BA in Theatre - Western Theatre in Honolulu United States | University of Hawaii at Manoa

The Western Theatre program integrates academic studies in theatre history, theory, performance analysis, and dramaturgy with practical training in acting and directing. Faculty researchers explore varied topics including Russian theatre, avant-garde American performance, African-American drama, and performance theory. Western Theatre's teaching and productions mirror this global diversity. Students gain hands-on experience through specialized workshops in commedia dell'arte, stage combat, Theatrical Biomechanics, clowning, devised theatre, and television acting. Distinguished visiting artists like Anna Deavere Smith, Gennadi Bogdanov, Antonio Fava, and Tim Miller have enriched the program.

Our department is celebrated for its collaborative World Theatre history courses, jointly taught by Western and Asian Theatre experts. These courses explore subjects ranging from commedia dell'arte to modern political theatre and women's contributions to the stage. Western Theory classes examine foundational dramatic theories alongside modern critical perspectives and performance studies. Students engage with local communities through dramaturgy courses and initiatives like the Page to Stage program, which connects with schools and colleges across the region. Notable recent events include the international "Brecht In/And Asia" conference and a public lecture series on "The Zombie Renaissance."

Western Theatre faculty and directing candidates regularly showcase both classical and modern productions at Kennedy Theatre's Mainstage and Earle Ernst Lab Theatre. The repertoire spans from Shakespeare, Aeschylus, Ibsen, and Gogol to contemporary works by Mee, Mamet, Churchill, Steinbeck, and Rodgers & Hammerstein, plus original plays by MFA candidates. Cross-program collaborations with Asian Theatre yield innovative performances. Students also gain leadership experience through Late Night Theatre, a student-operated company that fosters experimental work while providing opportunities in theatre management and artistic direction.