UNT Dance and Theatre

UNT Dance and Theatre Introduce

Located in the heart of Denton, Texas, the University of North Texas (UNT) is a vibrant center of education and culture, and its Department of Dance and Theatre stands as a powerful testament to this legacy. Far more than just an academic department, UNT Dance and Theatre is a dynamic hub for artistic expression, professional development, and community engagement. As a cornerstone of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, the department is dedicated to creating meaningful and relevant art that explores and expresses the human experience through dynamic performances and innovative choreography. For students, it's a place to cultivate their passion and prepare for a professional career in performance, choreography, teaching, or other related fields. For the local community in North Texas, it's a destination for world-class productions that showcase both student talent and faculty expertise. The department's mission is rooted in fostering a creative culture, maintaining innovative excellence, and building collaborative networks, which results in a rich and impactful experience for everyone involved. Whether you are a prospective student, a seasoned theatregoer, or a family looking for cultural enrichment, UNT Dance and Theatre offers an experience that is both artistically enlightening and deeply engaging. From its well-regarded academic programs to its public performances, this department is a true gem in the Texas arts scene. This article will provide a comprehensive look into what makes UNT Dance and Theatre a premier choice, covering its location, extensive offerings, and the unique features that define its place in the community.

UNT Dance and Theatre is an integral part of the University of North Texas campus, located at 1179 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76201, USA. The department's facilities are primarily housed in two key buildings: the Radio, TV, Film & Performing Arts (RTFP) Building and the Dance and Theatre Arts (DATH) Building. This central campus location makes it easily accessible for students and visitors from Denton, as well as the greater Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The department is committed to accessibility, ensuring a welcoming environment for all. It features a wheelchair accessible entrance, making it easy for individuals with mobility challenges to enter the building. Furthermore, there is a dedicated wheelchair accessible parking lot, which provides convenience for visitors attending performances or classes. The two main performance venues, the University Theatre and the Studio Theatre, are both located in the RTFP building and offer wheelchair seating upon advance request. The University Theatre is a proscenium stage with a seating capacity of over 400 patrons, while the Studio Theatre is a flexible performance space that can seat up to 160. This thoughtful approach to accessibility ensures that everyone can enjoy the transformative power of live performance.

As an academic department within a major university, UNT Dance and Theatre offers a wide range of services and academic programs that go far beyond a typical private studio. The department’s offerings are comprehensive, designed to prepare students for professional careers while also providing opportunities for non-majors. Services and academic programs include:

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance
B.A. in Dance with Teacher Certification
Minor in Dance
Courses in Dance Performance (DANC 1050)
Classes in Dance as a Contemporary Art Form (DANC 1200)
Modern Dance Technique (multiple levels)
Ballet Technique (multiple levels)
Jazz Dance Technique (multiple levels)
Tap Dance Technique (multiple levels)
Hip-Hop Dance Technique
Choreography (multiple levels)
Dance Kinesiology
Dance Pedagogy
History of Concert Dance in the U.S.
Stage Production and Technology
Private Lessons and Senior Projects

The extensive course catalog demonstrates the department's commitment to a rigorous and well-rounded education. Students can pursue a B.A. in Dance or even a B.A. with Teacher Certification, preparing them for a variety of career paths. The curriculum covers not only technical skills in multiple dance styles but also theoretical and academic subjects like dance history, kinesiology, and pedagogy. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are not only skilled performers but also knowledgeable artists and educators. The department also offers a Minor in Dance for students who wish to supplement their primary major with artistic study. For community members, the department’s public performances are a major draw, showcasing the talent and hard work of the students and faculty in a variety of styles, from traditional ballets to cutting-edge modern works.

The UNT Dance and Theatre department is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a premier institution in the North Texas region. These features contribute to its strong reputation and unique educational environment.

Houses dedicated facilities for both dance and theatre, including the RTFP and DATH Buildings.
Offers two full-size performance venues, the University Theatre and the flexible Studio Theatre, for a wide range of productions.
The dance studios are specially designed with wood sprung floors to provide a safe and professional environment for dancers.
Many dance classes feature live musical accompaniment, a rare and valuable resource that enhances the learning experience.
Students and faculty have access to a Dance/Theatre Technology Lab for integrating digital media and computer technology into their work.
The department provides opportunities for non-majors to participate through minors and general courses, opening up the arts to the broader university community.
Produces a full season of professional-quality dance concerts and theatre productions, providing hands-on experience for students and entertainment for the public.
Known for its high-quality performances, as praised by a customer who had an "amazing time watching Cabaret and American Idiot here!"
The department has a strong alumni network, with former students regularly featured on stage, television, and film, and some even receiving prestigious awards.

The single customer review, while brief, speaks volumes about the department's public-facing programs. The comment, "Had an amazing time watching Cabaret and American Idiot here!" highlights the quality and engaging nature of the productions. This review, along with the department's mission to create "meaningful and relevant art," suggests that the performances are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking and artistically ambitious. The department's history as a long-standing program in Texas, founded in 1938, also adds to its prestige and legacy. Its accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) further solidifies its standing as a top-tier educational institution. The combination of professional-grade facilities, a diverse curriculum, and a focus on hands-on experience makes this department a leader in performing arts education.

For those interested in learning more about the UNT Dance and Theatre department, whether for academic pursuits or to attend a performance, contact information is readily available. The main address for the campus is 1179 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76201, USA. For specific inquiries about the department, visitors can consult the UNT website. While a general phone number is not listed in the provided information, the university’s main phone number and department websites offer a direct path to information about programs, events, and ticket sales for upcoming shows. The department's online presence on social media and its website provides a wealth of information on upcoming shows, news, and student life.

Why is UNT Dance and Theatre worth choosing? For aspiring artists in Texas, the department offers a unique blend of academic rigor and practical experience that prepares them for a successful career. The ability to major in dance or theatre within a major university provides students with a well-rounded liberal arts education while they pursue their passion. For the broader community, the department is an invaluable cultural resource. Attending a production at UNT is a chance to see future stars on the stage, witness innovative choreography, and support the local arts scene. The accessible facilities and central location make it easy for anyone in the Denton area to attend. The department’s commitment to excellence, as seen in its dedicated faculty, top-notch facilities, and diverse curriculum, ensures that every experience, whether in the classroom or in the audience, is of the highest quality. In a state that values the performing arts, UNT Dance and Theatre stands out as a place where talent is nurtured, creativity is celebrated, and the human spirit is expressed through the power of movement and storytelling. It is an institution that truly embodies the spirit of Texas: big, bold, and full of heart.