BMCC Introduces New Theatre Major With Emphasis on Performance

February 5, 2002

BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE INTRODUCES NEW THEATRE MAJOR WITH EMPHASIS ON PERFORMANCE

February 5, 2002

 

Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) introduces a new theatre major this semester. This major, leading to an associate in science degree, emphasizes performance and theatre production.

The theatre program includes courses in acting, technical theatre, playwriting, and theatre history. Theatre majors will take part in all aspects of the rehearsal and production process, shepherding a play from concept to finished product and presenting their work to the public.

“An unusual aspect of the Theatre Program is that students can define their own path,” observed program coordinator Professor Diane Dowling. “After they take the introductory courses, with the help of their faculty advisors, students can choose electives to develop the skills they need, whether it be in playwriting, acting for the camera, technical theatre or theatre management,” said Dowling, who is also an actress and director.

Program Features Internships with Tribeca Performing Arts Center

At BMCC, theatre majors will have opportunities for internships with the Tribeca Performing Arts Center on the BMCC campus as well as New York City theaters.

“It is rare for theatre students to have such ready access to internships with a performing arts center as robust and as multi-faceted as the Tribeca Performing Arts Center,” noted BMCC President Antonio Pérez.

The internship opportunities underscore the experiential aspect of the program. “New York City is home to a thriving entertainment industry,” noted Dowling. “When our students graduate with an associate in science degree, they will have gained experience that will serve them well whether they decide to enter the field or continue their education toward a bachelors degree.” The program also provides a strong foundation in liberal arts and sciences, and graduates will be able to transfer to four-year college programs.

In addition to Dowling, resident full-time BMCC theatre faculty include Dr. Susana Powell, director, producer, theatre historian, and consultant to the New York State Council on the Arts; Professor Alkis Papoutsis, producer and director Off-Broadway and for television; and Dr. Martin Russell, experimental performance and digital film director and theatre designer.

For more information about the theatre major and for an application, visit the BMCC website at / or call 1-877-NOW-BMCC.

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