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.

The most collaborative of the arts, theatre and dance partake of literature, history, music, movement, architecture, and design. Our student artists often begin as actors and dancers, then go on to master skills in choreography, directing, playwriting, and design.

Through rigorous work in academic, studio, and community settings, the Department of Theatre & Dance develops engaged artists and active learners. Faculty and students work together to learn, create, and communicate in a spirit of exploration and collaboration. Our distinctive Applied Theatre program builds on traditional performance training to serve individuals and communities, while our theatre 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

Dance Faculty

At Pacific, opportunities in the performing arts are available to all students, regardless of major. Whether you are interested in a professional dance career, in teaching, or in combining theatre or dance with other fields of study, our courses and productions provide a well-rounded foundation.

The most collaborative of the arts, theatre and dance partake of, literature, history, music, movement, architecture, and design. Creating a compelling performance entails mastery of a wide array of skills, including acting, directing, playwriting, design, and technology.

Through rigorous work in academic, studio, and community settings, the Department of Theatre & Dance develops engaged artists and active learners. Faculty and students work together to teach, learn, create, and communicate in a spirit of exploration and collaboration. Our distinctive Applied Theatre program builds on traditional performance training to serve individuals and communities, while our theatre season offers challenging, uplifting performances to the campus.

Program Learning Outcomes

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

Appreciation for the functions of the arts in all cultures, and specifically for the importance of story-telling, plays, and dance
Practical experience in theatre and dance production, including scenic, lighting, costume, sound and make-up design; acting; stage management; dance; theatre technology; playwriting; 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, design, and scholarly disciplines.

The dance program at Pacific University combines practical experience with rigorous academics. The program provides opportunities to perform, choreograph, and study literature and history, all of which integrate theory and practice. Students graduating with dance training go on to work in a variety of fields, including performance, production, arts management, teaching and many other professions that value communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity. Programs that combine well with dance include exercise science, music, business and education.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor

Courses

Dance

Theatre

Theatre, Applied