About Theatre and Dance

 
The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Memphis fosters the development of our students on an individual basis. We offer a BFA in Theatre with concentrations in Acting, Dance, Dance Science, Entertainment Design and Technology, and Musical Theatre, as well as an MFA in Theatre with concentrations in Directing and Entertainment Design and Technology. We tailor our program to your needs. We are large enough to offer dynamic performance, design, and crew opportunities both in the classroom and in our four performances spaces.

We also create an intimate community for intense one-on-one learning opportunities. Our diverse faculty nurtures the individual progress of each student. We are both a generalized program (where students can explore all areas of theatre) and a specialized one (where students can hone an area of focus).

Exciting World of the Performing Arts
The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of Memphis invites you to join us as we explore the exciting world of the performing arts. We are dedicated to a unified program designed to help you learn to use your body, voice, and mind more proficiently than you ever thought possible. We believe that each student should be broadly prepared with as many meaningful artistic experiences as imaginable. We celebrate theatre and dance in all its infinite varieties.

Programs of Study
We offer the BFA degree in Theatre with concentrations in Acting, Dance, Dance Science, Entertainment Design and Technology, and Musical Theatre and graduate studies leading to an MFA degree in Theatre. Within the MFA degree, training is available in Directing and in Entertainment and Design Technology. If you are a performer, you may notice that there is no MFA program in acting, which means you are not competing with graduate actors for roles! The University of Memphis is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

An Excellent Faculty
Our emphasis on professionalism is reflected by the department's excellent faculty of 17 teachers and artists dedicated to the nurturing of individual creativity. More than just outstanding professors, at the Department of Theatre and Dance you will encounter genuine mentors, a faculty devoted to your development as an individual. Our faculty remain active in their chosen fields continuing to direct, design, choreograph, produce, and perform, on campus and off. Faculty maintain professional affiliations and professional contacts that enrich the classroom experience.

A Full Production Season
The Department of Theatre and Dance mounts a full season of plays and dance concerts in a variety of performance venues, large and small. With our emphasis on diversity and the breadth of experience only the performing arts can provide, audiences expect the best in area theatre and dance from us. Our upcoming productions are an astonishing mix of comedy and drama, music and dance.  

Mission Statement

The Department of Theatre and Dance prepares the next generation of artists, educators, and cultural leaders through rigorous training, creative exploration, and experiential learning. Anchored in the culturally rich and diverse city of Memphis, we integrate theory, practice, and production to equip students with the skills, vision, and resilience needed for sustainable careers in the performing arts, entertainment industry, and arts education. Through mentorship, innovation, and community engagement, we contribute to the cultural vitality of our region and beyond.

Vision Statement

The Department of Theatre and Dance aspires to be a nationally recognized center for creativity, collaboration, and scholarship in the performing arts. We envision a community where diverse voices and artistic practices flourish, where students achieve excellence in performance, design, pedagogy, and research, and where our productions and partnerships shape and enrich the cultural landscape locally and globally.

Community Statement

The Department of Theatre and Dance affirms the value of inclusivity, respect, and belonging as essential to artistic and academic excellence. We are committed to cultivating an environment where students, faculty, staff, and guest artists can thrive, collaborate, and create work that reflects the richness of varied perspectives, experiences, and traditions.

Primary Goals

The Department of Theatre and Dance is committed to:

1. Educating artists and scholars through rigorous training in performance, design, dance, and pedagogy, integrated with a strong Liberal Arts foundation.
2. Fostering creativity and innovation by combining theoretical study, practical application, and collaborative production experiences.
3. Advancing research and scholarship in the performing arts that contribute to academic knowledge and artistic practice.
4. Enriching the cultural life of Memphis and beyond through performances, outreach, and partnerships with community, regional, and national organizations.
5. Preparing students for sustainable careers in the performing arts, entertainment industry, and arts education by cultivating professionalism, entrepreneurial skills, and resilience.
6. Promoting inclusivity and accessibility to ensure that diverse voices, perspectives, and traditions thrive within our community.