The primary mission of the Department of Theater and Dance is to promote the historical, theoretical, and experiential study of these performing arts as vital and important areas of inquiry for liberal arts students. The department is founded on two premises: first, that performance is essential to a full understanding of the art form; second, that all the arts share significant modes of thought and expression and that a knowledge of one art form will contribute to an understanding of all the arts. In addition to traditional lecture and discussion courses, the program of study includes frequent opportunities for practical experience in the theater. The department also seeks to educate the larger community through its rigorous production schedule of plays, dance concerts, touring artists, and residency workshops with guest artists.