Program Overview
The undergraduate Certificate in Dance Production is for dance, theater, musical theater, and theater production/design/technology students, as well as other interested students, who wish to gain a deeper knowledge of the differentiation between Lighting and Production for Theatre vs. Lighting and Production for Dance. The intent of this certificate is to develop students' abilities to work in the field of dance production and lighting, or in theater production and design with in-depth knowledge of dance production, thus expanding their future design opportunities and careers. The student will have hands-on practical experience engaging in production for both theatre-specific and dance-specific productions. The most distinguishing feature of this curriculum is the dance movement component, which allows the student to experience the process and needs of the performer, and to therefore better understand the rehearsal and production process from multiple perspectives. All areas of performance, production and design are covered in this certificate.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy
This certificate program is open to all currently enrolled undergraduate students. Students must complete an application form to indicate their interest and availability, as many of the required courses have specialized time commitments based on show production schedules. All students must begin the program with DANC 1801 - Dance Production I .
External Transfer Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements and requirements stated above.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
This certificate will provide a key credential for employment in the field of dance lighting and dance production. For School of Theater students in Production, Design, and Technology, it expands their knowledge base and aids their versatility in the field. A number of School of Theater students who took DANC 2801 - Lighting for Dance have secured positions upon graduation because of this specialization. For School of Dance and other students interested in employment in dance production, this certificate will provide an important credential on their transcript. Just over the past four years, more than eight students have accepted internships and paid positions in dance production at prestigious dance festivals such as Jacob's Pillow, American Dance Festival, and Bates Dance Festival. Three of them now hold full-time positions at Jacob's Pillow, Shawnee State University, and the Charlotte Ballet, while another is working freelance in New York City. This certificate will attract a wider range of students to this field of study and employment, and will ensure that more students receive the necessary tools and knowledge to be successful.