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THE
MAJOR
The Theatre and
Dance major is a school within the College
of Visual and Performing Arts.
JMU
Concentrations: Dance, Musical Theatre, Theatre
Admission and Progression Standards for this major:
Click on the link to learn more about the admission and progression standards of this major: http://www.jmu.edu/advising/snapshots/SSTHEA_DANC.shtml
Description
of Major:
The School of Theatre and Dance offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with concentrations in Theatre, Dance, and Musical Theatre. Minors are offered in either theatre or dance. Students may also gain Teacher Licensure in Dance or Theatre. The focus of the Dance Program is to develop each student's abilities as a performer, choreographer and movement instructor. Students in dance are taught versatility in movement style through a technique sequence in modern dance and ballet, with courses in Jazz and other dance forms. There is also a strong emphasis on individual creativity in the dance composition curriculum. Theoretical and practical knowledge of dance history, production and management is acquired through integrated experiences in the classroom, studio, performing and touring situations. Students have the opportunity to perform in works composed and directed by other students, faculty artists and guest choreographers-in-residence. There is a mandatory dance audition requirement for this major. Students should contact the Dance office to make arrangements for an audition and interview. The JMU Theatre Program combines the best attributes of a liberal arts education with professional training. It is directed specifically toward undergraduate students. There are three basic emphasis areas: (1) instruction in the theory and history of drama and theatre, (2) instruction in the practice of theatre arts and (3) a full production program on two stages. In the sophomore year, students enter one or more of the four tracks: Performance, Design and Technology, Theatre Studies, or Theatre Education. In addition to performance elements, students in theatre study theatre history, aesthetics, performance theory, and dramatic theory and literature. Students are also encouraged to participate in production activities and can gain credit through the theatre practicum courses. There are numerous opportunities to direct, design and perform. The Musical Theatre concentration combines many elements of the theatre concentration with additional requirements in dance and vocal performance. A mandatory audition or portfolio review and interview is required for admission to any area of concentration.
Tell
me more about this field of study.
The Musical Theatre and Theatre concentrations both have a liberal arts orientation, but offer significant pre-professional training. The undergraduate focus means that undergraduates act the parts, construct the sets, design and direct in the Studio Theatre, and fulfill the responsibilities for running each production. Students are exposed to the following opportunities: appreciation of great works of theatre by viewing productions, training to work within a group toward a defined goal, and training for a professional career or training sufficient for graduate level work.
The focus of the Dance concentration is to develop an individual's abilities as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher and also to develop critical and creative thought through written expression and discussions. Attention is given to: the tools necessary to create, perform, produce and appreciate dance; the historical, philosophical and cultural significance of various dance forms; and the art of expression and movement within the dance experience.
Tell
me more about specializations in this major.
Students have many opportunities to be involved with productions because the School of Theatre and Dance sponsors several major productions a year in its main stage season, plus numerous productions in the Studio Theatre. The program also sponsors a summer children's theatre. The highly selective Musical Theatre concentration focuses on performance and provides opportunities for students to perform in mainstage and studio musicals as well as musical revues that are produced each year. Four tracks in the Theatre concentration (Performance, Design and Technology, Theatre Studies, and Theatre Education) allow for specialization within the major and concentration. In the dance program students can become more specialized in dance production, choreography, education, or performances.
What
common major or minor combinations from other departments
complement this major?
Some common combinations are Art, Art History, Communication Studies, Creative Writing, English, Film Studies, Health Sciences, Human Resource Development, History, Interior Design, Jazz Studies, Kinesiology, Media Arts and Design, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Nonprofit Studies, and Psychology.
CHARACTERISTICS
OF SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS
A strong work ethic, an appreciation of the arts in general and their place in society, a positive outlook and ability to promote themselves as artists and create employment opportunities for themselves.
CAREERS
Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that utilize skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.
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