{"id":27,"date":"2017-10-10T14:21:49","date_gmt":"2017-10-10T14:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/theatre-and-dance\/?page_id=27"},"modified":"2026-04-21T14:16:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:16:59","slug":"about-the-department","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.montclair.edu\/theatre-and-dance\/about-the-department\/","title":{"rendered":"About Us"},"content":{"rendered":"

Welcome from the Chair<\/h2>\n
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The Department of Theatre and Dance is a special place full of vibrancy, curiosity, and tenacity. Here, students can find the foundation of a liberal arts education with the professional and creative skills needed to thrive as an artist, all within the inclusive environment of Montclair State University. It is our mission to produce well-equipped, flexible, inspired artist-thinkers who are socially aware and personally responsible.<\/p>\n

You will study learn and create in exceptional performance and teaching facilities \u2013 from the state-of-the-art Alexander Kasser Theater to fully equipped dance studios and shops. Renowned faculty and guest artists will inspire and mentor you as you grow and develop as a theatre and dance professional. Our faculty are deeply committed to their own creative, teaching, and scholarly practices, and you are invited to dive in with them and learn together as we all explore and apply innovative methods and techniques towards an ever-evolving discipline.<\/p>\n<\/div>

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\"Kathleen<\/figure>\n

Prof. Kathleen Kelley,<\/em>
\n Chairperson, Theatre and Dance<\/em><\/p><\/div><\/p><\/div><\/a>We invite you to dive into our website and envision yourself as part of our Theatre and Dance community. Please come visit us<\/a> or check out a performance<\/a> to see us in action.<\/p>\n

In the Limelight . . .<\/h2>\n

The College of the Arts\u2019 Department of Theatre and Dance has trained actors, dancers, production artists, educators and arts managers to create \u201cmagic\u201d for the stage for more than 50 years. Our location 14 miles west of Manhattan puts students just minutes away from Broadway productions, world-class dance performances, internships and all that attracts artists from all over the world.<\/p>\n

Our exceptional faculty, progressive curriculum and superb facilities meet the rigorous standards required for accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and Dance (NASD) \u2013 distinctions that place us among the top programs in the country.<\/p>\n

We offer a range of undergraduate and graduate programs that explore the history, fundamentals and craft of a number of theatre and dance disciplines. Classroom work is supported by intensive, pre-professional production and performance schedules that mirror the professions.<\/p>\n

Our Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) programs with concentrations in\u00a0Acting<\/a>,\u00a0Dance<\/a>,\u00a0Musical Theatre<\/a>, and\u00a0Theatre Design, Technology, and Management<\/a>\u00a0prepare students for careers as performers, director\/choreographers and backstage specialists. Our Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre Studies<\/a>\u00a0is designed for students wishing to pursue broad-based theatre-related careers. The BA in Dance prepares students to teach, train and inspire the next generation of dancers, dance-lovers and creative thinkers.<\/p>\n

We also offer a Master of Arts (MA) in Theatre Studies<\/a>, providing students with the tools they need to lead and succeed professionally.<\/p>\n

Launched in June 2016, our\u00a0Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Dance<\/a>\u00a0is a new program designed for active, mid-career artists who wish to advance their careers and are ready to become arts educators and leaders in the field of dance.<\/p>\n

Our department attracts more than 75 outstanding faculty and visiting professionals, including prominent celebrity\u00a0guest artists<\/a>\u00a0and artists-in-residence. These performers, designers, choreographers and arts managers mentor our students by sharing valuable insights into the professional performance world.<\/p>\n

Montclair State students design for and perform in six well-equipped theatres, including the state-of-the-art Alexander Kasser Theater; four dance studios; a 100-seat auditorium; a 2000-seat amphitheater; and the intimate L. Howard Fox Theatre.<\/p>\n

Theatre and Dance students graduate ready to work. Some join \u2013 or start \u2013 professional ensembles, while others launch solo careers as performers or choreographers. Some teach in schools, studios and colleges, while others become agents and arts managers. Montclair State alumni perform on and off Broadway, in concert halls, regional and community theatres, theme parks and on cruise ships. They work in film, television, commercials and music videos.<\/p>\n

To learn more,\u00a0visit us<\/a>\u00a0or contact any of our faculty listed in our\u00a0department staff directory<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Guest Artists<\/h2>\n

Because Montclair State University is only minutes from Manhattan, internationally recognized artists know the campus well. Guest artists and visiting specialists come year after year to conduct master classes and open dialogues, coach our students, and accept honorary degrees. In addition to those listed below, countless others have exhibited and performed.<\/p>\n

Actors<\/h2>\n
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