New Student FAQs and Information

Classes & Registration

What classes are recommended for first year students?

Students may choose from a variety of courses offered each semester such as intro lecture courses, acting, dance, and design and technical theatre. Course listing and descriptions for first year students

How do I get into closed classes?

Contact the teacher via e-mail and go to the first class. There are often spaces that open up on the first day. If you can be added, the instructor will submit an add form to the department for registration. You must check your registration and emails regularly for updates to confirm you are registered.

Dance classes open to all!

Our dance classes and productions are open to all registered students on campus, you do not have to be a major or minor. We offer dance classes in African, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern, South Asian and Tap.

How do I know what level of Dance is right for me?

Contact the instructor and go to the first class to participate. See what fits best for your abilities and academic needs.

Are classes for majors and minors only? 

No, upper level classes may have pre requisites or have an audition requirement, but are open to all students. Only select classes have second 02 section restricted to majors and minors. 01 sections are open to all students. If you are a major, check all sections for availability.

Auditions

Mainstage Auditions

Auditions for Fall Mainstage shows are held during the first weekend of school each year. The audition sign-up will be sent out via the , visit our audition information page to learn more. Attend the Theatre Department Meet & Greet on the first Wednesday of school (FA 196) to get your questions answered, meet the Directors, Faculty, Staff and other students!

Who can audition for Theatre Department productions?

Anyone who is currently a registered student taking at least 4 credits may audition for any theatre department production; including Mainstage, Studio and Open Season.

Becoming a Theatre Major or Minor

How do I declare a Theatre Major/Minor?

Meet with the Department Chair and Undergraduate Director, Barbara Wolfe. Visit FA 127 to check in with the office staff to see if she’s available or make an appointment by email, bwolfe@binghamton.edu. The department office is open 9 a.m.—5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How do I become a BFA Musical Theater major?

Students must meet with the Director of Musical Theatre, Tommy Iafrate, to discuss the program (in person or remotely). Apply for admission to the program by submitting an audition. Upon approval, you declare your BFA in Musical Theatre major with Barbara Wolfe. There are important requirements for the major and you will need to enroll in certain classes right away.

What area of Theatre can I concentrate in?

In the BA in Theatre track, you can concentrate in Acting/Directing, Dance and Design/Technical Theatre. The BFA track is in Musical Theater. 

The Theatre Minor is designed to be flexible enough so each person can choose courses to focus on their area of interest; however, everyone graduates with a General Theater Minor.

Classes in Costumes, Lights, Scenery, Stage Management, Theatre Criticism, History and Theory and Technical Production and more are offered as well. Click to see all classes being offered this semester!

If you have questions about any of these areas, here are faculty you can reach out to: