University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department

- 285, Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260

For aspiring artists and lovers of the performing arts in New York, the University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department is a dynamic and essential destination. Located in the heart of Buffalo, this department is not just an academic institution; it is a creative powerhouse where the next generation of actors, dancers, designers, and scholars are trained and mentored. Situated within the broader context of the University at Buffalo, it offers a unique blend of conservatory-style training and the rich academic opportunities of a world-class research university. This balance ensures that students receive a comprehensive education that is both artistically rigorous and intellectually expansive.

The department is widely recognized for its commitment to both artistic excellence and scholarly innovation. Its faculty are active practitioners and renowned scholars in their respective fields, providing students with invaluable, real-world experience and close mentorship. This hands-on approach is central to the curriculum, with learning extending beyond the classroom and into state-of-the-art facilities. Students have countless opportunities to apply their knowledge on stage and behind the scenes in a variety of productions, from large-scale dramas and musicals to innovative dance concerts. This focus on experiential learning is crucial, preparing students not just for the stage, but for professional careers in a wide range of fields.

The University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department is also known for its creation of new works and its research that impacts both the local Buffalo community and the world at large. The department's productions are not only a platform for student talent but also a vital cultural resource for the entire campus and surrounding area. They bring in nationally recognized directors and choreographers to work with emerging student artists, resulting in productions that entertain audiences while exploring the human condition. The department’s engagement with the community and its commitment to developing innovative research truly sets it apart as a leader in the field of performing arts education.

Location and Accessibility

The University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department is located at 285 Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA. This central location on the UB North Campus provides a convenient and accessible hub for students, faculty, and audience members. The department is committed to making its spaces and events accessible to all. The facilities at Alumni Arena and the nearby Center for the Arts feature a wheelchair-accessible car park and a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that everyone can easily attend classes, rehearsals, and performances. The campus itself is well-designed with public transportation options and plenty of parking, making it a practical choice for anyone traveling to the campus.

Services Offered

As a university department, the primary services offered are academic programs and a wide range of productions and experiential learning opportunities.

• BFA Music Theatre: A rigorous, conservatory-style program for students with a passion for musical theatre, combining acting, singing, and dance training.
• Theatre BA: A flexible, liberal arts-based program for students who want a broad education in theatre, allowing for double majors and interdisciplinary study.
• Theatre BFA Performance Concentration: A focused program for students dedicated to becoming professional actors, with intensive training in acting and performance.
• BFA Theatre Design/Technology: Comprehensive training in all areas of production, including scenic, lighting, costume, sound, and projection design.
• BFA in Dance: A program with comprehensive training in modern, ballet, jazz, and tap, preparing students for professional careers in the dance world.
• MFA in Dance and MA/PhD in Theatre & Performance: Advanced degree programs for graduate students seeking to deepen their artistic and scholarly practice.
• Public Production Season: The department produces a full season of plays, musicals, and dance concerts that are open to the public, providing professional-level entertainment to the community.

Features / Highlights

The University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department is distinguished by a number of key features that highlight its quality and value.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Students and faculty work in modern venues, studios, and shops, including the proscenium-style Drama Theatre and a flexible black box theatre.
• Renowned Faculty: The faculty are not only accomplished scholars but are also active practitioners in the professional world, offering students invaluable mentorship.
• Experiential Learning: A strong emphasis is placed on hands-on application of classroom knowledge through active participation in productions from the very first semester.
• Professional Connections: Students gain paid experience and internship opportunities with local and national theatres, as well as with major live event companies.
• Accessibility: The department and its venues are committed to accessibility, featuring wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking for all.
• Diverse Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to be versatile, preparing students for a wide variety of careers in theatre, dance, film, television, and beyond.

Contact Information

For more information on programs, productions, or to get in touch with the department, you can use the following contact details.

Address: 285, Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA

Phone: (716) 645-6897

Mobile Phone: +1 716-645-6897

What is worth choosing

For New Yorkers seeking a high-quality, comprehensive education or simply a source of compelling live entertainment, the University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department is an exceptional choice. What truly makes it stand out is its unique blend of intensive artistic training and a broad, liberal arts-based education. Students are not just taught to perform; they are prepared to be thoughtful, well-rounded artists who can think critically and collaborate effectively. The department’s reputation is built on its ability to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also versatile and resourceful.

The department’s commitment to providing hands-on, practical experience from the beginning of a student's journey is a significant advantage. Instead of waiting until senior year, students can apply their skills on stage and behind the scenes in their very first semester. This applied learning, combined with close faculty mentorship and connections to professional organizations, provides a solid foundation for a successful career. Additionally, for the general public, the department's robust production season offers a fantastic opportunity to see high-quality, professional-level shows at an accessible price. In choosing to engage with the University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department, whether as a student or an audience member, you are supporting a vital part of the New York arts scene and a center for artistic and intellectual innovation.

University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department

285, Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA