Plays have been written on every topic and theme imaginable. The discipline of theatre is extraordinary in its ability to encompass any subject, while serving as a laboratory for the examination of humanity. The theatrical endeavor shares the key to a liberal arts education and supports the Hampden-Sydney College mission to "form good men and good citizens in an atmosphere of sound learning." A cross-disciplinary program, the Theatre department offers classes and independent studies ranging from beginning to advanced acting, set and light design, stagecraft, playwriting, and directing.

The Fine Arts department produces two main stage productions a year. Be part of a theatre production each semester! All performances are FREE and open to the public.

It was the first time I noticed what passion felt like.

Skipp Sudduth ’79, actor and director

Theatre Major/Minor Requirements

The requirement for a major in Theatre is a minimum of 32 hours, to include: Theatre 101, 201, 210, 220, 250, 251, 252, 260, 261, 321, 401, 498, and 499. Additional courses from the following: Theatre 253, 260, 261, 350, 351, 352, 353, English 270, 313, 314, 334, French 401, German 401, Greek 301, Latin 301, Spanish 405, 408. Note: Theatre 260 and 261 are courses that may be taken more than once for credit, as the topic rotates.

The requirements for a minor in Theatre are 15 credit hours from the courses listed below, including at least three Theatre offerings: Theatre 101, 201, 210, 220, 250, 251, 252, 253, 260, 261, 321, 401, English 270, 313, 314, 334, French 401, German 401, Greek 301, Latin 301, Spanish 405, 408.

updated 8/30/22

Fine Arts Courses

Theatre Events

2023-24

Mr. Burns
February 22, 23, 24, 29, March 1 | 8 pm
John's Auditorium

Lombardi
November 2, 4, 9, 11 | 8 pm
John's Auditorium

2022-23

An Act of God
February 16, 17, 18, 23, 24 | 8 pm
John's Auditorium

Love's Fire
October 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 | 8pm
John's Auditorium

Theatre Archive

2021-22 Season
Inherit the Wind
The Aliens
Death of A Salesman
Wittenberg

2020-2021 Season
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Corona Tales

2019-2020 Season
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
One Man, Two Guvnors
Endgame
Assassins

2018-19 Season
Red
Coriolanus
The Dumbwaiter
One Acts Festival

2017-2018 Season
Lord of the Flies
Atsumori
Gettysburg presented by Theatre Nohgaku
The Arts of Civil War Symposium

2016 - 2017 Season
La Bête
A Festival of One-Act Plays
Biloxi Blues

2015-2016 Season
The Mystery of Irma Vep
Some Men
American Buffalo
Arden of Faversham

2014-2015 Season
Romeo and Juliet
Shakesbeer: Drinking Scenes from Shakespeare
Funny Money
One-Act Plays (Directing class)

2013-2014 Season
Life is a Dream
Frost/Nixon
Patti Issues

2012-2013 Season
The 39 Steps
Good

2011-2012 Season
Theatre Nohgaku
Picasso at the Lapin Agile
Henry V

2010-2011 Season
The Homecoming 

2009 - 2010 Season
The Importance of Being Earnest
Working

2008 -2009 Season
Twelfth Night
The Caucasian Chalk Circle

2007 - 2008 Season
A Streetcar Named Desire
Tartuffe

2006 - 2007 Season
Art
The Tragedy of Richard III

2005 - 2006 Season
Gagarin Way
Noises Off

2004 - 2005 Season
Rashomon
Macbeth

2003 - 2004 Season
Waiting for Godot
Volpone

2002 - 2003 Season
The Rocky Horror Show
Six Degrees of Separation
The Comedy of Errors

2001 - 2002 Season
A Few Good Men
1776   
Communication Breakdown

2000 - 2001 Season
A Midsummer's Night Dream
Betrayal

1999 - 2000 Season
Lend Me A Tenor
Philoctetes

1998 - 1999 Season
Glass Menagerie
Julius Caesar

1997 - 1998 Season
All My Sons
La Ronde

Theatre Professors

The Theatre Department is part of the Fine Arts Department at Hampden-Sydney.

Fine Arts Department Professors

 

The Jongleurs

The Jongleurs, the dramatics club, and the Fine Arts Department mount a full production season, providing opportunities to pursue interests in virtually every aspect of theatre from producing to acting, directing, playwriting, and design.  Advisor: Shirley Kagan  kagans@hsc.edu 

Fine Arts Events at Hampden-Sydney College

All Hampden-Sydney College music, theatre, and visual arts events are FREE and open to the public.

Fine Arts Events

Evin Burton ’25

Evin Burton ’25 took a deep dive this summer into the world of Noh theatre, focusing on how Western notions of theatre inform our perception of the unique Japanese theatre style.

Evin Burton ’25