Theatre
The artist-scholar. That is the animating principle behind Middlebury Theatre, where students immerse themselves in all aspects of theatre making and in the rigorous study of theatre’s many histories, theories, practices, and literatures.
Through a process that is both creative and collaborative, students delve into the latest movements in theatre design, acting, stage management, playwriting, and directing.
At its core, the department aims to be an artistic home where students reimagine traditional distinctions and strive to become innovators and collaborators, capable of shaping our culture.
Get Involved
Auditions
Design and Technology
Master Classes and Workshops
Traditions
Professional Connections
Interdisciplinary Curriculum
The Theatre Department offers a diversity of courses designed to provide a balance between the study of history, literature, and theory, and the making of theatre.
Theatre itself is inherently interdisciplinary, and our students enjoy exploring connections between classes offered in dramatic literature, visual creativity, the creative process, playwriting, acting (improvisation, scene study, acting styles), directing, set design, lighting design, and costume design. As a program in a liberal arts setting, students also reference classes taken outside the discipline in order to provide depth and context.
Introducing Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre: Sheila Bandyopadhyay
Sheila Bandyopadhyay is an actor, director, devisor, movement specialist and Director of Training at Shakespeare & Company’s Center for Actor Training in Lenox, Massachusetts. As a theatre maker, Sheila is interested in non-traditional performance that champions physical story-telling, heightened text, and ensemble work. Recent acting credits include Dog People (Jesse/Betty) at Great Barrington Public Theatre and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Puck/Starveling) at Shakespeare & Company. In New York, Sheila has directed shows at the Brick, the United Solo Festival (Theater Row), the Tank, the Women in Theater Festival (the Gural), the West End Theater, and the 72nd St Theater Lab. For eight years Sheila served as Head of the Movement Department at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Manhattan. In 2021-22, Sheila was Head of the Professional Training Program at the Dell’Arte International School of Physical Theater. An AmSAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique, Sheila teaches movement, physical acting, devising, & Shakespeare. Sheila has served as a guest artist or faculty member with: California State University Summer Arts, Westfield State University, Brandeis University, FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training, NYU Gallatin, the Linklater Center, the Upright Citizen’s Brigade, and Emerson College. Sheila is a proud member of Actor’s Equity.
Our Productions
Each year we stage numerous full-scale productions that involve theatre majors and faculty as well as others from the community who audition. We also offer workshops and smaller-scale performances featuring our many artists in residence. More about productions.
Our Facilities
The performing arts are central to Middlebury’s life and culture. Students have a multitude of facilities available for their use, including a design lab with plotters, drafting, and rendering stations, two scene and costume shops, a lighting lab equipped with a grid and an ETC Ion console, and acting labs. Venues include Wright Memorial Theatre, Seeler Studio Theatre, and Hepburn Zoo Theatre.
Introducing The Dogteam Theatre Project
The Dogteam Theatre Project provides transformative experiences for emerging and professional artists, creating meaningful theatrical engagements for diverse audiences. Among its programs, the Dogteam Theatre Project provides training opportunities for emerging theatre artists in all realms of the field, including but not limited to acting, directing, playwriting, and design disciplines. The Dogteam Theatre Project produces theatrical works, including works in translation, reflecting the stories of our more connected world.
Featured Events
More Events-
Untitled Owl Play by Sally Seitz '17
Directed by Amanda Whitely ‘19
As part of Trailblazing 2025, Dogteam presents a benefit reading of a new play by alum Sally Seitz.
Emily, Elena, and Becca, are three friends in their late twenties who meet every Friday night on a back porch in Austin, TX to drown beers and avoid growing up. Yet their weekly ritual is jeopardized by a lurking, particularly vocal Barn owl, who calls into question the stability of their chosen family. This play exists in that special time at night where reality brushes with myth, magic, fable, and faith.
Mahaney Arts Center Seeler Studio Theatre
Open to the Public
Suggested donation for the series: $20
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Voices by Gerard Watkins (France)
Translated & Directed by Gerard Watkins
As part of Trailblazing 2025, Dogteam presents a benefit reading of a new play by award-winning playwright Gerard Watkins.
Mahaney Arts Center Seeler Studio Theatre
Open to the Public
Suggested donation for the series: $20
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The Standard by Emma Dobson '27
Directed by Elsa Marrian ‘25
As part of Trailblazing 2025, Dogteam presents a benefit reading of a new play by current student Emma Dobson.
It’s 1924, and under the steaming Southern sun, secrets simmer. A husband vanishes, and five women must decide what silence truly costs. Gritty, lyrical, and unflinching, The Standard unearths buried truths of love, rage, and survival in a world that expects women to endure.
Mahaney Arts Center Seeler Studio Theatre
Open to the Public
Suggested donation for the series: $20
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The Journey of the Saint by César De María (Peru)
Translated by Rose E. Cano
Directed by Olga Sanchez SaltveitAs part of Trailblazing 2025, Dogteam presents a benefit reading of a new translation of Cesar de Maria’s play.
Mahaney Arts Center Seeler Studio Theatre
Open to the Public
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Curtain Up!
Theatre invites new and returning students to meet the majors and minors, the faculty and staff of the department and learn what we have planned for this semester and beyond.
There will be pizza and beverages!
Mahaney Arts Center 232
Closed to the Public