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.

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.

Ashley Nicole Baptiste

We are excited to announce the return of Ashley Nicole Baptiste for the fall Semester!

She will teach two sections of our introductory Acting class (THEA 0102) and direct the The Truth Remixed – The 30th Annual First Show! (hop on over to our audition info if you are interested to participate in the show).

Portrait of Ashley Nicole Baptiste

Ashley Nicole Baptiste is a multidisciplinary professional artist whose work as an actor, educator, and producer has been showcased in many different places. She hails from the sunny lands of San Diego, California, and has recently been working and living in the NY/NJ area. As the Associate Artistic Director of Jersey City Theater Center, she has produced new works as well as created “Black Space,” an online digital archive created with interviews featuring Black artists from all over the world. As the Arts Education Director at JCTC, she has developed and directed the Global Arts Education program, where students tell their stories through their writing and performance.  Ashley is one of the proud creators of the Youth Theater Program “Spotlight”.  Her work with Middlebury College, New Jersey City University, and Colby College has helped hone her skills as an educator and refined her ability to motivate and empower students to reach their fullest potential. Professional theatre credits include Still, Premiere Stages; Cadillac Crew, Vermont Stage; Chicken & Biscuits, Bristol Riverside Theatre; When Day Comes, Crossroads Theatre Company; Seven Guitars, Artists Repertory Theater; Jitney, Portland Playhouse; and In the Next Room (or the Vibrator Play), Profile Theater. Television: Grimm, NBC; Notes from the Field, HBO; and New Amsterdam, NBC. Educational credits: California State University Fullerton, BFA Acting. Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, MFA Acting. For updates: ashleynicolebaptiste.com


 

Dogteam Theatre Project

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.

Our Facilities

The Seeler Studio Theatre in the Mahaney Arts Center.

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. 

 

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Seeler Studio Theatre

The Seeler Studio Theatre is a modern black-box theatre with flexible seating for up to 165 audience members, a full catwalk system, and a fully-equipped shop adjacent to it. 

Wright Memorial Theatre

Wright Memorial Theatre is a 350-seat proscenium theatre with a full fly system, lighting grid, and removable fore stage. It is adjacent to a fully equipped scene shop. 

Learning Spaces

- Rehearsal Studios
- Design Studios
- Lighting Lab
- Scene Shops
- Costume Shops
- Hepburn Zoo Theatre

Featured Events

More Events
  • The words "Curtain Up!" on a sparkly and colorful background.

    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

  • Drawing: relaxed and happy female in profile surrounded by symbols of joy and hope on background of rainbow colors.

    Auditions for The 30th Annual First Show! The Truth Remixed

    Have you ever wanted to try acting but weren’t sure how to start? This is your chance to jump in, have fun, and be part of something exciting, creative, and full of laughs!

    We’re putting together a night of short, high-energy scenes for our Fall First Year Show, and we’re looking for actors of all experience levels — especially first-timers!

    Directed by: Ashley Nicole Baptiste (our Artist-in-Residence)
    Performances: October 2- 4

    Mahaney Arts Center 232

    Closed to the Public

  • Drawing: content looking female with closed eyes in profile surrounded by symbols of happiness and peace on background of rainbow colors.

    The 30th Annual First Show - The Truth Remixed

    A Night of Scenes, Comedy, and Lots of Fun!

    What happens when you take classic themes, original voices, and a whole lot of creativity — and toss them into one wildly entertaining night of theatre? You get The Truth Remixed. Also, this is the sister show to Echoes of Truth First Year show in Fall 2024. 

    Hepburn Zoo

    Open to the Public

  • Drawing: content looking female with closed eyes in profile surrounded by symbols of happiness and peace on background of rainbow colors.

    The 30th Annual First Show - The Truth Remixed

    A Night of Scenes, Comedy, and Lots of Fun!

    What happens when you take classic themes, original voices, and a whole lot of creativity — and toss them into one wildly entertaining night of theatre? You get The Truth Remixed. Also, this is the sister show to Echoes of Truth First Year show in Fall 2024. 

    Hepburn Zoo

    Open to the Public

  • Drawing: content looking female with closed eyes in profile surrounded by symbols of happiness and peace on background of rainbow colors.

    The 30th Annual First Show - The Truth Remixed

    A Night of Scenes, Comedy, and Lots of Fun!

    What happens when you take classic themes, original voices, and a whole lot of creativity — and toss them into one wildly entertaining night of theatre? You get The Truth Remixed. Also, this is the sister show to Echoes of Truth First Year show in Fall 2024. 

    Hepburn Zoo

    Open to the Public

  • Drawing: content looking female with closed eyes in profile surrounded by symbols of happiness and peace on background of rainbow colors.

    The 30th Annual First Show - The Truth Remixed

    A Night of Scenes, Comedy, and Lots of Fun!

    What happens when you take classic themes, original voices, and a whole lot of creativity — and toss them into one wildly entertaining night of theatre? You get The Truth Remixed. Also, this is the sister show to Echoes of Truth First Year show in Fall 2024. 

    Hepburn Zoo

    Open to the Public

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