Future Students

There are many opportunities for students at JSU Theatre and Film.  

For students in theatre, it means working both on or off stage for our season.  All students, from first years to seniors, are eligible to audition for mainstage productions as well as work backstage, whether it's crew, designers, as technicians or even directing. Students are also encouraged to generate their own opportunities, and to try a number of different theatre projects and positions outside of our MainStage season through student directed work, student films, and our Scripted Studio Series. 

There are many student films in production through out the year, offering incoming students a chance to gain hands on experience along with work in class.  We also produce a department film annually, providing experience in working on a fully supported project and offering leadership positions for students.  

"Friendliest campus in the South" isn't just a slogan at JSU. At JSU Theatre and Film we are a family. Everyone works together to build our shows and attends classes together so the bonds created between students and faculty are strong. No matter what your quirks or special talents, you will find a use for them and a home in the department.

Both the faculty and the students work very hard together, but also have a lot of fun together, too. While we all pride ourselves on our fun, informal, family-like rapport, we also strive for high professional standards and push each other to be the best we can be.

We are always looking forward to what we can do to improve outcomes for our students in the classroom and production.  The same is true of our facilities.  As we grow, we add technology and equipment so that students are provided more hands-on learning experience with cutting edge tools of the industry.

Stone Center
The Department’s four main-stage productions come to life in one of our two performance venues. The department’s primary performance space is the R. Carlton Ward Stage, a 372-seat proscenium theatre with a modified apron stage. The proscenium opening is 36’ wide by 20’ high. The auditorium has continental style seating with ADA access. The stage is 76’x32’ with a 60’ high grid and a 32 lineset single-purchase counter-weight system with four dedicated electrics and a full set of stage curtains.  
The venue also features an updated theatrical lighting system with an ETC Sensor Dimming System containing 288 2.4K dimmers, an ETC Ion Control Console, a DMX network that has access points all around the theatre, along with wireless DMX, and a house light system with work light controls. 
The Studio Theatre, also located in the Stone Performing Arts Center, is a flexible “black box” theatre that can seat up to 80 people. The theatre is equipped with a fixed lighting grid, a 24-channel lighting system, and a sound system. Both sound and lighting controls are located in a small booth next to the theatre. The space has mirrors and ballet Barres for dance and is used as a rehearsal space and for acting/movement classes. 

Longleaf Film Studio 
Longleaf Studio is a state-of-the-art facility that has transformed the Film program at JSU.  Most Film Production courses are taught across campus in Longleaf Studio, providing an opportunity to work with professional lighting, camera, and grip equipment. With a 6000 square foot soundstage and 20’ tall green screen, there are many opportunities to learn a variety of film production techniques through hands-on training.

Shops  

The theatre shops in Stone Center are the center of the action when it comes to designing, building, and creating the visual world of the play. The Scene Shop is a 60’x32’ room, accessible to the R. Carlton Ward Stage by a 20’H electric door.  The shop has a full complement of pneumatic, battery, and corded woodworking and metalworking tools, including a SawStop table saw and two movable Dewalt compound miter saws. The space includes a 22’x32’ tool room with in-house air compressor, a paint area with triple sinks, and direct access to the Technical Director's office.   
The costume shop is a 25’ by 38’ space that is well lit with both overhead and natural lighting from its south facing windows. Equipping the costume shop are two 5’x10’ layout/cutting tables, nine industrial sewing machine, two sergers, a blind stitch machine, an embroidery machine, a walking foot machine, industrial steam irons, 2 steamers, numerous mannequins, a dye room with sink and washer/dryer, and numerous storage cabinets for fine costumes and supplies. The classroom connected to the costume shop has additional worktables, drafting tables, a tool bench, a sink, and storage cabinets. 

Classrooms

Because the THR/FLM faculty believes a student’s top priority should always be their education, the department is happy to provide updated and accessible classrooms. The department has an iMac computer lab with CAD, rendering, video editing, and layout software.  The lab is available for student projects and approved work. The department also has two newly upgraded classrooms with available instructional technology.  

Student Lounges

In keeping with a long theatrical tradition, JSU provides an area backstage to serve as a lounge or waiting area for cast and crew when they are not required elsewhere. The JSU Theatre Green Room can be found on the second floor of Stone Center in Room 241. This is a common area often used by students to relax and socialize, and a refrigerator, microwave, and sink are available for convenience. Everyone should feel comfortable using this space. 
There is also a student lounge planned for the Longleaf building for socializing, relaxing, and working together on projects.  The planned improvements include a microwave and refrigerator, as well as comfortable furniture. 

Not only do we spend a lot of time working with the students in the classroom, we also help, teach, and work alongside students outside of classes as well. The primary example is our main stage production work, where faculty and students work together on stage and in the shops, give students plenty of hands-on, practical experience. We also advise and mentor students throughout their entire time as Theatre majors, including a path for their personal role in the theatre as well as career advice for the future.

There is also opportunity to join and participate as part of the Omicron Eta cast of Alpha Psi Omega, the honorary fraternity for theatre. Alpha Psi members complete service projects and fundraisers for theatre related charities as well as producing at least one show a year in partnership with the Department.

In Film, our faculty work tirelessly with students on the annual Department film.  They also work on independent student projects to provide advise and assistance on completing the work you want to do.   

First and foremost, we teach the necessary skills for gainful employment in (and out of) the professional theatre world and entertainment industry. We also support and coach students through important work placement opportunities, such as professional auditions and job fairs, including important organizations such as SETC, The Institute of Outdoor Theatre, and UPTA. Professional summer work and internships are also encouraged. Students have the opportunity to take courses in Auditions and Portfolio preparation. Faculty also help give each individual student professional advice as they prepare to graduate and enter the job market.

Our alumni are working in theatres and on films, television, and digital media all over the country.