Department of Theatre and Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance services the educational and cultural needs of the University community and southwestern Pennsylvania. It also prepares students for entry-level professional positions or for further education through its undergraduate programs.
As a department within the College of Liberal Arts at California University of Pennsylvania, the mission of the Department of Theatre and Dance is to build students' knowledge, skills and character via the classroom and high-quality theatrical productions. This prepares them for both entry-level employment and further study. The department services the cultural life of the University as it strives to be the best comprehensive public university in America, while simultaneously feeding the cultural needs of greater southwestern Pennsylvania.
Theatre serves a dual function, providing occupational education and training for talented students pursuing careers in theater and providing educational and performance opportunities for all students. Our department rewards creative excellence by offering opportunities for upper-level students to produce shows, choreograph pieces and direct or design both major and minor (one-act plays) productions.
Theatre and dance majors are required to take practicum credits, which give students practical experience in various areas of production: technical production, dance, acting, design, management, directing, technical direction, touring theater and summer theater.
Click on the video below to view a "behind the scenes" slideshow of rehearsals for Cabaret.
News
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 | 1/23/2012 Student dancers audition Jan. 29 for the annual Spring Dance Concert presented by the Department of Theatre and Dance. Performers will be asked to demonstrate skill in a variety of dance styles. |
 | 12/1/2011 The Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes the holiday season with its production of "A Christmas Carol." Performances are set for 8 p.m. Dec. 8-10 in Steele Hall Mainstage Theatre, with matinees at 2 p.m. Dec. 10 and 11. |
Upcoming Events | |
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 | 2/23/2012, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM This theatrical masterpiece, though one of Tennessee Williams' lesser known works, explores a world that is savage and unforgiving. The dark recesses of human behavior are brought to light as insanity, murder, and loneliness are painfully exposed within the relationship between mother and (now deceased)... More |
| 2/24/2012, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM This theatrical masterpiece, though one of Tennessee Williams' lesser known works, explores a world that is savage and unforgiving. The dark recesses of human behavior are brought to light as insanity, murder, and loneliness are painfully exposed within the relationship between mother and (now deceased)... More |
Spring Dance Concert
Theatre and Dance Productions
The Department of Theatre and Dance sponsors two play-producing groups with membership open to all students: University Players, which produces Main Stage Productions, and Mon Valley Dance Council, producing dance productions. These organizations, either individually or in combination, annually present six or more on-campus play, dance and musical productions.
