Situated in the bustling cultural hub of Seattle, Cornish College of the Arts provides an inspiring and supportive environment for budding theater artists and creatives.Cornish’s unique blend of rigorous training and creative exploration has fostered countless talents over the past 110 years. We sat down with Department Chair of Theatre  Sheila Daniels, a distinguished faculty member and director at Cornish, to delve into what makes this college such a magical and wonderful place for students to explore their craft.

What does the first year at Cornish look like for a Theater student?

“The first year at Cornish is a transformative journey of discovery,” Sheila explains. “It’s designed to immerse you in the fundamentals while nurturing your artistic voice. In the initial semester, we focus on building a strong foundation—understanding texts, exploring vocal techniques, and developing physical presence through movement.”

She continues, “You’ll engage in collaborative projects that challenge and inspire, such as devising original pieces that reflect your personal experiences and perspectives. The goal is to cultivate creativity while honing technical skills. As the year progresses, you’ll audition for productions like Five by Five, applying what you’ve learned in real-world performance settings.”

This foundational year is pivotal, as it not only equips students with essential skills but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration, integral to the Cornish experience.

Can you give us an example of a strong Theater student audition?

A strong theater audition, according to Sheila Daniels, is like opening a window into your artistic soul,” she explains. “It goes beyond just showing off your acting skills; it’s about sharing your unique perspective and potential. The key is to pick material that really speaks to you, so you can fully become the character and tell their story. We’re looking for pieces that show range—energetic and lively moments, mixed with quieter, more intense scenes.”

Sheila stresses the importance of preparation, saying, “Memorization is crucial. It’s not just about saying the lines, but embodying them with conviction and clarity. Steer clear of overly dramatic accents or exaggerated emotions like drunkenness, which can detract from your true performance. Instead, focus on understanding your character’s motivations and relationships, creating a genuine and captivating presence on stage.”

At Cornish, a successful audition means more than just performing well; it demonstrates your readiness for the challenges and rewards of the theater program, setting the stage for your artistic journey here.

What opportunities are available for Cornish Theater students on and around campus/the community? 

“Cornish offers a wealth of opportunities for students to engage with Seattle’s vibrant arts scene,” Sheila highlights. “The Lore Project is a prime example—an initiative that encourages students to explore global lore through innovative performances integrating acting, movement, and vocal expression.”

“For musical theater students, our collaboration showcases provide a platform to present original work to diverse audiences. Additionally, programs like Teen Tix and student rush tickets offer discounted access to Seattle’s theaters, enriching students’ cultural experiences and broadening their artistic horizons,” she adds.

“Faculty members also bridge academia and the professional world,” Sheila continues. “Through invitations to final dress rehearsals of professional productions, such as those by Timothy McCuen Piggee and myself, students gain invaluable insights and networking opportunities that often lead to post-graduation career prospects.”

The myriad opportunities at Cornish, both on-campus and in the broader Seattle arts community, offer students real-world experiences that enhance their education and prepare them for future success.

Can you share a specific story during your 20+ years at Cornish that encompasses the school’s journey of artistic excellence?

“One memorable example is our response to the 9/11 tragedy,” Sheila reflects. “In the aftermath, students felt a profound need to express themselves artistically. They collaborated on a poignant ensemble piece incorporating poetry, dance, music, and readings—an emotionally charged tribute to the resilience of the human spirit.”

She recalls, “Despite the logistical challenges of coordinating rehearsals amidst academic demands, their dedication and creativity shone through. This project, staged in unconventional venues like the Scottish Rite Temple, epitomized Cornish’s commitment to fostering innovative, socially engaged artists who harness their craft to inspire and provoke thought.”

Such experiences underscore the deep sense of community and purpose at Cornish, where students are encouraged to respond to the world around them through their art, fostering both personal growth and artistic excellence.

What does interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary art mean to you?

“Interdisciplinary art is the fusion of diverse artistic disciplines to create something greater than the sum of its parts,” Sheila explains. “At Cornish, we celebrate the synergy between different art forms—whether it’s integrating dance and theater in dynamic performances or exploring new narratives through collaborative storytelling.”

“This approach encourages artists to push boundaries, experiment with new mediums, and challenge conventional artistic norms. By embracing interdisciplinary collaborations, students not only expand their creative repertoire but also gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of art and society,” she elaborates.The interdisciplinary approach at Cornish nurtures innovation and creativity, preparing students to be versatile artists capable of contributing to and shaping the future of the arts.

These insights from Sheila Daniels provide a glimpse into the audition process, first-year experience, opportunities, and the ethos of interdisciplinary art at Cornish College of the Arts. Cornish offers a vibrant and supportive environment for artistic growth and collaboration. Whether you are an aspiring theater student or a member of the greater Seattle arts community, Cornish College of the Arts stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and innovation.

Explore more about our Theatre and programs and opportunities at Cornish College of the Arts or fill out the Tell Us More form to connect with our Admissions team. Join us in nurturing the next generation of innovative theater artists.

Sheila Danials Bio: 

Sheila Daniels is a multi-disciplinary theater maker based in Seattle since 1994. She has been on Faculty intermittently since 2000, first as a Guest Director then teaching Acting, Directing and Devising.  Recent Directing work in Seattle includes Romeo and Juliet  with Seattle Shakespeare Company, The Niceties with INTIMAN, Indecent with Seattle Repertory Theatre and The Wolves at ACT. Past credits include A Streetcar Named Desire and Crime and Punishment with Intiman; Electra, Winter’s Tale, Much Ado About Nothing, Pericles and Macbeth at Seattle Shakespeare Company, My Name is Asher Lev at New Century Theatre Company,  Lydia, The Normal Heart, Breaking the Code and The Bridge of San Luis Rey at Strawberry Theatre Workshop; Dancing at Lughnasa at Seattle Rep; Jackie and Me and According to Coyote at Seattle Children’s Theatre, This Wide Night at Seattle Public and Waiting for Lefty and Crime and Punishmentat CHAC She has also directed for Children’s Theatre of Minneapolis,  Throwing Bones in NYC and Tantrum Theatre in Ohio. She is a 2 time recipient and 5 time nominee of Seattle’s Gregory Awards for Outstanding Direction.

This summer Sheila will be continuing to edit her documentary film, Hidden Bodies: Stereotyping and Shaming of the Femme Body in American Theatre.

Sheila is a two-time recipient of Cornish’s Teaching Excellence Award.