FAQS FOR FIRST YEAR ARTS STUDENTS

WAGNER COLLEGE THEATRE CELEBRATES ALUMNI DURING THE 2026 AWARD SEASON
WCT ANNOUNCES PLAYWRIGHT-IN-RESIDENCE

Welcome Class of 2030!

With the first day of the semester mere weeks away we know you will have a lot of questions. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions as you prepare for life at Wagner.

What can I expect during my first week of classes?

Day 1 classes may include: TH218 History of American Film, TH117 Acting I, TH103 Script Analysis, or AA250 Intro to Arts Administration.

Day 2 classes may include: TH106 Intro to Acting or DA118 Dance Fundamentals.

Day 3 classes may include: AA221 Museum Studies or TH111 Intro to Design.

Also during the first week: the Music Theory placement exam will take place, and on August 24th at 6:00 p.m., join us in the Main Hall Theatre for a welcome reception.

What does a day-in-the-life of a WCT student look like?

Check out the day-in-the-life posts on our Prospective Students page.

Who teaches the First Year Arts courses?

  • Jeanine Bruen — Acting I
  • Rusty Curcio — Dance Fundamentals
  • Susan Fenley — Acting I
  • Markus Haala — Digital Design
  • Alike Hope — Arts Administration
  • Lou Jacob — Film
  • Kevin Luck — Dance Fundamentals
  • Theresa McCarthy — Acting I
  • Vicki Neal — Intro to Design
  • Felicia Ruff — Script Analysis
  • Sarah Scott — Museum Studies
  • Mickey Tennenbaum — Intro to Acting

Who is on the Voice Faculty?

  • Hilary Baboukis
  • Vincent Graña
  • Julia Lamon
  • Jarrod Lee
  • Indira Mahajan
  • Elizabeth McCullough
  • Elizabeth Perryman
  • Michelle Siemens
  • Anthony Turner
  • Alicia Waller
  • Amy Williams

Learn more about the Voice Faculty on the Dance & Music page.

Who is on the Dance Faculty, and what do they teach?

  • Rusty Curcio — Ballet
  • Lisa Karlin — Jazz
  • Kevin Luck — Contemporary
  • John Scacchetti — Tap

Learn more about the Dance Faculty on the Dance & Music page.

Can I add a dance class during the first week?

Yes. During the first week of classes, you have the opportunity to add a dance class in a variety of styles, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Modern, space permitting. If you'd like to add a dance course, reach out to Rusty Curcio, Head of Dance, who will help you find the class that best matches your experience and goals.

What should I wear to dance class?

Appropriate attire can include leotards, tights, jazz pants, bike shorts, leggings, or other fitted dance/athletic wear. Dance skirts are optional.

How do I schedule my Vocal Studio lesson?

Before classes begin, your professor will reach out to you to schedule your weekly lesson. It is your responsibility to make time for this lesson and to observe your professor's studio practices. To add or change your voice studio contact Prof. Theresa McCarthy.

What is the Musicianship evaluation?

Early in the semester, you'll take a music proficiency evaluation administered by Wagner's Music Director, Dr. Lauri Young. It covers key signatures, time signatures, and basic theory. No prior experience is required — the evaluation simply helps Dr. Young place you in the most appropriate class section for the spring.

Are there other music opportunities available?

Yes. Jazz Ensemble with Prof. Curtis Holtgrefe and Opera Workshop with Dr. Vincent Graña are available to students who want to further explore music.

What First Year Experience events should I plan for?

These are full-day excursions, so plan your calendar accordingly:

Buena Vista Social Club (directed by Marco Ramirez), Gerard Schoenfeld Theatre

  • Date: Sunday, August 30 at 3:00 p.m.
  • Ticket: $83
  • Round-trip subway fare: $6 (purchased individually at the subway station)

Manhattan Highline Walking Tour & Whitney Museum Visit

  • Date: Friday, September 18, meeting on the Highline at 11:30 a.m.
  • Ticket: $28 (bring your Wagner ID)
  • Round-trip subway fare: $6 (purchased individually at the subway station)

Trip to the Library / Lincoln Center (Martha Graham Exhibit)

  • Apply for your NY Public Library card during Orientation
  • Date: October 2
  • Ticket: No charge (bring your Wagner ID and NYPL card)
  • Round-trip subway fare: $6 (purchased individually at the subway station)

When are auditions for upcoming WCT productions?

The fall productions of The Pajama Game and Trouble in Tahiti will hold callbacks during the first week of classes.  Auditions for the second productions of the season will also take place during the first week of classes.

What are the second productions of the season?

  • The Light in the Piazza by Craig Lucas and Adam Guettel, directed by Theresa McCarthy
  • These Shining Lives by Melanie Marnich, directed by Hadly Patterson

Where do I find audition details and sign-up forms?

Audition details and sign-up forms for The Light in the Piazza and These Shining Lives will be available by July 28th at the Audition and Casting Info link.

Who do I contact about production assignments (backstage/front of house)?

WCT's Technical Director, Brian Sharron (brian.sharron@wagner.edu), oversees the sign-up process and can advise you on opportunities working backstage and front of house.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait! Start completing production assignments right away. It is the best way to become familiar with the theatre and ensures that you're on track to complete your degree requirements in a timely manner.

Are there additional performance/production opportunities beyond WCT shows?

Yes:

  • Opera
  • Choreography II: Originals
  • Directing II: Originals
  • Jazz Ensemble

How many units are required for graduation? What if I have AP units?

Please note that 36 units are required for graduation. Some classes are taken as 0 unit labs and do not go into the total for degree completion.

If you plan to attend Wagner for 4 years, you should not plan to bring in more than 4 pre-college or AP units. If you do, this may accelerate your degree completion or require you to be a part-time student in your senior year.

Your advisor and the Chair will work together with you to determine the best path for you.

Remember that every student’s story is different and it may not be helpful to assume that what is true for your best friend or roommate is true for you.

Where can I find helpful links and resources?

Who oversees the key Production Assignment roles?

  • Brian T. Sharron — Technical Director
  • Michelle Siemens — General Manager

Who should I know for general program information?

  • Diane Catalano — Program Manager
  • Felicia Ruff — Division Chair
  • Moya Williams — TAB President

What should I do if I'm confused?

Ask for help. The faculty members and staff want you to succeed and are here to help. If you're unsure of something and need clarification or guidance, communicate early.