Why should I major in Theatre Arts or Dance at SUU?
We offer a personalized learning environment with ample opportunities for undergraduate students to perform, create, design, direct, choreograph and grow. Two theatre majors have received the Kennedy Center Outstanding Student Director for Region 8. For the past two years (spring ’04, spring ’05) choreography created by SUU dance majors have been selected as one of ten pieces performed in the Gala Concert at the Southwest Regional American College Dance Festival. Both of these honors are significant for undergraduate students.
Our faculty, and staff are all working professionals in their area of expertise and come from across the country. In a National accreditation review of the department, the evaluator identified the following strength: Talented, positive and hard-working faculty and staff who are diverse demographically and in terms of training, and who provide meaningful, individualized mentoring for the students.
The department regularly contracts professional guest artists as teachers, directors, designers, and choreographers to provide our students with a diverse learning experience. Recent residencies have included: Risa Steinberg, Sara Hook, Alberto Del Saz, James Kelly, Chien-Ying Wang, Charlotte Boye-Christensen, Joe Alegado, Peter Sham, Karen Wegener, and other professionals working for the Utah Shakespearean Festival.
We are committed to superior teaching with a rich diversity of theatrical disciplines and dance techniques. We foster academic excellence through the development of programs that meet national standards.
What degrees are offered through the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance?
- Please refer to our academic page
What kind of training will I receive as a Theatre Arts or Dance major?
We offer Bachelor Arts or Science programs that embrace national standards in the studio, classroom, and the production laboratory. The department is committed to maintaining a diverse team of faculty, staff, and professional artists from all over the country, who are practicing professionals in their field of study. Our programs have been described as rigorous, ambitious, balanced, competitive, and inspirational. Faculty pride themselves on personalized mentoring and superior teaching. Our alumni share a rich history and bring honor to themselves and the department. Visit our course offerings in the catalog to view a list of classes.
Does the department have a Musical Theatre Program?
The department is currently developing a proposal for a new Musical Theatre Program supported by our strong curricular offerings within the Music and Dance programs.
What kinds of creative opportunities will I have as a major?
You will design, create, and perform. The department annually produces four main stage theatre productions, two main stage dance productions (one choreographed by faculty and professional guest artists and the second choreographed entirely by students and mentored by faculty), four-six student produced productions and two senior directing projects in addition to a variety of creative opportunities and Black Box theatre and dance events through our talented student organizations. The department actively participates in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, United States Institute for Theatre Technology, University/Resident Theatre Association, and the American College Dance Festival. Check out our calendar for production and audition information.
What kinds of employment opportunities are available to me as a Theatre Arts or Dance Major?
Our Theatre Arts graduates are employed in prestigious national programs and organizations such as the Yale School of Drama, Juilliard, the Arizona Theatre Company, Cirque du Soleil, Utah Shakespearean Festival, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Broadway Touring Companies and the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.
Our Dance graduates have been accepted in prestigious MFA graduate programs across the nation and have experienced a diversity of employment opportunities. For example, a 2004 graduate was hired by STREB, working with the innovative choreographer Elizabeth Streb. A 2003 graduate is a company member with Freespace in Montclair, New Jersey and was recently cast as a dancer in the film The Producers. A 2002 graduate was employed by the Utah Shakespearean Festival as a mainstage choreographer. A 2002 graduate is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Dance Therapy.
Both Theatre Arts and Dance Education graduates are teaching in school districts throughout the state and region and as far away as New York.
Can I become licensed to teach Theatre Arts or Dance in the public school system?
Yes. The Department offers Secondary Teaching Licensure in both Theatre Arts and Dance. SUU’s College of Education enrolls more than 1,500 students and has been nationally recognized by the most prestigious education accreditation agency in the country, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Working collaboratively with SUU’s accredited College of Education; the Department has trained and placed strong passionate teachers in the public school system across the nation.
How do the Department and the Utah Shakespearean Festival work together?
Student’s training is enhanced by the support of the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean Festival. Performance and apprenticeships with the festival give students the unusual and invaluableopportunity to study with accomplished guest artists and teachers from around the globe. In addition, many of the faculty and staff work as performers, designers and technicians for the festival as well.
How do I apply for a Theatre Arts Departmental Scholarship?
The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance holds Scholarship Auditions in the spring of every year. Students may audition for scholarships in the areas of dance, acting, directing, education, management, technical and design. Students must be accepted to Southern Utah University and be registered as a full time Theatre Arts or Dance Major to receive a departmental scholarship. For more information, visit Theatre Arts and Dance Scholarships page.
How do I become a Major?
If you are interested in becoming a theatre major, you must first apply to Southern Utah University and second, register as a major with the Department of Theatre Arts & Dance. Dance majors must complete a placement audition. Applications for admission to SUU are available from the Admissions Office. Highly motivated students may double major in two different disciplines. Please contact Dr. Daniel Frezza, the Academic Advisor for the College of Performing & Visual Arts to register as a major.
Note: This site is accessible to any browser, although, it will look much better in a browser that supports web standards.
To view this page properly, please upgrade your browser. We recommend:
Mozilla Firefox (PC/Mac/Linux download)
Opera (PC/Mac/Linux/Solaris download)
Safari (Mac download)