Degrees & Programs Theatre Arts
Participate in a dynamic and thriving theater program that presents provocative and exciting productions.
Develop a broad and rich knowledge of the theater by studying acting, directing, dance, dramatic literature, history, technology and design. Learn and create in a Christ-centered environment as you integrate your faith and the study of the theater. Westmont’s theater professors and staff members, talented teachers and artists, possess a great depth of professional experience and get to know you personally. They work regularly in the theatre, and many have received major regional awards. Charles Donelan, executive arts editor of the Santa Barbara Independent, says, “If there’s a more sophisticated, exuberant, and consistently groundbreaking theater program in another small liberal arts college in America, I’d like to see it.”
Theatre Tracks
Westmont’s Theatre in the Liberal Arts track is designed for students who intend to double major in Theatre Arts and another discipline, others who desire to use elective options to tailor their focus within vocational aspirations, or still others who seek a single subject credential in tandem with a Liberal Studies major.
Required Lower-Division Core Courses: 16 units
TA 001 Great Literature of the Stage (4)
One of the following:
- TA 010 Acting I (4)
- TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
One of the following:
- TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
- TA 036 Design for Theatre (4)
- TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
- TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
Upper-Division Breadth Requirements: 14 units
One of the following:
- TA 120 Theatre History I (4)
- TA 121 Theatre History II (4)
- TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
- TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
- TA 193 Senior Project (2)
Required Applied Theatre Arts: 6 units
Take 6 units of the following:
- TA 031/131 Dance Performance (1-2)
- TA 050/150 Rehearsal and Performance (1-2)
- TA 060/160 Technical Production (1-2)
Theatre Arts Electives: 8 units
TA 009 Voice and Speech Through Performance (4)
TA 010 Acting I: Foundations (4)
TA 011 Acting II (4)
TA 036 Scenic Design (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
TA 111 Acting III: Shakespeare and Clown (4)
TA 120 History of the Theatre I (4)
TA 121 History of the Theatre II (4)
TA 124 Survey of Dramatic Theory and Criticism (4)
TA 137 Design for Performance (4)
TA 140 Race and Gender on the American Stage (4)
TA 142 Global Theatre (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 186 World Theatre I (4)
TA 187 World Theatre II (4)
TA 190 Internship (1-8)
TA 195 Seminar: Special Topics (2, 4)
TA 196 Senior Seminar: Launchpad (4)
England Semester (up to 8 units)
London Mayterm (up to 8 units)
Up to 4 additional units of TA 131, TA 150, and/or TA 160
Westmont’s Theatre Studies track is designed for students who wish to complete a single major, and have aspirations for graduate school and/or future professional work in the field. Students can tailor their interests, gifts, and vocational aspirations relative to performance, design, or literature and history, or pursue a wide-ranging study of the discipline.
Required Lower-Division Core Courses: 16 units
TA 001 Great Literature of the Stage (4)
One of the following:(4)
- TA 010 Acting I (4)
- TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
One of the following: (4)
- TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
- TA 036 Design for Theatre (4)
- TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
- TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
Upper-Division Breadth Requirements: 22 units
- TA 120 Theatre History I (4)
- TA 121 Theatre History II (4)
- TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
- TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
- TA 193 Senior Project (2)
- TA 196 Senior Seminar: Launchpad (4)
Required Applied Theatre Arts: 6 units
- TA 031/131 Dance Performance (1-2)
- TA 050/150 Rehearsal and Performance (1-2)
- TA 060/160 Technical Production (1-2)
Theatre Arts Electives: 16 units
Students’ elective choices can emphasize a particular specialized part of the field, such as acting and directing, design and technology, or literature and history, or can maintain a broader approach, relative to student interest and vocational goals.
TA 009 Voice and Speech Through Performance (4)
TA 010 Acting I: Foundations (4)
TA 011 Acting II (4,4)
TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 036 Scenic Design (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
TA 111 Acting III: Shakespeare and Clown (4)
TA 124 Survey of Dramatic Theory and Criticism (4)
TA 137 Design for Performance (4)
TA 140 Race and Gender on the American Stage (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 186 World Theatre I (4)
TA 187 World Theatre II (4)
TA 190 Internship (1-8)
TA 195 Seminar: Special Topics (2,4)
Up to 4 additional units of TA 131, TA 150, and/or TA 160
ART 010 2-D Design (4)
ART 015 Drawing I (4)
ART 070 3D Sculptural Explorations (4)
ART 131 Art Theory and Criticism (4)
EB 080 Principles of Management (4)
ENG 101 Film Studies (4)
ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
ENG 112 Screenwriting II (4)
ENG 113 Screenwriting III (4)
ENG 117 Shakespeare (4)
ENG 183 20th Century Drama (4)
England Semester (up to 8 units)
London Mayterm (up to 8 units)
MUA 070 Private Voice I (1)
MUA 170 Private Voice II (1)
Film is one of the most influential and globally recognized languages today, instrumental in shaping culture and in transforming viewers’ opinions, desires, and world views. Film communicates new stories, insights, and perspectives, provoking significant debates around ideas that matter. Film also provides a common experience that can shape how we see God, self, and others.
The Film Studies Minor provides an integrated liberal arts foundation that emphasizes the intersections of culture, film, and Christian faith. The minor examines film as an art form that persuades and inspires, evoking religious, aesthetic, ethical, and epistemological questions that are foundational to humane learning. Combining coursework from the departments of Art, Communication Studies, English, Modern Languages, Political Science, Theater Arts, and Religious Studies, Film Studies minors explore film as a powerful national and transnational force.
Requirements for a Minor: 20-22 units
Film Theory & Criticism: 3-4 units
ENG 101 Film Studies (4)
COM 107 Focus on Film (1 unit each, 3 total units required)
Film in Context: 4 units
One of the following:
- COM 148 Postmodern Narratives (4)
- HIS 082 History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Film (4)
- POL 142 The Politics of Film (4)
- RS 132 Theology in Film (4)
- SP 130 Hispanic Film and Literature (4)
Film Practice: 4 units
One of the following:
- FLM 030 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking (4)
- APP 190 Internship (1-4) as approved by the minor advisor
- ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
- RS 162 Religion and Filmmaking (4)
- TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
Portfolio or Capstone Project (up to 2 units)
This project will be completed in the context of an internship or existing course as approved by the minor advisor.
Electives: 8 units
Two of the following, not taken above:
APP 060/160 Film Production (1-2)
APP 190 Internship (1-4) as approved by minor advisor
ART 065 Digital Tools (4)
ART 131 Theory & Criticism in the Arts (4)
COM 107 Focus on Film (1 unit, may be repeated for up to 4 units as topics change)
COM 125 Media and Mass Communication (4)
COM 129 Persuasion & Propaganda (4)
COM 140 Communication Ethics (4)
COM 148 Postmodern Narratives (4)
ENG 101 Film Studies (4)
ENG 111 Screenwriting I (4)
ENG 112 Screenwriting II (4)
ENG 113 Screenwriting III (4)
FLM 030 Introduction to Digital Filmmaking (4)
FLM 130 Documentary Filmmaking (4)
HIS 082 History of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict through Film (4)
POL 142 The Politics of Film (4)
RS 132 Theology in Film (4)
RS 162 Religion and Filmmaking (4)
SP 130 Hispanic Film and Literature (4)
TA 010 Acting I: Foundations (4)
TA 036 Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
Film courses from off-campus programs, as approved by the Registrar and minor advisor (Los Angeles Film Studies Semester, etc.)
No more than 9 units may come from a single department, and no more than 6 units may overlap with a major.
Required Courses: 20 units
TA 001 Great Literature of the Stage (4)
One of the following: (4)
- TA 010 Acting I (4)
- TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
One of the following: (4)
- TA 035 Costume Design for the Theatre (4)
- TA 036 Design for Theatre (4)
- TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
- TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
- TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 031/131 or TA 050/150 Rehearsal and Performance (2)
TA 120 or TA 121 History of Theatre I, II (4)
TA 060/160 Technical Production (2)
Elective: 4 units
Choose any of the following electives: (4)
TA 009 Voice and Speech Through Performance (4)
TA 011, 111 Acting II, III (4,4)
TA 036 Design for the Theatre (4)
TA 037 Scenic Technology (4)
TA 038 Lighting Design (4)
TA 051 Acting the Song (4)
TA 120 History of the Theatre I (4)
TA 121 History of the Theatre II (4)
TA 124 Survey of Dramatic Theory and Criticism (4)
TA 125 Directing for the Theatre (4)
TA 127 Directing II (4)
TA 137 Design for Performance (4)
TA 140 Race and Gender on the American Stage (4)
TA 142 Global Theatre (4)
TA 145 Writing for Performance (4)
TA 153 Contemporary Theatre and Film Performance (4)
TA 186 World Theatre I (4)
TA 187 World Theatre II (4)
TA 190 Internship (1-8)
TA 195 Seminar: Special Topics (2,4)
Faculty Highlights
Directed a Macedonian production of Shakespeare’s “Henry VI Part 3” at the Globe Theatre in London
Acts professionally on the local, national and international stage
An experimental scenographer and technical director with expertise in lighting design
An alumna of Westmont College '08, Lynne is a costume designer, and costume-maker based in Los Angeles.
Sean Pratt is a vital component to our new Film Studies minor. He spends his time divided between managing the Santa Barbara Film Festival and teaching filmmaking at Westmont.
Diana Lynn Small writes, acts, and directs for the stage. Diana also has training as a hospital chaplain and historic home curator.
Wendy Ealy Jackson has vast experience in the film & television industry that spans from SONY Pictures Television where she developed made for television movies; advertising and marketing with Turner Broadcasting, and developing TV pilots.
Meet the Staff
Shaelyn Caragher ('21) graduated from Westmont with her BA in Social Science, Sociology and then returned to Westmont where she completed her secondary teaching credential in English and Theatre. She loves to write, read, hike, dogsit, and cook/bake in her free time! Stop by Porter Theatre, say hi, and chat about the latest books you're reading (she'll have a load of recommendations too!)
Katie graduated from Westmont in May 2023 with an English major and writing minor. By day, you can find her in Porter Theatre; by night, you can find her gallivanting under the stars or working as a freelance fiction editor. She is a passionate storyteller, avid reader, and is always ready for an adventure. Feel free to stop by Porter Theatre to chat! She loves all things writing, editing, D&D, poetry, cooking, hiking, musical theatre, mushrooms, and crows!
Tatiana Vinogradski is owner of Tatiana European Tailoring in Santa Barbara, California.
Title: Assistant Technical Director
Career Paths
Numerous alumni are pursuing careers in acting and have appeared on both stage and screen, including television and major motion pictures or work in theater-related jobs. Others teach theater at the primary, secondary, and college/university levels. Alumni have attended top-tier graduate schools such as Harvard University/ART, CalArts, UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, UMASS Amherst, the University of Arizona, San Francisco State University and UT Austin.
- Acting
- Directing
- Teaching
- Independent filmmaking
- Producing
- Theatrical design
- Public relations
- Church drama
- Properties artists
See career paths for graduates who majored or minored in theatre arts at Westmont.
Theater Arts Alumni
Anna Telfer '18, who hopes to pursue a career in the theater, plans to move to San Diego or Chicago to work in public relations and regional theater before seeking an MFA in acting. “Ultimately, I would love to start my own theater company and bring the arts in conversation with communities, while continuing to act professionally,” she says. “As a double major, my career path feels a little up in the air, but I am prepared to work for whatever opportunities may come, while trusting in God’s guidance and provision along the way.” She served as a Potter’s Clay Core Team member while in rehearsal for Rosalinde in “Die Fledermaus.” “I have felt genuinely cared for here,” she says. “Professors go out of their way to acknowledge, encourage and support me. They are examples of excellence in their fields. It truly blows my mind that women and men at the highest levels of academia are willing to walk alongside me, inside and outside of the classroom, in ways that shape my intellect, emotions and faith. They genuinely live out what they so vigorously teach in the classroom, and it has been an honor and a privilege to be mentored and taught by them these past four years.”
Elena White '18, who displayed a diverse performance range in all kinds of plays, from contemporary drama to opera to verse drama, has excelled in all facets of her work in the theater arts department. She is a creative and gifted director and a skilled expository writer. She will return to her native Scotland to continue a career in theater. The Santa Barbara Independent awarded her with a coveted Indy Award for her performance in “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui.”
The Theatre Arts Department is delighted to celebrate the remarkable career of Christine Nathanson '16. Christine blends academic excellence with performance rigor and accomplishment in numerous unique ways. Her insatiable curiosity, boundless energy, and impeccable work ethic lead to success in the classroom and on the stage. Her acting career has been dominated by vivid, imaginative, moving performances in material ranging from Greek Tragedy to Comic Operetta to Renaissance tragedy. Her career as a director is marked by dramatic clarity and stylistic savvy that belie her years and experience. Christine is focused. She is voracious. She is driven. Christine Nathanson is the epitome of what we want for our graduates: she will enjoy a long, fruitful, and endlessly creative life in the theatre, or wherever her many gifts lead her.
Throughout her time at Westmont, Mia Altman '17 has contributed to the theatre program in myriad ways. As an actress, she has appeared in multiple productions, including her melancholy turn as Jacques in Shakespeare’s As You Like It. On the production side, she has been a highly effective and organized producer and manager for the annual Fringe festival and mainstage performances alike. Mia is already a playwright of great talent and potential, as evidenced in her multiple short plays she has written at Westmont, and her recent senior capstone project, a full-length comedy entitled You Can’t Keep Living This Way. Mia is distinctly Mia – quirky, generous, quick to laugh, hard-working, personable, and poetic – and we are grateful for our time with her in the department.
Elaine Pazaski '15 has enjoyed a truly distinguished career as a Westmont Theatre Arts student. A quick glance at her bio reveals tremendous variety – a stage career dominated by quirky, heartfelt characters of several species; a scholarly career notable for her national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for scholarly writing (2nd in the nation) and theatrical journalism (national runner-up), both in 2014; and a service career in which her organizational skills were used to schedule two of the department’s Fringe Festivals. Elaine blends artistic knowledge and sensitivity with a curious, humor-drenched attitude to life. She is the epitome of what we want for our graduates, will be missed deeply by her friends and teachers, and will enjoy a long, fruitful, and fulfilling life in the theatre.
Paige Tautz ’14 and Christine Nathanson ’16 received Independent Theatre Awards for excellence in Santa Barbara Theatre for the 2015-2016 season. Paige received hers for acting in Diana Small’s “Mad & a Goat,” and Christine for directing “Tar and Feather,” written by Kristin Idaszak, a Jerome Fellow in playwriting and frequent contributor to the Westmont Fringe, and for playing Dido in Christopher Marlowe’s “Dido Queen of Carthage.”
Diana Lynn Small ’09 writes, acts, and directs for the stage. She is a co-artistic director of Salvage Vanguard Theater in Austin, Texas, with Florinda Bryant and Jenny Larson. She earned a Master of Fine Arts in playwriting at the Michener Center for Writers at UT Austin. Her new work “House Play” was developed at Berkeley Rep’s The Ground Floor and will premiere in fall 2018 in Austin. “Mad & a Goat” has toured to seven cities since it was developed in 2013. Her play “Good Day” was selected for the 2015 Great Plains Conference PlayLabs, Kitchen Dog Theatre’s New Works Festival and was a finalist for the 2015 Play Penn Conference. She is pursuing a Master of Divinity at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Casey Caldwell ’08, arts consultant and administrator, artistic director of Ratatat Theater Group: “More than anything else I learned at Westmont, the theater department instilled in me a ‘go do it’ spirit, a feeling that you should just get out there and make art happen. And this has been invaluable.”
Sarah Halford ’09: “All my training at Westmont not only prepared me for auditions but continued to provide a wellspring of knowledge for my Master of Fine Arts acting program at UC San Diego.”
Rose Elfman ’06: “Thanks in large part to the opportunities I got to experience global performance while at Westmont, I am writing my doctoral dissertation at UC Santa Barbara on international Shakespeare festivals.”
In 2016-2017 alone, Westmont Festival Theatre presented 37 productions involving more than 125 students: five visiting productions, an international Shakespeare festival, faculty-directed plays and dance concerts, a joint production with music, senior projects, and the Westmont Fringe, 27 original pieces of theater, dance, film, and performance art. Recent shows include a diverse range of interesting work—classics, contemporary plays, original works, dance performances and musicals: “The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui,” Bertolt Brecht; “Die Fledermaus,” Johan Strauss; “As You Like It,” William Shakespeare; “Blood Wedding,” Federico Garcia Lorca; “Dido and Aeneas,” Henry Purcell and Nahum Tate; and “The Pirates of Penzance,” Gilbert and Sullivan, which won three national awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.
John Blondell, Mitchell Thomas, Victoria Finlayson, and Jonathan Hicks spent much of the 2017 summer in Europe working on Shakespearean plays with the Lit Moon Theatre Company. Lit Moon performed “Hamlet,” adapted and directed by John, at the Puppets Metamorphosis Festival in Bialystok, Poland, in June. Mitchell and Victoria both acted in the play; it was the only American production at the festival, which also featured theatre companies from Poland, Lithuania, France, Hungary, and Spain. Later that month, Lit Moon presented its newest show—an all-female version of “Richard III”—at the Bitola Shakespeare Festival in Macedonia, as Victoria, along with Westmont alums Paige Tautz and Marie Ponce-De Leon, played key roles. Jonathan served as the lighting designer for both productions. “In both instances,” he observes, “we have a couple of days to rehearse, and then on the day of the performance we set up the performance space, hang and focus the lighting fixtures, do a mark-through of the show to set the lighting cues, go through a final dress, and then we open. The whole experience is energizing, challenging, and one of the most rewarding collaborative experiences of staging a theatrical production.” The Ohrid Summer Festival in Bitola also included John’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which will continue for the Bitola National Theatre’s repertoire for the 2017-2018 season.