Abstract
This article presents a strategy for recruiting students into small or non major theatre programs through theatre appreciation courses and participatory workshops. The author identifies the main obstacles to student involvement as misconceptions about time commitment and insecurity about performance ability, arguing that directors must make programs accessible and meaningful to potential participants. The discussion describes how introductory theatre courses can serve as both audience development and recruiting platforms by incorporating play reading, performance based assignments, and playwriting exercises. These activities allow instructors to identify talented and interested students while demystifying the rehearsal process. The article also highlights the use of improvisation workshops and student directing projects as non threatening entry points that create community and foster confidence. Drawing on experiences at Michigan Technological University, the author shows how informal workshops expanded from a few students to a sustainable performance group. The essay concludes that small programs can build a stable acting pool by nurturing curiosity, offering gradual involvement, and emphasizing the broader communicative and personal benefits of theatre participation.
Recommended Citation
Schwiebert, Jerry L.
(1986)
"Using Theatre Appreciation and Universal Aspects of Drama as Recruiting Tools,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 58, Article 20.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol58/iss1/20
