School of Arts and Sciences
Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies

BA in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies

The major in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies provides a balanced mix of study and practice, understanding and process, thinking and doing. Students will enjoy the opportunity to take on a variety of roles in the production process, and to expand their knowledge of theatre and dance history and dramatic literature.

Our program also provides useful skills for those planning to pursue graduate school or professional training or to work in a theatre arts specialization. TDPS majors often complete double majors in combination with many other departments and programs.

Contact Maurice Parent, Director of Undergraduate Studies, with any questions about these programs.

Program Requirements and Policies

  • For the BA in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, a total of 34 Credits are required.
  • No major course may be taken Pass/Fail (except crews: TPS 81 and DNC 60, or TPS 80 taken Spring 2023 or before).
  • At least two courses in the student’s major must be level 100+.
  • DEIJ Requirement: Once course in the student’s major must be an inquiry into power, identity, or culture. Please consult the list Major Section DEIJ
  • We expect each Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies major to gain experience in the creative aspects of theatre and/or dance through involvement in the department's production program. Graduation magna cum laude or summa cum laude with a TDPS major is contingent not only on scholastic achievement, but also on significant participation in productions.
  • We strongly recommend that students considering a TDPS major complete their foundational course and an introductory-level course in either studio dance/acting or design/technology by the end of the sophomore year. This will allow greater flexibility in scheduling coursework and more opportunities for advanced-level production projects.
  • We also encourage students who plan to pursue professional training or graduate study to take more than the minimum number of course credits, especially in their area of specialization.

Course Requirements

The TDPS major consists of approximately twelve courses and related requirements, as follows:

  • Foundational Course: 3 Credits (ideally taken 1st or 2nd year) from list Major Section I
  • Theory, Culture, and History: 6 Credits from list Major Section II
    • 3 Credits may cover exclusively Film/TV/other media (FMS and SMFA courses)
  • Performance: 3 Credits in from list Major Section III (Practicums may not be used towards this section)
  • Production and Technology: 3 Credits from list Major Section IV
  • Design and Creative Process: 3 Credits from list Major Section V
  • Production Crew: 1 Credit of either TPS 81 Production Run Crew or DNC 60 Dance Production Practicum
  • Electives/Specialization: 15 Credits chosen in consultation with the student’s major adviser
    • May include up to 6 Credits of practicums
    • May include capstone or thesis project credits

  • By the time students complete a major in Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies they should be able to:

    1. Develop and demonstrate an understanding of diverse approaches to performance across different time periods, genres, art forms, communities, and cultural contexts.
    2. Recognize the different roles one can take in creative and production processes and understand how these roles function individually and in collaboration.
    3. Collaborate effectively in an ensemble by cultivating active witnessing, adaptability, and shared storytelling.
    4. Conduct independent research and apply to creative and/or scholarly projects.
    5. Implement critical thinking, problem solving, and creative process skills in the development and revision of artistic and scholarly projects.
    6. Explore and analyze the relationship between theory and practice.
    7. Engage the body, voice, and imagination as modes of creative expression and interpretation of text and culture.
    8. Foster embodied awareness and physical techniques that encourage individual and social well-being.
    9. Utilize and implement production technologies.
    10. Hone world-building skills by drawing on research-based inspiration and develop effective communication of imaginative elements to collaborators and audiences.
    11. Integrate self-reflection, outside feedback, and metacognition to build on experiences and skills and contribute to collective creative processes.
    12. Articulate how the arts engage with social, cultural and political phenomena, enhance cross-cultural and intersectional perspectives, and empower our imaginations to address issues of social justice. 

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