Honors/Independent Study

Students expand on the theater curriculum by engaging in independent studies and honors projects that allow them to delve more deeply into areas of theater that particularly interest them.

Here are some student descriptions of independent study and honors projects:

"I did an independent study on August Wilson's Century Cycle of plays. I loved the first play of his that I read, "Fences," so I thought investigating his work further could be a fun, interesting and a challenging opportunity. I was absolutely right! I worked closely with a faculty independent study adviser and together we delved deeply into his plays. Taking on an independent study of my own choosing has been a great addition to this year at Connecticut College for me. I've enhanced my critical reading skills immensely and had a blast doing it!" - Cheo Bourne '08

"This semester I decided to pursue an independent study with Professor Leah Lowe in performance studies, and I am so happy that I did. I first heard about performance theory through my English adviser, and since the theater department didn't offer a course in it, I decided to learn about it on my own. The best thing about studying independently at Connecticut College is that you are whole-heartedly interested in the subject material and sincerely look forward to getting all you can out of it." - Monica Raymunt '09

"I have done two independent studies on set design. My independent studies allow me to work more in depth and focus on set design, which I discovered a passion for during my courses here. I have been introduced to numerous plays and playwrights that I now love, while constantly being challenged and excited by my assignments. The work forces me to really push and test myself, and I find that the concepts I learn end up enhancing my assignments for other classes."- Julia Berman '10

"I did an independent study with costume designer Sabrina Notarfrancisco on costume history. I have always been interested in fashion and design, but I didn't know how to connect it with my theater training besides working in the costume shop. I met with Sabrina at least once a week to discuss a portion of fashion history, and during the last month I created a corset, a project I never imagined. We became close through the work, and I will value that friendship well beyond college."- Louise Hamill '07

"In my junior year at Connecticut College, I submitted a proposal to direct Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" for the theater department's main-stage season and was fortunate enough to be chosen for the student director slot. In my senior year, I embarked on a year-long thesis project that included research on Chekhov, the theater of his time, and the play, and led to my own production of "Uncle Vanya." Writing my thesis, I got the opportunity to spend a year focusing my studies on a specific interest, and working one-on-one with my professors. Not only did I discover that writing was invaluable in the process of thinking through my directorial concept, I also gained practical directing experience. Collaborating with a team of faculty designers and student cast and crew was the culminating achievement of my four years of study in the theater department" - Amy Meyer '07