Theatre and Dance

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Theatre and Dance

Conveying the drama and limitless scope of the human condition through live acting or dance performance is a form of creative expression dating to ancient Greece.  

At Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, undergraduates are provided with a rich grounding in the skills and methods needed to pursue a career or further study in theatre and dance.

Theatre and Dance at Saint Mary's

Theatre students at Saint Mary's develop pre-professional skills through five areas of study including acting/directing, musical theatre, design/technology, dance, and theatre studies. Also offered are minors in musical theatre, dance, and theatre (with performance or design/technology options).

Unique Theatre Scholarships and Abroad Experience

The Saint Mary's theatre program awards special audition-based scholarships to incoming students. Students majoring in theatre are also encouraged and expected to participate in the theatre semester abroad in London. 

Opportunities to Perform and Connect With Community

There are multiple opportunities to participate in performances on the Winona Campus every year for both concentrations and theatre students may also participate in a production staged in London during a semester taught there each fall.

Saint Mary's also hosts the Minnesota Conservatory of the Arts, a community arts organization serving Winona and surrounding communities. Any student is welcome to volunteer and connect with the community.

Bryan Moore '13

Actor/dancer, Washington, D.C.

"At Saint Mary’s I had many hands-on opportunities, both on-stage and off, that I would have never had at a larger school. My experiences playing leading roles, as well as my coursework, really prepared me for all aspects of my career."

John “J.M.” Montecalvo '09

Freelance Lighting Designer, Los Angeles

“I get to do stuff at Universal (Studios) that normal people wouldn’t get to. I go in and out of sound stages. I get to drive my car through the park at night. And I get to work on premieres and with people I would never have gotten to otherwise.”

Todd Von Bastiaans '94

President, Alios, Las Vegas, Nevada

“Saint Mary’s University offered me the flexibility to explore every aspect of theatre until I found one that suited both my interests and my abilities ... students are given every opportunity to explore new opportunities, whether it be in design, performance or technical aspects. You don’t just graduate with a major, you graduate with an experience.” 

Katie Sapper '14

Actress, Los Angeles

"Saint Mary’s prepares you for going out into the real world. The sole reason why I am able to memorize as quickly as I do is because of the two-week intensive at the Gaiety School of Acting in Dublin—part of our London study abroad program.”

Edward Gelhaus '06

Actor, Los Angeles

“Saint Mary’s helps you find out who you are...At the end of the day, you can take acting classes anywhere, but to have people who are genuine and build that kind of a support system is unbelievable.”

Timothy Markus '07

Production Stage Manager, Porgy and Bess International Tour, Germany, Italy, Switzerland & Spain

“The Saint Mary’s theatre major is completely hands-on. Instead of just graduating, I left SMU with a resumé and the experience I needed to succeed.”

JC Clementz '06

Steppenwolf Theatre, Chicago, casting director

“At Saint Mary’s I was not only provided with a foundation of knowledge, but also introduced to a network of theatre artists who have offered support and helped advance my career.”

Georgeann Charuhas '96

Three-time best actress nominee, Chicago’s Jeff Award

“Saint Mary’s is a place where I was truly able to use every part of me — heart, body and soul. ”

Tom Conry ’12

Actor, South Dakota Shakespeare Company

“Saint Mary’s London Study abroad program is entirely unique and will be an experience you will draw on for the rest of your theatre career and the rest of your life.”

Jack Walterman '17

Graduate student

Attending U.S.C. Division of Film and Television Production MFA program

“Saint Mary’s helped me find my artistic voice, be a leader on campus, and provided me the space to make these videos. I formed close relationships with faculty who helped me get internships and jobs. I wanted to be an individual, not a number. I wanted to be known. It definitely happened here.”

Theatre and Dance Major Outcomes

Department faculty are committed to inspiring students for a lifelong pursuit of theatre and dance as a profession, avocation, or as a personal source of delight and entertainment. Students gain an understanding and appreciation of theatre arts and dance that is consistent with the mission of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. They also graduate prepared to explore entry-level positions in theatre or dance around the country, or to pursue further graduate studies in these art forms.

Goals for Our Students

  • Engaging in the department’s curriculum or productions facilitates the development of the following knowledge, skills and dispositions
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity by understanding how theatre functions within a particular historical and cultural context
  • Problem solving and critical thinking by analyzing dramatic literature for interpretation and production
  • An aesthetic sensibility by engaging in the practice and process of theatrical production and discovering meaningful approaches to dramatic criticism
  • Research and communication skills by engaging in efficient and ethical research on various topics of theatre
  • Specific knowledge of important theatrical movements, works of dramatic literature, and performance theory from the past and present

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