Theatre Program

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We believe theatre has the power to wake us up, open our hearts, and inspire us to take action.

Students in our program are passionate theatre-makers and collaborative problem-solvers, in touch with the critical issues of our society.

In our program, you’ll cultivate your skill and artistry in a supportive environment, guided by our accomplished, approachable faculty. You’ll receive plenty of personalized attention as you engage with theatre from all angles—creatively, historically, theoretically, and professionally. No audition is required to major to minor in theatre. Our noncompetitive atmosphere gives all students the opportunity to participate in a production, even in their first year.

"Theatre can help us build our future, rather than just waiting for it." --Augusto Boal

 

Our Partnerships with Professional Theatres

The San Francisco Bay Area is the third largest theatre market in the country, home to  innovative artists and companies all committed to making theatre that makes a difference. Saint Mary’s Theatre Program enjoys a special connection to this vibrant and diverse theatre community, and our partnerships with professional companies are central to the training we provide.   

Our majors and minors regularly attend professional productions as part of their coursework - placing them in conversation with American theatre’s cutting edge. And we bring local professionals to campus, as guest designers, teachers, directors. These professional exchanges create opportunities for networking and professional mentoring, for auditioning and acting, and for paid positions as assistant directors, literary staff, stage managers, backstage crew, and more. Click here to read more...

Scholarships

In addition to need and merit-based scholarships, incoming students who are planning on majoring or minoring in Theatre are eligible for a $5,000 scholarship (renewable for all four years). This year, applications are open for the East Bay Performing Arts Scholarship which is a four-year full-ride scholarship for an East Bay student who identifies as Black or of African descent and intends to major or minor in Dance, Music, or Theatre. Apply HERE for the Performing Arts Scholarship by Dec. 1 and the East Bay Performing Arts Scholarship by Jan. 15! 

GIVING TUESDAY: Dec. 3, 2024

Giving Tuesday promotion with image of characters from "The Excavation of Mary Anning" dancing

Consider donating to the Spring '26 Musical

Our students say it all the time: they want the opportunity to perform in a musical! Musical Theatre has a unique way of speaking directly to the soul: the drama. The spectacle. The soaring harmonies. And our students are ready to step into the challenge! The Performing Arts department at Saint Mary’s offers rigorous, conservatory-caliber training in acting, movement, and music. Now, we’re in search of some committed and generous donors who can help us close the gap on producing a beloved piece of musical theatre in Spring '26. Your contributions will be used to help us pay for performance rights, specialty personnel, sets, costumes, and all that jazz…

DONATE HERE

THE EXCAVATION OF MARY ANNING

An English woman from early 1900s dressed in a grey cloak is standing next to fossils that form a skeleton

THE EXCAVATION OF MARY ANNING

FALL '24 THEATRE PRODUCTION NOV. 1-10

About the Play:

Amidst the groaning cliff sides and weather beaten shores of southern England, fossil hunter Mary Anning combs the earth for glimpses of the ancient past.  Armed with only her determination, her lucky hammer, and her canine companion, Tray, Mary uncovers secrets that redefine science and religion and philosophy.  But 19th century geology is a nobleman’s game, and Mary’s discoveries are buried beneath the rubble while the stars of her male counterparts grow ever brighter.  The Excavation of Mary Anning is a historical fantasia about things that come from the earth and things that go to the earth, and one woman’s quest to reclaim her legacy in a society that refuses to acknowledge her worth.

FOR MORE INFO

Greek Chorus Spring '24

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Acting 3 class arms entwined performing The Greek Chorus in the Acting studio.

Acting III Performance

View this "Greek Chorus" video from Prof. Shannon Davis' Acting III final.

Program & School Information

CONTACT US:
Deanna Zibello, Theatre Program Director
Tara Sundy, Performing Arts Coordinator & Events Manager/Box Office Manager