Theater Workshop

By: Brooklyn Kerry 

At Trine University, students can participate in the tradition of our long-standing theater programming through the two productions put on by the department each year. This year, Trine theater students had the opportunity to share their passion with local high school students through an interactive learning workshop.

Students involved with Trine’s theater department were able to teach 20 high school students about the five fundamental spheres of theatrical production, hoping that some of them may choose to pursue theater as future Thunders.

The event was coordinated by Lou Ann Homan, Trine’s theater director and a communications professor. Students rotated through simultaneously led workshop stations, learning what it takes to be involved in the Trine theater program.

One station gave students insight into character development, a process where actors embark on a journey of self-discovery as they delve into the depths of the personal motivations and backstories of the characters they portray. Through improvisation and role-playing exercises, students learned how to breathe life into these characters, exploring how to make them more relatable and come to life for audiences.

“I got to teach character development,” said Ryan Long, a sophomore communications major at Trine, who helped to lead a station during the workshop. “[That includes] building the character’s story that isn’t provided to you in the script. I loved getting to share my experience in doing so.”

Another workshop station allowed participants to step into the spotlight as they learned about the art of blocking. With this, students explored how body language and facial expressions can alter a performance and the need to balance subtlety and exaggeration.

From props and costumes to set design and stage management, students gained a deeper understanding of the many details that bring a theatrical production to life, gaining a newfound appreciation for the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure a seamless performance. At the behind-the-scenes station, students had the opportunity to delve into the intricacies of lighting design, learning how different colors and intensities can evoke emotions and enhance storytelling.

Finally, students explored directing and the role that directors play through the management of all theatrical elements. Students were taught the importance of communication and teamwork in the process of turning a script into a living, breathing stage production.

These 20 students emerged with a newfound appreciation for the magic of theater. Through hands-on exploration and creative expression, these students left campus with newfound skills and insights, ready to embark on their own theatrical journeys.

“Teaching the kids about one of my passions was amazing and a lot easier than expected,” Long said. “I just hope some of them continue down the path with theater. Some of the kids did say to us that they would want to come to Trine. I can’t wait to see if they do!”