BA in Theater and Dance

The Department of Theater and Dance offers courses spanning the major areas of interest in both disciplines. Theater offerings include acting, voice, movement, directing, design-technical, and devised performance, as well as courses in literature, history, and criticism. Our goal is to examine the intersection of critical thought and creative practice in all of our courses. The theater is an ever-changing art, and we strive to expose students to its most recent innovations and the cultural currents that influence them.

Dance gives students opportunities for active participation in three basic areas: technique, choreography and analysis, and performance. The broadest goal of these offerings is to increase understanding of dance's art as a contribution to a liberal arts education and to connect theory and practice through embodied learning. More specific goals are developing a trained, articulate body; somatic research; increased choreographic skill and performance skills; and the awareness of Dance Studies to understand current issues and arts from a global perspective. While there is a regular major in Theater Arts, advanced students may apply to Dance's chair for a special major in Dance.

Carleton College is committed to providing a true liberal arts education—a curriculum that challenges our students to learn broadly and think deeply. Instead of training for one narrow career path, Carleton students develop the knowledge and skills to succeed in any walk of life.

The most important thing our students gain is how to learn for a lifetime. Critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, effective communication: these are the tools that transform a collection of facts and figures into a way of understanding the world.