About the Music and Theatre Department
Why Study Music and Theatre at SMWC?
Being a music and/or theatre student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is a unique experience in which students receive individual attention from accomplished faculty members, enabling them to develop both personally and professionally.
Students in the various music and theatre programs of study work collaboratively with faculty in a variety of ways. Students may choose to:
- perform a recital with a peer and/or faculty member;
- co-present with faculty at a conference or in the community; or
- prepare for an audition under the direct guidance of faculty.
The music programs at SMWC are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). In addition, the Music Therapy programs are approved by the American Music Therapy Association.
General Information
Facilities
The Department of Music and Theatre at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College is housed within the beautiful Conservatory of Music (built in 1913). The marble stairwells, spacious practice rooms with large windows, historic 750-seat Cecilian Auditorium, state-of-the-art piano lab, and music technology lab all provide students with the environment they need to excel in all areas of study. Students have two public spaces in which to rehearse and perform—Cecilian Auditorium and the intimate Little Theatre at Guerin Hall.
Performing Opportunities
Students have multiple opportunities to excel in the Music and Theatre Department. Musicals and dramas are open to all campus students by audition. Productions range from outstanding musicals and operettas to original adaptations of Shakespeare and children’s literature. Guest artists are invited every year, not only to direct, but to present music recitals and dramatic performances. Students are able to work with these professionals in master classes and/or workshops.
Music Ensembles
- SMWC Chorale (which includes an annual Spring tour)
- SMWC Madrigals (Participation in this smaller choral ensemble is by audition only)
Theatre Performance
- Improvisational Follies
- Student Directed Scenes and One Acts
- Main stage Productions (Fall and Winter plays; Musicals every other year)
- Student Designers in Costuming, Lighting and Set Design
- Performances at National Conferences
- Theatre classes culminating in public performances