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Department of Theatre and Dance
Take center stage
Ready to embark on an extraordinary journey into the world of performing arts? Look no further than the Central Michigan University Department of Theatre and Dance! We are here to convince you that our department is the ultimate destination for aspiring actors, dancers and theater enthusiasts.
Whether you dream of treading the boards, perfecting your dance moves, or exploring the technical aspects of theater production, we have the resources and expertise to help you achieve your goals. In the Department of Theatre and Dance, we guarantee that you will be challenged, inspired, and supported every step of the way. Unleash your creativity, discover your true potential, and become the artist you were born to be.
BFA Acting and Directing
Our acting and directing program combines real-world experience with support and builds your skills for exciting careers in the theatre and beyond.
BFA Design and Technology
Our concentration in design and technical theatre will prepare you for a dynamic career in theatre production, costuming, design, and beyond.
Dance Studies
We offer a variety of dance-related professions including dancers, choreographers, arts administrators, dance teachers, dance scholars, and much more.
Music Theatre
Have you dreamed of becoming an actor, singer or dancer? Develop the expertise as a performer in theatrical genres that blend acting, music and dance.
Theatre and Interpretation
A major in theatre and interpretation immerses you in every aspect of the theatre world, from acting and directing to design and production.
Theatre and dance programs
Dance Studies
Pursue our dance program to acquire critical knowledge about the dance industry and develop skills in dance performance techniques, arts administration, choreography, film, and dance writing. You'll be prepared for careers in dance performance, teaching, writing, scholarship, arts administration, film and choreography.
https://fireup.cmich.edu/apply/
Performing Arts, Tap, Ballet, Modern Dance, Jazz, Hip-hop, Hip Hop, Dance Studies, Dance, Dancer, Dancing, Performance, Choreography, Choreographer, Performer, Movement, Modern Dance, Contemporary Dance,
Program Name (Source: SAP) :
Dance Studies
Program name override :
Dance Studies
Degree name :
Major
Program code :
f7747c5c
Sap id (Source: SAP) :
21109475
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Department Information
Optional button link :
https://www.cmich.edu/academics/colleges/college-arts-media/departments-schools/theatre-dance
Program length :
4 years
Credit hours (Source: SAP) :
52
Program Type :
Full-Time
Location Type :
On Campus
Select a choice :
Undergraduate
Turn your passion for dance into a career in performance, choreography, teaching, film, or administration. Our program blends dance training with courses in business, composition, and teaching methods, providing diverse career paths. The dance studies major also requires a business minor and an industry internship to prepare you for success in the dance field.
Our dance studies major helps you get ready for many different jobs in the dance industry. It requires a business minor and to complete an internship in the dance industry. Some of the classes you can take include Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, Modern, Arts Administration, Dance Film, Choreography, Teaching Dance, Dance and Technology, Backstage Work, and more. By combining artistic classes with business classes, you will be prepared for a range of careers in the dance world. The required internship gives you valuable hands-on experience to succeed in the professional dance industry.
As the only dance studies major offered in Michigan, our goal is to train and mentor dance-based performers, critical thinkers, writers, choreographers, production technicians, administrators, educators, and scholars.
You'll graduate prepared to contribute to the field of dance in various professional careers. While dance technique courses will be a significant portion of your required course work, critical thinking, writing and scholarly exploration will partner with the physical training to deepen your understanding of dance in a global context.
In our dance program, you'll engage in an internship within your chosen field of study and pursue a minor in business or entrepreneurship, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in the dance industry.
You can put your learning on display in our 500-seat proscenium, Bush Theatre, and/or the 1,200-seat Plachta Auditorium. Plus, you'll have the opportunity to be in two major performances each year — the University Theatre Dance Company spring concert and the Student Choreography Showcase in the fall.
You can even produce, direct and/or choreograph your productions under the guidance of faculty. This offers a unique opportunity to tailor your academic experience to your career aspirations.
As a dance student here, you'll have amazing opportunities to gain real world experience before you graduate.
- Performance Opportunities:
- Begin performing your freshman year.
- Choreograph and perform in the Annual Student Choreography Showcase.
- Paid dance positions available through the summer performance company.
- Direct and choreograph your own full dance concert under faculty supervision.
- Academic and Professional Development:
- Required internship in the dance industry.
- Required minor in business, entrepreneurship, or nonprofit leadership & service .
- Benefit from national and international guest artist residencies.
- Program Environment:
- Rigorous dance training combined with a supportive and compassionate learning environment.
Interested in a dance minor?
The minor in dance provides performance experiences and a well-rounded curriculum for students who wish to combine the study of dance with a degree in another discipline. After you earn a minor in dance at CMU, you may pursue a career in the professional dance industry. CMU's program will help you further develop your dance technique, production, history, and choreography skills.
Fall 2025: August 25
Spring 2026: January 12
Ongoing Open Enrollment
Priority consideration for University Scholarships: Dec. 1
Information about Theatre and Dance Scholarship Deadlines
With a degree in dance studies, you can pursue careers in choreography, criticism, teaching, performance, music theatre and more.
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