4 Ways to Get Involved with Theatre at Barnard

As a newly admitted student last year, I was looking into all different kinds of theatre activities at Barnard. No matter if you intend to major in theatre or not, there are lots of opportunities on campus for everyone to enjoy theatre and to be part of this welcoming community. I will introduce some great ways to get involved with theatre as a first-year at Barnard based on my own experience:

1. Take a Theatre Course Recommended for First-Years

The Theatre Department at Barnard offers a major with diverse areas of concentration in Drama and Theatre Studies, Acting, Design, Directing, Dramaturgy, and Playwriting. If you are considering majoring in theatre, there are several courses recommended for first-year students on the department website. It is a great way to get to know people in your year who share the same passion. Even if you eventually you end up not majoring in theatre, these classes can fulfill many of the General Education Requirements.

2. Audition/Interview for a Student Theatre Production

Every semester there are countless student-run productions that are facilitated by student organizations both at Barnard and at Columbia, and you should definitely audition or interview for one (or more) of them! Last semester, I worked backstage for The Addams Family and Spring Awakening both produced by Columbia Musical Theatre Society (CMTS), and I met a group of wonderful people there who taught me so much. Almost all the productions are open to people with no prior theatre experience, and you can find information by looking through Facebook events and going to club fairs at the beginning of the semester.

3. Find a Job at Theatre Department

Interested in getting paid for working in theatre? I recommend finding a job in the Theatre Department so that you can work, learn, have fun, and get paid! Usually, you can apply for job openings on the department website or the student employment website. You can also search for opportunities during on-campus job fairs. Having a job in the department also helps you make connections and learn more about the program.

4. Go to Broadway Shows for FREE

If you are not sure about committing so much time and energy to theatre, you should at least go to see a show in New York! Broadway tickets can be costly, but The Urban New York Program provides opportunities for students at Columbia and Barnard to experience events for free! I went to Head Over Heels with a group of students last semester, and it was great to see the show with some fellow students and talk about it on the train back. First-year students will receive an email from Urban NY asking you to join the lottery at the beginning of Fall term, don’t miss that free ticket!