B.A. in Theatre and Dance

The Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance allows students to explore multiple disciplines within the department. Students select a curriculum from departmental course offerings that can be tailored to pursue the following emphases:

• dance performance and choreography
• design and technology (includes stage management)
• history, literature and dramaturgy
• performer's process
• playwriting and directing
• theatre for youth and communities

The B.A. in Theatre and Dance includes flexible elective hours that allow students to combine this degree plan with coursework in other areas as a certification program or double major.

The department produces an annual season of six to eight main stage productions encompassing a wide variety of performance experiences that range from classical to contemporary plays, musical theatre and original scripts. In addition, there are more than 20 performance opportunities each year for students majoring in theatre. Many productions are student-produced, providing opportunities to develop new skills as directors, writers, production managers, designers and dramaturgs.

B.A. students time at UT is spent making discoveries, leaving with both foundational skills and a deeper knowledge of themselves as artists. Students come out of the program well prepared and with the experience to pursue work in their chosen career.

The Dance emphasis offers all the elements of the B.F.A. in Dance with added flexibility to pursue other fields of study. It is ideal for artists who want their undergraduate experience to address multifaceted or interdisciplinary interests. Students who pursue this degree track can focus their dance studies in performance, choreography or a combination of both while also pursuing other majors or minors that broaden their expertise and puts dance in conversation with other disciplines. Students in this emphasis also have the option to participate in the B.A. Honors Thesis Program, which allows them the opportunity to develop scholarly creative projects based on their interests. 

Design and Technology emphasis students have many opportunities to participate on a variety of productions, including theatre, dance concerts, opera, new plays and devised work. Students can fill a variety of roles as stage managers, designers, assistants and collaborators and have the opportunity to take any (and all) of the technical theatre classes offered, independent studies in their area(s) of interest and specialty project classes. Some students in the design and technology emphasis choose to focus in one area, but there is the flexibility for those who prefer to explore lots of areas of interests and goals. Students can expect to be involved early on as part of the development process and will work closely with graduate and guest artist playwrights, choreographers, directors and designers.

The History, Literature and Dramaturgy emphasis supports students who wish to further their skills as researchers, thinkers and makers in theatre, dance and performance. Students in this program will focus on the historical development, cultural and theoretical contexts, and artistic significance of theatre, dance and performance disciplines and institutions, as well as the interrelationships of these fields and the role of performance in public spheres. Through production dramaturgy, they may also train to apply their research skills in the making of new performance. 

In the Performer’s Process emphasis, our goal is to support students who wish to develop their craft as actors while crafting the impact they want to have on their art and the world. Students embark on rigorous actor training while also developing other creative and leadership skills. Performer’s Process students have the opportunity to take classes in Shakespeare, Devising, Acting for the Camera and Dance, as well as classes in the other B.A. emphases.

In the Playwriting and Directing emphasis, students study the art of storytelling and initiating projects.  Students will take courses in both playwriting and directing to develop skills in dramatic writing, theatrical storytelling and leading collaborative processes.  Students in this emphasis must possess a broad, expansive interest in theatre and the ability to create meaning along with the desire to explore how their voices and experiences may shape the future of our field. 

The Theatre for Youth and Communities emphasis focuses on the pedagogy and practice of theatre in professional performance, schools and community settings. Students explore the fields of theatre for young audiences and teaching artist praxis. Students work as artists, teachers and scholars to engage diverse populations of youth and in theatre performances, as well as applied theatre experiences.