In order to provide a cohesive body of knowledge in the various fields of performance art, the Department of Communication Studies and Theatre at Longwood is committed to excellence in teaching, advancement of knowledge, and cultural enrichment. That the study of Theatre is integral to the Liberal Arts is beyond question. Before there were studies in history, language, technology, or psychology, there was theatrical performance. Through song, dance, and mimesis prehistoric peoples sought to explain the relationship between their cultures and the universe.
Theatre is one of the most ancient and, therefore, one of the most traditional of studies.
Concepts of history and tradition, development of language, human behavior, multiculturalism, psychological development, and even emerging technologies have traditionally been the subjects and themes of dramatic literature and performance from prehistory to today. With the broad array of theatre course offerings at Longwood College students have the opportunity to achieve a traditional and holistic view of the world through the study of literature, performance art, and technological development. Theatre Management A faculty and staff of theatre historians, theoreticians, and professional artists mentor students who desire pre-professional training in Theatre Arts. The function of these mentors is to provide excellence in teaching and training through a sequence of theory, performance, and technical courses and through a program of main stage and studio theatrical productions. Longwood students are invited into the B.F.A. program through auditions and examination of portfolios and are then evaluated and adjudicated by the faculty at the end of each year.