Those interested in career options in theatre are invited to Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) on Jan. 31 for the “Creating a Life in Theatre” workshop.

While the College is only accepting a limited number of student participants for the workshop, which will be led by Sharon Ammen, Ph.D., associate professor of theatre and theatre director, and Delia Taylor, a professional guest actress from Washington, D.C., anyone who is interested in learning more about theatre is encouraged to participate as audience members.

From 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., Ammen and Taylor will discuss the skills and training of actors; the 10:45 a.m. to noon session will cover topics including breaking into the theatre business, preparing a curriculum vitae and audition behavior; from 1 to 2:30 p.m., participants will get the chance to work on prepared monologues and songs; and from 2:45 p.m. to 4 p.m., Ammen and Taylor will discuss career options in the performing arts. From noon to 1 p.m., lunch will be available for purchase in O’Shaughnessy Dining Room for workshop audience members.

"Any young person interested in the possibility of making a career in theatre should attend this workshop,” Ammen said. “Any parents worried about their sons or daughters working in the theatre should also come!”

Taylor has previously directed two shows at SMWC and also presented numerous workshops. She works as a professional actress, stage manager and director in Washington, D.C., and is currently the producing manager of The Jewish Center Professional Theatre in Washington, D.C. Taylor will also play the lead in SMWC’s spring play, “The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie,” Feb. 19-22.

Ammen’s background includes professional acting, directing experience and academic work. Her professional roles include Maria in “Twelfth Night” and Emilia in “Othello” at Colorado Shakespeare Theatre; Ruth in “Pirates of Penzance” at the Harlequin Theatre and Joanne in “Vanities” at the King's Jester, both in Washington, D.C.; and Maddalena in “Rigoletto” at the Denver Opera Theatre.

The theatre area at SMWC offers students a unique major titled “Women and Theatre.” The major degree is for women who are considering work in the theatre and wish to become a part of the vanguard of women creating major changes in the arts. Students pursuing this degree gain invaluable skills in teamwork, self-discipline, effective communication, and critical thinking.

SMWC also offers a theatre minor in both the campus and the Woods External Degree (WED) programs. This minor can serve as a useful addition to a major in such varied fields as vocal performance, art, psychology, business, or education. SMWC graduates with theatre majors and minors have gone on to perform in professional theatre, manage children's theatre groups, become lawyers, and receive full assistantships to pursue graduate study.

For more information about the “Creating a Life in Theatre” workshop or theatre programs at SMWC, contact Sharon Ammen at sammen@smwc.edu. For information on scholarships and financial aid, contact the SMWC Office of Admission by email at smwcadms@smwc.edu or by phone at 812-535-5106 or 1-800-926-SMWC.