DANCE & THEATRE AT MANHATTANVILLE
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Within the context of Manhattanville’s liberal arts tradition, the Department of Dance and Theatre offers an integrated program, which combines theory and practice, traditional academic studies with hands on studio exploration. Our program is situated at the collaborative frontiers where dance and theatre meet. We posit that the joy of creative work is best discovered through rigorous discipline and commitment, paths to greater awareness of oneself, one’s craft, and the world at large.
Beginning with DTH 1000, Creative Process, all majors are required to complete a comprehensive Core Study plus a specific concentration in Dance or Theatre or Theatre Education or Dance Therapy. The four-year program culminates in a guided Senior Thesis Project, which reflects the initiative, interests and skills of the individual student.
Dance and Theatre Majors are encouraged to integrate their interest in the performing arts with other liberal arts disciplines. The program challenges students to develop skills and talents in concert with their study of literature and writing, the arts, history and the social sciences.
The spine of the Dance curriculum is a study of Modern Dance traditions and techniques, employing a variety of styles and methods, with an emphasis on developing creative process and repertory. This basic study is enriched by a rotating selection of dance forms including ballet, jazz, tap, Afro-Caribbean, Flamenco and others. Each semester choreographers teach advanced technique and choreograph a piece for performance. Guest choreographers have included Marlies Yerby, choreographer of Rent, and others artists who have worked with the Twyla Tharp Dance Company, Bill T. Jones, Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Jose Limon Company, Pilobolus Dance Theatre and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center.
Theatre training includes fundamental study of acting styles, dramatic literature, history, performance theory, as well as directing, design and production. Acting training integrates both traditional and experimental modes, with emphasis on the physical and vocal life of the actor. Improvisation and ensemble techniques are blended with Stanislavsky-based scene study and work with Shakespearean texts. Each spring the Department produces a Shakespeare play in Reid Castle.
Ample opportunities to perform are available through a full schedule of plays, dance concerts and performance events, work with guest directors and choreographers and senior thesis projects. In addition, students are encouraged to take an active role in extra-curricular projects generated by the student-run Dance Ensemble and Players Guild.
The VISIONS Guest Artist Series brings dance and theatre professionals to the campus for workshops, lectures and performance events. Recent guests have included the Living Theatre, Playback Theatre and the Irondale Ensemble, Pilobolus Dance Theatre, Ralph Lee of The Metawee River Theatre Company, and Mary Overlie, creator of Viewpoints.
The Department’s primary performance space, The Little Theatre, is an intimate 125-seat facility with excellent sight lines and acoustics. The Kennedy Dance Studio offers a bright, spacious environment for classes and rehearsals. The EXperimental Theatre, a black box studio, is located in Founders Hall. Proximity to the artistic resources of New York City provides a strong support for the Dance and Theatre program. A new student center provides a new dance studio and performance space.
Within the context of Manhattanville’s liberal arts tradition, the Department of Dance and Theatre offers an integrated program, which combines theory and practice, traditional academic studies with hands on studio exploration. Our program is situated at the collaborative frontiers where dance and theatre meet. We posit that the joy of creative work is best discovered through rigorous discipline and commitment, paths to greater awareness of oneself, one’s craft, and the world at large.
