Theatre students are offered many opportunities in tech, design, and performance. Besides the stage productions offered in the Greathouse Theatre, there are over 50 short student films shot each year providing theatre students with a wide range of experience from acting for camera to designing for sets to being involved in the production end of these projects. Check out info below for the London Trip, student-directed projects and more.
Opportunities
Study Acting in London
London Travel Course is an outstanding 2-week acting intensive with professional actors and instructors from the Globe and National theatres. Includes visits to historical and cultural sites as well as attending several West End shows. April 30 – May 13, 2024.
Film Festival
The Highbridge Film Festival is an Asbury awards event focusing on the best of student short films each year. Some of which have gone on to win regional Emmys. Asbury Theatre students have many opportunities to act in these projects. They can graduate with an acting reel of their best moments in these cinema quality short films, providing a great tool for starting their career. For more information, on this Media Communications event www.highbridgefilmfestival.com.
Visits with Agents, Film Directors, Professional Actors and Artists
Asbury invites industry professionals to speak with classes, and at times conduct workshops for the students. Chances are given for feedback on the students’ performance and design work. These sessions provide a great opportunity for students to build their network before graduation.
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Jon Menick- Agent with Screen Artist Talent- taught a practical and exciting audition workshop for students during the Highbridge Film Festival. After the film awards students gathered to ask questions and learn more.
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Asbury Theatre students performed on a recent Familylife Carribean cruise for 3000 people. Andy Erwin, director of “I Can Only Imagine”, spent two hours with the cast talking, encouraging them and answering questions about his work.
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Doug Jones, the LA actor who played a major role in the academy award winning Best Picture of the Year – “The Shape of Water” and is Lieut. Saru on “Star Trek Discovery” attended a performance of “As You Like It” at Asbury and spent time giving student actors feedback on their work.
Live Productions
Theatre students are given the opportunity to participate in the different productions that are done on campus as well as in the Lexington area. Musicals, plays, the sitcom, and student directed productions are just a few of the opportunities that students can get involved in. Live productions help to give Theatre students more training and experience of what it is like to be working in this field. By offering these productions Asbury is sending out students who are ready to begin their career in theatre.
Sitcoms
Theatre students have the opportunity to experience what it is like to be in a sitcom, students are encouraged to audition for the parts that are available. The sitcom usually has a cast of 6-10, both male and female parts are available, all of the roles in the sitcom call for college-aged students. They get to appear in the sitcom which will be taped in front of a live audience in early October and all cast members will receive a free copy of the finished DVD.
Ten Minute Play Festival
A high energy production of original material written, directed, produced and acted by students. Emerging artists’ work is experienced in debut performances over a weekend for audiences comprised of students and community. Participating students are from all different majors and gather together to create this fun event. Produced every other year.
Friday Night Live (FNL) – Sketch Comedy
A perennial audience favorite every semester. Get involved in sketch comedy and improv created by student writers and actors. Hugely popular performances. Auditions at the beginning of each semester are open to all students. Rather be behind the scenes? FNL loves crew volunteers for lighting, sound and backstage. Great community and a lot of fun.
Student-Directed Shows
Students who have taken Fundamentals of Directing are encouraged to submit proposals for a student-directed show. They will be mentored through the process, and their production will be included in the theatre season. This is a great way to gain experience for a career as well as develop artistic skills.
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Students have the opportunity to do readings and interact with profs. at their home!
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Special opportunities such as special effects make-up certification classes are just a few of the cool things happening at AU.
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Students Bryce and Melina take part in the local film, "Nazareth".
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Musicals are also a fun way to be involved in AU's theatre department!