theatre students performing

"All the world's a stage"

— William Shakespeare

Make A Gift

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.

Nationally accredited

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 the National 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

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!

View This Season's Productions!

SETC

Come see us at the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Chattanooga, TN March 3-7, 2026

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MISSION STATEMENT

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 

  1. 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.
  2. To develop basic knowledge of the major authors, periods, movements, ideas, and trends in drama and theatre.
  3. To nurture artistic leadership and understanding of production processes through opportunities to perform, direct, teach, design, and stage manage.
  4. To promote collaborative experiences that develop students' communication skills, appreciation of diversity, and flexibility in all artistic and interdisciplinary endeavors.
  5. To develop advanced competence in one or more theatre specializations (performance, design/technical, K-12 certification).

Explore Concentrations

 

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre

Musical Theatre

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Musical Theatre

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Theatre Design/ Tech

Theatre Design/ Tech

Theatre Design/ Tech

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Theatre Design/ Tech

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Theatre Education

Theatre Education

Theatre Education

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Theatre Education (K-12 Certification)

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Theatre Performance

Theatre Performance

Theatre Performance

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree with a concentration in Theatre Performance

Explore More
 

Where will you PERFORM?

From the classroom to the mainstage, we have what you need to excel and expand your skills.

Theatre & Dance Facilities

PIPPIN

PAST PERFORMANCES

Past Performance

Meet our Team

Meet the people who are shaping the next generation of performers.

THEATRE & DANCE FACULTY AND STAFF

Daniel Gordon, Chair

Daniel Gordon, Chair

The Department of Theatre & Dance

Office: 115 Johnson Hall
Phone: 803/323-2287
E-mail: theatredance@winthrop.edu

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All motor vehicles parked on the campus or any property owned by Winthrop University, 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.

Like What You See?

Are you ready to join the ArtsWinthrop family of creatives? We can't wait to meet you!