Theater

As theater artists, we will SEEK a better understanding of the human experience as well as ourselves. We will SERVE the community through sharing our God-given talents through performance. We will GROW as individuals and as a part of the larger community committing ourselves to engaging the world around as modeled by the servant Christ.

See a video about Bethel’s 2011 Fall Festival theater production, Charley’s Aunt. Read more about the 2012 production, The Secret Garden, including how to get tickets.

Theater at Bethel College is as distinct as the institution. You’ll have a variety of opportunities to participate on stage and behind the scenes in a diverse offering of productions each year. As part of a liberal arts education, the theater department fills an important role on campus and in the community by offering a unique perspective into the human experience.

The theater department has a celebrated history and is a significant part of the Bethel College story. Each year, the department produces multiple productions including plays, musicals and an opera every other year. You will find a caring and committed faculty who engage and encourage the individual as well as ensure the highest quality productions.

Current season

All performances take place in Krehbiel Auditorium in the Fine Arts Center unless otherwise noted. Tickets can be purchased at Thresher Bookstore in Schultz Student Center, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. (316-284-5205). Tickets can also be purchased at the door one half hour before show time and subject to availability.

The Secret Garden (musical)

Friday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 13, 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 14, 2 p.m.

God of Carnage (comedy)

Thursday, Nov. 15, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17, 1:30 p.m.

Good Night Desdemona, Good Morning Juliet (comedy)

Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.

Arsenic and Old Lace (comedy)

Thursday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 7:30 p.m.

Ticket prices: Call Thresher Bookstore, 316-284-5205 during regular business hours, Mon.–Fri., 8 a.m.–5 p.m., for up-to-date information. Ticket prices are generally discounted for non-Bethel students and senior citizens, as well as Bethel students. If you’re a prospective student, make sure you check with the Office of Admissions [need link] about an activities pass if you don’t already have one.

Audition Tips

DO	DON’T
Choose two monologues that are about two minutes each in length and come from a play. Prepare your audition material in advance. Memorized and performance-ready is best. Wear something classy and comfortable; like the way you look in it. Smile, state your name and give the title of the play/s that your monologues are from. This is the perfect opportunity to check the acoustics. Have fun! This is supposed to be something you enjoy. Say thank you when your audition is over. Then go and celebrate with your family and friends on the great job you did.	Choose monologues from a movie or TV show and imitate the actor who performs them. Choose something the night before or ask for a script to read from. We don’t have one. Wear sloppy jeans and a trashy T-shirt. This gives the impression that you don’t care, which raises the question: Why should we? Launch into your pieces before your faculty adjudicators are ready. Also, don’t forget to practice the titles and playwright’s names. You don’t want to stumble over your words before you begin. Give up on yourself before you begin. The faculty at Bethel College want you to be successful and to do your best. Walk out of the audition loudly commenting on what you did wrong. And don’t play it over and over again in your head. You’ll drive yourself crazy! Celebrate the high points and acknowledge the weak spots and know that regardless, you made the right choice to audition for Bethel.

DON’T

Choose two monologues that are about two minutes each in length and come from a play.
Prepare your audition material in advance. Memorized and performance-ready is best.
Wear something classy and comfortable; like the way you look in it.
Smile, state your name and give the title of the play/s that your monologues are from. This is the perfect opportunity to check the acoustics.
Have fun! This is supposed to be something you enjoy.
Say thank you when your audition is over. Then go and celebrate with your family and friends on the great job you did.

Choose monologues from a movie or TV show and imitate the actor who performs them.
Choose something the night before or ask for a script to read from. We don’t have one.
Wear sloppy jeans and a trashy T-shirt. This gives the impression that you don’t care, which raises the question: Why should we?
Launch into your pieces before your faculty adjudicators are ready. Also, don’t forget to practice the titles and playwright’s names. You don’t want to stumble over your words before you begin.
Give up on yourself before you begin. The faculty at Bethel College want you to be successful and to do your best.
Walk out of the audition loudly commenting on what you did wrong. And don’t play it over and over again in your head. You’ll drive yourself crazy! Celebrate the high points and acknowledge the weak spots and know that regardless, you made the right choice to audition for Bethel.

Additional tips

Bring a theater resume that highlights your experience, including what shows you’ve been in and what roles you’ve had. This isn’t required, but is recommended. A student who walks in with a theater resume (different than a typical job resume) automatically shows s/he is serious about theater and has done her/his homework. A theater headshot is also highly recommended, even if it isn’t a professional job. A simple point and shoot camera is capable of taking some really great photographs. Have a friend take your picture and print a larger version at a local photo department.

If you plan on singing for one of your monologues, choose something that is in contrast to the character of your monologue. Have your music in a three-ring binder with pages front to back so that your accompanist can turn pages easily. Make sure your music is clearly marked with any tempo changes or pauses and be sure to give your accompanist a tempo to start with. But be careful! Nerves may cause you to give a faster tempo than normal, so make sure that you communicate an accurate song tempo.

Coursework

Bethel offers the following courses: Theater Practicum, Styles of Acting, Theater Production and Direction, Living in Performance and Studies in Drama. Bethel also offers speech and theater teacher licensure.

See course catalog

Performance Photo Gallery

View photos from our previous theater productions

Theater Facilities

	Most productions are held in the Fine Arts Center (FAC) in Krehbiel Auditorium. The 425-seat auditorium uses the proscenium stage for theater productions as well as choral and instrumental concerts. Dressing rooms are located adjacent to the stage.
	The Drama Lab is used for acting classes, improv troupe and small group rehearsals. The mirrors along one wall make it a prime space for rehearsing scenes and choreography.
	The scene shop is located behind the stage for easy access during set construction.
	Students also have the opportunity to hone their skills working with lights, costumes, set construction and stage management.

Contact Information

For more information on the Bethel’s theater program, contact Megan Upton Tyner, instructor of theater.