Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre and Dance - Theatre Concentration

This program blends liberal arts education and critical thinking with intensive, pre-professional training and practice. The faculty fosters an environment that values and cultivates creative, passionate, disciplined, curious, innovative, engaged, articulate, collaborative and independent-thinking artists and scholars. Committed to a teaching approach that emphasizes mentorship and individual attention to students, faculty members of the school empower students in the development of their own personal strengths, provide them with tools and opportunities to realize their potential, and equip them for successful work in professional environments, graduate programs and as lifelong learners. The theatre concentration combines the best attributes of a liberal arts education with professional training. It is directed specifically toward undergraduate students. There are three basic emphasis areas: instruction in the theory and history of drama and theatre, instruction in the practice of theatre arts, and a full production program on two stages. In the sophomore year, students enter one or more of the four tracks: performance, design and technology, theatre studies, or theatre education. In addition to performance elements, students in theatre study theatre history, aesthetics, performance theory, and dramatic theory and literature. Students are also encouraged to participate in production activities and can gain credit through the theatre practicum courses. There are numerous opportunities to direct, design and perform. After successful completion, students can progress further in their graduate study or further training.