School of Theatre and Dance

- 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720

For residents of Stark County and Northeast Ohio considering higher education, particularly in the arts, Kent State University at Stark stands out as an accessible and comprehensive public university choice. Located in North Canton, the campus provides the robust resources and academic prestige of the Kent State system right here in our local community. While the university offers a vast array of Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s Degrees across numerous fields, one of its most dynamic and important cultural contributions to the region is its celebrated School of Theatre and Dance.

The institution, situated on a sprawling 200-acre suburban campus, is far more than just a place for classes; it is a major educational, cultural, and business hub. The presence of a dedicated School of Theatre and Dance underscores the university’s commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the Canton-Akron area. This school, in particular, is dedicated to creative excellence, offering comprehensive programs rooted in a professional culture that inspires students to transform their passion for performance and technical theatre into a viable profession. By providing opportunities that challenge students to develop their meaningful purpose, Kent State Stark is a foundational step for future Ohio-based and national artists alike.

Students here benefit from the deep institutional support of Kent State University, a cornerstone of Ohio’s public university system. This means access to accredited programs, dedicated faculty, and a curriculum designed to blend artistic training with critical liberal arts studies. The School of Theatre and Dance focuses on developing professionals who are technically proficient and creatively inspired, ready to contribute to the dynamic disciplines of theatre and dance. Furthermore, the campus actively engages with business and community partners through its extensive facilities, making it an economic and educational powerhouse in North Canton.

Kent State University at Stark operates as part of the University System of Ohio, serving a significant number of students annually in both academic programs and executive/professional education. The local advisory board, composed of leaders from business, industry, education, and the arts, ensures that the university’s programs and services remain relevant to the specific needs of the Stark County community, reinforcing its role as a local institution with a global reach.

Kent State University at Stark is strategically located in North Canton, Ohio, making it highly convenient for students and visitors throughout Stark, Summit, and surrounding counties. Its address serves as a beacon of higher learning and cultural activity in the area.

Address: 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720, USA

The campus location is particularly notable for its excellent accessibility. It is only about seven minutes from the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) and approximately 15 minutes from downtown Akron, ensuring easy access for commuters, guests, and visiting artists. For all members of the Ohio community, the university has ensured that its facilities are welcoming and compliant with modern accessibility standards:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

This accessibility focus extends to its highly acclaimed Conference Center, one of the few IACC-accredited facilities in Ohio, which further integrates the university with the region's professional and corporate sectors.

The School of Theatre and Dance, as part of the larger university, offers a comprehensive suite of academic and professional services, catering to both degree-seeking students and the community at large. While the following list highlights core offerings, the broader campus provides over 300 degrees and programs.

• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Musical Theatre (Audition-based, professional track)
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre Design, Technology, and Production
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre Studies (Providing a broad foundation)
• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Acting for the Returning Professional
• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatre Design Technology and Production
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance Performance
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance Studies
• Academic Minors in both Theatre and Dance
• Porthouse Theatre Summer Season (Professional outdoor summer theatre located on the grounds of Blossom Music Center, affiliated with the school)
• Corporate University Programs (Professional development courses and customized employee training for local businesses)
• Senior Guest Program (Supports Ohio residents aged 60 and up to audit courses and broaden their knowledge)

Kent State University at Stark and its School of Theatre and Dance offer distinct advantages that make it a compelling choice for Ohio students, emphasizing high-quality training and deep community engagement.

• Accreditation and Prestige: The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and the School of Theatre and Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
• Professional Production Opportunities: Students have extensive opportunities through the School's production calendar and its affiliation with Porthouse Theatre, providing real-world experience on a professional stage.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students utilize dedicated performing arts spaces for classes, rehearsals, and performances.
• Community Cultural Resource: The campus, including the Fine Arts Theatre and Conference Center, serves as a hub for cultural events, lectures, and public programming, greatly benefiting the Stark County community.
• Research and Collaboration: The school frequently participates in innovative collaborations, such as performance pieces that link movement, creativity, and academic research with other university departments.
• Professional Mentorship: The university regularly hosts prominent visiting artists, including Academy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning professionals who share valuable insights with students.
• Student Organizations and Ensembles: Home to groups like the Kent Dance Ensemble, Kent State University's pre-professional dance company, providing advanced performance opportunities.

For general university inquiries, information on degree programs, or details regarding the School of Theatre and Dance, local Ohio users can use the following contact details for the Kent State University at Stark campus.

Address: 6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720, USA
Phone: (330) 499-9600 (General Campus/Admissions)
Theatre and Dance Specific Inquiries: The main Kent State School of Theatre and Dance can be reached at a dedicated line (typically 330-672-2082), and local inquiries are often routed through the campus's main administration.

For an Ohio student, especially one in the Stark and Summit County region, choosing Kent State University at Stark means selecting a degree program that offers an ideal balance of convenience, affordability (as a public satellite campus), and high-quality, professional-track education in the arts. What is truly worth choosing here is the opportunity to pursue highly selective B.F.A. and M.F.A. programs in theatre and dance without having to relocate far from home, while still receiving a curriculum that is professionally accredited and aligned with the standards of a major public university.

The School of Theatre and Dance is distinguished by its professional culture. Students are not just performing for a school audience; they are training for a profession, with opportunities to perform at the prestigious Porthouse Theatre, a professional outdoor venue. This hands-on, experiential learning model is crucial for artists. Furthermore, the extensive range of degrees—from specialized B.F.A. tracks in Musical Theatre and Design/Technology to broader B.A. Theatre Studies and specialized M.F.A. programs—ensures that every student can find a path tailored to their career aspirations, whether they dream of Broadway, technical production, or arts administration in Ohio.

The university’s deep connection to the local community is another compelling reason to choose this institution. It’s an Ohio university dedicated to its local citizens, proven by its highly successful Corporate University, its accredited Conference Center, and the unique Senior Guest Program. Choosing KSU Stark means becoming part of a community that values both academic excellence and practical, professional readiness, providing the perfect stage for local students to develop their talents and find their meaningful purpose right here in North Canton.

School of Theatre and Dance

6000 Frank Ave NW, North Canton, OH 44720, USA