Theatre and Dance

Theatre and Dance Department

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The Department of Theatre & Dance is committed to a practice and theory of performance founded on the joys of community building and creative discovery. True to the liberal arts, we welcome experienced performers and newcomers alike to participate in department productions and coursework in theatre, design, and dance. Drawing on perspectives from dance studies, performance studies, and theatre history, our curriculum looks to the field’s future, focusing on new plays, current adaptations of classic texts, contemporary dance, and interdisciplinary performance. Students work closely with faculty mentors to forge individual paths through these areas of study while seeking to unlock their artistic voice and creativity. In each and every path, students delve deeply into creative process and prepare for a life in and beyond the arts through the study of embodied knowledge, kinesthetic awareness, visual thinking, and equity and social justice. 

Discover Theatre & Dance

Dance

Learn about the dance program.

Theatre

Learn about the theatre program.

Design

Learn about the design program.

Productions & Performances

See upcoming performances and events.

People

Meet our faculty and staff, visiting artists, and teaching artists.

Courses

Explore theatre and dance courses or check out our 2026-27 adjunct course offerings.

Alumni

Explore alumni spotlights and residency opportunities.

Our Facilities

Check out our amazing facilities.

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN T&D

Grainy lavender-and-yellow collage poster featuring three festivalgoers surrounded by foliage. Large, wavy white text reads “William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” adapted by Shannon R. Davis. Performances are October 29 and 30 at 7 p.m.; November 1 at 2 p.m.; November 6 at 7 p.m.; and November 7 and 8 at 2 p.m. Free admission at Celeste Theatre in the Cornerstone Arts Center. Text across the top reads, “Music. Molly. Millennials. Miners.”

Why Study Theatre & Dance at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ?

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ's Block Plan allows students to focus on one course at a time. For theatre and dance students, that means the opportunity to immerse themselves in rehearsals, productions, creative projects, and performance work without balancing multiple classes at once. The result is an educational experience that encourages exploration, collaboration, and artistic growth.

Absolutely. Students from every major are encouraged to get involved with productions, performances, and many department events. Whether you're interested in performing, working backstage, designing, costuming, helping build scenery, or simply exploring a new creative outlet, there are opportunities to participate regardless of your major.

Learning extends well beyond the classroom. Students gain practical experience through acting, dance performance, choreography, directing, stage management, scenic construction, costume design, lighting, sound, and other production roles. Every production is a collaborative effort, giving students the opportunity to develop new skills while working alongside faculty and peers.

Students present their work in a variety of ways throughout the year, including mainstage productions, dance performances, student-directed projects, design exhibitions, senior thesis work, and other creative presentations. These experiences allow students to share their artistic growth with the campus community while building a professional portfolio.

The department regularly welcomes guest artists, visiting faculty, and industry professionals who bring new perspectives and expertise to campus. Students may have opportunities to participate in workshops, master classes, lectures, and special projects that complement their coursework and broaden their understanding of the performing arts.

Small class sizes create opportunities for meaningful mentorship and individualized feedback. Faculty work closely with students in the classroom, rehearsal spaces, studios, and production environments, helping them develop both technical skills and artistic confidence throughout their time at Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ.

Theatre and dance are inherently collaborative art forms, and our department reflects that spirit. Students, faculty, guest artists, and staff work together to create performances, solve creative challenges, and support one another throughout the artistic process. Whether you're performing on stage, designing costumes, or working behind the scenes, you'll be part of a community that values creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.

The skills developed through theatre and dance extend far beyond the stage. Graduates pursue careers in performance, design, arts administration, education, entertainment, and many other fields that value creativity, collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.

Explore our Alumni page to learn more about where Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Theatre & Dance graduates have gone.

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