Theatre and Dance

Theatre: Major 
Dance: Minor 

Act, dance, direct, design, or stage manage. With numerous production opportunities throughout the year, students studying theatre can try on many different hats — figuratively and literally. Recognized for its high standards of training and the quality of its productions, the Department of Theatre and Dance at 17³Ô¹ÏÍø provides a nurturing and supportive environment for students to express themselves and develop their artistic capabilities in a collaborative environment.

As a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø theatre program is highly regarded regionally and nationally. Our teaching and programming has been reviewed and certified as meeting all national standards for formal theatre training.

In the liberal arts tradition, we believe theatre is a vital, dynamic medium qualified to participate in a dialogue about the human condition. 17³Ô¹ÏÍø theatre explores the spiritual aspects of our collective experience, examining compelling issues and ideas in a provocative and entertaining manner.

Program Highlights

In addition to classes in theatre history and literature, students can choose to pursue the major with either an acting or design emphasis, minor in dance, or they can create a self-designed major through the  in or playwriting. Courses of study include: 

  • acting
  • dance
  • design 
  • directing 
  • film
  • history and literature
two students sitting in a theatre production on stage

Each semester students collaborate with faculty and professional staff on major productions.

stage during a theatre production

View photos of past theatre department productions.

Theatre and Dance News

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Iphigenia Opens as Inaugural Performance at the Prior Performing Arts Center
The 17³Ô¹ÏÍø production combines two of Euripides’ ancient plays for a modern audience.
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Photo Gallery: Visitors Experience Prior Performing Arts Center at Community Day
Faculty, staff, students, alumni and Worcester residents tour the building and enjoy music, dance and theater open rehearsals and performances.
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Prior Performing Arts Center at the 17³Ô¹ÏÍø—a New Facility Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro—Welcomes the Campus Community This Fall