- The Learning Environment
The Learning Environment
The Department of Theatre & Dance offers a comprehensive catalog of courses including seminar-based instruction, studio training and hands-on mentoring through experiential learning opportunities. All modes seek to integrate theoretical and practical instruction. Seminar and lecture courses, ranging from 20 to 100 seats, engage students in discussion on historical trends, contemporary practice, philosophical and aesthetic principles, criticism and analysis, and technical skills. Studio courses apply theory to technique in small, practice-based classes ranging from 16 to 28. Coursework often includes attendance at live performances as well participation in live production, and contributes to the development of professional portfolios, performance reels, and academic resumes. Practicums, tutorials, and independent studies supplement classwork with focused, in-depth exploration of the discipline through close mentorship with faculty and guest artists.
About Our Facilities
UB's Department of Theatre & Dance boasts an array of resources for both instruction and practical preparation for productions, including performance and classroom space in the Center for the Arts on UB's North Campus. Within the CFA students directly benefit from the use of:
- The Drama Theatre: a 388-seat theatre
- The Black Box Theatre: a flexible space with seating of 100-120
- Rehearsal Workshop: a mirror image of the Black Box Theater, equipped for acting and dance classes, as well as rehearsals
- Dance Studios: 4 spacious studios with full-length mirrors, Marley floors, and specially designed sound systems
- Scene Shop
- Costume Shop
Students also utilize:
- Katharine Cornell Theatre: a unique performance space that functions as a rehearsal room, acting classroom, and performance venue
- Alumni Arena: includes the Design Suite with drafting studio, lighting lab and 10-seat computer lab; an acting classroom and rehearsal space; dance studio; a seminar room; and departmental offices
About Our Faculty
Our eight full time dance faculty and three adjunct faculty are intensely involved in a wide range of dance and theatre-related activities on and off campus, including:
- American College Dance Festival Association
- American Dance Guild
- Dance Masters of America
- Dance Studies Association
- Chicago National Association of Dance Masters
- Dance Teachers' Club of Boston
- Dance StudioLife Magazine and Conferences
- Dance Kinesiology Teachers' Group
- International Association of Dance Medicine and Science
- National Dance Education Organization/NYSDEA
- Master classes and workshops across the country and abroad
The UB Center for the Arts is the home of the National Dance Masters of America Teachers' Training School (TTS) and Student Honors Intensive Program (SHIP), and has the distinct honor of having hosted the Jazz Dance World Congress for an unprecedented three years: 1999, 2000 and 2003.
Faculty List Directory
Please visit the Dance department website for additional information about our faculty.