Performing Arts
Chair: Professor Wahl
Associate Chair: Associate Professor Guy Metcalf
The study of performing arts can be a vital part of a liberal arts education. Creativity, collaboration, problem solving, communication skills and critical thinking are all enhanced by this study, regardless of the student’s eventual career goals.
The Department of Performing Arts offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree with a major in Acting, a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Dance Performance and Choreography, a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a major in Music Theatre, a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree with a major in Theatrical Design and Production, and a Bachelor of Arts (A.B.) degree with a major in Drama and Theatre Studies. Minors in Dance, Theatre Arts, or Theatrical Design and Technology are also available.
The B.F.A. degree in Acting is intended for the student who wishes to pursue a professional career in theatre. Students who complete this degree may also pursue further graduate training. The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theatre is geared toward the student who wishes to pursue a career in performance or graduate studies following graduation. The B.F.A. degree in Dance is intended for the student who wishes to pursue a professional performance or creative career in dance. The degree also prepares the student to pursue an M.F.A., the terminal creative degree. The A.B. degree in theatrical design and production is intended for the student who wishes to pursue a career in professional theatrical production or design. Students who complete this degree may also pursue further graduate training. The A.B. in drama and theatre studies uses the interactive and interdisciplinary dramatic art of theatre to challenge students to reveal, understand, and communicate the human condition.
Please note that an audition is required for entry to the B.F.A. Acting, the B.F.A. Dance and Choreography, and the B.F.A. Music Theatre programs. An interview/portfolio showing is required for entry to the A.B. theatrical design and production program.
The course of study within all programs emphasize a thorough grounding in fundamental areas of the theatre performance (acting, dance, design and production, and theatre history and literature.) To provide practical application of coursework, students are expected to participate actively in department productions. For those interested in a career in theatre, regular opportunities exist for contact with the professional world through master classes, guest artists and participation in regional and national conferences, conventions, auditions and competitions.