Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance: A Hub for Performing Arts in NJ

Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance Introduce

The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance stands as a dynamic and innovative force within the performing arts community of New Jersey. Located on the main campus in Glassboro, this department offers a unique and comprehensive educational experience for aspiring artists and a rich cultural destination for the public. It is a place where students are not only trained in their craft but are also nurtured to become well-rounded, creative, and collaborative individuals. The department's commitment to intellectual and artistic growth is evident in its rigorous programs, which are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

The department prides itself on its integrated approach, where theatre and dance are not taught in isolation but are woven together to create a holistic education. This interdisciplinary method develops performers, designers, and technicians who are highly skilled and able to make creative, vibrant, and connected physical choices on stage and in the classroom. This is a crucial element that differentiates its graduates in the professional world. The department fosters a collaborative and nurturing environment, allowing for close faculty-to-student mentorship and abundant opportunities for performance and design.

For the New Jersey community, the Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance is a cultural hub, serving as a vital center for performing arts in the South Jersey region. The department produces a diverse selection of shows each year, including an annual six-show mainstage season that regularly features new and devised work created in collaboration with world-class professional artists. Whether you're a prospective student seeking a top-tier education or a local resident looking for high-quality, engaging performances, this department offers a truly remarkable and transformative experience. This article will provide a closer look at what makes this institution an indispensable part of New Jersey's cultural landscape.

The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance is located at 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA. This address is a central point within the larger university campus, making it a key location for performing arts. The department is housed in two main buildings: Wilson Hall and Bunce Hall, which are both essential to its operations and public performances.

Accessibility is a key priority for the university, and the performing arts venues are designed to accommodate all visitors. The main campus offers a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that patrons with mobility challenges can easily attend performances. On-site parking is also available and free in designated lots, such as Lot O-1, which is located conveniently across from Pfleeger Concert Hall, adjacent to Wilson Hall. This easy access to parking and facilities makes a visit to the theatre and dance department a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The department's venues, including the historic 375-seat Tohill Theatre in Bunce Hall and a new 900-seat proscenium theatre in Wilson Hall, are equipped to handle a wide range of productions, from intimate plays to large-scale musicals. The seamless integration of these venues with the campus's overall infrastructure underscores the department's role as a major cultural center for the university and the wider South Jersey community.

The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance offers a comprehensive array of services and academic programs for both students and the public.

Academic Programs: The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with concentrations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design/Technical, Directing, and Pre-Teaching. It also provides a Bachelor of Arts in Dance, a performance-focused degree that integrates with a liberal arts curriculum.
Minor Programs: For students in other majors who wish to pursue their passion for the arts, the department offers a Minor in Theatre, a Minor in Dance, and a Theatre Design Minor.
Public Performances: The department produces an annual six-show mainstage season, showcasing student and faculty talent in a wide range of theatrical and dance productions.
Student Productions: In addition to mainstage shows, students can participate in student-run productions through the Rowan Lab Theatre, a practical learning environment where they can take on roles as directors, designers, stage managers, and performers.
Workshops and Master Classes: Students are given opportunities to collaborate with world-class professional artists, enhancing their skills through master classes and guest artist residencies.
Professional Connections: The department's faculty maintains strong professional artistic careers in New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York, providing students with valuable networking opportunities and a smooth transition into the professional world.

The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance stands out due to several key features and highlights that make it a premier institution for the performing arts.

High-Quality Venues and Facilities: The department is housed in Wilson Hall and Bunce Hall, which contain professional-grade venues like the 900-seat proscenium theatre and the historic Tohill Theatre. The facilities also include two new dance studios, a well-equipped costume and scene shop, and a computer-equipped design studio, providing students with the best possible resources for their training.
Integrated and Collaborative Curriculum: The program is unique in its emphasis on the integrated study of theatre and dance. This approach develops well-rounded artists who are prepared for the physical demands of contemporary performance. The department's focus on creating collaborative performance ensembles fosters close mentorship and a supportive community.
Practical, Hands-On Experience: Students are given numerous opportunities for practical experience through the annual faculty-directed mainstage productions and student-run shows. These projects allow them to develop their skills as performers, designers, technicians, and directors in a real-world setting.
Student-Run Organizations: The presence of student organizations like the Rowan Lab Theatre and the Rowan University Dance Team provides additional avenues for students to explore their creativity, take on leadership roles, and connect with their peers outside of the formal curriculum.
Mentorship and Professional Transition: The department’s faculty, with their own active professional careers, provides a direct link to the industry. This mentorship helps students transition smoothly from academia to a professional career, a key highlight for many alumni.

For more information about the department, upcoming performances, or to inquire about academic programs, you can use the following contact information.

Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance

Address: 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA

Phone: (856) 256-4030

You can also visit their main office within Wilson Hall or check the Rowan University College of Performing Arts website for show schedules and ticket information.

For New Jersey residents and aspiring artists, choosing the Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance is an excellent decision with a multitude of benefits. The program's core strength lies in its ability to offer a rigorous, professional education without sacrificing a nurturing and collaborative environment. This balance is crucial for fostering both artistic and personal growth. Students receive hands-on training from faculty who are active professionals, giving them a real-world perspective that is invaluable in the performing arts industry.

The diversity of programs and opportunities is another key factor. Whether an individual is interested in acting, musical theatre, technical design, or dance, there is a clear path for them. The ability for non-majors to participate through minors and student-run productions ensures that the department is an accessible and inspiring part of the entire university community. The facilities, including state-of-the-art theatres and dance studios, provide the perfect setting for learning and performance.

Finally, the department’s role as a cultural hub for the region makes it a destination not just for students but for anyone who appreciates quality live performance. The annual mainstage season brings professional-level productions to the Glassboro area, enriching the local arts scene. By choosing to support or become part of the Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance, you are choosing a community that values creativity, collaboration, and high-quality artistic expression, making it a truly worthwhile experience.