419-289-5100