Performance, Theater, and Dance

The Department of Performance, Theater, and Dance emphasizes performance practice and study as paths to engaged citizenship. Under its umbrella, the disciplines of Theater, Dance, Design, Media & Performance, and Performance Studies integrate theory and practice; give students avenues to follow myriad curiosities; and teach students to become thoughtful collaborators and leaders. Students merge critical and creative thinking by integrating disciplinary knowledge from varied fields into creative practice. With a commitment to original work, many departmental productions focus on hybridity and interdisciplinarity; and historical works are informed by our contemporary position. As students progress through the flexible major, they create their own pathways according to their primary interests. Students leave prepared to make change in changing fields–whether that is in performing arts or elsewhere.

The Department of Performance, Theater, and Dance is equally committed to broadening our definitions of performance and expanding our sense of community. Its public season includes faculty-led student productions and professional guest artists and companies. All performances are free and open to the public. Similarly, production experiences and courses are open to non-majors. There is no audition requirement for incoming students, but each semester presents audition opportunities for individual shows.

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