Theatre Major: Dance Option (B.A.)

The Theatre Major: Dance Option at UNH is designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in dance and related fields, including performance, choreography, and education. The program features a comprehensive curriculum encompassing diverse dance styles such as Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Tap, Musical Theatre, and Aerial Dance. Students benefit from the expertise of distinguished faculty and a wide array of performance opportunities, including the UNH Dance Company Concert, Ballet Showcases, and Dance and Aerial Showcases. Additional opportunities include internships, guest artist workshops, and global exposure through study-abroad programs like The London Experience. Alumni from the program have excelled in prestigious venues such as Boston Ballet, Cirque du Soleil, Broadway, and major networks like ABC, HBO, and Disney, exemplifying the program’s excellence in preparing students for competitive careers.

Degree Requirements

All Major, Option and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

Major Requirements

In the freshman and sophomore years, students should enroll for at least two major and two Discovery courses per semester.

The minimum grade requirement for major courses is C- per course. Any grade lower than C- will not count toward the major.

The required minimum overall GPA in major coursework is 2.0.

Under department policy, students who complete both COMM 401 American Sign Language I and COMM 502 American Sign Language II satisfy the bachelor of arts language proficiency requirement.

All majors must take courses in the following areas: performance, design/theatre technology and theory/history as well as fulfill between four and eight practicums and complete a capstone course.  Although timing will vary with each option, it is strongly suggested that all introductory courses be taken prior to the end of the student's sophomore year.  Students must also complete a digital portfolio that demonstrates fulfillment of student learning outcomes related to their area of study.

Candidates for a degree must satisfy all of the University Discovery Program requirements in addition to satisfying the requirements of each individual major program. Bachelor of arts candidates must also satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement.

Theatre department majors may use one major-required course to satisfy one Discovery Program category requirement.

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The practicum ensures a breadth of experience in the major, including sets, costumes, lighting, props, box office, marketing, and performing.  Students must register for practicum every semester.  They are notified of their practicum assignment at the beginning of each semester.

Sample Degree Plan

This sample degree plan serves as a general guide; students collaborate with their academic advisor to develop a personalized degree plan to meet their academic goals and program requirements.

Program Learning Outcomes

On completion of the B.A. in Theatre, students will:

• Recognize and distinguish between various styles and forms of theatre or dance that have shaped the evolution of these disciplines.
• Effectively communicate artistic ideas and/or critical analysis of theatre or dance works through appropriate oral, written or practical means.
• Demonstrate knowledge and fundamental skill level of the basic areas of theatre or dance production in areas related to performance, design, technology or management.
• Create and demonstrate informed and personal artistic choices in coursework and productions (i.e., design, dance, directing, acting).

On completion of the option in Dance, students will:

• Develop an awareness of proper dance technique, physical expression and kinesthetic exploration.
• Apply choreographic phrases and compositional skills through performance.
• Demonstrate a foundation in dance pedagogy.
• Demonstrate a reflective and critical awareness of dance history.
• Effectively apply dance principles to critical writing via journals, performance critiques, and research assignments.

Professional Licensure/Certification Disclosures

The University of New Hampshire offers a number of academic programs designed to lead to professional licensure or certification in New Hampshire. However,  completing a UNH degree/program does not guarantee professional licensure or certification. Eligibility may also depend on factors like years of work experience, professional examinations, passing a background check, and other criteria.

UNH does not guarantee that its professional licensure programs will satisfy the criteria of professional licensure boards in other states. Some states maintain different requirements for professional licensure or certification and requirements can change frequently. Federal regulations require the University to make public disclosure of certain information regarding professional licensure or certification programs, regardless of the modality the program is offered (i.e., in-person or online). The University provides guidance below but recommends students contact their state/territory licensing or certification board to ensure a program meets specific state/territory requirements.

Visit the Office of the Registrar's website for information about whether this program meets professional licensure requirements in your state.