Theatre Chair | Professor

Daniel Hale, MFA

Daniel is a professor and chair of theatre at St. Ambrose University where he also directs award-winning stage productions like The Little Prince and Oedipus Rex: a new ensemble creation – both of which were invited to perform at the regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. His artistic work with frequent collaborator, Aaron Hook, has been described as “unapologetically theatrical,” and during the pandemic, they collaborated with faculty, staff, and students across disciplines to create a whole new theatrical experience with Romeo and Juliet: a three-part web series in shadow. This production received national recognition from The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

Daniel Rairdin-Hale (04) is a professor, chair, and alum of the theatre department at St. Ambrose University. He received his MFA in Acting from The Theatre School at DePaul University in Chicago. He has additional movement and clown training from Dell’Arte International in California and enjoys mask-making and puppetry.

Contact Us

Contact Dan Hale for information on Theatre

Galvin Fine Arts Center 43

563-333-6390

HaleDanielK@sau.edu

Education and Training

MFA, DePaul University, Acting
BA, St. Ambrose University, Theatre

Presentations

Directing plays at St Ambrose University and running the monthly student variety show: Fail Safe.

Courses Taught

Beginning Acting

This course is designed to develop the student's basic acting skills and self-confidence through stage action techniques of relaxation and memorization, vocal and physical exercises tested in monologues and short scenes.

Improvisation for the Theatre

Study and perform improv! In this 1 credits performance class, students will learn and rehearse basic improv skills, culminating in a performance in the studio theatre. Students will learn either short form or long form improvisation. Maximum of eight credits may be used toward a degree.

Mask in Performance

Learn to perform with masks! In this 1 credits performance class, students will learn physical techniques to transform their bodies and express character through mask work. Mask varieties may include: larval masks, neutral masks, commedia half-masks, and red-nose clown. Maximum of four credits may be used toward a degree.

Circus Arts-Juggling

Learn to juggle! Students start by learning 3-ball juggling, and are given the opportunity to explore other circus props including: rings, clubs, gravity sticks, and poi. Advanced students will also be able to learn ball passing, club passing, higher numbers juggling, advanced tricks, and walking globe. Maximum of four credits may be used toward a degree.

Survey of Theatre

This survey course introduces the student to the theory, terminology and concepts involved in the theatre including fundamental classification of plays, function of various production roles, and principles and theory of drama.

Theatre History

Deals with the global beginnings of theatre, incorporating pertinent information from cultures around the world while concentrating on the historical flow of western theatre from the Greeks through today.

Practicum

Academic credit for significant participation in a college theatre production as a member of the acting ensemble, design team or technical crew leadership. May be repeated up to 3 times for a total of no more than 3 credits.

Honors and Awards

National Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Award - Distinguished achievement for Puppet Design for Romeo and Juliet
Regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Award - commendation for achievement in Mask Design and Construction for production of The Little Prince
Regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Award - commendation for achievement in Mask Design and Construction for production of Commedia Celebration
Regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Award - commendation for achievement in Puppetry Design and Construction for production of The Little Prince