You are a collaborator. You dream of standing in the spotlight or working behind the scenes to make the show
happen. Learn about the latest techniques and hone your skills in courses like script
analysis, stage make-up, directing, and stage management. Through class instruction,
private coaching, mentoring, and performance, the Department of Theatre and Dance
helps to develop students’ skills in order to succeed after graduation. The department
advocates both theoretical and creative exploration to achieve an understanding of
the social, political, historical, and technological aspects of theatre or dance.
Winthrop theatre graduates are prepared to pursue careers with resident theatre companies,
national touring groups, theme parks, local arts councils, and schools. Theatre alumni
also pursue graduate degrees at prestigious institutions throughout the U.S.
Intensive professional training is provided to ensure the development of highly motivated,
self-disciplined graduates. Students can be assured their Winthrop degree meets the
rigorous professional standards of theNational Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), of which the university is an institutional accredited member.
Degrees
•Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in theatre with concentrations in performance, design/ technical
theatre, musical theatre, or k-12 teacher certification
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Fall One Acts auditions will be Saturday, October 4 at 3 p.m.
The department presents five main stage productions (three in theatre, two in dance),
two student choreography showcases, and many studio dance/theatre productions and
other informal performances each year!
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 general public
*Cultural Event
A full evening of works in a variety of genres. This year's concert will showcase pieces choreographed by faculty and senior dance majors for their capstone experience.
02.25 - 02.28 | 7:30 p.m. Special Outreach Performance: 02.27 | 10 a.m. 03.01 | 2 p.m. Johnson Theatre, Johnson Hall
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $10 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public
*Cultural Event
This bold adaptation of the first play published by an African American follows Cato, a complicit "house slave," and Glen and Melinda, two enslaved lovers, who risk everything for freedom. Dr. Marvin McAllister brings new life to William Wells Brown’s powerful mix of melodrama, minstrelsy, and anti-slavery oration. Rich with historical insight and infused with modern music--from bluegrass to bounce, gospel to big beat--The Escape offers a rare look at slavery and resistance from a contemporary perspective—urgent, unforgettable, and triumphant.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
03.04 - 03.07 | 7:30 p.m. 03.08 | 2 p.m. Johnson Studio Theatre, Johnson Hall
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $10 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public
*Cultural Event
By Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield
For their inaugural residency production, Free Reign Theatre takes us on an irreverent, fast-paced romp through all 37 of the Bard’s plays – plus the sonnets – in just 90 minutes.
Three actors tackle comedies, tragedies, and histories with a mix of clever parody, pop culture, improvisation, and more than a little chaos. No Shakespeare expertise needed—just a sense of humor. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or a curious first-timer, this madcap mashup delivers big laughs and even bigger energy.
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $10 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public
*Cultural Event
By Henrick Ibsen
Truth. Power. Consequences. A town’s future hangs in the balance when a water contamination crisis is uncovered—and two brothers find themselves on opposite sides. One is determined to speak the truth. The other is determined to silence it.
This explosive political drama dives deep into the cost of integrity, the weight of public opinion, and the dangers of unchecked power. More than a century after its debut, Ibsen’s masterpiece feels more relevant than ever: “Startling how current the play’s ideas feel” (The New York Times), “A play so necessary, exhilarating to experience” (The Village Voice). Experience the urgency. Feel the impact.
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 general public
*Cultural Event
An evening of selected works by students, faculty, and guest artists. Come see an eclectic showcase of the best of the year's dancing in the Department of Theatre and Dance. A variety of dance styles will be featured.
The mission of the theatre program is to foster individual students' aesthetic, intellectual,
and creative development within the context of a liberal arts education as they pursue
a Bachelor of Arts degree.
Theatre Program Goals
To provide a developmentally sequenced curriculum of studio and theory courses that
exposes students to a breadth of skills, knowledge, and critical thinking about the
creative processes of theatre and the nature of the theatrical event.
To develop basic knowledge of the major authors, periods, movements, ideas, and trends
in drama and theatre.
To nurture artistic leadership and understanding of production processes through opportunities
to perform, direct, teach, design, and stage manage.
To promote collaborative experiences that develop students' communication skills,
appreciation of diversity, and flexibility in all artistic and interdisciplinary endeavors.
To develop advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations (performance,
design/technical, K-12 certification).
Explore Concentrations
Musical Theatre
Musical Theatre
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Musical Theatre
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which are driven by faculty/staff or students must be registered with the Winthrop
University Police Department and bear either a regular parking permit or a temporary
parking permit. Visitors to Winthrop University that desire to park on university
property for a limited time must register their vehicle with the Winthrop University
Police Department. Temporary or Visitor parking permits can be obtained
online either before or upon arriving on campus.
