"It's time to redeem the craft, to reclaim the creativity endowed to us by God, to fill performace spaces all over the world with people who are passionate about the craft, equipped for the work and empowered by the Holy Spirit." Listen to Tracy Manning, Managing and Artistic Director of Theatre, describe her passion for theatre at Taylor.
Theatre students at Taylor are willing to do the hard work. They sacrifice time and energy and immerse themselves into their craft - working together, challenging each other to create a quality performance that honors God and their own pursuit of excellence.
If you become a Taylor theatre student, you can expect:
A Strong and Intentional Community. Taylor is known for community, Christian fellowship and discipleship - but this is especially true with theatre students.
A Focus on Whole Personal Development - It isn't just faculty who are dedicated to your growth, it is also your peers. Excellence at Taylor isn't just about your mind or body - excellence and growth is especially about your soul.
A Resume Built on High Quality Productions. Your deep passion and commitment to developing your craft will not go unnoticed.
Opportunities Outside of the Classroom and Theatre Performances
Touring Company The Taylor Touring Company exists for two primary reasons; training and ministry. The Touring Company has the unique opportunity each fall to workshop a new play with a local playwright…be the first to produce the play and work alongside the playwright to make final character and dialogue decisions. We then commit to touring that show for at least nine months. During that time we travel to churches, schools and business to present the show. It is a challenge to maintain characters and story for that long and great experience for the students. They each take responsibility for a technical aspect of the show and learn the ins and outs of touring a production on a small scale. The Company has toured since 2007.
It is also an opportunity for us to apply to power of the spoken word to the Word. We also get to take the great work of Taylor Theatre into churches and schools all over the world.
Professional Connections in the businesses that come to campus. Examples: Nathan Garrison, Production Stage Manager, Indianapolis Repertory Theatre Kevin Gawley, Professional Lighting Designer, University of Wisconsin Cory Rodeheaver, Scenic Designer, Taylor Studios, Champagne, IL Actors From the London Stage, on campus residency Valerie Smith,Professional Actress (alumni), Director of Theatre Messiah College
Professional Organizations: Theatre Communications Group (TCG), Christians in Theatre Arts (CITA) and Association of Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE)
Off Campus Travel Programs. As a Taylor student, you will have many opportunities to make a global impact. However, the Australia Studies Program is focused on the arts and performance. Students spend a semester in beautiful Sydney, Australia, honing their craft with professional instructors who share a Christian worldview. To the left you can read Matt's story about his Australian experience!
