The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Memphis fosters the development of our students on an individual basis. We offer a BFA in Theatre with concentrations in performance, musical theatre, dance, dance science and design and technical production as well as an MFA in Theatre with concentrations in directing and design and technical production. We tailor our program to your needs. We are large enough to offer dynamic performance, design, and crew opportunities both in the classroom and in our four performances spaces.

We also create an intimate community for intense one-on-one learning opportunities. Our diverse faculty nurtures the individual progress of each student, be they a budding costume designer, a musical theatre performer, or stage manager. We are both a generalized program (where students can explore all areas of theatre) and a specialized one (where students can hone an area of focus).

Exciting World of the Performing Arts
The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Memphis invites you to join us as we explore the exciting world of the performing arts. We are dedicated to a unified program designed to help you learn to use your body, voice, and mind more proficiently than you ever thought possible. We believe that each student should be broadly prepared with as many meaningful artistic experiences as imaginable. We celebrate theatre and dance in all its infinite varieties.

Programs of Study
We offer the BFA degree in Theatre with concentrations in performance, musical theatre, dance, dance science and design and technical production, and graduate studies leading to an MFA degree in Theatre. Within the MFA degree, training is available in Directing and in Design and Technical Production. If you are a performer, you may notice that there is no MFA program in acting, which means you are not competing with graduate actors for roles! The University of Memphis is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

An Excellent Faculty
Our emphasis on professionalism is reflected by the department's excellent faculty of 17 teachers and artists dedicated to the nurturing of individual creativity. More than just outstanding professors, at the Department of Theatre & Dance you will encounter genuine mentors, a faculty devoted to your development as an individual. Our faculty remain active in their chosen fields continuing to direct, design, choreograph, produce, and perform, on campus and off. Faculty maintain professional affiliations and professional contacts that enrich the classroom experience.

A Full Production Season
The Department of Theatre & Dance mounts a full season of plays and dance concerts in a variety of performance venues, large and small. With our emphasis on diversity and the breadth of experience only the performing arts can provide, audiences expect the best in area theatre and dance from us. Our upcoming productions are an astonishing mix of comedy and drama, music and dance.

To educate the next generation of theatre artists for successful careers in the performing arts, the entertainment industry and arts education and to contribute to the cultural climate of our diverse community, region, and beyond as engaged partners. Central to the mission is the belief that theoretical and practical courses combined with production experiences and personalized mentorship are critical to the education and training of our students.

To cultivate a diverse community, in which all voices are valued, that fosters excellence in research, production, teaching, learning, community outreach, and collaboration.

The Department of Theatre & Dance embraces the following values in teaching, creativity, research and service; diversity, equity, inclusiveness, accessibility, professionalism, innovation, respect, and collegiality.

• Public education designed to enrich the intellectual competence and achievement of the populace it serves regionally and nationally.
• An academic environment for educational, creative, entrepreneurial and scholarly pursuits.
• Theatre education and training that combine a professional focus within a Liberal Arts foundation.
• Leadership and involvement in the artistic growth of Memphis, the state of Tennessee and the nation.
• An avenue dedicated to the discovery, acquisition, dissemination, and preservation of knowledge for the advancement of our community.