Department of Theatre and DanceAcademics

About the Department

We Create Creators

When you join the Gustavus Department of Theatre and Dance, the spotlight's on you. You'll put your rigorous coursework and diligent practice on display in live productions throughout the academic year with the help of a group of knowledgeable faculty and enthusiastic peers. Gustavus Theatre & Dance is where imagination dances with personal transformation and creative excellence acts with a social conscience.

The Department's mission emphasizes the value of performance as a vital means of working for social justice and transformative personal development. You'll explore new ideas and experiment with techniques in our innovative courses, where we seek to understand not only how, but also why we must make art, who we are, and what we mean to say. Students process these questions through multiple opportunities to perform, design, write, craft, build, choreograph, collaborate, direct, and devise in faculty productions and student-led projects.

You will complete your time at Gustavus prepared for graduate study and professional work in the fields of theatre and dance. Your degree also provides you with experience and confidence in collaboration, creative imagination, self-expression, problem-solving, critical analysis, and empathy—abilities crucial to every professional pursuit and every walk of life.

Learn More About the Theatre and Dance Department

Opportunities in Theatre and Dance

Play Your Part

There are many ways to participate in the Department of Theatre and Dance. From main stage productions to student-directed and student-choreographed shows, you can claim the spotlight or manage the production backstage. From the costume shop, control booth, or stage, you will build a strong community with the student-actors, tech and crew, and directors. There are opportunities for internships, studying abroad, scholarships for financial support, and guidance on launching your career in theatre and dance or any related profession.

Learn more about the Opportunities in Theatre and Dance

• Acting — There is a diverse range of productions, including mainstage shows, student shows, and social justice theatre. Gain valuable hands-on experiences and chances to explore various theatrical styles, genres, and themes
• Dance — Through numerous class offerings and multiple dance companies, you'll grow as a dancer, gain performance experience, and collaborate with fellow dancers and choreographers
• Design and Technology — Deepen your skills and understanding of the production process by working in scenery, costumes, lighting, or sound as a designer, carpenter, electrician, stitcher, stage manager, or backstage crew member
• Scholarships — The Evelyn Anderson Theatre and Dance Scholarship rewards students who have demonstrated accomplishment and show potential for further growth
• Internships and Study Away — Participating in internships and study-away programs provides valuable real-world experience and exposure to different cultural perspectives
• Career Paths — A degree and involvement in Theatre and Dance opens up a variety of career paths. While many graduates pursue careers in the performing arts and complementary fields, many go into other areas that require creativity, collaboration, and communication skills
• Performance and Learning Facilities — Discover advanced learning and performance spaces, including multiple performing spaces, well-equipped dance studios, and scenery/costume shops