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Theatre & Dance

The Dickinson College Department of Theatre and Dance serves a diverse group of students who crave exploring art and art-making through the path of their choice. Many students thrive in an environment of formal coursework and practice. Others seek a broad liberal arts education which integrates live performance and civic engagement. Many students will even aspire to define themselves as emerging professional theatre artists. 

Within the department, students study a rich and broad mix of classes including studio and academic coursework. These classes are led by educators who combine strong teaching with significant professional experience. They prioritize collaboration with students in their professional work both on and off campus and they value successes and failures at all stages of the process and curriculum. 

We offer a major in Theatre Arts with specialized tracks including acting/directing, dance, dramatic literature, and design/technical theatre. Our season offers many opportunities for both mainstage faculty directed, and student directed productions. Many students involved in our programs are majors or minors, however others are from any number of other majors who are drawn to the energy, teamwork and artistry of live performance.

For more information about the program, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Current students can find more information at our Linktree.

Contact Info

Chair

Kent BarrettAssociate Professor of Theatre Design

Production coordinator

Leah Gibson

Phone

717-245-1239

Fax

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Social Media

Location

Montgomery House Mailing Address

Department Features




Student Outcomes

Where Our Students Go From Here

Jobs

  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Tisch School of the Arts
  • StretchLab
  • La Roxx Inc.
  • Paradise Springs Winery
  • Thomas Ortiz Dance Company
  • Urbanity Dance

Graduate Schools

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • CUNY Hunter College
  • Boston University
  • Temple University Law
  • Columbia University
  • NYU
  • Emerson College
  • Pratt Institute
  • New School
  • George Mason University
Where Our Students Have Interned
  • Westside Dance Physical Therapy
  • BalletX
  • Baltimore Shakespeare Factory
  • Pendragon Theatre
  • Performance Works NW
  • Greenbrier Valley Theatre
  • Byline Studio, Carlisle Theatre Documentary
  • Summer Research Opportunity Program (SROP) at the University of Michigan

Department Gallery



Student Perspective

"Being and American studies major allows me to study anything I want. I have written papers on topics from football history to tap dance. In the dance major I have grown in both creative and intellectual capacities. I’ve had dance classes about choreography, modern dance technique and human anatomy. Dickinson’s liberal-arts education is interdisciplinary. My dance major pairs perfectly with my American studies major." 

— Brianna Weber ’24


Theatre & Dance News

First Inclusive and IDEAL Innovation Grants Awarded

First Inclusive and IDEAL Innovation Grants Awarded

Grants encourage faculty to find innovative ways to enhance equity and inclusion in class and on campus.

Dancing Through History: Campus Building in the Spotlight

Dancing Through History: Campus Building in the Spotlight

A progressive concert in the Goodyear Building evokes the storied history of the space, from ultra-modern shoe factory to a vibrant space for student and faculty artists.

Can you perform

Can you perform 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in 2024?

With guidance from Dickinson experts, a local theatre put on a powerful, nuanced production of a controversial classic play.

Acclaimed Musicians Offer Rewarding Masterclasses to Students

Acclaimed Musicians Offer Rewarding Masterclasses to Students

Individualized feedback was the name of the game as the Hub New Music ensemble visited campus for a dynamic residency.

Dickinson Presents

Dickinson Presents 'Angels in America, Part One'

First performed in the 1990s, this edgy and award-winning piece about love, identity, a health crisis, and political and religious division still resonates with audiences today.

Life Waste: A Punk-Folk-Rock Musical About ... Biogas?

Life Waste: A Punk-Folk-Rock Musical About ... Biogas?

What happens when students and faculty collaborate with local farmers, musicians, scientists, activists and others on a punk-folk-rock musical about sustainable energy? You're invited to find out!