The School of Theatre and Dance
AT KENT STATE UNIVERSITY
WELCOME TO THE SCHOOL OF THEATRE AND DANCE The School of Theatre and Dance at Kent State University gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the study of their art at one of the nation’s highest ranked public research universities. From dawn until long after dark, the halls, classrooms, studios and stages of the Center for the Performing Arts are alive with creative activities. With conservatorystyle training on a liberal arts foundation, the school’s professional culture permeates every facet of life and learning. As a result, students cultivate their talents and make the connections necessary for career success. In addition to in-depth coursework, our comprehensive training programs are rooted in a commitment to student
development through mentorship and real-life experiences. Year-round production opportunities provide students with a quality education in our state-of-the-art facilities, including the recently completed Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance, which houses more than 70,000 square feet of learning, performance and design space. With three performance spaces on site in the Center for the Performing Arts and a fourth in the form of our outdoor summer theatre, Porthouse Theatre, students have many chances to display their work.
immerse yourself in your art
PROGRAMS
DANCE DESIGN AND TECHNOLGY MUSICAL THEATRE THEATRE STUDIES GRADUATE TRAINING
WHERE WILL YOUR DREAMS TAKE YOU? The School of Theatre and Dance offers comprehensive programs leading to Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees. Within these degree programs, students have the opportunity to focus their studies in specific concentrations.
explore and grow
DANCE
YOUR LIFE IN DANCE Bachelor of Arts in Dance Studies
My time at the School of Theatre and Dance gave me some of the most special years of my life. I built a family of friends, a wealth of knowledge and a network of tools that will never leave me. My time there helped develop me not only as an artist and a person, but as a young professional entering the field of dance. I represent the school and the school represents me, for it paved the way to the career I always dreamed of.
Sabatino A. Verlezza B.F.A. in Dance Performance 2012 Professional Dancer, New York City
Students pursuing a degree in Dance Studies are able to craft a personalized program by combining a curriculum founded in dance technique and dance academics with studies in other subject areas. Dance studies students are encouraged to pair their degree with other disciplines such as business, exercise science, journalism and education to maximize their career potential. This option facilitates individual plans of coursework, double majors and study-abroad opportunities. An audition is required for admission into the Dance Studies program.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance Dance Performance students pursue comprehensive training in dance technique, choreography and performance. A primary curriculum in modern dance is strongly supported by training in ballet and jazz. Courses in movement science, dance history, production, dance education, technology, acting and music are also required. An audition is required for admission into the Dance Performance program.
Minor in Dance Students majoring in another academic discipline are able to minor in dance. An audition is required.
your life in dance
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
BUILD YOUR DREAMS Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Technology
Kent State gave me the strong foundation to help me succeed in making my career goals a reality. What I value most are the strong relationships I built with my mentors and peers. This network continues to be a positive resource long after graduation.
Kristine Haag B.A. in Theatre Studies, 2003 Key Costumer on ABC’s Scandal
The Design and Technology program prepares students for careers as professional theatre designers, technicians and artisans. Students receive training in traditional and new methods of theatrical design and technology, graduating as dynamic and creative theatre practitioners. Students can expect a curriculum including instruction in scene design, technical direction, lighting design, sound design, video and new media, stage management and costume design.
Focus your studies in: Costume Design, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Stage Management, Theatre Technology
build your dreams
MUSICAL THEATRE
TAKE YOUR MARK Bachelor of Fine Arts Showcase in Musical Theatre Every year, the School of
The support that Kent State has shown me as an actor has been a constantly uplifting and nurturing force in my artistic development. It’s a wonderful source of strength to know that I will always have a professional family at Kent State who continues to take an active interest in what I’m doing with my degree. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have that.
Chris Richards, B.A. in Theatre Studies, 2009 Actor in New York City
The Musical Theatre program prepares students for life as working artists in the musical theatre field with fully developed skills in music, dance and acting. Practical training and creative experiences are coupled with an interdisciplinary liberal arts curriculum and a foundation in theatre history and theory. An audition is required for admission into the Musical Theatre program.
Theatre and Dance sponsors a New York City Performance Showcase for senior undergraduate and graduate musical theatre and acting students. The Showcase is a vital networking opportunity for students interested in relocating to New York City following graduation. Students participating in Showcase enroll in a course that provides them with guidance as they prepare to perform in front of invited casting agents, directors and managers.
take your mark
THEATRE STUDIES
YOUR ROLE FOR A LIFETIME Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Studies
“The dedication by the faculty, staff and students to professionalism and growth is what sets Kent State’s School of Theatre and Dance apart from others. Not only can you achieve your goals there, the staff will help you find talents you did not even know you had…I went in an actor and came out an actor, director, writer, producer and stage manager. It was without question the greatest four years of my life.
Carl Gannon B.A. in Theatre Studies, 2002
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre Studies allows students to pair their interest in theatre with a traditional liberal arts education. With a comprehensive curriculum examining all aspects of theatre, students receive a thorough grounding in theatre history, theory and process. In addition to a core unit of theatre courses, students choose one of four concentrations: • Performance • Production • Theatre Management • Theatre and Society The scope of the Theatre Studies program gives students the opportunity to explore the wide range of creative and career possibilities offered by the performing arts.
Minor in Theatre Students majoring in other academic disciplines are able to minor in theatre. • Theatre and Social Change • Theatre Management • Theatre Sound • Lighting Design and Technology • Scene Design • Scenic Technology • Costume Design and Technology
your role for a lifetime
GRADUATE TRAINING
TAKE YOUR PASSION FARTHER
Master of Fine Arts in Acting
The MFA program at Kent gave me the extra tools and confidence I needed to advance my skill set as a musical theatre performer. I was able to intensely study acting while maintaining my studies in singing and dancing.
James Lynch M.F.A. in Acting, 2012 Actor in New York City
The graduate program in acting is an intensive course of study designed to train talented and dedicated students as artists and masters of their craft. With a primary curriculum founded in the acting, voice and movement techniques of Stanislavski, Linklater, Rodenburg, Laban and Alexander, the program is supported by studies in theatre history, drama and acting for the camera. An audition is required for admission into the graduate program in acting.
Master of Fine Arts in Acting for the Returning Professional The graduate program in acting for returning professionals strives to prepare those with extensive acting experience for other careers in the field and to enrich and expand their understanding of theatre. Students have the opportunity to teach, both in the classroom and through participation in productions, as well as draw on their professional experiences and conduct original research. An audition is required for admission.
Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology
Students enrolled in the graduate programs for design and technology pursue a core curriculum founded in the traditional and current techniques, technologies and styles of design. Classes, production experiences and internships in their specific concentrations prepare students for careers in professional performing arts and entertainment venues. Submission of an entrance portfolio is required for admission into the design and technology graduate programs. The Master of Fine Arts in Design and Technology offers programs in: • Costume Design • Lighting Design • Scenic Design • Theatre Technology
take your passion farther
ALUMNI
Attending the School of Theatre and Dance means joining a professional family of experienced and dedicated faculty, alumni and friends who are leaders in the arts and entertainment industries. Our alumni are powerful resources and include regionally and nationally recognized actors and designers such as SAG-AFTRA president Ken Howard, Tony Award-winner Alice Ripley, Rioult NY dancer Sabatino Verlezza, Hart of Dixie actress Kaitlyn Black and ABC’s Scandal key costumer Kristine Haag.
Alice Ripley, ‘85
2009 Tony Award-winner, Next to Normal
Jeff Richmond, ‘85 Composer, Producer and Director NBC’s 30 Rock; Feature film Baby Mama
John de Lancie, ‘71
Actor, Director and Voice Artist Frequent Star Trek guest star as “Q”
Alumni of the School of Theatre and Dance have appeared and worked: ABC’s Scandal Air Dance Bernasconi AMC’s Mad Men Blue Man Group Bosma Dance Broadway’s The Book of Mormon Broadway’s Hair Broadway’s Legally Blonde The Musical Broadway’s Les Miserables Broadway’s Next to Normal Broadway’s Side Show Broadway’s Sunset Boulevard Broadway’s Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark Carnival Cruise Line CBS’s The Good Wife CBS’ How I Met Your Mother CBS’s Mom Cirque du Soleil Cleveland Play House The CW’s The Carrie Diaries The CW’s Hart of Dixie
Ray Wise, ‘69
Actor Twin Peaks; How I Met Your Mother
Dancin’ Unlimited DragonFly Dance Experiment Focus Features’ That Awkward Moment Fox’s 24 Fox’s New Girl HBO’s Big Love HBO’s True Blood Great Lakes Theater Festival The Jim Henson Company Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts NBC’s 30 Rock NBC’s Celebrity Apprentice Punchdrunk’s Sleep No More NYC Rioult Dance NY Royal Caribbean Cruise Line USA’s Royal Pains Utah Shakespearean Festival Walt Disney Pictures’ Tron: Legacy Warner Bros.’ American Sniper Warner Bros.’ Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice
Sabatino A. Verlezza, ‘12 Dancer RIOULT Dance NY
Photo credit: Sofia Negron
Guest Artists
Students in the School of Theatre and Dance regularly interact with a network of professional visiting artists who have worked in regional and national theatrical venues, in higher education, and in film and television. Currently, the school has three different endowed guest-artist series:
The Roe Green Visiting Director Series The William H. Zucchero Guest Artist Series The Armstrong Family Visiting Artist Series
Recent guest artists include:
John Cameron, Director Kathleen Conlin, Director Ami Dayan, Playwright/Director Joseph Hanreddy, Playwright/Director Barry Keating, Broadway Composer The Limón Dance Company Christopher K. Morgan, Choreographer/Dancer Everett Quinton, Actor/Director Alice Ripley, Broadway Actress Sue Ott Rowlins, Director Michael Rupert, Broadway Actor Jeffrey Saver, Broadway Music Director Stephen Schwartz, Broadway Composer Billy Seigenfeld, Jump Rhythm Jazz, Chicago J.R. Sullivan, Director, Playwright Ben Vereen, Actor/Dancer/Singer
John Moauro, ‘07
Actor and Director Cast Member of 2009 Tony Award-winning revival of Hair
Kristine Haag, ‘03
Key Costumer ABC’s Scandal
FACILITIES
The School of Theatre and Dance is housed in the Center for the Performing Arts, a building that includes the Roe Green Center for the School of Theatre and Dance. The school has three onsite performance spaces: E. Turner Stump Theatre
A continental-style, 500-seat proscenium theatre, it features a large, trapped stage, fly system and orchestra pit.
Wright-Curtis Theatre
With moveable seating for 175 to 250, flexible traps and a catwalk system, this theatre can be used in thrust and arena configurations.
Erdmann-Zucchero Black Box Theatre
The versatile Black Box Theatre serves as a multipurpose classroom, rehearsal and performance space throughout the academic year and has flexible seating for up to 200.
Porthouse Theatre
Located on the grounds of nearby Blossom Music Center, this outdoor thruststyle theatre is housed in a covered pavilion and seats 500.
Learning and Design Spaces
Acting Studios Costume Shop Costume Lab Computer Lab Dance Studios and Rehabilitation Studio Design Studio Dressing Rooms Lighting Lab Performing Arts Library Props and Crafts Lab Scene Shop Scenery Construction Lab Welding Lab
Contact Us
School of Theatre and Dance B-141 Center for the Performing Arts 1325 Theatre Drive Kent, OH 44242-0001 330-672-2082 WWW.KENT.EDU/THEATREDANCE