Freshman Writing Program

Department of Humanities

Freshman Writing Program

Our Mission

The Freshman English Composition (FEC) program at Coppin State University's mission is to assist students in developing the ability to articulate their ideas through clear and concise written expression.

The Freshman English Composition (FEC) Program is guided by a commitment to assisting learners of all levels and backgrounds advance their core competencies in three primary areas: Composition and Organizational Skills, Rhetorical Modes of Discourse, and foundations of Standard English Grammar.

Our program is dedicated to helping students understand writing as a process and focuses on the continual revision of written work. Students produce multiple drafts for each project and develop the ability to critique their own writing as they learn to critique the work of others.

We encourage students to explore various topics and perspectives to develop their writing skills and to communicate effectively in a wide variety of modes and environments. Students read and evaluate texts that are culturally diverse and relevant to contemporary problems facing urban and global populations in order to gain insights into the complex nature of ideas and issues. Our students learn to evaluate arguments and narratives, analyze claims and methods, scrutinize reasoning, and draw their own well-informed conclusions.

The Freshman English Composition Program requires a two-semester sequence for first-year students. The first semester (ENGL 101: Freshman Composition I) focuses on the principles and practices of effective reading and writing, with individualized attention to the fundamentals of Standard English Grammar, compositional and organizational skills, and the creation of a portfolio illustrating mastery of several rhetorical modes of discourse. The second semester (ENGL 102: Freshman Composition II) continues to build on these skills and emphasizes the use of research for effective arguments.

girl in dorm room at laptop

Writing Center

Contact Us

Humanities is the largest department on campus. We boast faculty with expertise in writing, acting, photography, modern dance, media studies, public history, poetry, critical theory, design and production, culture of the African diaspora and more.

Associate Professor

faculty

Auditorium Technical Liaison

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Professor

faculty

Chairperson and Professor/Coordinator World Literature Program

faculty

Can Help With
Advising
Teaching
Schedule Classes
Assistant Professor

faculty

Instructor

faculty

Seth Forrest
Assistant Professor

faculty

Photo of Matthew Hill
Associate Professor

faculty

Can Help With
First-Year Writing
English Major
Assistant Professor

faculty

Associate Professor

faculty

Assistant Professor/Director of Speech and Theatre

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Theatrical Design, especially Lighting Design
Theatre History
Theatre Safety
Associate Professor

faculty

Director of Student Development

staff

Executive Administrative Assistant

staff

Associate Professor

faculty

Roger Stritmatter
Professor

faculty

Can Help With
History of Ideas in English Lit.
Edward de Vere Studies
Forensic Handwriting
Ms. Debra A. Vines
Lecturer

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Department of Social Work

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Department of Social Work

Mission & Vision

Mission: The undergraduate social work program prepares diverse students as skilled, ethical, and compassionate practitioners addressing marginalized communities' needs. Grounded in anti-racism, equity, and inclusion, it integrates theory and fieldwork, emphasizing social justice, cultural humility, and lifelong learning.

Vision: The program envisions a just world where communities thrive, preparing socially conscious social workers who champion equity, diversity, and liberation through innovation, advocacy, and advancing resilience globally.

We use a systems approach to address social problems and on a micro, mezzo, and macro level, and encourage policy and legislation that help communities and individuals thrive.

Opportunities. Everywhere.

Our social work program gives senior students multiple opportunities to thrive, prepare for state licensure, and secure employment. And with a job outlook 13% faster than average, graduates are likely to find opportunities available for licensed BSW graduates.

The program also prepares students to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, and additional areas of specializations including but not limited to child welfare, addictions, as well as other issues of concern for vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished persons and communities.

Core values:

  • Utilization of cutting-edge technology
  • Inclusion of Service Learning and Community Engagement Facilitation of Student-centered Advancement
  • Promotion of Leadership Development

Learn about Social Work Core Competencies.

Our Programs

Social Work

Undergraduate

Social Welfare

Undergraduate

Accreditation

The excellence of CSU's Social Work program is evidenced by accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes

Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes 2023-2024

Prior years: 2022-2023 | 2021-2022 | 2020-2021 | 2019-2020 | 2018-2019 | 2017-2018 | 2016-2017 | 2015-2016 | 2014-2015

Mission, Vision, and Core Values

Mission

The mission of the undergraduate social work program at Social Work is to prepare a diverse student population to become skilled, compassionate, and ethical generalist social workers capable of practice, research, leadership and entrepreneurship in a global society. Grounded in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion competency-based curriculum, the program equips students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to work ethically and effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities, with an emphasis on addressing the needs of those in historically marginalized communities.

Central to the program is a commitment to Black liberatory frameworks, cultural humility, and anti-oppressive practices. These principles guide students in being self-reflective, understanding and dismantling systemic inequities, promoting equity, and fostering empowerment within communities. By integrating theoretical learning with hands-on field experiences, the program cultivates critically conscious practitioners who advocate for social justice, embrace diversity, and engage in lifelong learning to meet the evolving challenges of the profession. Coppin State University’s social work graduates are globally minded and grounded in principles of anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Vision Statement

The Department of Social Work at Coppin State University envisions a world where social justice prevails, systemic inequities are dismantled, and individuals and communities thrive. Rooted in a legacy of empowerment and service, we aspire to be a leading force in preparing socially conscious, culturally competent, and transformative social workers who champion equity, diversity, and liberation. Through innovation in education, research, and community engagement, we aim to create a global impact by fostering resilience, advocating for marginalized populations, and advancing the profession of social work.

Core Values of the Department of Social Work

  • Commitment to ADEI (Anti-racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion)
    Actively championing anti-racist principles and fostering an environment where diversity, equity, and inclusion thrive.
  • Black Liberatory Frameworks Inclusive of Cultural Humility
    Centering Black experiences and liberation while embracing cultural humility to promote justice, equity, and empowerment for all.
  • Inclusion of Service Learning and Community Engagement
    Building strong connections between academic learning and real-world service to foster community empowerment and social change.
  • Facilitation of Student-Centered Advancement
    Prioritizing the holistic growth and success of students through tailored support and opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Utilization of Cutting-edge Technology
    Leveraging innovative tools and platforms to enhance learning, practice, and community impact.
  • Promotion of Leadership Development
    Cultivating future leaders equipped to inspire, advocate, and drive meaningful change in their communities and the social work profession.
  • Integration of Research, Policy, and Practice
    Bridging theory and action to address societal challenges with evidence-based solutions and informed advocacy.

Faculty and Staff

Our faculty and staff represent diverse professional, academic, and ethnic backgrounds. We work tirelessly to ensure we carry out our tradition of professionalism, high industry standards, and student success.

Adjunct Faculty:

  • Taavon Bazemore, PhD LCSW-C
  • Tonya Phillips, PhD LCSW-C LCADC
  • Dana Yates, LCSW-C
Chair and Associate Professor

faculty

Dr. Jeronda Burley
Associate Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Advising
Social Work Association (SWA)
Director of Field Education

faculty

Associate Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Social Work Practice
Macro Social Work Practice
Social Work Research Methods
Administrative Assistant

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Qualitative Research Methods
Aging, Dementia
Student Advising, Honor Society
Assistant Professor

faculty

College

The Department of Social Work is within the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. 

Previous Theatre Seasons

Theatre Arts Program

Previous Theatre Seasons

2023/2024 Theatre Season

Coppin Repertory Theatre Second Stage presents Ghosts. Written by Henrik Ibsen, Adapted by Richard Eyre Directed by Willie O. Jordan

Ghosts

April 25-28, 2024

Written by Henrik Ibsen, Adapted by Richard Eyre

Directed by Willie O. Jordan

Though written in 1881, Henrik Ibsen’s domestic tragedy is still urgent, timely and relevant today. The play asks each of us to confront some very poignant questions: How does the past influence the present? How does society invade our personal lives? What do we do with the lies, deceit, and hypocrisy? Can we free ourselves from dead ideas, dead customs, and dead morals as we face our Ghosts?


Chicken & Biscuits

February 29 - March 10, 2024

Written by Douglas Lyons

Directed by Daniel Carter

Chicken & Biscuits is a raucous family comedy so full of laughter and love, it’ll leave you begging for seconds. The Jenkins family is coming together to celebrate the life of the family patriarch—hopefully without killing each other! But any hopes for a peaceful reunion unravel when a shocking family secret shows up at the funeral. A feel-good comedy that will feed your soul.


Pipeline, A Play by Dominique Morisseau

Pipeline

November 10-12, 2023

Written by Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Willie O. Jordan

A mother’s choices. A son’s rage. A rigged education system. In PIPELINE’s opening scene we meet Nya, a dedicated teacher in an inner-city public high school, who has just discovered that her son’s in trouble. After one impulsive act, Omari is in danger of being expelled from his upstate private school, and Nya’s hopes for his bright future are threatened. With language lyrical and potent, Morisseau’s deeply compassionate and dynamic award-winning play dives into the painful truth of “the school-to-prison pipeline.”


Shakin' The Mess Outta Misery

Coppin Repertory Theatre Presents Shakin' The Mess Outta Misery. Written by Shay Youngblood. Directed by Rashida Forman-Bey

September 28 - October 1, 2023

Written by Shay Youngblood

Directed by Rashida Forman-Bey

Adapted from the Shay Youngblood's book, THE BIG MAMA STORIES, SHAKIN' THE MESS OUTTA MISERY is the inspirational, semi-autobiographical story of a young black girl's coming of age in the 1960s South. "Daughter," the main character and 25-year-old narrator, lost her mother when she was very young and a community of women raised her, some blood related, some not. As she remembers how her 'Big Mamas' prepared her for womanhood, the women enter to tell their stories and "Daughter" becomes a child again, reliving her vivid memories of growing up--recalling the rituals, the faith healings, and the stories she was told and the lessons she learned about survival, healing, sisterhood, family, and faith. Youngblood's play confirms the African proverb—"It takes a village to raise a child."


2022-2023 Theatre Season

 

Pipeline, A Play by Dominique Morisseau

Pipeline

March 2-5, 2023

Written by Dominique Morisseau

Directed by Willie O. Jordan

A mother’s choices. A son’s rage. A rigged education system. In PIPELINE’s opening scene we meet Nya, a dedicated teacher in an inner-city public high school, who has just discovered that her son’s in trouble. After one impulsive act, Omari is in danger of being expelled from his upstate private school, and Nya’s hopes for his bright future are threatened. With language lyrical and potent, Morisseau’s deeply compassionate and dynamic award-winning play dives into the painful truth of “the school-to-prison pipeline.”


Shakin' The Mess Outta Misery

April 27 - May 7, 2023

Written by Shay Youngblood

Directed by Rashida Forman-Bey

Adapted from the Shay Youngblood's book, THE BIG MAMA STORIES, SHAKIN' THE MESS OUTTA MISERY is the inspirational, semi-autobiographical story of a young black girl's coming of age in the 1960s South. "Daughter," the main character and 25-year-old narrator, lost her mother when she was very young and a community of women raised her, some blood related, some not. As she remembers how her 'Big Mamas' prepared her for womanhood, the women enter to tell their stories and "Daughter" becomes a child again, reliving her vivid memories of growing up--recalling the rituals, the faith healings, and the stories she was told and the lessons she learned about survival, healing, sisterhood, family, and faith. Youngblood's play confirms the African proverb—"It takes a village to raise a child."


Coppin Repertory Theatre Presents Broke-ology

Broke-ology

November 10-13, 2022

Written by Nathan Louis Jackson

In Broke-ology, despite economic and emotional hardships, the King family has survived thanks to their love for and dedication to one another. William, the father afflicted with MS, still lives in the house in which his sons grew up, continuously grasping at the memories of his late wife, Sonia, and the dreams they shared of a better future for their children. Ennis, his elder son, takes care of William despite the pressure that comes with having a baby of his own on the way. Malcolm, the younger son, is a college graduate recently returned home after a taste of life outside the asphyxiating cycle of poverty and struggle in which he was raised. When the offer of a job in Connecticut tempts Malcolm into leaving for good, he is forced to decide between his duty to his family and his refusal to further defer the dreams of his father.

The Overcomers Theatre Season 2021-2022

 

ColorblindKatrinaTitle

Colorblind: The Katrina Monologues

May 1-31, 2021

By Tom Flannery

Directed by Azya Maxton

On the morning of August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina hit southeast Louisiana. Today, it is still remembered as the most apocalyptic storm to hit the US, causing severe damage along the Gulf Coast. In the aftermath of the storm, the federal flood protection system in New Orleans failed in more than fifty places, causing nearly every levee to break. Thousands of families were uprooted. More than 1800 persons lost their lives. Flannery's Katrina Monologues tells the stories of nine people affected by Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.


Blues for an Alabama Sky Graphic

Blues For an Alabama Sky

October 29-31, 2021

By Pearl Cleage

It's the summer of 1930 and the promises of the Harlem Renaissance are giving way to the dashed dreams of the Great Depression. Playwright Pearl Cleage tells a strikingly modern story about four friends whose lives and passions collide when an innocent newcomer from Alabama arrives in New York.


Coppin Repertory Theatre presents Private Wars - A Dark Comedy. The battle has ended, but the war is not over!

Private Wars

November 4-5, 2021
The Theatre Lab, Grace Jacobs Building, Lower Level

  • Thursday November 4th at 10:30 a.m.
  • Friday, November 5th at 10:30 a.m.
  • Friday, November 5th at 7:30 p.m.

By James McClure

Popular anti-war comedy about the humorous and intense recovery of three Viet Nam Vets from physical wounds and PTSD.

Admission: $10 General, $5 Coppin Student with ID

Fully masked audience, proof of vaccination or negative test result within 72 hours


Coppin Repertory Theatre presents The Colored Museum, by George C. Wolfe

The Colored Museum

April 21-24, 2022

  • April 21 & 22 at 7:30 p.m.
  • April 23 & 24 at 3:00 p.m.

By George C. Wolfe

A poignant, socially-conscious, satirical comedy, The Colored Museum is a depiction of black culture in America, especially relevant in today’s world of “Black Lives Matter”. Tony Award-winning playwright, George C. Wolfe, takes us on a journey of Black culture with an “in-your-face,” non-apologetic, “take no prisoners” satire that electrifies, unsettles, and delights audiences of all colors.


84th Annual Conference of the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA)

April 6-9, 2022

Coppin State University
2500 W. North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21216


The Glass Menagerie

May 6-8, 2022

By Tennessee Williams

An American classic of great tenderness, charm, and beauty, The Glass Menagerie is an icon of the American theater. Known as Tennessee Williams's autobiographical “memory play,” we meet the Wingfield family—frustrated writer Tom, his nagging mother, Amanda, who is often lost in memories of her Southern-belle past, and his painfully shy sister, Laura—and the effect a visit from a “gentleman caller” for Laura has on all their lives.

 

2019-2020 The Season of Change

 

BestOfEnemies2019
Best of Enemies by Mark St. Germain (September 2019)
joeturner2019
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone by August Wilson (December 2019)
TheMeetingNH
The Meeting by Jeff Stetson (February 2020)

2018-2019 The Commemorative Theatre Season

 

Theatre Trip to New York City to see The Lion King on Broadway

For Colored Girls… by Ntozake Shange (October 2018)

Harlem Renaissance Program (original world premiere of student-written production, Harlem Song) (November 2018)

A Soldier’s Play by Charles Fuller (December 2018)

KCACTF Region II Festival 2019 at Montclair State University in Montclair, New Jersey (January 2019)

A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry (March 2019)

NADSA Conference 2019—Coppin State University is host (April 2019)

2017-2018 The Social Justice Theatre Season

 

Suspects in America by Willie Holmes

Tell Pharaoh by Loften Mitchell

KCACTF Region II Festival 2018 at Indiana University, Pennsylvania

For Colored Girls… by Ntozake Shange

2016-2017 The Awakening Theatre Season

 

You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown

Homeplace by Claudette Alexander-Thomason

Suspects in America (A Staged Reading) by Willie Holmes

2015-2016 The Community Theatre Season

 

Zooman and the Sign by Charles Fuller

Under the Skin by Michael Hollinger

Homeplace (A Staged Reading) by Claudette Alexander-Thomason

2014-2015 The Nobility Theatre Season

 

A Lesson Before Dying by Romulus Linney

Jar the Floor by Cheryl L. West

2013-2014 The Revelation Season

 

Truth Stands, a world premiere by Cynthia Hardeman (October 2013)

To Be Young, Gifted and Black by Lorraine Hansberry (November 2013) Adapted by Robert Nemiroff

The Waiting Room By Samm-Art Williams (March 2014)

2012-2013 Season

 

From the Mississippi Delta by Endesha Ida Mae Holland (October 2012)

Harriet Jacobs by Lydia Diamond (November 2012 & February 2013)

One Night Only- A Christmas Show by James Macon Grant (December 2012)

2011-2012 Season

 

Every Tongue Confess by Marcus Gardley (October 2011)

From the Mississippi Delta by Endesha Ida Mae Holland (December 2011)

God’s Trombones: From Test to Testimony by James Weldon Johnson; Adapted by D. Wambui Richardson (April 2012)

2010-2011 Season

 

In the Blood by Suzan-Lori Parks (October 2010)

Antigone by Sophocles (November 2010)

God’s Trombones by James Weldon Johnson (April 2011)

2009-2010 Season

 

The Colored Museum by George C. Wolfe (November 2009)

Constant Star by Tazewell Thompson (March 2010)

Pill Hill by Samuel Kelley (April 2010)

Our Programs

Theatre

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Contact Us

The faculty provides nurturance through instruction, leadership, mentorship, advice, and interactive learning methods to engage students in theory, scholarship, practice, and community service.  In addition to the staff and faculty listed below, we'd like to thank the following Adjunct Faculty team members too:

Auditorium Technical Liaison

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Assistant Professor/Director of Speech and Theatre

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Theatrical Design, especially Lighting Design
Theatre History
Theatre Safety
College

The Theatre Program is within the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education. 

National Presence

Theatre Arts Program

National Presence

national audience in theatre program

Guest Artists Series

Students engage and interact with several prominent and emerging artists in our Theatre Arts Program. These artists visit the campus to act, direct, design, speak, and teach master workshops. Some of our past guests included: 

  • Ruben Arana-Downs
  • Nicoye Banks
  • David Barr III
  • Christopher Benson
  • Trezana Beverley
  • Maria Broom
  • Phillip Burgess
  • Kevin Carroll
  • Rosiland Cauthen
  • Anthony Chisholm
  • Sharlene Clinton
  • Kurt Columbus
  • Aunjanue Ellis
  • Cynthia Hardeman
  • Charlene Harris
  • Gregory J. Horton
  • Sallah Jenkins
  • Timothy Jones
  • Lillie Kahkonen
  • Woodie King, Jr.
  • Kwame  Kwei-Armah
  • Antoinette McDonald
  • David Mitchell
  • Prince No Ra
  • Howard Overshown
  • Donald Owens
  • Marc Payne
  • Rain Pryor
  • D. Wambui Richardson
  • Jefferson Russell
  • Sadiqa  
  • Mark St. Germain
  • Daniel Sunjata   
  • Alvin Sykes
  • L. Steven Taylor
  • Claudette Alexander Thomason
  • R. Paul Thomason
  • Douglas Turner Ward
  • Allan Weeks
  • Linda West
  • Robert White
  • Samm-Art Williams
  • Ian Wooldridge

National Organizations and Festivals

Coppin students attend, participate, and compete in several national organizations and festivals.

The National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA)

NADSA is an association of students, faculty, staff, alumni and other arts/entertainment professionals from historically black colleges and universities across the country. Founded in 1936, NADSA is today the nation’s oldest surviving educational theatre association. The four-day annual conference, held in March or April, features a series of workshops, competitions, performances, panels and plenaries. Theatre and speech communication enthusiasts use NADSA as an opportunity to network, build skillsets, and share best practices of the field.

Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival

The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) is a national theater program involving 18,000 students annually from colleges and universities across the country. KCACTF aims to:

  • Encourage, recognize, and celebrate the finest and most diverse work produced in university and college theatre programs;
  • Provide opportunities for participants to develop their theater skills, insight, and achieve professionalism;
  • Improve the quality of college and university theatre in the United States; and
  • Encourage colleges and universities to give distinguished productions of new plays, especially those written by students; the classics, revitalized or newly conceived, and experimental works.

Since its inception, KCACTF has given more than 400,000 college theater students the opportunity to have their work critiqued, improve their dramatic skills, and receive national recognition for excellence. More than 16 million theatergoers have attended approximately 10,000 festival productions nationwide. Since its inception, KCACTF has given more than 400,000 college theater students the opportunity to have their work critiqued, improve their dramatic skills, and receive national recognition for excellence. More than 16 million theatergoers have attended approximately 10,000 festival productions nationwide.

University Resident Theatre Association

Founded in 1969, the University Resident Theatre Association works to ensure the continued renewal of the American theatre by supporting excellence in the professional training of new artists. URTA continues to develop programs and services that answer the needs of university theatres, training programs, and individual artists. Whether it’s articulating the highest standards for professional training, helping to match potential students with the MFA program best suited to their needs, facilitating engagement of professional artists at universities, or expanding the scope of our education and career outreach programs, URTA is setting the stage for emerging theatre artists, and professional advancement.

Our Programs

Theatre

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Contact Us

The faculty provides nurturance through instruction, leadership, mentorship, advice, and interactive learning methods to engage students in theory, scholarship, practice, and community service.  In addition to the staff and faculty listed below, we'd like to thank the following Adjunct Faculty team members too:

Auditorium Technical Liaison

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Assistant Professor/Director of Speech and Theatre

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Theatrical Design, especially Lighting Design
Theatre History
Theatre Safety
College

The Theatre Program is within the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education. 

Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society

Theatre Arts Program

Alpha Psi Omega Theatre Honor Society

AlphaPsiOmega

Coppin State University is a member of Alpha Psi Omega (ΑΨΩ), a National Theatre Honor Society for participants in collegiate theatre. It began in the early 20th century as result of the growing interest in dramatic arts among colleges and universities throughout America, with the aim of encouraging dramatic production at every step in a person’s academic career. Alpha Psi Omega is the largest national honor society in America. Membership is open to students who are active in collegiate/university theatre at four-year institutions. Students strive to earn membership into this prestigious organization.

Our Programs

Theatre

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Contact Us

The faculty provides nurturance through instruction, leadership, mentorship, advice, and interactive learning methods to engage students in theory, scholarship, practice, and community service.  In addition to the staff and faculty listed below, we'd like to thank the following Adjunct Faculty team members too:

Auditorium Technical Liaison

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Assistant Professor/Director of Speech and Theatre

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Theatrical Design, especially Lighting Design
Theatre History
Theatre Safety
College

The Theatre Program is within the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education. 

Theatre Arts Scholarship

Theatre Arts Program

Theatre Arts Scholarship

Apply for the Scholarship

Theatre is a part of the Urban Arts major at Coppin. We are searching for talented individuals who are interested in majoring in theatre (Urban Arts) and whose gifts and passions are found in areas that feature on stage performances, and backstage work. Theatre is a gateway major that accommodates skills and competencies that will prepare students to work in environments that require integration and cross-pollination of thought, philosophy, and skills as 21st century learners.

Apply Now

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Preparing for the Scholarship Audition

What you need to do

  • Perform a monologue that suits you and your age (no more than 5 years older or younger than your actual age)
  • No overdone selections                                                
  • Choose and show drama that is active
  • Character must tell an urgent story right now  
  • Know selection well
  • No profanity (know sensibilities of the adjudicators)
  • Selection should honor time limit
  • No dialects

Pre-preparation

  • Give yourself time to get ready (can’t start the night before)
  • Make a good impression
  • Spend lots of time reading scripts, screenplays, poetry, fiction, musical scores, and other sources for audition material. Give yourself many options to make your final choice(s).
  • Find or adapt the perfect selections
  • Spend time rehearsing under the guidance of a trusted director or coach
  • Research the full production
  • Understand every word you speak (look up unfamiliar terms and expressions)
  • Make it fresh
  • Practice your slate
    • short and upbeat
    • A sincere greeting, your name, the play from which your selection is taken, and the author is sufficient information
    • Place a chair, if needed, and set before your introduction
    • Begin and end strongly
    • Practice your entire presentation
    • At the end, restate your name, the selection, your number and say a dignified “Thank you” and exit

 Your Appearance

  •  Dressing is a part of the “package”
  •  Polished, professional appearance
  •  Clothing with neutral, plain, and solid colors work best
  •  Avoid noisy footwear and jewelry (keep jewelry small and  unobtrusive—again, loop earrings may steal the attention from your work; you are not there to make a fashion statement)
  •  Dancers should not hide their bodies beneath loose clothing

The Printed Materials

Résumé, application, sheet music:

  • Neat and error-free
  • Music should be in the proper key (with returns, tempo changes, and other irregularities marked clearly for the accompanist—remember, this is somebody who will be reading the music on the spot)

Taking Care of Yourself

  • Take care of your voice
  • Get a good night’s sleep
  • On Audition day
    • Eat lightly before the audition
    • Arrive early enough to scope out the audition space, if possible
    • Find a quiet place to warm up your voice and body
    • Know where you will focus your eyes during your presentation
    • Experts suggest visualizing your partner at some point just above the heads of the auditors
    • Address your listeners directly
    • Be sensitive to the acoustics of the space. Use sufficient breath to fill the room with your voice

What Not to Do

  • Do not apologize or make excuses                                                      
  • If you blank out, take a breath, remember your character’s objective, find a line, and continue
  • Never ask to start over, particularly in a singing or dance audition
  • Be prepared to answer auditors’ questions when your presentation is over. Know the full play, your character’s objectives, and intentions
  • Dancers, especially, should remain in their places until excused
  • Enjoy yourself. Share your love of performing with your audience

Pointers for Completing the Audition

  • Be animated
  • Show range in pitch and physicality (do not be monotone)
  • Use your whole body and not just from the waist up
  • Use the stage
  • Do not turn your back to the audience or turn your performance to the side. Let the director see the open (full front) view. It is the strongest body position for your presentation.
  • Feel free to use several levels, i.e., sitting in a chair, standing, walking with a purpose
  • Speak with a clear, distinct, and articulate voice
  • Listen to the text that you are speaking or singing or dancing to for the show. Let it make sense to you.
  • Please look and learn to pronounce words that are not familiar to you before coming to the audition
  • Do not perform an act that has offensive words, trigger words or vulgar language (plenty of time to explore that avenue later)
  • Stay away from sexually suggestive works.
  • Either sing a cappella or with an instrumental track. DO NOT SING WITH THE CD. We want to hear you and not the original artist singing.
  • Act like you want to win a spot in the show! Make it hard for the sponsors to say no to you.
  • Choose a work that shows your range of talent.
  • Choose one that is age and gender appropriate.

“Luck is what happens with preparation meets opportunity.”

Be very prepared. You are trying to make a good impression. Break-a-leg!

Our Programs

Theatre

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Contact Us

The faculty provides nurturance through instruction, leadership, mentorship, advice, and interactive learning methods to engage students in theory, scholarship, practice, and community service.  In addition to the staff and faculty listed below, we'd like to thank the following Adjunct Faculty team members too:

Auditorium Technical Liaison

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Assistant Professor/Director of Speech and Theatre

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Theatrical Design, especially Lighting Design
Theatre History
Theatre Safety
College

The Theatre Program is within the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education. 

Beyond the Classroom

Theatre Arts Program

Beyond the Classroom

Students participate in a myriad of co-curricular activities, including plays, concerts, art exhibits, workshops, presentations, competitions, tournaments, field trips, and conferences.

Student Collaborations

BestofEnemies8404 theatre performance

Our theatre students participate in a range of collaborative and community service projects with other student organizations and with other colleges and universities.

Recent collaborations include participation in Bowie State University’s annual Ten Minute Play Festival and a co-production on the show, Best of Enemies with McDaniel College.

Students also work with professional theatre practitioners as guest directors, actors, designers and playwrights (One Night Only, Harlem Song, Brother’s Keeper).


Internships

 

Our students have participated in various internship opportunities, such as:

  • Daniel Carter, Ensemble Theatre of Houston, TX
  • Louis Williams, III, Baltimore Shakespeare Factory
  • Dorrian Wilson, Chesapeake Shakespeare Theatre
  • Anthony Murcia-Santos, The Juilliard School
  • Juan Ogando, Upright Citizens Brigade in NYC
  • Kai Crosby-Singleton, Baltimore Center Stage
  • Anthony Murcia-Santos, Baltimore Center Stage

Advanced Study Opportunities

Coppin State theatre students go on to advanced study, such as:

  • Dorrian Wilson, MFA Acting Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Mama Rashida Foreman-Bey, MFA Community Arts Program, Mrayland Institute College of Art (MICA)
  • Dorrian Wilson and Ryan Pratcher-Bey, the Kennedy Center

Broadway Field Trips

Students are encouraged to participate in our trips to professional productions. Past activities have included:

  • The Color Purple. Students interviewed Natasha Williams, who played Sofia.
  • Cat on A Hot Tin Roof. Students participated in a talk-back with cast member Anika Noni Rose, who played Maggie the Cat.
  • Porgy and Bess. Students participated in a talk-back with cast members Natasha Williams (Mariah) and Norm Lewis (Porgy).
  • Chicago. Students participated in a talk-back with cast members Brandy Norwood (Roxie), Natasha Williams and full cast.
  • The Lion King. Students interviewed L. Steven Taylor who plays Mufasa.
  • A Soldier’s Play

TalkbackJoeTurnersF19 theatre performance

Engaging the Community

Our theatre students participate in a range of community activities, including:

  • Summer theatre program
  • Performances at Churches
  • Audience talk-backs after all theatre performances

Regional and National Competitions

Coppin State theatre students participate in regional and national competitions, such as:

  • NADSA
  • KCACTF, one of the few HBCUs participating
  • Forensics Tournaments

School Matinee Performances

  • Middle and high school students

Participating in Public Showcases

  • Acting I
  • Acting II
  • Acting III
  • Unscripted: Improvisation for the Actor
  • Oral Interpretation
  • Directing
  • We Heart Art Festival

Our Programs

Theatre

Undergraduate

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate

African American Studies

Undergraduate

Contact Us

The faculty provides nurturance through instruction, leadership, mentorship, advice, and interactive learning methods to engage students in theory, scholarship, practice, and community service.  In addition to the staff and faculty listed below, we'd like to thank the following Adjunct Faculty team members too:

Auditorium Technical Liaison

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Assistant Professor/Director of Speech and Theatre

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Theatrical Design, especially Lighting Design
Theatre History
Theatre Safety
College

The Theatre Program is within the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education. 

Theatre Arts Program

Department of Humanities

Theatre Arts Program

We Nurture. We Engage. We Transform.

The arts are essential to our lives!  Theatre art is an avenue to intellectual, social, personal, professional development, and enrichment. The theatre concentration in the Urban Arts major prepares students for careers in theatre and related disciplines through character, leadership, and service for building relationships and community. The program supports the following fundamental beliefs and values:

theatre perofrmance

Excellence, the highest artistic quality

Integrity, the highest standards of honesty and fairness in the pursuit of equitable, ethical, and professional practice. 

Lifelong Learning the best continuous training for artistry, knowledge, and skills

Service is our noble and worthy responsibility to our community

Diversity of opinion, freedom of expression and each person’s individuality. 

Creativity in all endeavors. 

Commitment to the arts and to the mission of the University its role in supporting the highest quality of life 

Intellectual Freedom for the ethical and scholarly inquiry in an environment that fully respects the rights of all in their pursuit of knowledge

Stewardship of Resources dedicated to the efficient and effective use as we accept the responsibility of public trust and accountability for our actions 

SoldiersPlay5769 interior theatre

The Theatre concentration focuses on the student as the center of the educational enterprise. We place a high premium on nurturing, engaging, and transforming the individual so that creativity is expressed with honor and value. Learn about theater-related jobs.

Our academic program is ably supported by Coppin Repertory Theatre, the producing arm and Coppin Players, a student run organization where our students collaborate, invest, and own the work they do.

Apply Now

Learn about the Theatre Scholarship

Our Programs

Dance

Undergraduate

Urban Arts

Undergraduate
5 brown-skin young women each wearing a brightly colored shirt sitting closely grouped together with their arms outstretched and open

Current Theatre Season

Coppin State University Hosts the 84th Annual Conference National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA) - April 6-9, 2022

Coppin Repertory Theatre will host the 84th Annual Conference of NADSA, an association of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and other arts/entertainment professionals from historically black colleges and universities across the country. Founded in 1936, NADSA is the nation’s oldest surviving educational theatre association. The annual conference features workshops, competitions, performances, and plenaries. Attendees use NADSA as an opportunity to network, build skillsets, and share best practices in the field.

Contact Us

The faculty provides nurturance through instruction, leadership, mentorship, advice, and interactive learning methods to engage students in theory, scholarship, practice, and community service.  In addition to the staff and faculty listed below, we'd like to thank the following Adjunct Faculty team members too:

Auditorium Technical Liaison

staff

Assistant Professor

faculty

Assistant Professor/Director of Speech and Theatre

faculty

Assistant Professor

faculty

Can Help With
Theatrical Design, especially Lighting Design
Theatre History
Theatre Safety
Professor

faculty

College

The Theatre Program is within the Department of Humanities in the College of Arts & Sciences, and Education. 

Application Process

Maxie Collier Scholars Program

Application Process

Speak to
Julie Manley
Health & Human Services Building, Room #339

Thank you for your interest in the Maxie Collier Scholars Program at Coppin State University. The Program has a strong legacy of preparing undergraduate Scholars for professional careers in the field of public behavioral health services.

Application Packet

Please complete and include the following documents in your application packet: 

  • Application 
  • Personal Statement: Responses to three questions on application 
  • Signed applicants’ agreement included in application 
  • Proof of Maryland residency 
  • Three submissions addressing your strengths and why you should be selected as a Scholar. Two submissions from CSU professors and one submission from a community person (examples: supervisor, clergy member, volunteer coordinator ). Submissions are due by March 17, 2021 and may be submitted to Maxie Collier Scholars Program Recommendation Form.

Submit Your Application Packet 

Applications may be submitted in person or by email. Please submit the complete application packet to: 

Important Dates 

Please be reminded of the following important dates: 

  • January 20, 2021 - Applications available 
  • March 17, 2021 - Deadline to submit completed Applications and Recommendations
  • April 7, 2021 - Interviews for Applicants 

Please feel free to reach out if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

Julie Manley, MCSP Program Coordinator

Faculty and Staff

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions. Your future starts now!

Photo of Julie Manley
Coordinator/Lecturer

staff

Criteria for Scholars

Maxie Collier Scholars Program

Criteria for Scholars

  • From the State of Maryland 
  • Officially enrolled as a Coppin State University undergraduate student
  • Have a minimum of 1 year remaining as an undergraduate student at CSU
  • 3.0 minimum GPA preferred
  • Declared major in criminal justice, natural sciences, nursing, psychology, or social work
  • Commitment to pursue a behavioral health career in the State of Maryland
  • Completed Application to include a required personal statement
  • High rating in a required personal interview
  • Three letters of support from recommended sources
  • Official college transcript

Completed applications should be returned to:

Maxie Collier Scholars Program Coordinator
Coppin State University
2500 W. North Avenue, HHSB Room #523 or 339
Baltimore, MD 21216

Graduation Requirements

The Mental Health Seminar HEED 105 is a graduation requirement for Maxie Collier Scholars.

Participating Departments

In order to participate in the Maxie Collier program students must declare a major in the following departments/schools:

  • Helene Fuld School of Nursing
  • Psychology, Counseling & Behavioral Health
  • Department of Criminal Justice
  • Department of Natural Sciences
  • Department of Social Work

Faculty and Staff

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions. Your future starts now!

Photo of Julie Manley
Coordinator/Lecturer

staff