The School of Theatre and Dance AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY

The School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State University gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of their art at one of the nation’s highest ranked public research universities.

From dawn until long after dark, the halls, classrooms, studios and stages of the Center for the Performing Arts are alive with creative activities. With conservatory-style training on a liberal arts foundation, the school’s professional culture permeates every facet of life and learning. As a result, students cultivate their talents and make the connections necessary for career success.

In addition to in-depth coursework, our comprehensive training programs are rooted in a commitment to student

development through mentorship and real-life experiences. Year-round production opportunities provide students with a quality education in our state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently completed Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance, which houses more than 70,000 square feet of learning, performance and design space. With three performance spaces on site in the Center for the Performing Arts and a fourth in the form of our outdoor summer theatre, Porthouse Theatre, students have many chances to display their work.

WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE

immerseyourself in

your art

The School of Theatre

and Dance offers

comprehensive

programs leading

to Bachelor of Arts,

Bachelor of Fine Arts

and Master of Fine

Arts degrees. Within

these degree programs,

students have the

opportunity to focus

their studies in specific

concentrations.

PROGRAMS

DANCE

GRADUATE TRAINING

DESIGN AND TECHNOLGY

MUSICAL THEATRE

THEATRE STUDIES

WHERE WILL YOUR DREAMS TAKE YOU?

WHERE WILL YOUR DREAMS TAKE YOU?

explore and grow

Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies Students pursuing a degree in Dance Studies are able to craft a personalized program by combining a curriculum founded in dance technique and dance academics with studies in other subject areas. Dance studies students are encouraged to pair their degree with other disciplines such as business, exercise science, journalism and education to maximize their career potential. This option facilitates individual plans of coursework, double majors and study-abroad opportunities. An audition is required for admission into the Dance Studies program.

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance PerformanceDance Performance students pursue comprehensive training in dance technique, choreography and performance. A primary curriculum in modern dance is strongly supported by training in ballet and jazz. Courses in movement science, dance history, production, dance education, technology, acting and music are also required. An audition is required for admission into the Dance Performance program.

Minor in DanceStudents majoring in another academic discipline are able to minor in dance. An audition is required.

YOUR LIFE IN DANCE

DANCE

My time at the School of

Theatre and Dance gave me

some of the most special

years of my life. I built a

family of friends, a wealth of

knowledge and a network

of tools that will

never leave me. My

time there helped

develop me not only

as an artist and a person,

but as a young professional

entering the field of dance. I

represent the school and the

school represents me, for it

paved the way to the career I

always dreamed of.

Sabatino A. Verlezza B.F.A. in Dance Performance 2012

Professional Dancer, New York City

your life in dance

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and TechnologyThe Design and Technology program prepares students for careers as professional theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students receive training in traditional and new methods of theatrical design and technology, graduating as dynamic and creative theatre practitioners. Students can expect a curriculum including instruction in scene design, technical direction, lighting design, sound design, video and new media, stage management and costume design.

Focus your studies in: Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Stage Management, Theatre Technology

BUILD YOUR DREAMS

Kent State gave me the

strong foundation to help

me succeed in making my

career goals a reality. What

I value most are the strong

relationships I built with

my mentors and

peers. This network

continues to be a

positive resource

long after graduation.

Kristine HaagB.A. in Theatre Studies, 2003

Key Costumer on ABC’s Scandal

BUILD YOUR DREAMS

build your dreams

MUSICAL THEATRE

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical TheatreThe Musical Theatre program prepares students for life as working artists in the musical theatre field with fully developed skills in music, dance and acting. Practical training and creative experiences are coupled with an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum and a foundation in theatre history and theory. An audition is required for admission into the Musical Theatre program.

ShowcaseEvery year, the School of Theatre and Dance sponsors a New York City Performance Showcase for senior undergraduate and graduate musical theatre and acting students. The Showcase is a vital networking opportunity for students interested in relocating to New York City following graduation.

Students participating in Showcase enroll in a course that provides them with guidance as they prepare to perform in front of invited casting agents, directors and managers.

TAKE YOUR MARK

The support that Kent State

has shown me as an actor

has been a constantly

uplifting and nurturing force

in my artistic development.

It’s a wonderful source of

strength to know

that I will always have

a professional family

at Kent State who

continues to take an active

interest in what I’m doing

with my degree. I consider

myself incredibly lucky to

have that.

Chris Richards, B.A. in Theatre Studies, 2009

Actor in New York City

take your mark

“The dedication by the

faculty, staff and students

to professionalism and

growth is what sets Kent

State’s School of Theatre and

Dance apart from others.

Not only can you achieve

your goals there, the

staff will help you

find talents you did

not even know you

had…I went in an actor and

came out an actor, director,

writer, producer and stage

manager. It was without

question the greatest four

years of my life.

THEATRE STUDIES

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre StudiesThe Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies allows students to pair their interest in theatre with a traditional liberal arts education. With a comprehensive curriculum examining all aspects of theatre, students receive a thorough grounding in theatre history, theory and process. In addition to a core unit of theatre courses, students choose one of four concentrations:

• Performance• Production• Theatre Management• Theatre and Society

The scope of the Theatre Studies program gives students the opportunity to explore the wide range of creative and career possibilities offered by the performing arts.

Minor in TheatreStudents majoring in other academic disciplines are able to minor in theatre.

• Theatre and Social Change• Theatre Management• Theatre Sound• Lighting Design and Technology

• Scene Design• Scenic Technology• Costume Design and Technology

YOUR ROLE FOR A LIFETIME

Carl GannonB.A. in Theatre Studies, 2002

your role for a

lifetime

GRADUATE TRAINING

Master of Fine Arts in ActingThe graduate program in acting is an intensive course of study designed to train talented and dedicated students as artists and masters of their craft. With a primary curriculum founded in the acting, voice and movement techniques of Stanislavski, Linklater, Rodenburg, Laban and Alexander, the program is supported by studies in theatre history, drama and acting for the camera. An audition is required for admission into the graduate program in acting.

Master of Fine Arts in Acting for the Returning ProfessionalThe graduate program in acting for returning professionals strives to prepare those with extensive acting experience for other careers in the field and to enrich and expand their understanding of theatre. Students have the opportunity to teach, both in the classroom and through participation in productions, as well as draw on their professional experiences and conduct original research. An audition is required for admission.

Master of Fine Arts in Design and TechnologyStudents enrolled in the graduate programs for design and technology pursue a core curriculum founded in the traditional and current techniques, technologies and styles of design. Classes, production experiences and internships in their specific concentrations prepare students for careers in professional performing arts and entertainment venues. Submission of an entrance portfolio is required for admission into the design and technology graduate programs.

The Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology offers programs in:

• Costume Design• Lighting Design• Scenic Design• Theatre Technology

TAKE YOUR PASSION FARTHER

The MFA program at Kent gave me the extra tools and confidence I needed to advance my skill set as

a musical theatre performer. I was able to intensely study acting while

maintaining my studies in singing and dancing.

James LynchM.F.A. in Acting, 2012

Actor in New York City

TAKE YOUR PASSION FARTHER take your

passion farther

ALUMNI

Attending the School of Theatre and Dance

means joining a professional family of experienced

and dedicated faculty, alumni and friends who are

leaders in the arts and entertainment industries.

Our alumni are powerful resources and include

regionally and nationally recognized actors and

designers such as SAG-AFTRA president

Ken Howard, Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley,

Rioult NY dancer Sabatino Verlezza, Hart of Dixie

actress Kaitlyn Black and ABC’s Scandal

key costumer Kristine Haag.

Alice Ripley, ‘852009 Tony Award-winner, Next to Normal

Jeff Richmond, ‘85Composer, Producer and DirectorNBC’s 30 Rock; Feature film Baby Mama

John de Lancie, ‘71Actor, Director and Voice ArtistFrequent Star Trek guest star as “Q”

Alumni of the School of Theatre and Dance have appeared and worked:ABC’s ScandalAir Dance Bernasconi AMC’s Mad Men Blue Man GroupBosma Dance Broadway’s The Book of MormonBroadway’s HairBroadway’s Legally Blonde

The MusicalBroadway’s Les Miserables Broadway’s Next to NormalBroadway’s Side ShowBroadway’s Sunset Boulevard Broadway’s Spiderman:

Turn Off the Dark Carnival Cruise LineCBS’s The Good WifeCBS’ How I Met Your Mother CBS’s MomCirque du SoleilCleveland Play House The CW’s The Carrie DiariesThe CW’s Hart of Dixie

Dancin’ Unlimited DragonFly Dance Experiment Focus Features’

That Awkward MomentFox’s 24 Fox’s New GirlHBO’s Big Love HBO’s True BloodGreat Lakes Theater Festival The Jim Henson CompanyKennedy Center for

the Performing Arts NBC’s 30 Rock NBC’s Celebrity ApprenticePunchdrunk’s Sleep No More NYCRioult Dance NYRoyal Caribbean Cruise LineUSA’s Royal PainsUtah Shakespearean Festival Walt Disney Pictures’ Tron: Legacy Warner Bros.’ American SniperWarner Bros.’ Batman v.

Superman: Dawn of Justice

Guest ArtistsStudents in the School of Theatre and Dance regularly interact with a network of professional visiting artists who have worked in regional and national theatrical venues, in higher education, and in film and television. Currently, the school has three different endowed guest-artist series:

The Roe Green Visiting Director Series

The William H. Zucchero Guest Artist Series

The Armstrong Family Visiting Artist Series

Recent guest artists include:John Cameron, DirectorKathleen Conlin, DirectorAmi Dayan, Playwright/DirectorJoseph Hanreddy, Playwright/DirectorBarry Keating, Broadway ComposerThe Limón Dance CompanyChristopher K. Morgan, Choreographer/DancerEverett Quinton, Actor/DirectorAlice Ripley, Broadway ActressSue Ott Rowlins, DirectorMichael Rupert, Broadway ActorJeffrey Saver, Broadway Music DirectorStephen Schwartz, Broadway ComposerBilly Seigenfeld, Jump Rhythm Jazz, ChicagoJ.R. Sullivan, Director, PlaywrightBen Vereen, Actor/Dancer/Singer

Ray Wise, ‘69ActorTwin Peaks; How I Met Your Mother

Sabatino A. Verlezza, ‘12DancerRIOULT Dance NY Photo credit: Sofia Negron

John Moauro, ‘07Actor and DirectorCast Member of 2009 Tony Award-winning revival of Hair

Kristine Haag, ‘03Key CostumerABC’s Scandal

The school has three onsite performance spaces: E. Turner Stump TheatreA continental-style, 500-seat proscenium theatre, it features a large, trapped stage, fly system and orchestra pit.

Wright-Curtis TheatreWith moveable seating for 175 to 250, flexible traps and a catwalk system, this theatre can be used in thrust and arena configurations.

Erdmann-Zucchero Black Box TheatreThe versatile Black Box Theatre serves as a multipurpose classroom, rehearsal and performance space throughout the academic year and has flexible seating for up to 200.

Porthouse TheatreLocated on the grounds of nearby Blossom Music Center, this outdoor thrust-style theatre is housed in a covered pavilion and seats 500.

Learning and Design SpacesActing StudiosCostume ShopCostume LabComputer LabDance Studios and Rehabilitation StudioDesign StudioDressing RoomsLighting LabPerforming Arts LibraryProps and Crafts LabScene ShopScenery Construction LabWelding Lab

FACILITIES

The School of Theatre and Dance is

housed in the Center for the Performing

Arts, a building that includes the

Roe Green Center for the

School of Theatre and Dance.

Contact UsSchool of Theatre and Dance B-141 Center for the Performing Arts 1325 Theatre Drive Kent, OH 44242-0001 330-672-2082 WWW.KENT.EDU/THEATREDANCE