Theatre Arts

Theatre is a window through which we can view different aspects of the human experience. Literature, speech, language and cultural history blend with art, characterization, teamwork and organization to result in live theatrical works reflecting both our history and future as a culture and civilization. A bachelor's degree in theatre arts from the University of Idaho instills job and life skills that prepare you to pursue employment and creative production in the fields of theatre, film and television. Graduates from this program are well suited for the both the rigors and artistic demands of the industry and for pursuing further education in leading graduate schools in theatre.

As a student in the program, you will learn to create and produce living theatre, both as an individual artist and as a member of a production team. Students are involved in all levels of the presentation of theatrical works: performance, design, management and production. Theatre courses and productions provide you with skills and access to the technology of theatre in real-world applications. You will also learn the importance and interconnectedness of the allied art forms of theatre.

Currently, there are more than 100 students and 12 faculty and staff members involved in the practice of theatre at the University of Idaho, and they make up a healthy, active and diverse group of dedicated and talented practitioners of the theatrical crafts. The department produces six shows during the academic year, and the Idaho Repertory Theatre offers four shows during the summer. Students also have their own theatre production organization.

Prepare for Success

If you are interested in pursuing a degree in theatre arts, you should become involved in your high school's dramatics program or local community theatre, and attend live theatre productions. Students should explore the disciplines of the industry to determine their personal interests in theatre.

To be successful as a student in the program, you need:

• Curiosity
• Integrity
• Commitment
• Discipline
• Talent
• Attention to detail
• Craft

Your First Year

Your first year will be devoted to the core courses required by both the university and the department. You’ll take theater courses such as:

• Basics of Acting
• Stage Technology
• Scene Design
• Costume Design

Students also are encouraged to audition for work in all areas of the department’s theatre productions.

What You Can Do

A theatre arts degree prepares you to work in the theatre, film and television industries. A degree from the University of Idaho will give you skills to work as a:

• Director
• Actor
• Playwright
• Scenic lighting and costume designer
• Stage manager
• Public relations and marketing officer
• Technical director
• Costume shop manager
• Electrician or master electrician
• Props manager
• Makeup designer
• Carpenter
• Draper
• Milliner
• Cobbler
• Stitcher
• Sound designer
• Sound engineer
• Dramaturge

Opportunities

Graduates of the Idaho Theatre Arts Department are working in television, film and theatre throughout the U.S. The starting salary for a job in theatre, film and television is often in the $35,000-$45,000 range.

Professional theatre companies that employ our graduates include:

• Oregon Shakespeare Festival
• Utah Shakespeare Festival
• Colorado Shakespeare Festival
• Riverside Shakespeare Company
• Texas Lyric Opera
• South Coast Repertory Theatre in California
• Seattle Repertory Theatre
• Portland Stage Theatre Company

Idaho Graduates at Work

Activities

Sixth Street Players is a student organization that allows theatre arts majors to stage their own theatre productions. Students also are involved in regional and national theatre organizations such as:

• American Theatre in Higher Education
• United States Institute of Theatre Technology
• The American College Theatre Festival
• Northwest Drama Conference
• National Alliance for Musical Theatre

Hands-On Experience

All students are encouraged to build their resume and to make professional connections through internship opportunities. Internships are available during the summer with the Idaho Repertory Theatre and throughout the year with other regional and national theatre companies. Students also can find internships in the film and television industry.

Facilities

The program maintains and utilizes three primary theatrical spaces:

• The Hartung Theatre, a 418-seat proscenium thrust theatre;
• The Collette Theatre, a 150-seat flexible space; and
• The Outdoor Theatre, a natural, outdoor amphitheatre.

All facilities maintain a full complement of theatrical lighting and sound equipment to achieve quality production.

Faculty Involvement

Our faculty are creative, working theatre professionals whose primary goal is to train students to work in the theatre, film and television industry. They also serve as mentors to students and encourage them to take on leadership roles in the production and presentation of live theatre.

Robert C. Caisley
Associate Professor of Theatre; Head of Performance Area; Head of Dramatic Writing Program
Robert Caisley is Associate Professor of Theatre, and Head of the Dramatic Writing Program at the University of Idaho. He has worked in the entertainment industry as a Creative Consultant for The History Channel, Triage Entertainment, and for North by Northwest Productions, Netter Digital Entertainment and New Wave Entertainment.
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David Christopher DuVal
Assistant Professor
Christopher is an Assistant Professor of Theatre teaching in the BA, BFA, and MFA Performance Programs. He has worked as an actor, guest instructor and fight director throughout the country at various regional theatres and academic institutions, including at such venues as the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Dallas Theatre Center, Syracuse Stage, North Carolina School of the Arts, Stanford University, California State University Fullerton, and others. He is a Certified Teacher with the Society of American Fight Directors and a Senior Instructor with Dueling Arts International.
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Ann Hoste
Associate Professor of Costume Design, Head of Design
Ann Hoste is Associate Professor of Costume Design and Technology at the University of Idaho. In addition to courses in costume design and theatrical makeup, she teaches advanced costume construction and pattern development. She is a member of United Scenic Artists, a professional association of designers, artists and craftspeople in the performing arts.
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Carrie Lawrence
Lecturer, Costume Shop Manager
Carrie is currently the Costume Shop Manager, and oversees all aspects of the costume production phase for each play at the University of Idaho. She is often the head draper and creates patterns for the costumes, or mentors student drapers towards the same goal, as well as managing the administrative aspect to the shop.
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David Lee-Painter
Professor of Performance
David Lee-Painter is professor of theatre and teaches performance and directing. Active with the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, he is the outgoing Chair of Region VII, past national Chair of Chairs, national Member at Large, proud member of the 2008 National Selection team, and the National Directing Coordinator.
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Stephanie S. Miller
Associate Professor
Stephanie Miller is an associate professor of theatre she is the resident scenic designer for the Department and head of the design area. Stephanie teaches courses in Scene Design, Advanced Scene Design, Scene Painting and Scenographic Techniques as well as individual and directed studies at the graduate and undergraduate level.
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Dean Panttaja
Professor and Department Chair
Dean Panttaja is the current Chair of Theatre Arts at the University of Idaho and Artistic Director of the Idaho Repertory Theatre. Dean is a professor of design at the and is a freelance professional lighting and scenic designer.
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Kelly Quinnett
Associate Professor of Performance; Head of Acting
Kelly Eviston Quinnett is an associate professor and head of acting. As an actor, she has extensive experience in professional theatre and film and has performed regionally at Spokane Interplayers, Flat Rock Playhouse, New York Theatre Lab, Coeur D’Alene Summer Theatre and Mill Mountain Theatre. Kelly is a former winner of the National Irene Ryan Acting Competition presented by The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
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Robby Valliere
Lecturer, Technical Director
Robby Valliere is the interim Technical Director at the University of Idaho.
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