THEATER AND DANCE
WHAT IS THEATER AND DANCE?
Theater and dance are two of the performing arts, and as such, are often linked in the same college or university department. Theater is the study of the literature, history, and production of live theatrical performances, while dance concentrates on the study of artistic human movement, dance criticism, choreography, and performance.
WHAT COURSES DO YOU NEED TO TAKE?
Depending on where you get your degree, you will have the chance to choose between a bachelor of arts (B.A.) degree or bachelor of fine arts (B.F.A.) degree. A B.A. program will give you a solid foundation in the liberal arts and sciences along with your theater or dance major, while a B.F.A. program will focus more intensely on your artistic training. In these fields, you will also get plenty of hands-on experience working on student productions or doing internships. Here are some classes you might encounter as a theater or dance major:
- Acting
- Choreography
- Dance
- Dance History
- Dance Criticism
- Directing
- Lighting Design
- Performance Theory
- Playwriting
- Scene Design
- Stage Management
- Theater History
- World Theater
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A THEATER OR DANCE MAJOR?
A study of the performing arts provides a wonderful foundation for developing analytical skills, writing skills, and the ability to speak and perform in public. People who major in theater and dance go on to careers as actors, playwrights, screenwriters, directors, production designers, and critics. Others take their artistic training into human resources and public relations jobs in corporations, become arts administrators or grant writers, teach theater and dance to youngsters and adults, or even design retail merchandising environments.