The Department of Theatre believes that traditional performing arts skills serve as the foundation upon which new works are built, providing a rich tapestry of techniques, themes, and cultural elements that inform and inspire contemporary creativity. Whether it’s in theatre, dance, or any other form of performance activity, the performing arts serve as a wellspring of knowledge, offering a treasure trove of techniques and insights that can be adapted and reimagined for contemporary audiences.
Our mission includes a promise to challenge the traditional to create something new and to provide enhanced understanding of current issues through theatrical expression. Our faculty and students create innovative performances that push the boundaries of traditional theatre. This can be seen in the exciting work in our publicly facing season. In 2023-2024 we brought three new works to the stage in our New Musical Laboratory, in a commissioned play for our graduating MFA cohort, and the Sense Ability Ensemble’s presentation of a new play for neurodiverse audiences. We host visiting artists each year and collaborate actively with units across MSU to make visible the power of the arts to transform society. By studying and reinterpreting traditional forms, artists can create hybrid performances that blend elements of the old with the new, resulting in exciting and dynamic works that challenge conventions and defy categorization.
Ultimately, traditional performing arts skills play a vital role in informing the creation of new work by providing a solid technical foundation, a rich cultural context, a source of inspiration and innovation, and a sense of community and collaboration. By drawing upon these skills and traditions, our students are encouraged to become artists who can create performances that are both rooted in the past and relevant to the present, allowing them to connect with audiences in profound and meaningful ways. As the world continues to evolve, the values of live performance will continue to inspire and inform the creation of new and exciting works for generations to come.
Sincerely,
Stephen Di Benedetto, Ph.D.
(he/him/his)
Professor & Chairperson
Department of Theatre
College of Arts & Letters
Michigan State University
542 Auditorium Rd. #117
East Lansing, MI 48824
Office: 517-355-6690
Website: https://theatre.msu.edu/stephen-di-benedetto/