Theatre and Dance

About the Department

Melissa Gibson, Department Chair
Speech Arts Building, Room 33
559.278.3987
cah.fresnostate.edu/theatrearts/

The theatre arts major and dance major offer you the opportunity to develop your skills in acting, directing, dance training, research and performance, choreography, playwriting, children’s theatre, technical production, scene design, costume design, sound design, stage management, lighting design, history, literature, and teaching. After completing our program, you will have the background that will enhance your ability to pursue either a teaching credential, advanced degree, or a professional career.

Our professionally trained instructors will guide you through a program that is not only educational but fascinating. A major or minor in theatre or dance can be one of the more exciting times in your life because it will develop communication and performing skills that will aid you no matter what career you finally decide to pursue. If theatre or dance is what you want, then the Fresno State Department of Theatre and Dance is ready to serve you. The Theatre Arts faculty includes performers, designers, and directors with top academic credentials as well as professional experience. The department is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Organizations such as the Kennedy Center/American College Theater Festival and the American College Dance Association have honored numerous Fresno State Students.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and holds memberships with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, the California Educational Theatre Association, the California Alliance for Arts Education, and the United States Institute of Theatre Technology. The department regularly participates in the American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) and the American College Dance Association (ACDA). Our students, faculty, and productions have been awarded many regional and national honors from both ACTF and ACDA.

Our national award-winning Department offers you educational preparation in all aspects of theatre and dance. Besides having the opportunity of being guided by an extensive curriculum and production schedule of more than 9 plays and numerous dance concerts, you will have the opportunity to study with guest professionals who participate in our program on a regular basis.

At Fresno State there are a variety of production organizations, each providing a different kind of experience. University Theatre produces six major theatre and dance productions a year, cast and crewed by students. The Experimental Theatre Company (ETC) is a student organization and University Dance Theatre (UDT) is a student centered dance course, they produce their own plays and dance concerts. The Black Theatre Contingent (BTC) focuses on drama of the African-American experience. Playwrights Theatre is dedicated to the exploration of dramatic literature. Theatre for Young Audiences produces plays for young people and tours throughout the Valley. You also have the opportunity to work with our resident dance company, the Contemporary Dance Ensemble. As you can see, we offer a variety of opportunities for you to develop and practice your art.

Career Opportunities

Dance. Successful completion of the BA Dance degree will allow the student to apply for positions in performing arts companies, colleges and professional schools as dancers, instructors, choreographers and dance technicians.  It will provide a seamless transition to graduate programs in dance performance and education as well as K-12 credential programs. Other professional uses include being an independent artist in dance or related disciplines, producing dance events and promoting the performing arts or similar events. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong skills set, a knowledge base for critical thinking and a set of ethical values appropriate to enter a professional setting.   Moreover, graduates of this program will also be competitive in associated fields such as Community Dance Workers, Dance Therapist and Arts Management.

What You Can Do

• Educational institutes such as Universities
• Community Colleges and K-12 systems
• Private dance schools
• Advertising agencies
• Theaters
• TV/Film studios
• Magazines
• Amusement and theme parks
• Arts councils
• Industrial shows
• Performing arts centers
• Cruise lines

Theatre Arts. The most important element in the Department’s success is the students. Our undergraduates enjoy unusual opportunities to play leading roles, to direct, and to design for lab and mainstage productions.  Organizations such as the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival and the Festival (http://www.acdfa.org/) have honored numerous Fresno State Students. Working together, students and faculty have created many shows that have won regional, national, and international honors.

What You Can Do

• Acting
• Dancing
• Designing
• Directing
• Event Planning
• Voiceovers
• Choreography
• Stage Management
• Radio and television
• Journalism
• Public Relations and Marketing
• Rock performances
• Touring productions
• Teaching

Programs

• Dance, B.A.
• Theatre Arts - Acting Emphasis, B.A.
• Theatre Arts - Design/Technology Emphasis, B.A.
• Theatre Arts - General Emphasis, B.A.
• Theatre Arts - Theatre Education Option, B.A.

• Dance, Minor
• Theatre Arts - Drama, Minor