Theatre & Performance
The Department of Theatre & Performance embraces the liberal arts - fusing historical and theoretical studies with creative work - within classes, laboratories, and productions. We prepare students to work in Theatre or Dance, to teach, to pursue graduate studies, and to apply lessons learned in other occupations. The immersion in both scholarship and performance provides an excellent basis for any pursuit which demands leadership ability, collaborative skill, practical expertise, and creative intelligence.
We offer three different degree paths:
Students are offered a course of study designed to develop creative potential, foster inventive thought, and contribute to an appreciation of humankind’s artistic, intellectual, and cultural heritage.
Our faculty are intensely involved in scholarship and creative work. Scholarly and creative activity supports faculty development as artists-teachers-scholars, and the teaching process is enriched when students are given the opportunity to be involved in faculty research. Scholarly and creative activity in the arts involves both extensive original work (in the form of direction, design, production, playwriting, dramaturgy, choreography, and performing) and research and publication. Collaboration within the department as well as with faculty in other arts, humanities and social science disciplines is also an integral aspect of faculty research and teaching.
The Department is committed, through its productions, to providing cultural resources for College and community audiences, including classical and contemporary works that challenge and interrogate commercial theatre and dance. All students at William & Mary are welcome to get involved with our productions.