The Final Act: Belmont’s Theatre Directing Senior Capstones Take Center Stage

Blending rigorous coursework with hands-on experiences, Belmont’s theatre program, with an emphasis in directing, offers students the rare opportunity to direct a fully realized, full-length stage production as undergraduates. From costumes and sound design to lighting and stage management, every senior capstone is entirely student produced –– an experience that mirrors the collaborative, fast-paced world of professional theatre.

Unlike most directing programs, which start at the master’s level, Belmont’s practicum-driven approach allows students to discover their voice, sharpen their artistic instincts and step confidently into leadership throughout their undergraduate journey. The program’s core pillars –– collaboration, growth, curiosity, authenticity and honesty –– shape every rehearsal, decision and breakthrough moment.

“Student-produced work is the heart and soul of the Theatre Department,” explained senior theatre directing major Abigail McCurdy, reflecting on her recent experience bringing her own original work to the Belmont stage. “The determination and initiative that capstone productions demand from student directors is an entirely new level of professionalism. As a student director, you go from being everyone’s peer to the captain of the ship in the blink of an eye.”

The shift in responsibility, while daunting, deepens students’ understanding of communication and connection in the rehearsal space. McCurdy was pushed to understand the director’s role isn’t only about vision, it’s about cultivating an environment where creativity can thrive and all voices are respected.

“There was nothing more rewarding than watching my group of actors step out of their comfort zone and challenge the boundaries of where they assumed their abilities ended,” said McCurdy.

Student-Centered from Page to Stage

Given the program’s emphasis on collaboration, student involvement in senior capstone productions extends far beyond the director’s chair. Sophomore theatre production design major Laura Gracey, who stage managed senior Nora Jones’ capstone production, described her experience as both challenging and energizing.

“Working on this senior capstone was an incredible learning experience for me,” Gracey said. “It was my first time working in the Black Box Theater and my first time working with a full design team. I grew in my problem-solving skills and gained experience in areas I had never worked in before. I know I will carry these experiences throughout my career.”

Additionally, Gracey explained the production affirmed the theatre’s collaborative heart. “The actors put in so much hard work over the summer, enabling us to hit the ground running from the first rehearsal. Nora had brilliant ideas in staging the show. The designers brought interesting and creative visions. When we all worked together, we were able to create a beautiful product on stage.”

A Distinctive Undergraduate Experience

Every element of the directing curriculum is woven with intention, preparing students for graduate studies, professional work and lifelong artistic development.

Much of that growth is shaped by faculty who model how to pursue both excellence and sustainability in their craft. McCurdy credits Professor Traci Ledford with shaping her perspective on maintaining both her artistry and well-being as a professional.

“Theatre practitioners often pressure themselves to push beyond their limitations for the sake of their art,” she explained. “Professor Ledford has shown me that honoring my personal needs will amplify my success, not hinder it.”

As McCurdy brought her capstone to the stage, she felt the culmination of everything she had learned at Belmont –– artistically, technically and personally. “Working with our astounding ensembles was, without a doubt, one of the most formative experiences I’ve had at Belmont. I feel better equipped for future endeavors than I did before.”