BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN THEATRE
PERFORMANCE or DESIGN and PRODUCTION A Powerful Educational Experience As one of the oldest professional theatre training programs in the region, Niagara University is well-known for preparing students for careers that take them anywhere from Broadway to Hollywood. One-on-one mentorship with theatre faculty gives increased confidence – both onstage and offstage – throughout every step of the experiential learning process. Since 1964, NU Theatre has proudly educated and entertained audiences through a variety of annual productions, giving students an artistic playground for growth and development and a heightened sense of purpose in their artistic pursuits. Moreover, our multi-faceted alumni network consisting of artists with credits from Broadway, international tours, TV and radio, can give a clarity of direction for the exciting future that awaits you.
A Cutting-Edge Curriculum Our unique curriculum fuses a conservatory approach to theatre training with a liberal arts education. NU’s theatre programs require an intense schedule and disciplined focus on both academic coursework, and practical production experience. Performance majors can expect courses in voice, acting, dance and movement, fundamentals of production, playwriting, just to name a few. Design and production majors will focus on scene design, costume and lighting design. Theatre faculty strive to raise the bar in theatre excellence, and bring inspiring and new opportunities to students to meet the evolving demands of the industry.
QUALITY
MENTORSHIP
OPPORTUNITY
Our conservatory curriculum includes traditional coursework in acting, voice, dance and movement every semester, as well as modern courses in commedia dell’arte, clown, devised theatre, directing, physical theatre, speech, stage combat and more.
Under the guidance of working professionals, theatre design and production students receive hands-on individualized training in all aspects of theatre design like costumes, lighting, scenery, sound and stage management.
Students may choose to spend six weeks in London, England earning 12 credit hours as part of an optional study abroad program studying courses in British theatre, and Elizabethan and Jacobean drama, acting and performance.
BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS IN THEATRE
PERFORMANCE or DESIGN and PRODUCTION NU’s Leary Theatre, the producing arm of the department, produces eight annual productions per season, allowing students an environment to apply the practical skills and knowledge they are learning in the classroom into a professional setting. Graduates of NU’s programs have gone on to noteworthy careers on Broadway, and working for employers such as Disney Theatrical Group, Missoula Children’s Theatre, Norwegian Cruise Lines, LORT Regional Theatres, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and RWS Entertainment Group.
Actor/ Performer
Director/ Producer Designers
Some students have also opted to pursue graduate level studies, or advanced level training, in specialized areas of theatre and entertainment. “I fell in love with Niagara’s theatre department for what it meant. There is a purity that I find extremely inspiring. There is an attitude here about theatre that corresponds so closely with my own. It’s about love.”
Stage Manager Drama Arts Educator
John Kander Tony/Emmy/Academy Award winning composer of Broadway musical hits Chicago, Cabaret, Curtains and more.
$59,900 Median Pay for Entertainers and Performers
*Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
About Niagara University Founded by the Vincentian community in 1856, Niagara University educates students in the highest academic tradition so that they graduate with the confidence, clarity of direction, and heightened sense of purpose to excel in their careers and be change leaders in their field. The university has received accolades from U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction and Money magazine for its ability to offer students a high return on their educational investment.
Students will be prepared for launch into the industry through a senior showcase for professionals in the region, and for various unified auditions such as UPTA (Unified Professional Theatre Auditions).
CONTACT US TODAY www.niagara.edu/theatre Terri F. Vaughan, Chair tfv@niagara.edu Adriano Gatto, Artist-in-Residence agatto@niagara.edu
716.286.8480