Department of Theater

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). 

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). 

That's it! No preparation needed! Just arrive on-time and ready to talk about all things theater!

If you have any questions or can't find a time that works for your schedule, please email Catherine.M.Jacobs@dartmouth.edu.

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)?

So... what's the process and how do I register for classes without an IP?

1. Sign-up for one or more Meet & Greet sessions.
2. Register for three classes, NOT Acting I (Recommendation: add a class that's at the same time period of the Acting I section you would like to be in)
3. No need to be nervous! Make sure you read the questions.
4. Arrive EARLY to your session (at least 5 mins)
5. At the end of the day on Tuesday, 9/15, you will receive an email to let you know if you got a spot in one of the sections (if you did not get a spot, you will also receive an email letting you know).
6. Immediately register for the Acting I section you got approval for (your IP will only work for that specific section) by dropping one of the three classes and registering for THEA 30.01, 30.02, 30.03, or 30.04.
7. Come to the first day of class ready to act!
8. Questions, comments, concerns? Email Catherine Jacobs (or stop by her office, Hop 110)