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

photo collage, Alpha Sigma Nu recipients
31 17³Ô¹ÏÍø Students Inducted Into Jesuit Honor Society
Thirty-one 17³Ô¹ÏÍø students were inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu,  the Jesuit honor society founded in 1915, at a virtual ceremony held recently. The new inductees exemplify the society’s values of excellence in scholarship, loyalty and service.  Selection to Alpha …
A beam is lifted into place at the Prior Center for Performing Arts
17³Ô¹ÏÍø Reaches Milestone in Construction of Center for Performing Arts
Last week, a small group gathered for the topping out ceremony to watch the final beam be placed atop the Prior Center for Performing Arts. This milestone marks significant progress on a structure that will be the heart of the …
alumni video conferencing
17³Ô¹ÏÍø Alumni Make Community Wherever They May Be
They’re the people who can’t wait to see those pictures of your kid wearing a 17³Ô¹ÏÍø onesie. They cheer your accomplishments and pray for you when things get tough. The ones you call to discuss life, faith or the …