Theatre & Dance

The Department of Theatre & Dance educates students in all aspects of the contemporary practice of theatre and dance. Our programs offer a path to intellectual and artistic growth and development by providing a broad-based, rigorous, and innovative education in theatre and dance. We offer a diverse selection of productions each year in our annual 6 show main stage season and regularly highlight new or devised work created in collaboration with world-class professional artists. Undergraduate students from other majors may also participate in our interdisciplinary activities by choosing to minor in theatre or dance. Entrance into the Bachelor of Arts programs requires an audition.

A Bachelor of Arts in Theatre consists of 22.5 core credits in our major, 16.5 credits in a selected concentration (Acting, Musical Theatre, Pre-Teaching, Design/Technical), 42 related general education and non-program elective credits, and 39 credits of free electives that can be used to take advanced, specialized seminar and performance classes in the major, or in the pursuit of a double major or non-program minor. This flexible, dynamic, movement-driven program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

A full range of theatre and dance production opportunities complements coursework and allows students to develop performance and production skills by creating live theatre. All students may participate in the department’s annual faculty directed main stage and/or student productions. These projects provide students with practical experience as performers, directors, designers and technicians, and enhances skills learned in the classroom.

The Bachelor of Arts in Dance consists of 40.5 credits in the major, 42 related general education and non-program elective credits, and 37.5 credits of free electives that can be used to take advanced, specialized technique and performance classes in the major, or in the pursuit of a double major or non-program minor. The Bachelor of Arts in Dance is a performance degree that integrates the study of dance within a liberal arts curriculum. Dance majors move, think, and create. The BA in Dance provides multiple opportunities for students to develop technical and creative skills and express themselves as diverse and informed artists. Our theoretical and practical approaches to the study of dance stimulate physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual growth while preparing students for professional careers (in dance). Dance majors at Rowan University are immersed in a cross-disciplinary program that requires creating and collaborating with dancers, designers, artists, musicians, and the University community at large, embracing all aspects of the Liberal Arts experience.

The Department of Theatre & Dance is currently housed in Wilson Hall, and Bunce Hall. Bunce Hall contains the historic 375-seat Tohill Theatre, a well-equipped costume and scene shop, prop and costume storage, a computer-equipped design studio, and acting studios. Wilson Hall houses our two new dance studios and Wilson Hall contains a 900-seat proscenium theatre, smart classrooms, faculty offices, and an acting studio.

Admission to the department requires an on-campus interview and audition or portfolio review. Students applying for the Bachelor of Arts in Dance must take a master class and be interviewed by faculty. Students auditioning for the Acting Concentration and Pre-Teaching Concentration must present two contrasting one-minute monologues. Students auditioning for the Musical Theatre Concentration must present 16 bars from two contrasting musicals and a monologue. Students seeking admission to the Design/Technical Concentration will present a portfolio or complete an interview demonstrating their experience and ability. For specific information on the interview or audition requirements, visit www.rowan.edu/theatredance, or call or email the Department of Theatre & Dance. In order to gain the maximum benefit from the academic flexibility of these degree options, students must arrange for regular and careful academic advisement.

The Minor in Theatre consists of 19 semester hours of study: 10 semester hours of required courses, plus 9 hours of electives. It provides students study in the practical and scholarly aspects of theatrical art. Students in any program are eligible for the Minor in Theatre but must take and pass the Rowan general education course, Experiencing Acting, and obtain a letter of approval from the instructor to declare the Minor in Theatre.

The Minor in Dance provides a flexible program of study that combines technique with theory courses. The minor consists of 18-24 hours of study: the core course, Elements of Dance, plus 6-12 hours of technique and 6-12 hours of theory.

The Theatre Design Minor provides non-majors with sufficient coursework to obtain positions as a set, lighting designer and/or general theatrical technician.

The Master of Science in Teaching Theatre is a program in the College of Education that offers P-12 teaching certification in Theatre Arts and can be taken as a fifth-year option.

The Master of Arts in Arts Administration is an intensive online program taught by working professionals in the field that provides students the administrative, business and marketing skills needed to start their own company or secure positions in regional and national arts organizations.

Paule Turner
Department Chair
209 Wilson Hall
856.256.4034
turnerp@rowan.edu