Swarthmore's Theater Department is an educational and artistic laboratory—a place for expanding the talents and intellect of students and faculty alike.
At Swarthmore, we combine a rigorous liberal arts education with the practical exploration of performance. We continually seek new working relationships between the academy and the professional theater and build bridges between the American theater and our international colleagues.
Our department encourages students to fully engage each other, our faculty, master artists, other disciplines and cultures, and ultimately the world beyond Swarthmore—while simultaneously nourishing each student's individual talents and aspirations.
If you would like to receive periodic updates from the department about auditions, events, and other opportunities, please fill out this form. For answers to some frequently asked questions, including major/minor requirements and how to get involved in department shows, check out the FAQ below.
ACTING CAPSTONE
Glare
Directed by Alex Torra
April 9-11, 2021
HONORS DIRECTING THESIS
Why Are You Killing Yourself
Directed by Zaina Dana ‘21
May 1 & 10-11, 2021
HONORS PLAYWRITING THESIS
Holiday
By Amaechi Abuah ‘21
May 5-6, 2021
SPRING NIGHT OF SCENES
Scenes from No Exit by Jean Paul Sartre
Directed by Marie Inniss '23
May 11-12, 2021
Yes! You can earn up to 1 credit for working on a department show. For more information, contact the show’s director (or, for Senior Company, Laila Swanson). If you are interested in getting paid to work on the production team of a show, send an email to Scott Cassidy describing your area(s) of interest.
You can view the major & minor requirements, including honors, here.
Spring 2021
Tentative course listings for Fall 2021 and beyond can be found here.
Written & directed by Honors Major Zaina Dana '21, WHY ARE YOU KILLING YOURSELF? follows the self-destructive path of a young woman as she attempts to make sense of herself and her upbringing in a bizarre post-9/11 America, heavily shaped by events before her time. A livestream of the in person show will be streamed on May 1, and a version adapted for radio will be shared on May 11 & 12.
Click the link below to read a letter from the Swarthmore College Theater Department and access an anonymous feedback form.
