Theatre and Arts Management Faculty
Our faculty are experts in their fields. In small classes, you’ll work closely with your professors and learn from their experience.
Theatre has the power to build bridges and open hearts.
Program Overview
With a major in Theatre from Dean College, you'll have the hands-on experience and educational foundation to make your mark on the theatre world. Dean College offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts and a minor in Theatre.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts program offers degrees in the following areas:
In the Bachelor of Arts program, you can choose from the following theatre tracks:
Each program features our signature mix of intense coursework in theatre techniques and fundamentals with a broad foundation in essential subjects like English, history, art, music, math and science. You’ll study under our dedicated faculty and staff, who offer our students the knowledge and skills to thrive both in and out of the classroom. You’ll learn everything from the Stanislavsky acting method to dramatic literature and performance theory. You’ll also put theory into practice by gaining real-world experience in singing, acting, stage management, set design and so much more. And you’ll take part in main stage and student-directed productions as early as your first semester on campus, building the confidence and skills needed to become a well-rounded artist who understands the context of their art in the world.
Learn more about Audition and Program Requirements
My experience as a Musical Theatre Major at Dean College was exceptionally fulfilling. I was consistently challenged to push myself, whether it be within the classroom, or outside of it, always growing as a performer. The small class sizes were optimal for quality interaction with knowledgeable and highly creative professors who genuinely want to see us succeed.
Since graduation, I moved to New York City to pursue a career in musical theatre. I am working on my second contract for Vital Theatre Company and continue to audition, gain experience and make connections. I even met my current vocal coach at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival because of Dean! Dean College not only gave me my theatre degree, but wonderful mentors, friendships, and a support system that I cherish every day.
Since graduation, I received my BFA in Acting and moved to Los Angeles to begin a career in the entertainment industry. I am currently an Entertainment Reporter and Video Producer for Mtime, China’s largest entertainment website, and received the 2019 International Media Award from the ICG Publicists Guild. Dean prepared me with the tools I would need to succeed such as a strong work ethic, determination and resilience, as well as listening and improvisational skills.
Beyond the Classroom
Whether you crave a role on the stage or behind the scenes, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to practice your art at Dean College.
On campus, we present several theatre productions each year—from classic plays and comedies to musicals and the avant-garde—so you can find your niche as an actor, singer, dancer, director, lighting/set/costume designer or stage manager. Off campus, you’ll explore the theatre world through internships, a senior showcase and workshops with professionals in New York City, Boston, Providence and other major theatre hubs.
Our graduates go on to graduate school and to successful careers in acting, singing, dancing, design/technical work, dramaturgy and teaching. You’ll find Bulldogs starring in roles at NBC Universal, Community Little Theatre, Walt Disney, Eugene O'Neill Theatre Center, Hanover Theater, Neighborhood Musical School, InMusic Brands, Canobie Lake Park, Universal Studios, College Light Opera Company and so much more.
Dean prepared me to enter an entertainment industry that is constantly changing. Through courses focused on stage and screen performance, directing, technical theatre, arts and entertainment management and many others, I feel that I am the true definition of a holistic artist who can successfully book more jobs than simply just acting gigs. The professors at the Dean also helped me establish myself as a professional brand, giving me tips, tricks and advice on my resumes, cover letters, C/Vs, headshots, audition self-tapes and more.
Since graduating, my career has taken me all over the world. I've worked as a scenic carpenter for The Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, building sets for the regional premiere of "Escape to Margaritaville" and the world premiere of "Mystic Pizza: The Musical." I've sailed in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean as a technician on Carnival and Celebrity Cruise Lines. Through the Theatre program and the amazing level of instruction and support from faculty, I was able to gain the skills and experience needed to succeed in my career.
While attending Dean College most of my time was spent on stage performing. Dean prepared me for my current career which is performing at Walt Disney World on the Castle Forecourt stage. I've had a very magical experience for the last four years and am fortunate to work for a company that offers plenty of room to grow both as a performer and leader.
Get Involved
Learn more about how to get involved in student groups, activities and performances.-
Campus Productions Build your skills on stage or behind the scenes of our campus productions. -
Dance and Performance Groups Join one of our numerous student performance groups.
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Arts and Entertainment Management Club Dean College’s student group for Arts and Entertainment Management majors.
Uniquely Dean
Hone your craft through the unique programming and performance opportunities that the Dean College Theatre program has to offer.
- Learn from award-winning practitioners and scholars of acting, set design and musical theatre through coursework, master classes and workshops.
- Attend master classes taught by guest artists and industry professionals. Recent master class guests have included Gabrielle Hamilton, award-winning Broadway cast member of the reimagined musical Oklahoma! and its national touring company, and Chris Rice-Thomson, a member of the touring company of Hamilton.
- Participate in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival.
- Get involved with summer stock companies throughout New England.
- Receive highly specialized injury prevention and care services, provided by our full-time performing arts athletic trainer, Amanda Donahue. Learn more about how she works with Theatre and Dance students.
- Meet industry professionals through our “Storytime” series via Zoom, a talk-show format featuring leaders in the arts and entertainment industry.
- Audition for industry representatives, casting directors and agents at industry showcases.
- Study away through the Disney College Program, Washington Center or one of our many study abroad opportunities.
- Dean was listed as one of the "Top 20 Musical Theatre Programs That Should Be On Your List" by The College Audition.
Space to Learn and Perform
As a Theatre major at Dean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take the stage in our first-class performance and teaching venues, study on-stage and behind-the-scenes techniques and receive support from our talented faculty and staff. Explore the photo gallery below to see the spaces you’ll learn and perform in.
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Located in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, the Main Stage Theatre is a 16,000-square-foot state-of-the-art teaching and performance venue.
The Main Stage is home to the majority of our dance and theatre productions, as well as events and showcases.
You'll also have the opportunity to take classes in the Main Stage Theatre, in addition to rehearsals and performances.
The Main Stage Theatre is home to a state-of-the-art control booth, where you can learn the latest techniques in lighting, sound and stage.
Take classes in lighting, sound and production, and then take on those roles for our Main Stage productions.
The Main Stage Theatre is also home to a costume shop and stage construction space.
Take classes in production and set design, where you’ll learn how to design and build a variety of sets.
Build the sets for Main Stage productions while building skills you can use in your future career.
Lighting is a key part of every performance. You’ll learn best practices and have the chance to manage the lights during productions.
The Guidrey Center, located in the Dr. Paula M. Rooney Student Center, is one of our first-class teaching and performance venues.
Take courses with faculty and staff and master classes with guest artists in the Guidrey Center.
The Guidrey Center is the venue for student showcases and productions like the annual Arts Mosaic.
Your courses will be held in a number of classrooms and studios across campus, including the Performing Arts Studio.
Classes are also held in the Marvin Chapel, located on the second floor of Dean Hall.
The Marvin Chapel offers a unique setting to learn, practice and find inspiration.
Small class sizes provide a close-knit atmosphere for you to learn and practice your skills in.
Learn the skills you need to take the stage in a supportive classroom environment.
Program Requirements
Prospective students applying to the Theatre program must complete both an audition or portfolio review and an application for admission. We offer in-person auditions, video auditions and off-campus audition opportunities. Learn more about the audition process, requirements and dates.
Dean College offers both BFA and BA degree programs in Theatre. For the BFA program, you may choose from a degrees in Acting or Musical Theatre. For the BA program, you may choose from three tracks: Performance, Production & Design and Theatre Studies. See the course listings below to see a sample of classes offered in each concentration.
Acting BFA
The Acting BFA provides you with the skills and tools to become a lifelong artist that is ready for the stage, the screen and beyond. You'll receive conservatory-style training - including voice and movement work, text analysis studies and dance classes - while learning how to apply these techniques to a variety of materials. You will also be involved in faculty- and student-produced performances starting in your first year.
Musical Theatre BFA
The rigorous Musical Theatre BFA program provides holistic training to help you grow as a performer. Your coursework will include private, individualized voice training, musical theatre courses and dance technique courses . You'll also develop your acting skills and expressiveness in a range of material, from operetta to rock.
Performance
Combining rigorous acting and performance training with the room to pursue courses and programs outside of the arts, the Performance BA track is ideal for those who want to do more than take center stage. You'll learn tools and techniques taught in acting, dance and musical theatre classes while also exploring your interests both off-stage and behind the scenes, including the liberal arts, sciences, business and beyond.
Production and Design
The Production and Design track provides real-world experience in technical theatre: design, lighting, sets, props, costuming and stage management. You will work behind the scenes to help make our stage productions a reality while gaining live theatre experience in various settings, including dance, musical theatre, cabaret, live music and stage plays.
Theatre Studies
The Theatre Studies track emphasizes a rigorous exploration of theatre history, dramatic literature and performance theory. Your coursework includes theatre pedagogy, research methods, acting, script analysis, portfolio creation, dramaturgy and production and design. Blending theory and practice, this track will prepare you for teaching, criticism and writing, arts leadership, graduate studies or work as a dramaturg.
RECENT STORIES
Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Theatre major at Dean.
Related News
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Dean College Brings AIDS Quilt to Campus in Conjunction with “RENT”
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Dean College Announces New Dean for School of the Arts
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Dean College Announces 2023-2024 Theatre and Dance Season
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Dean College to Award Honorary Degrees to Andrea Kremer, Marty Walsh and Rutina Wesley at the 157th Commencement Exercises
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Dean Welcomes Filmmaker Bennett Singer to Campus for Mini-Residency
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SHOWCASING THE CLASS OF 2023: Q&A WITH SENIOR THEATRE MAJORS
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TRANSFORMATION TUESDAY: Q&A WITH EMILY G. ’23
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We’ve Got Magic To Do: Q&A With the Cast of Pippin
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The Rescigno Brothers Hold a Master Class in Comedy Improv at Dean
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Telling Stories to Survive: Q&A With the Cast of Mr. Burns, a Post-Electric Play
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Theatre Students Participate in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
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Performing Arts Students Hear from Entertainment Industry Leaders
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Theatre Major Has an Illuminating Internship at Waterfire Providence
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Alumni Spotlight: Cameron Ward ’21 Gets Into Character