Read this to learn about the history of the Theatre Department and what you can to help current and future students. 

There are two petitions in support of the Theatre department.  We recommend that you sign BOTH.

1.  When you sign the below change.org petition, you have the option to personalize the emails that are automatically generated to the decision-makers listed as "Targets" -- it is important that the targets hear directly from you.

2.  You are encouraged to sign this simple online petition which has the standard petition language below and cannot be personalized. The simple online petition will be submitted to decision-makers as one large petition to make an impact. 

Both types of outreach to decision-makers are important.

Read below to see why we must Save Theatre at UAlbany!

In early 2010, the University at Albany celebrated 100 years of Theatre at the school with a powerful exhibit of memorabilia dating back to 1910.

Click here to learn more about the history of the Theatre Department.

The article notes, "UAlbany has one of the oldest theatre programs in the nation, according to Andi Lyons, chair of the Department of Theatre. 'We appear to have been the second or third to offer courses in drama,' said Lyons. "

In October 2010, University President, George Philip announced that students would no longer be able to declare their major or minor in Theatre.

The Albany Times Union reported on October 1, 2010, "... Philip on Friday ordered the suspension of all new admissions to five programs: Classics, French, Italian, Russian and Theatre.

Suspending new admissions means those programs are likely to be shut down as students cycle through the system."

Read the full article here.

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. In fact, the Theatre Department plays an important role in promoting the college experience and arts engagement with special matinee performances and back stage tours for regional high school students. 

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 a 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.