Special Opportunities
Special Opportunities
WORKSHOPS, MASTER CLASSES, and INTERACTIVE SEMINARS
A Conversation with Playwright Bisi Adigun
February 14, 1-2 pm
Black Box Theater
In conjunction with the theatre department’s February 2025 production of “The Playboy of the Western World, A Modern Adaptation” (by Bisi Adigun and Roddy Doyle of J.M. Synge’s 1907 world classic of the same title). The Department of Theatre will host a live discussion with one of the primary adaptors, Bisi Adigun, who is a Nigerian born playwright and theatre maker. Mr. Adigun will be joining the discussion virtually via Zoom. The discussion will focus on the process of updating and adapting a world classic for modern audiences.
The live discussion, led by Theatre Chair David Janowiak, will take place on the set of the production during the run of the show, on Friday, February 14 from 1 -2 p.m. in the Black Box Theater in Robinson Hall on the campus of UNC Charlotte. The event is free and can seat up to 75 people on a first-come-first-served basis.
Past Programs
CoA+A Convocation Event: Verbal Gymnastics
Friday, August 30 at 1:00 pm
Anne R. Belk Theater
The College of Arts + Architecture launches the new academic year with a special Convocation gathering featuring Washington, D.C.-based Verbal Gymnastics. Founded/created by John A. Johnson, Verbal Gymnastics is an interactive theatre company where storytelling meets community. Verbal Gymnastics believes that our stories embody who we are, just like DNA. Through live interactive storytelling called Playback Theatre, Verbal Gymnastics and the College of Arts + Architecture community will share stories with one another and birth stronger community connections.
What is Playback Theatre? Playback Theatre is interactive, improvisational theatre that retells audience members’ shared stories through movement, dance, and acting. This is an art form that gives the microphone to the people and honors the “storyteller.”
Post-performance Workshop, 4:30-6:00 pm
Robinson 118
For all curious minds and creative spirts…. Verbal Gymnastics will host a 90-minute workshop in Robinson Hall 118 Dance Studio, where participants will have the opportunity to learn a few techniques and skills of Playback Theatre. Requirements: comfortable clothes to move in, creativity and an open mind.
Class with Actor Daniel Tolbert ’10
Friday, October 13, 2023 at 12:20 PM | Robinson 103
The Department of Theatre welcomes UNC Charlotte Theatre alumnus Daniel Tolbert, who has made a career as an actor in Los Angeles.
The program will consist of a “Show & Tell” class in which Daniel will talk about his journey from the UNC Charlotte Theatre Department to his career as a working actor. He will speak about what it is like working in the heart of the entertainment industry and about the many projects he has been in, such as Wild West Chronicles, Single Bells, Neurotic Beauty, and Chameleon. This class will be held on October 13 at 12:20- 1:10pm and is open to the College community.
Following this class, there will also be a reception held in the main lobby of Robinson Hall, 1:15 pm-2:00 pm. Refreshments will be served, and students who could not attend the class will have a chance to meet and talk with Daniel.
Seating for the class is first come, first served. All students and faculty are welcome to attend.
Eric Woodall, Artistic Director of the North Carolina Theatre/Broadway Casting Director
November 8, 2023, at 4:00 PM | Black Box Theater
The UNC Charlotte Theatre Department hosts Eric Woodall, Artistic Director of the North Carolina Theatre (NCT) in Raleigh and former Broadway casting director on Wednesday, November 8. Woodall will be leading an audition workshop and Q & A, followed by a meet & greet reception.
The workshop will be from 4:00- 5:30 p.m. in the Robinson Hall Black Box Theater. During the workshop, Woodall will offer a public coaching session with select students interested in receiving feedback on their audition pieces. He will also share information about his work as Artistic Director at NCT, his years of experience as a Broadway casting director, and answer student questions. A meet and greet reception will follow from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. in the Robinson Lobby. Light snacks and beverages will be served.
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
College of Arts + Architecture Career Expo: Creative CONNECT
Thursday, March 3, 2021, at 11 AM | Storrs Gallery
Our 5th annual networking event for creatives and will include arts and design professionals who work in all five disciplines of the COA+A including Art, Music, Dance, Theatre, and Architecture. Students will have a valuable opportunity to mingle with these professionals and learn more about programs within these organizations where they can get more involved through volunteering, internships, part-time or full-time employment. A few of participating organizations include the Arts and Science Council, Charlotte Ballet, Little Diversified, McColl Center for Art + Innovation, Opera Carolina, and many more! This year’s event will be virtual and run through a platform called HopIn, so faculty and students can network in the comfort of their homes! More information about this event will be shared soon.
National Theatre Institute Information Session
February 11, 2022 | Robinson 205
With a singular schedule and an unmatched breadth of training, the National Theater Institute’s six semester-long programs offer students a springboard to the professional world at the two-time tony award-winning Eugene O’Neill Theater Center. Founded in 1970, NTI’s credit-earning theater intensives—taught by industry professionals and master teachers—train actors, singers, directors, dancers, designers, playwrights and composers.
Senior Head Shots with Megan Dougherty
April 2022 | Robinson Hall Front Lobby
FIELD TRIPS & CONFERENCES
Student Trip to the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) Region IV
February 1-5, 2022 | Virtual Event
Student actors, designers, directors and dramaturgs will showcase and compete at the KCACTF event virtually this year. Students will also participate in a wide array of workshops, lectures, and performances.
Student Trip to the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC)
March 9-13, 2022 | Memphis, TN
Theatre majors will travel to Memphis, Tennessee for the annual Southeastern Theatre Conference in order to participate in a wide array of workshops, lectures, performances and informational sessions on graduate programs in theatre.
Student Trip to Shakespeare Theatre Company
March 25-27, 2022 | Washington, DC
A student trip to Washington DC to see The Merchant of Venice at The Shakespeare Theatre Company/Theatre for a New Audience and to visit museums and historical sites. The Department of Theatre will cover the student’s train travel, hotel and theatre ticket. Space is limited; preference will be given to students who have attended at least two events in the Shakespeare and Inclusivity series.
SHOWCASES & PORTFOLIO/REVIEW FORUMS
Department of Theatre Portfolio Review
Friday, December 10 at 2 PM | Robinson 205
Any student who is interested in designing, assistant designing, or holding a major production role for a department production must attend in order to be considered. All students currently enrolled in a section of THEA 4610, or wishing to receive credit next spring, must present a portfolio. In addition, any student who is interested in trying to develop a design or technical portfolio is highly encouraged to attend in order to observe, ask questions, and gain valuable insight into what makes a successful theatre portfolio. Faculty and Students are welcome to observe.
CELEBRATIONS
December Grads Celebration and Winter Holiday Party
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at 6 PM | Black Box Theater
May Grads Celebration and End-of-Year Party
Tuesday, May 3, 2022 at 6 PM | Black Box Theater
It’s time to party! Theatre students and faculty gather to celebrate the year and to honor our graduating seniors with special commendations (delivered by the faculty) along with student-led awards and activities.
THEATRE PASSPORT FREE TICKET SERIES
The PASSPORT Free Ticket Series offers UNC Charlotte Theatre majors the opportunity to attend a variety of professional theatre productions in Charlotte. Each semester we purchase tickets to wide variety of performances including plays, musicals, opera, children’s theater, and interdisciplinary/devised work. Participating students are encouraged to share their opinions about the shows with faculty and student colleagues.
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES
UNC Charlotte Commedia Players
Under the artistic leadership of Assistant Professor of Physical Theatre, Carlos Cruz, Theater majors have the opportunity to audition for this special traveling performance company appearing each fall at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. Over the course of eight weekend, our student commedia troupe performs for thousands of visitors to the festival. For more information on auditioning for the UNC Charlotte Commedia Players, please contact Professor Cruz at CarlosCruz@charlotte.edu.