Student Opportunities and Services
Perfecting your skills through involvement
The department of theatre and dance provides numerous opportunities for you to participate in productions, receive additional training and make a difference in the community. All opportunities offered by the department are designed to help you perfect and develop your skills in theatre, dance, or design, technology and stage management.
Conferences
There are several conferences each year that provide additional training in theatre, dance, and design, technology and stage management. Conferences often provide opportunities for you to audition and interview for productions.
External auditions
Auditions and interviews for external productions are held all over the United States. You may also land roles in community and regional theatres around the southwest Missouri area.
One-act productions
Theatre and dance students produce several one-act productions throughout the semester. Participating in these productions can enhance your skills and prepare you for larger production auditions and interviews.
Studio series productions
The Studio Series, offered by the Department of Theatre and Dance, provides two department supported production opportunities. Applicants may request to present projects during one of two slots during the Fall and the Spring. Studio Series projects may address a wide range of styles. Students from all T&D degree areas, staff or faculty may apply. All student-led projects require a mentor, and students must solicit a written agreement of support from the mentor as part of the application process. There are additional guidelines posted on a yearly basis under Departmental documents.
Performance and touring groups
Student performances and touring groups provide outreach and entertainment in the community through theatre and dance. These groups examine bigger issues affecting the community, entertain and educate throughout the southwest Missouri region.
Productions
The department holds six main stage productions each year. Production auditions are open to any Missouri State student. All theatre and dance students are encouraged to audition for productions.
Showcases
Annual showcases in New York and Los Angeles are an opportunity for you to show off your talent. In a showcase, you will perform for industry professionals as well as alums of the department. Additional networking opportunities are also available at each showcase.
University Theatre and Dance (UTD)
UTD is a student organization made up of all majors and minors in the theatre and dance department. This student organization has regular meetings and is dedicated to serving the community through the arts and promoting the public affairs mission of the University.
Tent Theatre
Tent Theatre is the only company in the area that houses an Equity Membership Candidate Program. As a student, you will have the opportunity to build equity candidacy points. You will work with performers who have been recruited throughout the nation to participate in this professional experience.
Training Programs
Every other year the department works to sponsor a group trip to Toronto for participation in training and certification testing with Fight Director’s Canada. Certification in stage combat can open up numerous opportunities and make you more notable to casting directors and agencies for future productions.