The theater and dance programs at Ursinus prepare students for a life in which intellectual thinking, aesthetic awareness, communication, and collaboration are integral components. The study of theater and dance within the context of a liberal arts education demonstrates how rigorous intellectual and artistic inquiries are inextricably linked.

The Theater and Dance Department offers coursework in acting, dancing, choreography, directing, dramatic literature, history and theory of performance, theatrical design, and production. Our objectives are: 1) to offer historical, critical, and practical training in the performing arts; 2) to develop in students an awareness that the performing arts are vital forms of cultural expression that reflect their socio-political contexts; 3) to provide students with a deep understanding of the balance between awareness, thought, imagination, and creative expression; 4) to engage students in the creative process as a unique means to develop their self-knowledge as citizens, individuals, and passionate artists who can inspire and transform audiences; and finally, 5) to prepare students for graduate study or a career in the performing arts, or to apply their knowledge and experience to other fields of endeavor.

Dance

Dance as an artistic language utilizes choreography as text, and offers unique opportunities to express and comment upon the human condition. The courses in dance are designed to give students an in-depth and embodied understanding of the art of dance and choreography, the field of dance scholarship, the science of mind/body integration, the craft of performance and the project management skills necessary to produce creative work. In addition to rigorous movement training, the dance major demands the critical thinking, creative imagination, interpersonal communication skills and organizational skills that are central to a liberal arts education.

Requirements for Majors

A major in Dance consists of 42-46 credits in dance theory and practice. 

Requirements:

• One credit of TD-001–008
• One credit of DANC-001–008
• DANC-100 and TD-150 
• DANC-210, 240, and 310
• DANC-300W and 340 
• Six credits of dance technique courses of three different genres. (DANC-200, 214, 216, 220, 225, 230, 235, 244, or 250)
• Four elective credits of course work at the 300- or higher level within the dance curriculum.
• Four additional elective credits. These may be fulfilled through additional technique courses, Dance Repertory, special topics, directed studies, or approved courses outside the department.
• One Capstone course (TD-400; DANC-462, or 491–492)

Dance majors can complete the ‘W’ requirement in DANC-300W and the oral and capstone requirements in either TD-400 or DANC 491-492.

Requirements for Minors

A minor concentration in dance consists of 20 credits. Requirements:

• At least 2 semesters of DANC-001–008 or TD-001–008
• DANC-100 and TD-150
• DANC-210
• Four credits of dance technique courses of two different genres. (DANC-200, 214, 216, 220, 225, 230, 235, 244 or 250)
• Four elective credits of course work at the 300- or higher level within the dance curriculum.
• Two additional elective credits within the dance curriculum.

Theater

Theater is a powerful form of experiential learning that allows students to grow as individuals, critical thinkers, and artists. Interdisciplinary by nature, theater also compels students to learn about society and the role of theater artists therein. Theater classes and rehearsals are spaces of creative and critical thinking where students undertake deep exploration of the imagination through performance and design. Courses are also contexts for studying dramatic literature and theater history concurrent with contemporary developments in theater and performance.

Requirements for Majors

A major in Theater consists of 42-46 semester hours of credit. Requirements:

• THEA-100
• TD-150
• At least one acting/directing course: THEA-250, 260, 261, or 370
• At least one design/technology course: TD/ART-130, TD/ART-231, TD/ART-232, TD/ART/MUS-233, TD-240
• THEA-300W and 301W
• One capstone course (THEA-400, TD-400, or THEA-491 and 492)
• One credit of TD-001–008
• At least three additional credits of THEA-001–008 or TD-001–008
• At least twelve additional THEA or TD credits. Up to six credits from Directed Studies/Research (THEA- 361, 362, 461, and 462) and/or up to four credits of any combination of THEA-275, THEA-001–008, and/or TD-001–008 (beyond the required four credits) may be used towards this requirement.
• Theater majors can complete the ‘W’ requirement in THEA-300W and 301W and complete the oral and capstone requirements in THEA-400, TD-400, or THEA-491–492.

For fulfillment of the Experiential Learning Project (XLP) core curriculum requirement, the department encourages students to study abroad in an approved theater program, to complete an off-campus theater internship or an Ursinus Summer Fellowship, to work in an approved theater program/production, or complete THEA-275 concurrently with THEA-001-008 or TD-001-008.

Up to eight credits of relevant courses in disciplines such as dance, art, music, English, and modern languages may be included in the major with approval by theater faculty.

Requirements for Minors

A minor concentration in Theater consists of 20 semester hours of credit. Requirements:

• THEA-100
• TD-150
• At least two credits of THEA-001-008 or TD-001-008
• Twelve additional THEA or TD credits (at least one of which is at the 300 or 400 level).