Welcome to the Theatre program page of the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts!

Since the 2006 Governor’s School, there is only one classification of student in theatre at the Governor’s School for the Arts – Theatre Student. Students will be accepted with a variety of interests and experiences, but all students must demonstrate a willingness to participate and learn in all areas of theatre. Instruction will include skills and knowledge development in areas such as:

• PERFORMANCE STUDIES (Stage Movement, Stage Combat, Alexander Technique, Acting for the Stage, Acting for the Camera, Vocal Training, Musical Theatre, Pantomime, Improvisation, Dance, Auditioning, etc.)
• DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (Costumes, Scenery, Lighting, etc.)
• THEATRICAL/LITERARY STUDIES (Playwriting, Theatre History, Dramaturgy, etc.)
• THEATRE MANAGEMENT (Theatre Business, Stage Management, etc.)

Below are important links if you are considering application to the 2009 theatre program.  You can obtain application materials online by clicking on the Apply Now link on the left of this page.

Most answers to your questions can be found on this site.  However, should you have specific questions about the Theatre program, please feel free to contact:

Theatre Auditions Coordinator
Tee Quillin
Department of Speech & Theatre
Middle Tennessee State University
Box 43
Murfreesboro , TN 37132
Voice: (615) 494-8691
Email: Theatre Auditions Coordinator

Theatre Division Chair
John Mauldin
Department of Speech & Theatre
Middle Tennessee State University
Box 43
Murfreesboro , TN 37132
Voice: (615) 904-8468
Fax: (615) 898-2326
Email: Theatre Division Chair

Should you have general application questions, contact:

General Information
Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts
Middle Tennessee State University
Box 38
Murfreesboro , TN 37132
Phone:  615-898-2223

Here are some important links for the Theatre Program:

• Theatre Faculty, Counselors and Staff
• Theatre Program Philosophy
• Theatre Program Mission Statement
• Theatre Program Goals
• Theatre Program Audition/Interview Guidelines
• 2009 Audition/Interview Location/Dates/Maps

Theatre Program Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple --- to supply an opportunity for the student to learn. We do this by providing a program of dedicated and focused study in all areas of theatrical studies, with an emphasis on the process of creating live theatre. Students are to be given every opportunity possible to explore, to question, and to grow. The Theatre Program is a safe place where there are no wrong answers and no stupid questions. It is an environment fostering open communication and the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

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Theatre Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Theatre Program of the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts is based on the idea that we are part of a "school" and the objective should always be on learning and exploring the multiple facets of the art of theatre. The mission of the Theatre Program is to instill in every student the respect and understanding of all aspects of the theatrical process as it leads to its final culmination in the performance, as well as to give the student the knowledge, skills, and creative opportunities to realize their own potential and grow as an individual, an artist, and a craftsman. Additionally, the student should gain a sense of where the art of theatre resides in relationship to the other art forms of the school, and how all these art forms are interrelated.

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