Arts Spotlight
Completed in 2005, the Dorothy Young Center for the Arts houses the departments of music, art history, studio arts and theatre arts. It also holds a 400-seat performance hall, a black-box theatre, an exhibition gallery and advanced art studios including a large-sculpture room.
Whether theatre is a life passion or a passing interest, there’s a role for everyone in Drew’s respected theatre arts program. On stage and off, the philosophy is “roll up your sleeves and get dirty,” says Daniel LaPenta, professor of theatre arts. Acting, writing, designing, directing—students do it all in on-campus productions as well as at regional venues. And this intensely hands-on production work is grounded by Drew’s rich liberal arts curriculum. “Who you become as an artist depends on what you know about life,” says LaPenta. “Students who study theatre arts within the context of history, psychology, philosophy, science—the full breadth of the liberal arts—bring that knowledge and experience to their art.”
Drew by Day, Broadway by Night
“I Honestly Don’t Think I Have a Method.” Tony Award–winner Norbert Leo Butz seems unconvinced that acting can be taught, but the star of the Mark Twain comedy Is He Dead? spent the spring semester at Drew trying to do just that.
Christopher Hann interviews Tony-winning actor Norbert Leo Butz on stage fright, teaching at Drew and more.
Videos
Meet Our Majors
Major | English and Theatre Arts
"My first year I was in constant turmoil over whether to major in English or theatre arts, until I decided to go for it and do both. I just followed my heart and did what I love—I couldn’t be happier." - Read more
Major | Theatre Arts
"Drew has such a collection of unique minds and big personalities. The students are dedicated, and the professors are accessible. I even directed a play written by a professor with whom I’d also been cast in The Tempest." - Read more