Save Theatre at UAlbany

We the undersigned would like to express our concern and dismay at the decision recently made by the president to not allow students to declare a major or minor in Theatre at SUNY Albany.

We believe this decision is short-sighted and will have a negative impact on future enrollment at the University. The opportunity to participate in high quality departmental productions attracts students to the University.

The president's decision will render SUNY Albany the only University in the SUNY system that will not offer the option to declare a major or minor in Theatre, and puts SUNY Albany at a competitive disadvantage within the SUNY system.

The University's Performing Arts Center facilities including the unique stages, the scene shop and costume shop deserve the continued dedicated professionalism that Theatre Department faculty, staff and students have provided for many years.

The Theatre Department's multi-disciplinary academic, design, technical and performance coursework is rigorous and provides Theatre majors and minors with a wide range of knowledge and skills that include literature, history, critical thinking, team-building and problem-solving.

While enrollment in the department has never been among the highest at the University, enrollment alone should not be the gauge for continuing the major/ minor. The Theatre Department is important to the diversity of majors offered, and is a haven for students across academic majors who share a passion for the craft.

Undergraduate SUNY Albany Theatre Department alumni have received graduate degrees at the most prestigious dramatic programs in the United States including the Yale School of Drama and New York University. Theatre Department alumni use their sound arts and humanities education as professionals in disciplines such as theatre, film, television, education, fundraising, medicine and government, to name a few.

We urge President Philip to restore the ability for current and future students to declare their major or minor in Theatre so that the University continues to attract and educate students who gain the wide range of knowledge and skills that only the Theatre Department can provide.