Theatre Minor - Academic Experience

In addition to the comprehensive coursework and experiential learning opportunities provided by the Department of Theatre & Dance, students benefit from numerous extended learning and professionalization opportunities throughout the year. Professional guest artists are brought in regularly to teach workshops, direct and design and productions, and lead seminars on topics relevant to the field. Through these guest artists, UB students have been part of several world premiere productions. Our Alumni Lecture Series brings in UB graduates to provide networking opportunities for current students. Through generous alumni funding, students are able to produce fully funded student productions each year under the mentorship of Theatre & Dance faculty. Students are also able to work alongside professional artists and technicians at the Center for the Arts, and gain experience in a large presenting venue.

Performance and production are essential to the Theatre & Dance curriculum, providing over 500 hands-on learning experiences for students each year. Our students prepare for professional careers through various research and creative activities both on and off campus at nationally recognized theatres and organizations. The department produces 8 shows annually including: 2 musicals, 2 theatrical productions, and 4 dance concerts. Students can begin performing as early as their second-semester freshman year, and Design & Technology students can begin working on productions their first semester at UB. Course credit is available for approved production and performance work in off-campus, professional productions. The Department has longstanding relationships with several professional theatres in Buffalo, where our students obtain internships in production, management, and marketing, as well regularly perform.

The Department of Theatre & Dance offers an immersive study abroad experience in London during the winter session. Over the course of three weeks, students are led on a guided discovery of London’s artistic and cultural world. Instruction takes place on site at some of the world’s most fascinating historic, cultural, and performing arts venues, as well as while attending an extensive line up of performances across a wide range of mediums, genres, and styles. Students also take on an independent artistic and cultural research project while in London, which provides them with the opportunity to conduct field research on a topic of their choice. Applications are welcome from undergraduate students enrolled at any accredited US college or institution who is in good academic standing with a minimum overall GPA of 2.500.

Dancers Workshop, a student-run organization, also generates a production annually. Workshop advisors are members of the faculty. The Guild, a student theatre and dance organization, develops and supports student-directed workshop productions.

From the Wings is a student organization that offers non-credit performance opportunities for music theatre majors and others in the department with an interest in musical theatre performance. Music Theatre faculty serve as advisors and mentors for this group.

Paid technical assistant positions are available with the CFA Production Department.

See the UB Student Association webpage.

• College of Arts and Sciences Dean's Departmental Award
• College of Arts and Sciences Outstanding Senior Award
• Departmental Honors
• The Perry Watkins scholarship is available to African American freshman students majoring in design/technology. Talent-based scholarships are also available to all students. Auditions, portfolios, and a personal interview are required for all scholarship students.