- 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
- Craft Studio
- 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
In Theatre & Dance you will study with active practitioners and internationally recognized scholars who are dedicated to the development of the next generation of theatre and dance artists, teachers, and supporters. UB’s Theatre & Dance Faculty are members of professional networks including Actor’s Equity Association, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, American Society for Theatre Research, Dance Masters of America, International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, National Dance Education Organization, Stage Actors Guild, and United Scenic Artists. They have extensive professional experience in directing, designing, dramaturgy, and performance on and off Broadway, on regional stages, in major dance festivals, in documentaries, and in film and television work. Twenty-five full time faculty members along with adjuncts from the professional community, production staff, and Teaching Assistants from our graduate programs in support our undergraduate programs.
Faculty List Directory
Please visit the Theatre department website for additional information about our faculty.
Department of Theatre and Dance
285 Alumni ArenaNorth Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-5030
Anne H. Burnidge
Chair, Department of Theater/Dance
Lindsay Hunter, PhD
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Nathan R. Matthews
Director of Theatre BFA, Music Theatre Concentration
Veronica Sedota
Assistant to the Chair
Melissa Berg
Academic Manager
Associated Programs
MTR Courses
- MTR 118LEC Musicianship for Music Theater Lecture
Musicianship for Music Theatre gives music theater students the tools to read and learn songs, by introducing them to basic aural and keyboard skills and the fundamentals of harmonic relationships. Monday classes will generally focus on aural and sight singing skills, and Wednesday classes will focus on applied keyboard and song analysis. Students will be led to accomplish these goals through in-class work and practice sessions, outside practice, aural and written presentations, and class discussions.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
- MTR 198SEM UB Seminar Seminar
The one credit UB Seminar is focused on a big idea or challenging issue to engage students with questions of significance in a field of study and, ultimately, to connect their studies with issues of consequence in the wider world. Essential to the UB Curriculum, the Seminar helps transition to UB through an early connection to UB faculty and the undergraduate experience at a comprehensive, research university. This course is equivalent to any 198 offered in any subject. This course is a controlled enrollment (impacted) course. Students who have previously attempted the course and received a grade of F or R may not be able to repeat the course during the fall or spring semester.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Other Requisites: Students who have already successfully completed the UB seminar course may not repeat this course. If you have any questions regarding enrollment for this course, please contact your academic advisor.
- MTR 199SEM UB Seminar Seminar
The three credit UB Seminar is focused on a big idea or challenging issue to engage students with questions of significance in a field of study and, ultimately, to connect their studies with issues of consequence in the wider world. Essential to the UB Curriculum, the Seminar helps students with common learning outcomes focused on fundamental expectations for critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and oral communication, and learning at a university, all within topic focused subject matter. The Seminars provide students with an early connection to UB faculty and the undergraduate experience at a comprehensive, research university. This course is equivalent to any 199 offered in any subject. This course is a controlled enrollment (impacted) course. Students who have previously attempted the course and received a grade of F or R may not be able to repeat the course during the fall or spring semester.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Other Requisites: Students who have already successfully completed the first year seminar course may not repeat this course. If you have any questions regarding enrollment for this course, please contact your academic advisor.
- MTR 210SEM Musical Theatre Repertory 1 Seminar
Introduces the student to music theatre song literature from 1959/1960 to the present with concurrent exploration and development of the skills needed to create a music theatre song performance.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Varies
- MTR 220SEM Musical Theatre Dance I Seminar
Basic music theatre dance from the late nineteenth century to the present. Classwork coordinates dance styles with shows from each period.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall
- MTR 250SEM Special Topics in Music Theatre Seminar
Specialized aspects of the musical theatre. Usually includes literary and/or historical content in addition to practical technique work. Content varies from semester to semester.
Credits: 1 - 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- MTR 302LEC Musical Theatre History Lecture
Explores the development of music theatre forms. Includes the contributions of composers, lyricists, and librettists, as well as cast members, directors, choreographers, and designers; and employs audio and video materials.
- MTR 305SEM Music Theatre Workshop Seminar
Develops audition and performance techniques. Includes vocal coaching, resume writing, musical theatre scene study, and mock auditions. Uses videotape for critical analysis of student progress.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: MTR 210 and Music Theatre BFA.
- MTR 320SEM Musical Theatre Dance II Seminar
History of American show dance emphasizing style and practical application of knowledge. Continuation of MTR 220 concentrating on technical expertise as well as historical knowledge.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Spring
- MTR 350SEM Special Topics in Music Theatre Seminar
Specialized aspects of the musical theatre. Usually includes literary and/or historical content in addition to practical technique work. Content varies from semester to semester.
Credits: 1 - 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Music Theatre majors or permission of instructor
- MTR 405SEM Gemms Musical Theatre Company Seminar
Professional performance experience in musical theatre production; working through the process from rehearsals to a staged production.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Audition or permission of instructor
- MTR 410SEM Musical Theatre Repertoire 2 Seminar
Introduces the student to music theatre song literature from 1866 to 1959 and continues to build on music theatre song performance skills begun in MTR 210.
Credits: 3
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: MTR 210, Music Theatre majors, or permission of instructor.
- MTR 420SEM Musical Theatre Scene Study Seminar
Develops scene analysis, script preparation, and rehearsal techniques specifically geared toward music theatre performance. Explores texts from the classical and contemporary repertory. Emphasizes the integration of singing and acting techniques in performance.
- MTR 450SEM Special Topics in Music Theatre Seminar
Focuses on a specialized aspect of the musical theatre. Usually includes literary and/or historical content in addition to practical technique work. Content varies from semester to semester.
Credits: 1 - 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
- MTR 460SEM Applied Voice for Music Theatre Seminar
Proper technique of vocal production. Gives particular attention to the utilization of healthy technique in performing musical theatre material.
Credits: 1
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
- MTR 496TUT Internship Music Theatre Tutorial
An internship position with a professional company or educational institution. Focuses on actual "field" experience to enhance the student's preparation for a professional career in musical theatre.
Credits: 2 - 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor
- MTR 499TUT Independent Study Tutorial
Substantial independent research or applied project under the supervision of a faculty member
Credits: 1 - 4
Grading: Graded (GRD)
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring