Department of Theatre and Dance

The department offers several programs leading to a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in dance or theatre with numerous concentrations. The purpose of the MFA degree, a terminal degree in the profession, is to train students to work professionally or in academia as performers, choreographers, directors, educators, arts administrators, technicians, and designers. The Department of Theatre and Dance follows the program and policy guidelines of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). The Theatre MFA is fully accredited by NAST and the Dance MFA is accredited by NASD.

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Programs

Faculty

Chair
  • Dominic M. Yeager
Associate Chair of Dance
  • Sarah M. Barry
Associate Chair of Theatre
  • F. Randy deCelle
Professors
  • Stacy Alley
  • Sarah M. Barry
  • Allison Hetzel
  • Donna Meester
  • Seth Panitch
  • Rita Snyder
Associate professors
  • F. Randy deCelle
  • Qianping Guo
  • Dr. William A. Martin
  • Rebecca Salzer
  • Kelley Schoger
  • Dominic M. Yeager
Assistant professors
  • Lindsay Benton
  • Matthew Davis
  • Dr. Misha Hadar
  • Dr. Luvada Harrison
  • Dr. Fenella Kennedy
  • Lyndell T. McDonald
  • Matthew Reynolds
  • JaMorris Rivers
  • Soledad Sanchez
  • Matthew Stratton
Clinical assistant professors
  • Clara Jean Kelly
  • Henry Lewers
  • Aidan Nettles
  • Tiffany Yeager
Instructors
  • Bryant Henderson-Shea
  • Rebecca Kling
  • Asterilla Monteiro
  • Rhea Speights
Graduate Program Directors
  • Dance - Sarah M. Barry
  • Theatre - F. Randy deCelle
Staff
  • David Cordell
  • Cindy Franks
  • William Gantt
  • Paul Oliver
  • Todd Roberts
  • Selena Wiseman
Professors emeriti
  • Dr. Steven D. Burch
  • Cornelius Carter
  • William Teague
  • Dr. Edmond Williams

Courses

Prerequisites for 500- and 600-level courses: Graduate standing and permission of the instructor

DN
500
Hours
1-3
Performance Practicum I-A

This course will prepare students for practical application of technique and the creative process required for dance performance at the graduate level.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Dance (MFA) or Instructor consent.
DN
501
Hours
1-3
Performance Practicum I-B

This course will continue to prepare students for the practical application of technique and the creative process required for dance performance at the graduate level.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Dance (MFA) or Instructor consent.
DNCA
503
Hours
3
Graduate Teaching Methods

This course is designed for graduate dance students to analyze the principles, methods, philosophy, materials, and practice of teaching in colleges and universities.

Prerequisite(s): Dance MFA student or permission of the instructor
DNCA
565
Hours
3
Science of Dance Training

This course explores dance science and somatics. Includes investigation of techniques for training dancers in order to minimize risk of injury and maximize potential.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing in Dance or permission of instructor
TH
515
Hours
3
Properties Construction

A studio course which allows exploration into woodworking, metal working/welding, foam sculpting, casting, upholstery, Photoshop and any other process required to create stage props. Lab fee, $25.00.

TH
516
Hours
3
Rigging Fundamentals for Theatre

This course covers the theories and analysis of rigging systems, their design and engineering as well as practical implementation and operation. This course is intended for the student that already has been exposed to standard theatrical production concepts and methodologies. Furthermore, a large portion of the subject matter of the class deals in scientific theory and computations so competency in basic mathematics, algebra, and basic physics are essential.

THMT
574
Hours
1
Musical Theatre Voice (Graduate)

Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
THMT
674
Hours
1
Musical Theatre Voice (Graduate)

Private Instruction. This class is designed to work on vocal technique, including but not limited to, breathing, resonance, coordination of vocal registers, and musical theatre repertoire.

Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.

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