Performing Arts

Dr. Wm. Evan Matthews
Assistant Professor/Director of Music and Theatre
B.M.E., University of Montevallo, M.A., Columbia University, Ed. D. Columbia University

St. Thomas has two performing arts organizations, the Laetare Players theatre ensemble and the STAC Singers choral ensemble. Both groups are open to all students as well as St. Thomas Alumni and members of the community including faculty and staff of the college.

The Laetare Players mount two major productions each academic year. In the fall the production is usually a straight play, comedy or drama, and in the spring a musical from the Broadway repertoire. Auditions are announced in advance and are open to everyone. In addition, other smaller productions are presented during the course of the year.

The STAC Singers present two concert performances each year, a holiday concert in December and a spring concert in April. The group also performs for other college functions. There is no audition for membership in this group.

Photos from Moby Dick: The Musical! Spring 2008

Photos from Moby Dick: The Musical! Spring 2008

Photos from Moby Dick: The Musical! Spring 2008

Performing Arts Minor

Undergraduate students may earn a minor in performing arts (see requirements below) which includes courses in music, theatre and communication arts. The minor culminates in a final performance project undertaken in the senior year.

Performing Arts Minor
18 Credits
Humanities Division/Saint Thomas Aquinas College

Program Goals:

To establish and promote a viable and well-rounded undergraduate performing arts program

To make available to students the opportunity to examine various disciplines, theories and styles in the performing arts

To offer students opportunities to develop analytic and creative skills utilized in the performing arts

Group I (9 credits)

Required:

MUS 210 Basics of Singing (3) OR
MUS 220 Guitar Performance (3)

and

CA 305 Basic Principles of Acting and Directing (3) OR

CA 201 Oral Interpretation of Literature(3)

and

CA 199 Theatre Practicum (3)*

*One (1) credit per semester for three semesters culminating in a final performance project the last
semester enrolled.

Group II (9 Credits)

Electives:

MUS 201 Introduction to Music (3)

MUS 301 Music of America (3)

MUS 303 The Development of Jazz (3)

CA 205 Broadcast Performance (3)

CA 307 Arts in Performance (3)

MUS 401/402 Choral Singing (3)*

*One (1) credit per semester for three semesters.