Welcome to the Department of Theatre and Dance

CHAIR: Dr. Victoria V. Hutchinson

Who Are We?

The Department of Theatre and Dance (THDA) believes that theatre and dance, being reflections of the human spirit, are rewarding and compelling performing art endeavors. Our dedicated students strive for excellence from the classroom to the studio and stage. Our award-winning faculty are active and recognized for their artistic and scholarly achievements; they serve to inspire and challenge each student's artistic and intellectual potential.

The Bachelor of Arts in theatre offers tracks in design/technical production, general, musical theatre, and performance. The theatre major is anchored in the classical tradition and addresses pre-professional training through aesthetic education and criticism, creative expressions, and historical and socio-cultural contexts. Minors in dance and theatre are also available.

What Sets Us Apart?

We present the endowed Bobbi Biron Theatre Program and the "gem-like" model Dance Program as integral parts of a broad-based liberal education. This means that our performing arts students will also graduate as scholars, writers, and researchers.

The environment our students thrive in engages them in challenging and meaningful study. Maintaining an optimum class size is important in a growing undergraduate department of 70 majors and minors; each student is a familiar face and receives individual attention in the classroom, rehearsal or advising setting.

A high priority is placed on the study of theatre and dance as a means of communication, cultural expression and creativity. The rigorous mix of theoretical and applied academics is balanced by design and performance experiences along with required participation in all aspects of production. This  combination develops skills, knowledge, and a professional work ethic that prepares students to enter professional and related fields, pursue graduate study, and participate as discerning educated consumers and supporters of the arts.

Our theatre and dance season runs parallel to the academic year and provides performance opportunities for theatre majors, non-major students, and the regional community.  Three main stage productions each in theatre and dance are mounted annually—and a musical every other year in close collaboration with the Department of Music and the Salisbury Symphony Orchestra. The SU Dance Company, a repertory ensemble that focuses on dance as art, is regarded as "a consistently quality organization . . . one of the more innovative of local arts ensembles in terms of its repertoire and its use of guest artists in residence." The student theatre club is Sophanes.

What Do Our Alumni Say?

"My experience in the Bobbi Biron Theatre Program gave me a wealth of production and design experience. This helped me to build a portfolio and gain a larger view of the theatrical process."

"I always tell people of the dance faculty's lasting impact in helping me to find the confidence I needed to succeed at being me in life. They were an amazing positive force and I am eternally grateful."