Alpha Psi Omega presents Theatre at Austin College

Austin College is a private, liberal-arts college in Sherman, Texas. Chartered in 1849, it is the oldest institute of higher education in Texas operating under its original name and charter.

   

The Theater Department is located inside the Ida Green Communications Center which is home to two theater spaces. The main stage in Ida Green is a 500-seat modified prosceinum stage with lift and fly capabilities. In 2020, the theater was renovated along with the lobby of the Ida Green building.  The theater was renamed the Sally and Jim Nation Theater. 

 

The second performance space is Beardsley Arena Theater, located in the basement of the Ida Green building. The Arena is a black box theater with a fully adjustable lighting and curtain ceiling grid. This allows for full creativity of stage shape and audience placement.

 

In addition to the theater spaces, the department also has a scene shop to build and paint sets, a costume shop to construct and repair costumes, and two room-sized closets for storing costumes and props, as well as a fully functioning green room, dressing rooms, and a sound and light enabled TV Studio. 

 

     Participation in Austin College Theater is open to all students, including majors, minors, and non-majors. Throughout the season, Austin College Theater provides students with opportunities for acting, directing, designing, construction, technical positions, running crew, and house management. Austin College productions range from classics to modern hits, encompassing both tragic and comedic aspects of theater. 

 

     Austin College offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Minor in Theater. A BA in Theater involves a minimum of nine courses, delving into theatrical history, theory, and practice. In addition, one course from another discipline in the Department of Communication, Media, and Theater is required, and up to two courses may be accepted with faculty approval. At least three courses must be taken at the 300 level or above. Majors are encouraged to consult with theater faculty in selecting theater electives. Students seeking to do directed or independent study courses must complete appropriate prerequisites in the area in which they wish to do advanced work. Students should consult with faculty in the department concerning courses in other disciplines that would contribute significantly to their work in theater. Students majoring in theater are expected to participate in departmental productions.  

 

     A minor in Theater consists of a minimum of five course credit units, with at least two classes numbered 300 or above. No more than one credit unit of practicum courses may be counted toward requirements for the minor. Students seeking a minor in theater should confer with an appropriate departmental faculty member to consider specific courses.

 

     Austin College is the proud sponsor of the Nu Kappa chapter of Alpha Psi Omega, the national theater honors fraternity. This chapter was established in 1952 and has remained an active presence. New classes are inducted every fall, and students who have completed exemplary work in theater at Austin College are invited to join.