program description

the school of theatre & dance offers a comprehensive program of both practical and theoretical courses for undergraduate and graduate students whose interests center on various aspects of educational and professional theatre.

the curriculum provides the student with a foundation for advanced study in the dramatic arts, teaching, or a career in professional theatre. as a center for the training of future theatre artists, the school is committed to introducing a diversity of theatrical traditions and cultures to students. to this end, the school employs its two dedicated theatre spaces and its one shared theatre space as learning laboratories in which students collaborate with faculty and guest professionals. studio workshops and advanced stage productions in those theatres are the culmination of the educational experience.

the school actively seeks and facilitates interdisciplinary programs of study and production with other members of the college of liberal & creative arts as well as with departments and programs from across the campus. the school also encourages and facilitates collaboration with off-campus area theatres. in these ways, networking enlarges students' experiences and opens new connections between students, the college, the campus as a whole, and the community, offering students an education grounded in practical professional stage practices as well as diverse on-campus academic and production experiences.

the bachelor of arts in dance is designed to provide training in dance with an opportunity to emphasize dance performance, choreography, or teaching. the major is organized around a 21 unit core, a minimum of 12 technique units, and 12 units of emphasis electives. emphasis area courses in dance, music, and related fields should be chosen according to career goals in consultation with an advisor.