There are many students and teachers who make the Department of Fine and Performing Arts one of the most original and exciting departments on Elizabethtown College’s campus. Theresa Mastrobuono, an adjunct professor in the Department, teaches an acting course in movement for the actor, directs one production a year, manages the costume shop and is a member of the play selection committee. She has an incredible passion for teaching students and for the theatre and performing arts.

As a faculty member at the College for over 17 years, Mastrobuono’s role within the department is a very important and demanding one. Mastrobuono said that her favorite part of her job is “getting to know the students and interacting with them on a personal as well as professional level.” She said “they keep me current and make me feel young.” She expressed that seeing students leave every four years is the worst and most difficult part of her job.

Mastrobuono explained that getting started in performing arts was how she attempted “to serve the overactive imagination she had as a child.” Mastrobuono also recalled enjoying playwriting for her Girl Scout troop, as well as acting in school and church plays since a young age. Clearly, Mastrobuono has always had a passion for performing arts and teaching students with similar interests.

Her involvement in theatre and performing arts expanded and landed her a spot at Rutgers University to study theatre. While there, she was responsible for founding the University’s first comedy cabaret. She also met a mime named Tony Montanaro who became her chief mentor. Meeting Montanaro proved to be one of the most inspirational and influential occurrences to ever happen in Mastrobuono’s life and career.

She explained that after a car accident, she briefly lost her voice and became very involved with physical acting, as Montanaro had taught her, because her passion for theatre and acting was still alive. “Physical acting opened up an entire aspect of performing to me, which still influences my work and career,” she said.

She also said that the theatre department is “inclusive and embracing … you don’t have to be a part of the theatre ‘crowd’ or even take theatre classes to participate in theatre events. We invite everyone to come out to act, build sets, run lights or sound, or be a part of stage crew.”