The Department of Theatre and Dance at UC Davis: A Hub for Performing Arts

Department of Theatre and Dance Introduce

The Department of Theatre and Dance at UC Davis is a vibrant and essential part of the artistic community in Davis, California. As a key academic department within one of the nation's top universities, we are dedicated to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and artistic excellence. Our mission is to provide students with a comprehensive education that balances rigorous academic study with hands-on, practical experience in all facets of theatrical and dance production. From performance and choreography to design and stage management, we believe in a holistic approach that prepares our students for successful careers both on and off the stage.

The department is housed within the prestigious University of California, Davis, and a significant portion of our work takes place at the historic Wyatt Theater, also known as the Wyatt Pavilion. This venue, which seats 200 people, provides an intimate and unique setting for our performances, allowing for a close connection between actors and audience members. The theatre's distinctive Elizabethan-style seating and a thrust stage create an immersive environment that is a true highlight of our productions. The building itself is a piece of UC Davis history, originally built in 1907 as a livestock judging arena and later renovated into a theater, embodying the university's commitment to preserving its legacy while fostering artistic innovation.

At the Department of Theatre and Dance, we are proud to be a hub for artistic activity and innovation. We regularly present a diverse season of world premieres, timeless classics, and student-led works. Our students have the unique opportunity to work with accomplished faculty and guest artists, including through the prestigious Granada Artist-in-Residence program. We believe that a strong education in the performing arts is invaluable, cultivating skills in communication, collaboration, and creativity that are essential for success in any career path.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at UC Davis is located at Wyatt Theater, which is situated on the UC Davis campus at 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA. This central location places our facilities within a prestigious university setting, making them a significant cultural landmark in the city of Davis and the wider Sacramento region. The Wyatt Pavilion is easily accessible from major roadways and is a well-known venue on the campus. For those driving, the theater is located on Old Davis Road across from the arboretum.

Finding parking is straightforward, as the venue faces Visitor Parking Lot Number 5. It is important to note that parking on the UC Davis campus is overseen by the Department of Transportation Services, and for many events, paid parking is required. However, the accessibility features of the campus are a major benefit.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is committed to ensuring that all of its facilities and performances are fully accessible to patrons with disabilities. Our facilities, including the Wyatt Theater, meet or exceed all state and federal ADA requirements. This includes a wheelchair-accessible car park, providing convenient and safe parking for individuals with mobility challenges. Additionally, our main entrances are wheelchair-accessible, removing physical barriers and ensuring that everyone can attend our performances with ease. We also offer special seating accommodations for patrons with disabilities or special needs. It is recommended to notify the Mondavi Center Ticket Office of any special seating needs at the time of ticket purchase to ensure the best possible experience. This dedication to inclusivity reflects our commitment to making the arts available to everyone in the California community.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at UC Davis offers a wide range of services and academic programs that cater to students and the public alike. Our offerings are designed to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience in the performing arts.

Academic Programs: We offer majors in both Theatre and Dance, as well as minors in Theatre, Dance, Theatre Design and Technology, and Musical Theatre. Our curriculum provides students with a solid background in dramatic literature, performance history, and hands-on production.
Theatrical Productions: The department stages several theatrical productions per year, featuring the work of undergraduate actors, designers, and stage managers. These productions range from classic plays to contemporary works and world premieres, showcasing the talent and creativity of our students and faculty.
Dance Concerts: We produce multiple dance concerts annually, including shows that showcase the work of student choreographers. These performances are a key part of our program, allowing dance students to hone their skills and present their artistic visions to the community.
Student-Led Projects: Beyond major productions, our students have the opportunity to conceive and stage their own work in our various performance spaces. This fosters creativity and provides invaluable experience in all aspects of production.
Community Engagement: We are a key contributor to the cultural life of the region, offering public performances and participating in campus and community events. We also provide opportunities for audience members to engage with the work through talkbacks and educational materials.

There are several key features and highlights that make the Department of Theatre and Dance at UC Davis a top choice for students and a valuable asset to the local community.

Intimate Performance Venues: The Wyatt Theater is a unique and intimate venue with its Elizabethan-style seating and thrust stage. This setting creates a special connection between performers and the audience, enhancing the theatrical experience.
Hands-on Experience: Our programs emphasize practical participation in all aspects of theatrical and dance production. From their first year, students get involved in everything from acting and directing to set design, costume, lighting, and sound, providing them with a well-rounded and practical education.
Professional Connections: Students have the opportunity to learn from and work with working professionals in the field, both through faculty contact and through programs like the Granada Artist-in-Residence. This provides invaluable networking opportunities and real-world experience.
Strong Alumni Network: Our graduates have gone on to have successful careers both in and outside of the performing arts, with alumni working in everything from Broadway to television and beyond. This is a testament to the quality of education and the transferable skills our programs provide.
Accessibility: The department's commitment to inclusivity is evident in our accessible facilities, including wheelchair-accessible car parks and entrances, ensuring that everyone can enjoy our performances.

For more information about our academic programs, upcoming shows, or general inquiries, please contact us. We welcome you to experience the talent and creativity that define our department.

Address: Wyatt Theater, Davis, CA 95616, USA

Phone: While a specific phone number for the Wyatt Theater is not always listed, the main Department of Theatre and Dance office can be reached at (530) 752-0888.

Choosing to study or attend a performance at the Department of Theatre and Dance at UC Davis is a choice for quality and excellence. We are worth choosing because we offer a truly unique and enriching experience that combines a rigorous academic curriculum with hands-on, real-world training. Our students get to work on a variety of projects, from classical plays to innovative new works, in a professional and supportive environment. The intimate setting of the Wyatt Theater allows for a powerful connection between artist and audience, making every performance a special event.

For community members, attending one of our productions is an excellent way to support local talent and experience world-class art right here in Davis. The fact that our facilities are fully accessible, with a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance, means that we are a welcoming destination for everyone. We believe that our contribution to the local arts scene, combined with the professional training and opportunities we provide to our students, makes us a significant and valuable asset to the cultural landscape of California. By engaging with our department, you are investing in the future of the performing arts and in the next generation of creative leaders.