Theater Department

Purpose

The purpose of the Theater Department at MACC is to provide an opportunity for students to engage in creative expression, develop insight into the history and development of theater, and gain experience in theatrical productions. Theater courses fulfill the requirements of the Associate of Arts degree, count as electives, or serve as future credit toward a four-year degree.

Skills Taught/Benefits

While theater courses can help prepare students for a career on the stage, these courses are also meant to benefit all students enrolled in transfer programs. Students can gain valuable skills that will assist them in other areas of study or in life.

  • Critical thinking

  • Oral communication and public presentation skills

  • Creative expression and self-confidence

  • Cultural enrichment

Additionally, under the guidance of professional, experienced faculty, students gain skills specific to the art and craft of theater.

  • Characterization and character analysis

  • Storytelling, clowning, and puppetry

  • Pantomime and improvisation

  • Experience with live productions

  • Hands-on training in set design and construction

Cultural Enrichment

Theater classes often include guest lectures and field trips to major theatrical productions. For example, the Theater Department has arranged for visits from Chinese scholars and Japanese puppeteers. Each semester, theater students are able to attend a college-sponsored field trip to a production of the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis and Truman State University.

Scholarships

Two $500 scholarships are awarded to outstanding MACC theater students each semester. Selection of Theater Award recipients is on a competitive basis upon the recommendation of the MACC Theater instructor. To be eligible for the award, students must complete an application, audition, and/or provide a resume/portfolio. In addition, recipients are required to take a leadership role (either acting or technical) in the theater production during the semester in which the award is given.

Transfer Opportunities

Students can complete theater courses within their Associate of Arts degree, which is transferable to four-year colleges and universities. MACC theater courses provide foundational knowledge and skills for the student who just has a casual interest in learning more about theater to the serious theater student who intends to pursue a four-year degree and career in theater. Students can complete theater courses each semester while at MACC and then transfer for further study in the discipline. Many of Missouri’s four-year institutions offer bachelor degrees in Theater. Interested students should consult with an MACC advisor about transfer opportunities.

Career Opportunities

Although some students take theater courses for personal interest and enjoyment, these courses can also prepare students for careers in set design, acting/performance, directing, playwriting, teaching, and radio and television.

Productions

The MACC Theater Department presents both a fall and spring production on the Moberly campus. All students and staff have the opportunity to learn various facets of theatrical productions by becoming an actor or technician. Past performances have included a Renaissance Festival featuring A Midsummer’s Night Dream, an interactive Christmas Madrigal produced in conjunction with MACC Music Department, and a murder mystery dinner theater. Other performances include

Cinderella

Fuddy Meers

Our Town

Grease

Nunsense

Taming of the Shrew

ER/Emergency Room

Steel Magnolias

The Murder Room

Kindertransport

Winnie the Pooh

The Odyssey of Jeremy Jack

The Shadow Box

Wait Until Dark

Pump Boys and Dinettes

The Boys Next Door

Charlotte’s Web

Smoke on the Mountain

Alice in Wonderland

Marvin’s Room

Waiting for the Parade