Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance: A Hub for the Arts in Auburn, AL

Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance Introduce

The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is a cornerstone of the arts community in Auburn, Alabama, and beyond. This esteemed academic department is dedicated to providing high-quality education and professional training for aspiring theatre and dance artists, scholars, and audiences. Housed in the award-winning Telfair B. Peet Theatre, the department serves as a vibrant cultural hub, producing a full season of plays, musicals, and dance concerts that captivate and engage the local community. The department’s mission is to foster dialogue, alter perceptions, and inspire social change through performance. It champions the interaction between theory and practice, producing "citizen artists" who advocate for the arts through their work in local, national, and international communities. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a rigorous academic program or a local resident looking for a night of captivating entertainment, the Department of Theatre and Dance offers a rich and rewarding experience.

The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is conveniently located in the Telfair B. Peet Theatre, at 350 W Samford Ave Room 211, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. Its central location on the Auburn University campus makes it a prominent and easily accessible destination for both students and the public. The department is committed to ensuring that its facilities are accessible to everyone. The Telfair B. Peet Theatre features a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, demonstrating a strong commitment to inclusivity and welcoming patrons of all abilities. The theatre spaces, which include the Telfair Peet Mainstage and The Blackbox Theatre, are designed to provide a comfortable and engaging experience. This focus on accessibility, combined with its prime location, makes attending a performance or visiting the department a seamless and enjoyable experience for all.

As a comprehensive academic department, the Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance offers a wide range of services, with a primary focus on education, training, and performance. Its programs are designed for both students who want to pursue a career in the arts and those who simply have a passion for them. The following list provides a detailed overview of the services and programs available:

Undergraduate Degree Programs: The department offers five distinct degree tracks, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in Music Theatre, Performance, Management, and Design/Technology.
Minor Offerings: Students can also pursue minors in Theatre, Dance, and Arts Administration, allowing them to complement other academic disciplines with a passion for the arts.
Academic and Production Experience: Students receive hands-on experience in a variety of disciplines, including acting, directing, devising, music theatre, dance, scenic and lighting design, costume design, and theatre technology.
Student Ensembles: The department supports student-run organizations like Auburn University Players (AU Players) and the Mosaic Theatre Company, which create original works focused on issues of diversity and perform for the Alabama community.
Annual Season of Productions: The department produces and stages a full season of six shows, including straight plays and musicals, providing students with invaluable performance and production experience and offering the community high-quality entertainment.
Performance Opportunities: Students have numerous opportunities to participate in mainstage season productions, and BFA students are expected to audition for all productions.
Summer Camps: The department hosts summer camps, such as a Musical Theatre Camp, which introduces high school students to campus life and the arts.

The Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is full of features and highlights that make it a truly special place. As a NAST (National Association of Schools of Theatre) accredited institution, it holds a mark of excellence and a commitment to rigorous professional standards. The department’s home, the Telfair B. Peet Theatre, is an award-winning facility that provides a top-tier learning and performance environment. A major highlight is the department's focus on producing "citizen artists" who use their work to foster dialogue and social change. The annual season of productions is a significant feature, offering the public a chance to see professional-level work right in their backyard. Auburn University students get a particularly special deal—free tickets to all shows—making the arts incredibly accessible to the student body. The department also hosts visiting professional guest artists who offer workshops and performances, enriching the students' educational experience. The curriculum, which champions the interaction between theory and practice, ensures that students graduate with both a deep understanding of theatre history and practical, hands-on skills that are directly applicable to the professional world. The department's commitment to creating new work, as evidenced by the Mosaic Theatre Company, also showcases an innovative and forward-thinking approach to the performing arts.

For more information on programs, performances, or general inquiries, you can easily contact the Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance. The main office is located at Telfair B, Peet Theatre, 350 W Samford Ave Room 211, Auburn, AL 36849, USA. You can reach them by phone at (334) 844-4748 or on their mobile phone at +1 334-844-4748. The department also has a dedicated email address, theatre@auburn.edu, for general questions. The box office has a separate phone number, 334-844-4154, for ticket-related inquiries, which helps streamline communication for patrons. Their official website is a comprehensive resource that provides details on the current season, academic programs, and more, making it simple to find all the information you need. Whether you're a prospective student, a parent, or a community member, the department's staff is ready to assist you with a professional and welcoming attitude.

For anyone in Alabama, especially those in the Auburn area, the Auburn University Department of Theatre and Dance is an exceptional choice for both education and entertainment. What makes it worth choosing is its unique blend of a top-tier academic program and a vibrant, professional production company. The NAST accreditation signifies a commitment to excellence, ensuring that students receive a high-quality education that is respected throughout the industry. The department’s mission to create "citizen artists" who use their skills for positive change is a powerful and unique value proposition. The accessibility features, including a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, make it a truly inclusive venue for performances. For students, the combination of rigorous academic work and extensive hands-on experience in a fully-equipped theatre is invaluable. For the community, the opportunity to see six high-quality productions a year, including thought-provoking plays and lively musicals, at an affordable price is a major benefit. The free tickets for Auburn University students make it an even more accessible and integral part of campus life. The Department of Theatre and Dance is not just a place to study or watch a show; it's a place where art, education, and community intersect, creating a rich cultural landscape that enriches the lives of everyone it touches.