The department offers several programs leading to a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree in dance or in 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 new Dance MFA is working toward accreditation through NASD.
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
- Matthew Davis
- Dr. Misha Hadar
- Dr. Luvada Harrison
- Dr. Fenella Kennedy
- Lyndell T. McDonald
- Alvon Reed
- Matthew Reynolds
- Soledad Sanchez
- Matthew Stratton
Clinical assistant professors
- Clara Jean Kelly
- Tiffany Yeager
Instructors
- Henry Lewers
- Aidan Nettles
- Jamorris Rivers
Graduate Program Directors
- Dance - Sarah M. Barry
- Theatre - F. Randy deCelle
Staff
- Cindy Franks
- William Gantt
- Todd Roberts
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
This course will prepare students for practical application of technique and the creative process required for dance performance at the graduate level.
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.
This course is designed for graduate dance students to analyze the principles, methods, philosophy, materials, and practice of teaching in colleges and universities.
This course explores dance science and somatics. Includes investigation of techniques for training dancers in order to minimize risk of injury and maximize potential.
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.
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.
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.
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.