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 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
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.
David Omasombo ’26 and Chiwer Mayen ’26 have shared many basketball courts across their young lifetimes, including historic Alumni Gym, but the first one stands out in their memories for being the worst, in a technical sense. The surface was uneven, the rims inconsistent, and, most of the time, there were no nets.
Chronicling Bates alumni in the news — from the class of ’77 to ’26 — and a remembering journalist Kim Gamel ’90.
Many Bates faculty and staff have received grants, awards, and other acknowledgements of their strong teaching and research. Read on for more great Bates news.
