THEA 30: Acting I is our most popular course! Because of this, the Department of Theater wants to make sure that the students who are the most eager and interested in Acting I have the best opportunity to take the course. Not just majors and intending majors, but everyone!
What is THEA 30: Acting I?
To achieve success as a performing artist, an actor must commit to building an ensemble based on mutual respect and understanding and to embracing the notion that empathy is at the heart of the actor’s art. Students will be encouraged to explore their creative abilities on a journey of self-discovery in order to build this sense of ensemble. Through individual and group exercises, students will be introduced to the techniques necessary to play a character believably and honestly. The class will culminate with scene presentations from realistic plays by authors of diverse cultural backgrounds.
How do students get an IP (Instructor Permission) to register for Acting I?
Admission into Acting I is through a Meet and Greet with the professor of one (or more!) sections of the class that will be held in the first week of Fall. This will be a low-key conversation with the professors to gauge your interest in the course. Discussion will center around the questions listed below. Students will be encouraged to ask questions about the class, other department offerings, and the many opportunities to participate in the theater at Dartmouth.
After the sessions, each professor will create a class list consisting of sixteen students for their section. Priority will be given to First-Years and Sophomores (although students from all class years are encouraged to sign-up) and students who are interested in continued participation within the Department. If you have been selected to be in a section, an IP will automatically be given to you and you will receive an email telling you what section you can register for.
We want to give as many students as possible an opportunity to take Acting I during their time at Dartmouth, if you have a session with a professor and do not receive an IP for Fall, you will be given priority for admission in Winter 2027 (or Spring 2027, if that works better for your schedule).
What do you do this Spring?
Register for three courses for the Fall. You will be given the IP for Acting I before the end of the first add/drop period of Fall (September 14-20, 2026), you can then drop one of the three courses to register for Acting I, or it can be your fourth course.
How many sections are there of Acting I in the Fall and when are they?
- THEA 30.01 with Professor Peter Hackett @ 10A
- THEA 30.02 with Professor Keith Coughlin @ 10
- THEA 30.03 with Professor Michael Alvarez @ 3B
- THEA 30.04 with Professor Christian Kohn @ 2A
How do I sign up for a Meet and Greet?
The Meet and Greet sessions will be held on the first day the class is scheduled. Each section will have an online sign-up sheet (below), students can select ONE time slot in just one section or all four (if you sign up for more than one section, please let the professor know in your meeting which section you prefer).
Sign-Up for THEA 30.01
Sign-Up for THEA 30.02
Sign-Up for THEA 30.03
Sign-Up for THEA 30.04
That's it! No preparation needed! Just arrive on-time and ready to talk about all things theater!
Meet and Greet Questions:
- Why are you interested in Acting I? Do you have personal goals for the class?
- Do you have any experience with the performing arts ? Whether it's performing, working backstage, or enjoying theater as an audience member (no experience is necessary for admission to the class).
- What are some of your favorite hobbies and interests?
- What is your major or intending major (if you are ready to share)?