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.

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.

Dance

Dance Faculty

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 others 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, and are prepared to enter into post-graduate programs in dance and other related fields.

Additionally, students are prepared to 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.

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students in the Dance program will:

demonstrate technical and artistic proficiency in dance technique, performance, and creative inquiry.
demonstrate collaborative skills by working together as a company throughout the creative process and performance in various roles such as a director, leader, and dancer– while developing peer review skills on own and peers’ work.
demonstrate knowledge of holistic anatomical approaches synthesized through the creative process and safe dance practices.
interpret, analyze, and critique topics and issues of dance globally, while relating them to contemporary society and communicate their analyses through multiple modes including choreography, performance, research and presentation, and community outreach.
through fulfillment of a dance capstone, demonstrate the ability to conceptualize, design, develop, make artistic choices relating to the standards of the profession, and revise a large-scale creative research project that is publicly presented. In addition, students will demonstrate proficiency in the following skills: creative inquiry, critical thinking, organizational skills, and written/oral defense of artistic choices made in relation to dance standards on given topics at an advanced undergraduate level.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Minor

Courses

Dance

Theatre

Theatre, Applied