Theater and Dance at Bates
At Bates, we believe performance is for everyone.
In the Department of Theater and Dance, our curriculum explores performance theories, physical practice, creative processes, and culturally inclusive engagement. A small program size allows faculty to know each student personally and provide individual mentorship. The major culminates in a thesis project that could include choreography, directing, performance, and other stage-centered endeavors.
Contact Us
Nicole Emery, Academic Administrative Assistant
305 College Street
Pettigrew Hall
Phone: 207-786-8294
theateranddance@bates.edu
What You Will Learn
To further your craft through experimentation, innovative technologies, and experiential learning
To work with nationally and internationally renowned guest choreographers and directors on mainstage productions and in master classes
To immerse yourself in the artistic process and engage in creative inquiry
How to call on artistry, activism, collaboration, and scholarship in your creative process
To connect your creative practice with the wider community through attendance and presentations at regional and national conferences
To dismantle structural inequities and personal biases while advancing the artistic spheres of theater and dance
Life After Bates
Theater and Dance alumni have gone on to achieve great creative heights. Many graduates pursue further degrees in theater and dance; others enjoy successful careers in the arts, with specific professions that include modeling, marketing for the Williamstown Theatre Festival, ballet dancing, and more.
94%
of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school — settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.
“Bates allowed me to explore all the diverse facets of theater — acting, design, directing, and dance — and with that knowledge gained I find myself tackling new projects, booking roles and callbacks, and discovering my own idea of ‘success’ on a daily basis.”
— Andrew Haserlat ’05
Selected Places of Employment/Service
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
- Fulbright Fellowship
- Portland Stage Company
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- Ananya Dance Theatre
- David Dorfman Dance Company
- Harnham
- Greater Portland Health
Selected Graduate Schools
- Harvard Medical School
- University of Oxford
- Yale University
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Northwestern University
- Harvard University
- Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
- Suffolk University
- King’s College London
Why Study Theater and Dance at Bates?
Most of our courses are open to all students regardless of major or minor, making it easy to incorporate theater and dance into any Bates experience. Students have the opportunity to perform at the Bates Dance Festival, which transforms the campus into a hub for artists, performance, and collaboration; get involved in the festival’s professional training program; and learn from prominent guest artists. We produce an average of 10 performance events yearly in our three theaters, providing ample space for students to flex their creative muscles on or behind the stage.