Theatre & Performance

The Department of Theatre & Performance embraces the liberal arts by blending historical and theoretical studies with creative practice. Through classes, laboratories and productions, students engage in a dynamic learning environment that fosters artistic expression, critical thinking, and collaboration.

Our faculty are dedicated artist-teacher-scholars whose scholarly and creative work enriches the educational experience. Students have the unique opportunity to participate in faculty research and creative projects, deepening their understanding of cultural studies, performance, design, storytelling and community building.

Through our productions, we provide cultural resources to the campus and community, presenting classical and contemporary works that challenge and expand the boundaries of commercial theatre and dance.

We also extend the impact of performance beyond the stage, using theatre and dance to deepen their societal benefits through interdisciplinary practice. With faculty conducting research and professional practice across the US, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Pakistan, the Middle East and South America, our work reaches a global audience. Our faculty and students harness the power of theatre and dance in diverse ways, including immersive storytelling in museums and heritage sites, dance programs for those with Parkinson’s disease and creative initiatives that to support at-risk communities and performance in prisons. We also explore creative practice through digital technologies, innovative practice-based research, and trauma-informed practices as tools for healing.

Your contribution to the Theatre and Dance programs will help our faculty provide the best possible learning experience for all our students. Through the generosity of our donors, we have been able to purchase a spiral staircase for a scenic design, upgrade projection equipment, send students from our classes to see performances in Washington, D.C. and New York City, create community engagement projects, host guest lectures by internationally renowned artists, sponsor creative workshops and send faculty and students to network with alumni.