Program

The major is designed for students who are interested in in pursuing a career in theater, but who are not interested in performing. Students can choose to concentrate in one or more of the following areas: Scenery, Costumes, Lighting,  Sound and Technical Direction. 

The training is divided between classwork and practical production work including their own fully realized designs for department productions!  The training and design opportunities are enhanced by the new, state-of-the-art procenium theater. It is a 350-seat procenium, with a full fly system, digital projection and a large complement of LED/animated lighting fixtures. 

The program is headed by Professor Daniel C. Walker. Walker has had a decades-long, award-winning career in professional theater and academia. Over that time, he has designed for many of the equity theatres in Michigan, as well as being part of the staff at Theatre Nova, Performance Network and the Purple Rose Theater. He has taught at numerous colleges/universities, including Eastern Michigan University, and Albion College (where he was chair).

• Students have numerous opportunities to work in PAID production positions in the theater (the majority production work is executed by students, not staff)
• Design majors have at least one opportunity to actually realize their designs, not just create them on paper
• Frequent opportunities for students to do technical and design work outside the University while working on a degree

Siena Heights University’s Theatre Siena has announced its schedule for the 2021-22 academic year.

The season opens with the Homecoming Weekend production of “Rent,” from Oct. 14-16. Directed by SHU Assistant Professor of Theater and Dance Michael Yuen, the rock musical tells a story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create life in lower Manhattan’s East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City. Curtain time is at 7:30 p.m. each evening on the Haller Stage in the Spencer Performing Arts Center.

Here are the remaining shows for the 2021-22 season:

• “Steel Magnolias” is from Nov. 11-13 in the Stubnitz Lab Theatre. Directed by SHU Assistant Professor of Theatre Dan Walker, the play is about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. Curtain times are at 7:30 p.m. each evening.
• “Student-directed One-Acts” are from Dec. 9-11 in the Stubnitz Lab Theatre. These shows are directed by students from the play directing class. Curtain times are at 7:30 p.m. each evening.
• “She Kills Monsters” is from Feb. 3-5 in the Stubnitz Lab Theatre. Directed by Michael Yuen, the show is about Agnes Evans, who loses her parents and little sister in a car accident. The plot takes place in a reality and the imaginary game world. Curtain times are at 7:30 p.m. each evening.
• The Child Drama Program will have a show to be announced from Feb. 25-27 on the Haller Stage. It will be directed by Julianne Dolan.
• “Big Fish,” a musical, will be from April 7-9 on the Haller Stage. Directed by SHU Professor of Theatre Mark DiPietro, the show revolves around the relationship between a traveling salesman and his adult son. Curtain times are at 7:30 p.m. each evening.
• “Student-directed One-Acts” are from April 26-28 in the Stubnitz Lab Theatre. These shows are directed by students from the play directing class. Curtain times are at 7:30 p.m. each evening.

Tickets are available at the box office beginning 90 minutes prior to each show. For general shows, cost is $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors. For musicals, cost is $12 for adults, $8 for student and seniors. Season passes good for two guests are also available for $50.

For more information, visit www.theatresiena.com or call 517-264-7890.