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.
Nicole Emery, Academic Administrative Assistant
305 College Street
Pettigrew Hall
Phone: 207-786-8294
theateranddance@bates.edu
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.
of 2020-2024 arts graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school
“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
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.
Our faculty is composed entirely of actively practicing professionals and dedicated artists at the forefront of their respective fields. Faculty regularly perform, design, choreograph, publish, direct, and present at conferences, and are committed to bringing their professional experience and training to help students develop and flourish.
In the Student Center for Belonging and Community, first-generation Bates students mentor their younger peers, providing guidance on everything from academics to internships to social life.
Bates is embarking on a $45 million project to update two key athletic facilities and construct a new fitness and well-being center. A gift of $10 million from Jon W. Brayshaw ’90, P’25 and Jocelyn Stoddard Brayshaw ’88, P’25 has brought the college a vital step closer to construction. The new facility will be named the Stoddard Fitness and Well-Being Center.
February on campus saw sports successes, several large snowfalls, and our annual Winter Carnival — a week of events celebrating the joys of the chilly season.
