College of Visual and Performing Arts: Department of Theatre & Dance - Theatre

theatre students performing

"All the world's a stage"

— William Shakespeare

You are a collaborator. You dream of standing in the spotlight or working behind the scenes to make the show happen. Learn about the latest techniques and hone your skills in courses like script analysis, stage make-up, directing, and stage management. Through class instruction, private coaching, mentoring, and performance, the Department of Theatre and Dance helps to develop students’ skills in order to succeed after graduation. The department advocates both theoretical and creative exploration to achieve an understanding of the social, political, historical, and technological aspects of theatre or dance. Winthrop theatre graduates are prepared to pursue careers with resident theatre companies, national touring groups, theme parks, local arts councils, and schools. Theatre alumni also pursue graduate degrees at prestigious institutions throughout the U.S.

About the Program

theatre students performing

Nationally accredited

Intensive professional training is provided to ensure the development of highly motivated, self-disciplined graduates. Students can be assured their Winthrop degree meets the rigorous professional standards of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), of which the university is an institutional accredited member.

Degrees

•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in theatre with concentrations in performance, design/ technical theatre, musical theatre, or k-12 teacher certification

UPCOMING EVENTS

Come see us at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Baltimore, MD March 19-25, 2025!

The department presents four main stage productions (three in theatre, one in dance), two student choreography showcases, and as many as 6 studio dance/theatre productions and other informal performances each year!

View This Season's Productions!

May 08 - August 24

Flirting with Association, Sculpture Exhibition

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the theatre program is to foster individual students' aesthetic, intellectual, and creative development within the context of a liberal arts education as they pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree.

Theatre Program Goals

To provide a developmentally sequenced curriculum of studio and theory courses that exposes students to a breadth of skills, knowledge, and critical thinking about the creative processes of theatre and the nature of the theatrical event.
To develop basic knowledge of the major authors, periods, movements, ideas, and trends in drama and theatre.
To nurture artistic leadership and understanding of production processes through opportunities to perform, direct, teach, design, and stage manage.
To promote collaborative experiences that develop students' communication skills, appreciation of diversity, and flexibility in all artistic and interdisciplinary endeavors.
To develop advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations (performance, design/technical, K-12 certification).

Explore Concentrations

Musical Theatre

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Musical Theatre

Explore More

Theatre Design/ Tech

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Theatre Design/ Tech

Explore More

Theatre Education

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Theatre Education (K-12 Certification)

Explore More

Theatre Performance

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Theatre Performance

Explore More

Where will you PERFORM?

From the classroom to the mainstage, we have what you need to excel and expand your skills.

PIPPIN

HELPFUL LINKS

BOX OFFICE- TICKETS SCHOLARSHIPS & AUDITIONS NEWS & EVENTS STUDENT RESOURCES SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVE DEGREE CHECKLISTS PROGRAM COMPENTENCIES STUDENT HANDBOOK FACULTY RESOURCES DEPARTMENT POLICIES SEASON PRODUCTIONS PRODUCTION PROPOSAL FORM

PAST PERFORMANCES

Meet our Team

Meet the people who are shaping the next generation of performers.

THEATRE & DANCE FACULTY AND STAFF

Daniel Gordon, Chair

The Department of Theatre & Dance

Office: 115 Johnson Hall
Phone: 803/323-2287
E-mail: theatredance@winthrop.edu

Stay Connected.

Planning to visit campus?

For the safety of our community, all motor vehicles parked on the campus or any property owned by Winthrop University, must be registered with the Winthrop University Police Department and be issued either a Regular parking permit, a Temporary parking permit, or a Visitor’s parking permit. Temporary or Visitor parking permits can be obtained online either before or upon arriving on campus.

Like What You See?

Are you ready to join the ArtsWinthrop family of creatives? We can't wait to meet you!

Schedule a Tour Apply Today Learn More