School of Theatre and Dance

- 1436 Evansdale Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506

For aspiring artists in West Virginia and beyond, the School of Theatre and Dance at West Virginia University (WVU) represents a pinnacle of performing arts education. As part of the prestigious WVU College of Creative Arts and Media, this school is a dynamic and rigorous training ground for students who want to build a career in the professional world of theatre and dance. The program is designed to offer a competitive training experience with a strong emphasis on hands-on, experiential learning. Students here are not just learning theory; they are actively engaging in the collaborative processes of creating theatre and dance. The mission of the faculty and staff is to challenge students to grow and to contribute meaningfully to the world they inhabit through their art. With a balance of classic and contemporary productions, the school provides a comprehensive and modern education that prepares its students for the multifaceted demands of the industry.

The School of Theatre and Dance is located at 1436 Evansdale Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506, which is part of the WVU Evansdale Campus. The school is primarily housed within the Canady Creative Arts Center, a state-of-the-art facility that serves as a regional hub for the arts. This central location in Morgantown is easily accessible for students and visitors. The school is committed to accessibility for all members of the community, which is highlighted by the presence of a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance. These features ensure that attending performances, classes, and other events is a seamless experience for everyone. The campus is well-integrated into the Morgantown community, with a variety of dining and recreational options nearby, making it a vibrant place to study and live.

The School of Theatre and Dance offers a range of degree programs and services designed to meet the diverse goals of its student body, from undergraduate to graduate levels. The curriculum is comprehensive, providing students with the skills they need to succeed both on stage and behind the scenes.

• Undergraduate Degrees: The school offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre and Dance, and Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Theatre Design & Technology. Auditions or interviews are required for admission into the B.F.A. programs and the B.A. in Dance.
• Graduate Degrees: For students seeking to pursue advanced training, the school offers a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in five areas: Acting, Costume Design & Technology, Lighting Design & Technology, Scenic Design & Technology, and Technical Direction. These are terminal degree programs designed for those who want to enter the industry at a high level.
• Main Stage Productions: The school annually produces five to seven major productions in its on-campus performance spaces, providing invaluable practical experience for all students.
• Minors: Students can also pursue minors in Theatre, Technical Production, and Dance, allowing them to complement their primary major with a strong artistic foundation.
• Mentorship and Internships: The school places a strong emphasis on real-world learning, offering mentorship, internships, and other professional development opportunities to prepare students for life after graduation.

The School of Theatre and Dance at WVU stands out due to its exceptional features and commitment to student success. The blend of professional training, state-of-the-art facilities, and a supportive community makes it a premier choice for arts education in the region.

• Industry-Professional Faculty: The curriculum is taught by industry professionals who bring their real-world experience as performers, designers, and directors into the classroom, providing students with practical, up-to-date knowledge.
• Multiple Performance Venues: Students have the opportunity to perform and work in multiple on-campus theatres, including the Gladys G. Davis Theatre, the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre, and the Vivian Davis Michael Laboratory Theatre. This variety provides experience with different types of stages and audiences.
• Comprehensive Facilities: The Canady Creative Arts Center is equipped with extensive resources, including scene shops, costume shops, and dedicated studios for dance and movement, all of which are utilized for hands-on learning and production work.
• NYC Showcase: The School of Theatre and Dance presents a New York City showcase for its senior B.F.A. Acting and Musical Theatre classes. This is an invaluable opportunity for graduating students to perform for agents and casting directors, helping them launch their professional careers.
• Strong Career Opportunities: Graduates of the school have gone on to work in professional theatre, film, and television, as well as in related fields such as fashion design and lighting installation.

For more information about the WVU School of Theatre and Dance, prospective students and community members can use the following contact information:

Address: 1436 Evansdale Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA

Phone: (304) 293-2020

Mobile Phone: +1 304-293-2020

Choosing the School of Theatre and Dance at WVU is a decision to embark on a transformative artistic journey. What makes this institution particularly worth choosing is its rigorous, hands-on approach to training. Unlike programs that are purely academic, the school’s emphasis on "experiential learning" and a busy production schedule means students are constantly applying their skills in real-world settings. They are not just studying theatre and dance; they are building sets, designing costumes, and performing on professional stages. This practical experience is invaluable for building a portfolio and resume that will stand out in a competitive job market. The opportunity to learn from and be mentored by a faculty of active industry professionals is another significant advantage. These instructors provide students with a direct link to the professional world, offering insights and connections that can be difficult to obtain elsewhere.

The comprehensive facilities at the Canady Creative Arts Center are also a major draw. Having access to multiple well-equipped performance spaces, scene shops, and costume labs allows students to get a full understanding of all aspects of a production. For students with professional aspirations, the annual B.F.A. showcase in New York City is a powerful reason to choose this program, as it provides a direct path to launching a career in a major theatrical hub. For the West Virginia community, the school serves as a cultural anchor, providing high-quality performances that are accessible to the public. Ultimately, the School of Theatre and Dance at WVU offers a challenging, supportive, and highly professional environment where students can not only hone their craft but also prepare for a meaningful and successful career in the performing arts.

School of Theatre and Dance

1436 Evansdale Dr, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA