Theater Program Mission

The Bates Theater program thrives on the belief that joyful collaboration is integral to approaching this field. Through experiential learning, theoretical exploration and embodied practice, we offer space for a broad range of student journeys, celebrating the individual as well as the larger ensemble. Valuing process over product, we welcome all who wish to join our community to deepen their appreciation of theater arts and engage in the dynamic relationship between art and the human experience.

Something appealing. Something with feeling. There's nothing quite like a Schaeffer Theatre performance. “Ryan Scott Oliver’s lyric ‘hold, still, focus, there, life’ repeats again and again — they are the ‘magic words’ that tie the show together. This one line has kept me coming back to this piece of art and has fueled my ‘why’ for this production. You can arrange and rearrange that lyric as many times as you would like, but still the same message remains: hold still and focus, for there is life.” — From the theater notes of Noah Pott ’22, a double major in theater (directing) and music from Great Barrington, Mass., who directs “35mm: A Musical Exhibition” with music and lyrics by Ryan Scott Oliver and photographs by Matthew Murphy. If a picture can tell a 1000 words, can it inspire a song? From a southern gothic ghost story to a high school prom, the musical “35mm” weaves together stories inspired by photographs, giving a glimpse into these moments that are frozen in time. Be sure to come and enjoy this powerful collaboration between the Department of Theater and Dance and the Department of Music, featuring three talented thesis students: Pott for directing and music thesis, Max Younger ’22 of Orinda, Calif., for acting thesis, and Henry King ’22 of South Salem, N.Y., for technical theater thesis. The cast also features Liv Silva ’22 of North Billerica, Mass., Sadie Basila ’23 of Chesapeake, Va., Miles Hagedorn ’25 of Yarmouth, Maine, and David Walker ’24 of Canton, Mass. A life orchestra, conducted by Potts — who also performs on keyboard and accordion — provides the music. The production opened on March 3, and continues through March 7 in Schaeffer Theatre
Values

Collaboration

Creativity

Inclusiveness/Welcoming

Process

Experiential Learning

Theater Program Vision

The Bates Theater program seeks to provide an unparalleled liberal arts experience led by faculty and staff who are active professionals in their field. We train the future generation of innovative thinkers, active and supportive collaborators, and individuals with a fierce commitment to transform and better our world.