The mission of the Vassar Drama Department is to provide our students with a strong multidisciplinary approach to the practice of Theater-Making, the study of Theater History, Dramatic Literatures, Performance Studies, and Global Theatrical practices.

Man with glasses, a beard, and plaid shirt holding a pencil in both hands, sitting in a brightly lit casual office with a sofa and windows in the background. A table with a computer and phone sit in front.

I am excited to take on the challenge of serving as the incoming Drama Chair during this time of change and renewal in our Department. My door stands open, and I encourage you to come see the beautiful chair’s office, CDF 320, and to meet with me about any matter, large or small! As I start my 29th year on the faculty, I invite us all of look for “Glimmers” in our lives and work. Glimmers, coined in 2018 Deb Dana, Glimmers refer to small moments of joy, clarity, inspiration, openness, and safety. Take a moment to tune in through all your senses—Glimmers abound! 

Christopher John Grabowski
Professor and Chair of Drama

Why Vassar Drama?

Featuring former Chair and Professor of Drama; Shona Tucker (the first African American female to chair the Drama Department)

Our study of theater engages theory and practice as inseparable, dynamically interrelated elements, and considers our Experimental Theater as a laboratory for the bold exploration of form incorporating the study of history, Historiography, and the intersection of race, gender, class, and queerness.

We assume that there is no one truth or correct methodology, but rather multiple solutions to the questions we pose. In addition, we work in tandem with other disciplines and departments on campus. We understand that our methods of inquiry, pedagogies, and practices are constantly evolving. Similarly, we strive to maintain the strongest possible ethics of equity and inclusion both in our educational goals, and hiring protocols.

The requirements for concentration allow each student a good deal of agency and individual choice, allowing students to take classes which explore Theater-Making, Dramatic Literature and the History/Theory of Theater, Scenography, Dramaturgy, Production methods, as well as courses in Acting, Movement for Actors, Extreme Performance, Directing, Playwriting, Stage Management, and Technical Theater.

The Drama curriculum reflects our mission for both non-majors and majors: to encourage students to read deeply and to understand the basics of literary-critical analysis through phenomenological and practical means. Drama 102, “Introduction to Theater-Making,” reflects our teaching philosophy and our collaborative process. It is designed to engage students as critical audience members, helping them to move beyond purely emotional reactions to critical judgment and analysis and to become effective and generous collaborators. In these ways, the course fulfills the college’s mission of helping students to develop their powers of reason and imagination through processes of embodied analysis and synthesis. Our culminating course, “Drama 390. Senior Project in Drama,” is an intensive and collaborative thesis that explores a particular text, or practice and can also consist of original work in Playwriting. Alternatively, we also strongly encourage scholarly research and critical writing as the basis for a thesis.

By the time drama majors leave Vassar, we expect students to have developed the ability to think critically about literature and production, text and performance, and to be able to express original critical and analytical thought through clear prose. Finally, we expect students to have gained an understanding of and practical ability in the various elements of theatrical production: acting, directing, playwriting, design, dramaturgy, and technical theater.

Upcoming Productions and Events

A decorative logo that reads, "Spring 2024 Drama Productions"
Mar 28 through Mar 30

A senior project in drama directed by Kendall Wienecke ’24. Performances March 28, 29, 30. In The Martel Theater. Open to the Public, reservations required.

Headshot of Alaa Shehada.

Alaa Shehada, a graduate of the Freedom Theatre’s Acting School, will present on his vision of theater as a powerful means of community development and cultural resistance as well as his experience an artist in the Jenin refugee camp.

Collage of three images. One image on top of two others. All three images are people posing and smiling.

Playwrights Liz Duffy Adams, Madeleine George, and Naomi Iizuka will discuss “Women Rewriting the Canon: Adaptation as Intervention in Contemporary Playwriting” with Drama faculty members. Short performances will precede the discussion.

A decorative logo that reads, "Spring 2024 Drama Productions"
Apr 18 through Apr 20

Or, takes place (mostly) during one night in the life of Aphra Behn, poet, spy, and soon to be first professional female playwright. Performances April 18, 19, 20. Reservations required.

Campus community only, please.