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

Lewiston, ME, United States — A student goes through warm up exercises at the beginning of an Acting and the Camera class taught by Professor Tim Dugan in Pettigrew 103 at Bates College in Lewiston, ME on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo by Yoon S. Byun) © 2026 Strewn Wonder, LLC

Lewiston, ME, United States — Two students are filmed for an over-the-shoulder scene by the Digital Media Studios staff during an Acting and the Camera class taught by Professor Tim Dugan in Pettigrew at Bates College in Lewiston, ME on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo by Yoon S. Byun) © 2026 Strewn Wonder, LLC

Lewiston, ME, United States — Students go through warm up exercises at the beginning of an Acting and the Camera class taught by Professor Tim Dugan in Pettigrew 103 at Bates College in Lewiston, ME on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo by Yoon S. Byun) © 2026 Strewn Wonder, LLC

Lewiston, ME, United States — Students go through warm up exercises at the beginning of an Acting and the Camera class taught by Professor Tim Dugan, center in black, in Pettigrew 103 at Bates College in Lewiston, ME on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo by Yoon S. Byun) © 2026 Strewn Wonder, LLC

Lewiston, ME, United States — Students chat before an Acting and the Camera class taught by Professor Tim Dugan in Pettigrew 103 at Bates College in Lewiston, ME on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. (Photo by Yoon S. Byun) © 2026 Strewn Wonder, LLC

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.

Featured Courses

Meet the Faculty

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.