Theatre and Dance

Theatre

At Pacific, opportunities in the performing arts are available to all students, regardless of major. Whether you are interested in a career in the professional theatre, in teaching, or in combining theatre or dance with other fields of study, our courses and productions provide a well-rounded foundation. Each year our thoughtfully chosen, professionally directed Theatre & Dance season offers challenging, uplifting performances to the campus.

Through theatrical production, guest residencies, and academic study, the Pacific Department of Theatre & Dance strives to provide students with:

Appreciation for the importance of story-telling, theatre, and dance in the contemporary world and throughout history
Practical experience in theatre and dance production, including scenic, lighting, costume, sound and make-up design; choreography; acting; playwriting; stage management; dance; theatre technology; and directing
Critical thinking, writing, speech, and organizational skills
Practical skills, including collaboration, problem-solving, project management, event planning, communication, and time management, that are applicable to a wide range of careers
Preparation through coursework, production experience, and internships for careers in theatre, dance, television, film, arts management, public relations, and teaching
Preparation for graduate study in performance, directing, playwriting, design, and scholarly disciplines.

The Applied Theatre program extends the skills, tools, and values of the theatre arts into civic engagement, community-building, activism, and wellness. An educated Applied Theatre practitioner has a strong foundation in the liberal arts and also recognizes and employs the power of theatre to serve communities.

A major in Applied Theatre enables theatre students to acquire marketable skills for jobs in education, social services, and applied arts companies. Degree requirements include a foundation in traditional theatre practice, history, and literature, along with focused education and experience in Applied Theatre work.

Please note that a major or minor in Applied Theatre cannot be combined with a major or minor in Theatre.

Dance

The dance program combines practical experience with rigorous academics while facilitating a holistic learning environment. The program provides opportunities to perform, choreograph while integrating dance with a liberal arts education.

Students train in techniques devoted to ballet, contemporary, and jazz, study dance history and culture, choreography, pedagogy, somatics, and dance science. Dance majors complete integrative capstones in dance and other areas such as dance, art, media arts, kinesiology, chemistry, music, education, and more.

Students learn the skills to prepare them for professional careers in choreography and performance, dance education, dance administration, health and wellness, and are prepared to enter into post-graduate programs.

Additionally, students enter into graduate programs in other professional fields such as Physical Therapy and Dance Therapy by completing the prerequisites for these professional programs during their time at Pacific University and working directly with their advisor.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor