THEATRE AND DANCE
Bachelor's Degree Programs
In the UW-Whitewater Theatre and Dance program, everyone has a chance to learn everything from the front of the house to behind the scenes. We’re a highly hands-on, collaborative program offering an array of major, minor and degree options.
Over the next decade, U.S. jobs in theatre and dance are expected to increase across the board, including an 8% increase for theatre and dance professors, 8% for producers and directors, 6% for dancers and choreographers, and 5% for set designers.
CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?
Onstage and backstage opportunities
Interested in auditioning for a production or learning more about getting involved backstage?
Staging an opera
The UW-Whitewater Department of Theatre performed two one-act operas — "The Harpies” and “Signor Deluso” — in the Barnett Theatre. In the run-up to the performances, theatre faculty and students talk about what it takes to stage a musical production and the goings-on behind the scenes before the curtain finally rises on opening night.
Why study Theatre and Dance at UW-Whitewater?
At UW-Whitewater’s Theatre and Dance program, we’re:
- Large enough to offer a five-production season while being small enough to offer hands-on learning-by-doing experience.
- Inclusive: Anyone can declare a major or minor in our programs, and anyone can audition for a show.
- Active in the local community: for example, we offer matinee performances for area high school students and an annual Arts Immersion Day for area talented and gifted middle school students.
- Experienced: Our faculty members come from near and far, and many are well-situated in our regional theatre community.
We also offer about $40,000 of scholarships to Theatre majors and Dance minors each year.
Scholarship includes Incoming Freshman Scholarships [PDF].
What our Theatre and Dance students do
Stage five major productions each school year
Attend the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival annually
Earn credit for roles in productions
Attend the American College Dance Association Conference
Get involved
There are several ways for students to get involved, including student organizations. Theatre, dance and other performance-related groups on campus include:
- Dance Company
- Theta Alpha Phi
- Forensics Team
Theatre and Dance: Major areas
Whether you’re looking to major in theatre arts to pursue a career in a performance, education, production or a related area, you’ll be able to choose a path of study that fits your goals at UW-Whitewater. Here’s a brief overview of our degrees in theatre:
Theatre major: Get a broad education
Designed to give you a broad theatre education, the Bachelor of Arts option also allows you the flexibility to add a minor or even declare a second major.
BFA Theatre programs: Specialize your studies
Our BFAs are professional theatre programs that allow you to specialize in one of three areas:
- performance
- design/technology
- stage management
These programs are in-depth, interdisciplinary and highly customizable based on your interests. For example, the management and promotion program offers courses from marketing, communications and business; and the performance major includes electives from broadcast journalism, English and dance.
Theatre Education major: Teach future teachers
UW-Whitewater provides a broad-based theatre education program that prepares our future high school theatre educators, often with a minor in English.
Dance minor: Add some movement to your major
This liberal arts program will expose you to several areas of dance, including ballet, contemporary dance, dance composition, choreography and dance history/criticism. "“As an actor, I always recommend dance classes to colleagues. It provides a person with a strong sense of spacial awareness and a strong understanding of blocking for the stage. I rarely need to be told how to block scenes and I attribute that to my involvement in the dance program.” - Alumnus Tyler King
Learn more about our majors, minors and degree requirements, below.
Student involvement and practicum credit
With five productions each year, Theatre and Dance majors will have plenty of behind-the-scenes and performance opportunities. Our season line-ups might include:
- Musical theatre
- Plays
- Dance concerts
- Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA) performances
You’ll also have the chance to earn official course credit when you participate in various roles in student productions: acting, make-up, directing, sound, costuming, stagecraft, scenery, management/publicity, lighting and more.
Additional hands-on experiences
Regional festivals and beyond
We actively participate regionally in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival and the American College Dance Association Festival. In fact, when we compete in dance competitions, other schools are always surprised to learn UW-Whitewater has “only” a minor.
On-campus employment
We offer work-study positions in our scene shop, our costume shop and our department office. This gives our students a chance to learn more about various aspects of theatre production and programming while working part-time and earning money.
Setting the scene: Our facilities
UW-Whitewater’s Theatre and Dance program uses a variety of learning, rehearsal and performance spaces; most are located in the Greenhill Center of the Arts, a place always bustling with music, theatre and dance majors. Here’s a look at a few spaces:
The Young: This 1,300-seat venue holds dozens of national and university events each year, from concerts and comedy to theater and dance.
Barnett Theatre: With a fully trapped stage — including an orchestra pit — this 380-seat theatre hosts many of our major productions.
Greenhill Center of the Arts: The largest academic building on campus and home to the departments of art, music and theatre/dance.
Hicklin Studio Theatre: Our versatile black box theatre can be reconfigured to fit a variety of productions, and it is also used as a classroom and rehearsal space.
Kachel Studio: This multipurpose space is home to tap and other dance classes.
Dance Studio: This 4,000-square-foot facility has a sprung Marley floor, warm-up spaces, locker rooms; and it is home to most of our dance classes.
Design Lab: Also a classroom space for our theatre tech students, the lab features drafting tables, a lighting lab and workstations with the latest production and design software.
Scene Shop:In this fully equipped woodshop , you’ll find a paint room, a tool room and a storage area with a large collection of props and furniture.
Costume Shop: The shop is home to an extensive costume collection plus all the tools you’d need to costume a show: sewing machines, sergers, cutting tables, a spray booth, and dye facilities.
What our graduates do
Professional actors, dancers and musicians
Theatre educators
Stage designers and creative crew professionals
"You don't have to rush."
Stephanie Staszak, a theatre major with a double minor in dance and arts management, was hired before graduation in May 2013 with one teaching position and two production roles. More than a decade later, she continues to work in multiple roles to enrich the arts in the Milwaukee area and around the nation.
“Focus on what you can control.”
Rasell Holt graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and an emphasis in Performance. Originally from Milwaukee, WI he is very proud to be a working actor. In the Summer of 2022 you can catch him in the American Players Theatre line up in “Raisin in the Sun” and “The Brothers Size.”
"Don't stop learning."
Tyler King graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and an emphasis in performance and a minor in dance. He now works regularly as a Performance/Motion Capture actor and stuntman in video games and movies. "Don't stop learning" is the advice he would give his future self.
"Just keep pushing."
Jake Lesh, who earned a BFA in theatre in 2013, was hired before graduation by Door Shakespeare in Door County. Since then, he has continued to blossom, becoming an award-winning actor with appearances on shows available on Apple TV, Peacock, Amazon Prime and Tubi.
"It's okay to change your major."
Grace Rusch graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Technology and Design with an emphasis in Costumes, but originally wanted to be onstage. She now is working as a Wig Assistant on Tina: The Tina Turner Musical on Broadway.
Dance and Theatre jobs: Career success
Our Theatre majors and Dance minors are well-rounded, well-prepared practitioners who find work across the country, from New York to California, in theatre, entertainment and education.
You’ll find our graduates in regional theatres, national touring companies, various Shakespeare festivals, dance studios and production companies — as well as teaching at schools and colleges. Here are just a few organizations:
- American Players Theatre (Spring Green)
- Milwaukee Repertory Theatre (or Milwaukee Rep)
- Asolo Repertory Theatre (Sarasota, Florida)
- Fireside Theatre (Fort Atkinson)
- Goodman Theatre (Chicago)
- Melk Music (New Berlin)
- Universal Studios (University City, California)
- Walt Disney World (Orlando , Florida)
- Kenosha Unified School District
Many Theatre majors and Dance minors also pursue MFA (Master of Fine Arts) programs after graduation.
Hired Before Graduation
Dyamond Jackson, a first-generation college student from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earned a BSE in theatre education and was hired as a K4 teacher with St. Marcus Lutheran School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Our Theatre and Dance faculty
Performers. Directors. Stage Designers. Choreographers. Our Theatre and Dance faculty is cast with an array of professionals, many of whom are still active in the non-academic theatre world.
Want to learn more about earning a Theatre and Dance degree?
262-472-1566 | thtrdnce@uww.edu | 
In addition to UW-Whitewater’s general education requirements, Theatre and Dance students take a set of core courses and electives that will vary greatly depending upon major or emphasis. Select a program below to download the individual requirements.
UW-Whitewater offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Arts — Theatre | 4-year plan [PDF]
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) — Theatre, Design/Technology emphasis | 4-year plan [PDF]
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) — Theatre, Performance emphasis | 4-year plan [PDF]
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) — Theatre, Stage Management emphasis | 4-year plan [PDF]
- Bachelor of Science in Education — Theatre | 4-year plan [PDF]
Minors:
- Dance
- Musical Theatre
- Musical Theatre for Theatre Majors | 4-year plan [PDF]
- Musical Theatre for Music Majors | 4-year plan [PDF]
- Musical Theatre for non-Theatre/Music Majors | 4-year plan [PDF]
- Theatre
- Theatre Education | 4-year plan [PDF]
To apply, you’ll complete the UW-Whitewater application for admission and indicate your interest in theatre and dance.
View additional information regarding scholarship funds for Incoming Freshman [PDF] »
25/26 Productions
Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Robyn Accetta
Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 at 2 p.m.
Oct. 5 at 2 p.m.
Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 11 at 2 p.m.
Hicklin Studio Theatre
“Eurydice” by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Robyn Accetta, offers a hauntingly beautiful reimagining of the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In a realm where memory fades and language fractures, Eurydice’s journey becomes one of rediscovery—of self, of love, and of the past she left behind. With poetic depth and striking imagery, this production explores transformation, redemption, and the possibility of renewal, even in the shadows of loss.
“Eurydice” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.
Scrooge’s Christmas: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens adaptation by Ken Jones
Directed by Bruce Cohen
Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
Nov. 16 at 2 p.m.
Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 22 at 2 p.m.
Barnett Theatre
"Scrooge’s Christmas: A Christmas Carol" directed by Bruce Cohen brings new life to Dickens’ classic tale in a fast-paced, heartfelt adaptation by Ken Jones. Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by the ghosts of his past, present, and future, who lead him on a journey of redemption and transformation. You are sure to enjoy this fresh, theatrical spin on a timeless classic filled with humor, heart, and holiday spirit.
Produced by special arrangement with Heuer Publishing LLC of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
The Prom
Book and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Book by Bob Martin, Music by Matthew Sklar
Directed by Robyn Accetta
Musical Director Robert Gehrenbeck
Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 21 at 2 p.m.
Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.
Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.
Barnett Theatre
Get ready for glitter, drama, and a whole lot of heart! "The Prom" directed by Robyn Accetta is a vibrant, feel-good musical that brings together an impactful story of queer love, Broadway glitz and small-town grit in a story bursting with humor, heart, and humanity. Full of show-stopping songs and powerful moments, this production celebrates redemption, transformation, and the joy of being seen. Whether you're here for the laughs, the love, or the glitter—there’s a place for you at "The Prom."
THE PROM is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide,1180 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 640, New York, NY 10036.
DanceScapes ‘26
Artistic Director: Amy Slater
March 14 at 2 p.m.
March 15 at 2 p.m.
March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
March 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Barnett Theatre
Get ready to be thrilled by "DanceScapes ’26." This production, under the artistic direction of Amy Slater, includes a variety of original dance pieces choreographed by students, faculty, and a special guest artist. You don’t want to miss this captivating performance!
The Liar by Pierre Corneille translated by Richard Wilbur
Directed by Bruce Cohen
April 24 at 7:30 p.m.
April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
April 26 at 2 p.m.
April 30 at 7:30 p.m.
May 1 at 7:30 p.m.
May 2 at 2 p.m.
Hicklin Studio Theatre
Wit and deception collide in "The Liar" by Pierre Corneille, brought to life through Richard Wilbur’s masterful translation and directed by Bruce Cohen. A charming trickster’s web of falsehoods spirals into chaos, setting the stage for unexpected truths and personal awakenings. Through sharp comedy and heartfelt twists, this classic tale explores the redemptive power of honesty and the possibility of transformation. Join us for a vibrant journey where every lie brings us closer to the truth.
Scene and Costume Shops
Jobs are available in our scene and costume shops for all students regardless of major. Contact our faculty for more information.
Ruth Conrad-Proulx
Technical Director
conradpr@uww.edu | 262-472-1561
Department Office
thtrdnce@uww.edu | 262-472-1566
Auditions
Unified Auditions for the First Two Shows in the 2026/27 UWW Theatre/Dance Season
"Burn This" by Lanford Wilson
"Summer and Smoke" by Tennessee Williams
In-Person Auditions:
Saturday, March 7, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Hicklin Studio Theatre
Callbacks:
Immediately following in-person auditions in the Hicklin Studio Theatre:
- Burn This: 2 - 3 p.m.
- Summer and Smoke: 3 - 4 p.m.
This is an open call, and the entire campus and Whitewater community are invited. You do not have to be a Theatre/Dance major or UW-Whitewater student to audition.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL admitted BFA-Performance students and ALL pre-BFA-Performance students are expected to audition for all productions and perform as-cast. Please be aware that non-participation in a department mainstage audition and refusal to accept a role as-cast will constitute a breach of the BFA degree track expectations and may damage and/or prevent progress toward achieving the BFA-Performance. Please refer questions about this policy to Prof. Eric Appleton (Chair), or Prof. Robyn Accetta (Head of Acting).
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Play #1: Burn This
Written by: Lanford Wilson
Directed by: Bruce Cohen
Rehearsal Dates:
September 2 – October 1
Rehearsal Times:
Mondays – Fridays: 7 – 10 p.m.
Saturdays: 7 – 10 p.m.
Performance Dates:
Friday, October 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 3 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, October 4 at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, October 7 at 10 a.m. (Student Matinee)
Thursday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 10 at 2 p.m.
Strike:
Sunday, October 11, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Production Information:
Set in a downtown New York loft in the mid-1980s, "Burn This" begins in the aftermath of a sudden death. Anna, a professional dancer, is struggling to steady herself after the loss of her roommate and creative partner, Robbie. When Robbie’s brother Pale arrives, grieving, volatile, and incapable of emotional restraint, the careful order of Anna’s world begins to unravel. At its heart, "Burn This" is a play about grief, artistic identity, and the risk of intimacy. It asks what happens when control meets chaos, when safety collides with aliveness, and when language isn’t enough to express what the body is carrying.
This production will incorporate structured physical storytelling and intimacy work as part of the dramatic language of the piece. Movement will be used to heighten emotional pressure and reveal inner life. No advanced dance experience is required; what matters most is emotional availability, responsiveness, and a willingness to engage physically in a thoughtful, collaborative process. This is a demanding, actor-centered play that requires precision with language, strong listening skills, and a readiness to explore vulnerability with care and discipline.
Available Roles:
All roles will be cast irrespective of conventional gender norms.
- ANNA – A professional dancer; intelligent, contained, and deeply guarded.
- PALE – Robbie’s brother; intensely verbal, grieving, emotionally unfiltered, and unpredictable.
- BURTON – Thoughtful, stable, and well-mannered; represents structure and security.
- LARRY – Grounded, observant, and wry; a steady presence amid upheaval.
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Play #2: Summer and Smoke
Written by: Tennessee Williams
Directed by: Robyn Accetta
Rehearsal Dates:
October 12 – November 12
Rehearsal Times:
Mondays – Fridays: 6 – 9 p.m.
Saturdays: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Performance Dates:
Friday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 14 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 at 2 p.m.
Wednesday, November 18 at 10 a.m. (Student Matinee)
Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 21 at 2 p.m.
Strike:
Sunday, November 22, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Production Information:
"Summer and Smoke" is a lyrical, psychologically rich Southern drama about longing, morality, and the cost of wanting what you’ve been taught not to want. Set in 1916 in Glorious Hill, Mississippi, Alma Winemiller, the reverend’s daughter, shares a complicated bond with her neighbor John Buchanan Jr., the town doctor’s son. Alma is drawn to John, but their values clash: she reaches toward spiritual refinement while he pursues physical pleasure. When Alma finally risks vulnerability and reaches for the life she has denied herself, she finds that John has already chosen a different future.
This play includes mature themes including sexuality and repression, moral judgment/religious pressure, references to illness and mortality, alcohol use, and emotional intensity and will include staged romantic and physical intimacy. We will approach all physical storytelling with a consent-forward, choreography-based process.
While dialects are NOT required at auditions, this production will explore a Mississippi/Deep South dialect base with individualized adjustments by character. Dialect coaching and resources will be offered during rehearsals.
Available Roles:
- REV. WINEMILLER - Alma’s principled father, town moral compass
- MRS. WINEMILLER - Alma’s mercurial mother, fragile faded belle
- JOHN BUCHANAN JR. - charismatic young doctor, pleasure-first provocateur
- ALMA WINEMILLER - high-strung minister’s daughter, yearning “soul”
- ROSA GONZALES - Moon Lake siren, unapologetic appetite for life
- NELLIE EWELL - bright proper young woman, “respectable” future wife
- ROGER DOREMUS - traveling salesman, opportunistic charm merchant
- DR. JOHN BUCHANAN SR. - John’s formidable father, pragmatic patriarch
- MRS. BASETT - civic busybody, chaperone with opinions
- VERNON - would-be playwright, artistic hanger-on
- ROSEMARY - Alma’s social-club companion, small-town gentility
- DUSTIE - working-class townie, blunt heat and muscle
- GONZALES - Rosa’s father, Moon Lake’s proprietor
- ARCHIE KRAMER - local roughneck, trouble in human form
Some tracks may double up characters.
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Audition Information:
- Auditions will consist of a 5-minute slot in which you will present 1 short monologue.
- Monologues must be memorized.
- Sides will be provided for callbacks.
- Walk-ups accepted as time allows.
Hard Copies of Full Scripts:
We encourage everyone auditioning to familiarize themselves with each script. This allows for full transparency around the content of each play and helps inform your audition. Please find copies of both scripts available to students in the Theatre Green Room and Orange Room Library for perusal.
Sign-Up:
To reserve an audition slot, please sign up using the online form. The sign-up form will ask you to upload a resume and a headshot. No formal headshot is required, just a clear and close-up picture from the shoulders up is acceptable. Please arrive at least 5 minutes early to your registered time slot.
Callbacks will be held in person same day and actors will be notified by the end of the hour if they are being asked to attend. Callbacks will consist of cold readings of sides from the script. Sides are available to actors outside of the Department of Theatre Office. Hard copies will also be available at auditions on the day.
If you have questions relating to "Burn This" please reach out to Bruce Cohen at cohenb@uww.edu.
If you have any questions relating to "Summer and Smoke," please reach out to Robyn Accetta at accettar@uww.edu.
Thanks, and can't wait to see you!
