The Department of Theater and Performance offers the creative and inquisitive candidate an opportunity to explore performance, writing and design through experimentation and exploration. This interdisciplinary approach to performance offers a gateway to multifaceted opportunities in performance, theater studies and the creative industries. Students are encouraged to experiment with performance modalities featuring text, film, songs and site-specific areas to develop and create original stories.
Along with performing the classic and contemporary theater texts, students will experience a well-rounded interdisciplinary performance training. African American cultural forms along with a rich sprinkling of diverse creative methodologies from around the world expose students to an up-to-date contemporary performance practice. On offer is the opportunity to develop a critical and practical analysis of performance, art, social activism and politics to comprehend how these elements sync together to shape and form bold and exciting artists/citizens.
In August 2016, the Department of Drama and Dance was separated into two departments. In fall 2016, the name of the drama department was officially changed to the Department of Theater & Performance and the dance department was established as the Department of Dance Performance & Choreography.
The theater and performance curriculum is designed to offer a challenging theater arts program that encourages discovery, creativity and scholarship for those students whose special interests and talents lead them to the theater and performance; to impart to all majors the formal preparation necessary for advanced academic or professional study; to offer Spelman students experiences in theater arts, by giving her broad-based exposure to the various aspects of theater and performance; and to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Spelman College, the Atlanta University Center and the community at large.
Sydney DuPree, a senior theater major and transfer student from Port St. Lucie, Florida, is one of four valedictorians who will graduate from Spelman College on May 21, 2023.
A member of the Delta Lambda Honors Society, DuPree is on the executive board of the Brains With Beauty Project, a nonprofit education and empowerment organization started by Spelman alumna and 2022 valedictorian Nailah Barnes that equips Black girls and young women with tools to accentuate their innate brilliance and beauty.
DuPree, who is on track to graduate summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA, enjoys acting, drawing, painting and writing. She is currently signed with Atlanta's Forward Agency as a television/film actress and landed two roles in television and film this year. She also presented, "DADDY: A Live Walk-Thru Drama About Human Trafficking" at Spelman earlier this semester. The hard hitting, immersive theatrical production began in the Camille Olivia Hanks Cosby, Ed.D., Academic Center lobby and then transitioned to different spaces as audience members walked together from scene to scene. DuPree aspires to use her acting experience to pursue a career as a casting director.