Department of Theatre and Dance

For residents of Washington, particularly those in the scenic city of Bellingham, the Department of Theatre and Dance at Western Washington University (WWU) stands as a beacon of artistic innovation, education, and performance. Nestled within the larger academic framework of a respected university, this department offers far more than just academic programs; it serves as a dynamic cultural hub, enriching the lives of students and the wider community alike. From captivating theatrical productions to exhilarating dance concerts, the Department of Theatre and Dance provides a consistent stream of high-quality artistic experiences, fostering both emerging talent and seasoned professionals. If you're a local in Washington with an appreciation for the performing arts, or perhaps an aspiring artist yourself, exploring the offerings of WWU's Department of Theatre and Dance is an absolute must.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is primarily located within the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at 516 High St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA, on the campus of Western Washington University. This central campus location makes it quite accessible for Bellingham residents. Western Washington University is known for its beautiful campus, offering various transportation options. While specific public transport routes directly to the PAC should be verified through local transit services (like Whatcom Transportation Authority - WTA), the university is generally well-connected. For those driving, accessible parking is available on the southwest side of the PAC building. The Performing Arts Center itself is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring accessible entrances and restrooms to accommodate patrons with disabilities, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the productions and events offered. The Dance program, specifically, is housed in the recently refurbished Commissary building on South Campus, near the Buchanan Towers residences, featuring state-of-the-art dance studios.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at WWU offers a comprehensive range of academic programs and public services, creating a vibrant ecosystem for the performing arts.

• Undergraduate Degree Programs:
  • Theatre, BA: A liberal arts-focused program with concentrations in Education, Design, Performance, Production (including dramatic writing, directing, stage management), and Theatre Studies.
  • Dance, BA: Comprehensive training in dance technique, choreography, dance science, somatics, history, arts activism, and pedagogy, allowing for interdisciplinary study.
  • Dance, BFA: A selective program for students pursuing professional careers as performers or choreographers, with advanced study in contemporary technique and numerous creative opportunities.
• Mainstage Production Season: The department produces a full season of theatre productions (typically five per year) and dance concerts (two per year). These productions offer students extensive opportunities in acting, designing, technical work, stage managing, costume and scenic shop work, dramaturgy, and assistant directing.
• Student Theatre Productions (STP): An entirely student-led company that produces an additional 3-6 shows each year, providing further hands-on experience in all aspects of production, from performance to technical roles.
• Clubs and Organizations: Students can engage with groups like the Dead Parrots Society (an improv comedy club) and Plays4Us (quarterly performances of new, short works), fostering creativity and collaboration.
• Workshops and Residencies: The department regularly hosts professional designers, stage managers, directors, and internationally recognized choreographers (such as Spectrum Dance Theater, Alvin Ailey, Liz Gerring), providing students and potentially the wider community with exposure to leading artists and cutting-edge techniques.
• Internship and Career Opportunities: Students secure internships with prestigious companies like the Oregon Shakespeare Company, Seattle Repertory Theatre, and Disney, demonstrating the program's strong industry connections.
• Community Engagement: Through performances and potentially outreach programs (especially through the Educational Theatre concentration), the department contributes significantly to the cultural life of Bellingham and beyond.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at WWU is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for aspiring artists and a valuable resource for the Washington community.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The Performing Arts Center boasts impressive venues, including:
  • Mainstage Theatre: A large proscenium stage with a full fly system, hydraulic apron lift, and professional sound, projections & lighting, seating nearly 1,050 people.
  • PAC Concert Hall: A 650-seat hall with superb acoustics, ideal for musical performances.
  • DUG Theatre (Douglas Underground Theatre): An intimate black box space seating 70-100 patrons, offering flexible staging configurations.
  • Old Main Theatre: A 200-seat proscenium stage used for student productions.
  The Dance program's Commissary facilities include two large, brightly-lit studios (1750 sq ft and 1150 sq ft) with sprung dance floors, marley surfaces, mirrors, barres, pianos, and acoustical panels, plus a separate Pilates conditioning room with reformers and springboards.
• Award-Winning Faculty: The faculty members are not only accomplished academics but also professionals with extensive experience working internationally, regionally, and locally with esteemed organizations like the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Carnegie Hall, Seattle Opera, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
• Rigorous and Comprehensive Curriculum: Both Theatre and Dance programs offer in-depth training across various specializations, from acting and design to choreography, history, and arts activism, preparing students for diverse careers in the arts.
• Abundant Performance Opportunities: With a robust Mainstage season and an active student-produced season (STP, Plays4Us, Dead Parrots Society), students have unparalleled chances to perform, direct, design, and manage productions from start to finish.
• Strong Emphasis on Practical Experience: Students gain valuable hands-on experience through shop work (costume, scenic), backstage crew roles, and student employment within the department's administrative and technical offices.
• Support for Student Travel: The department actively supports student travel to major conferences like the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), and the American College Dance Association, providing invaluable networking and competition opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary Approach: The curriculum encourages students to explore the intersection of theatre and dance with other disciplines, fostering a holistic and adaptive artistic perspective.

For those in Washington interested in attending a performance, inquiring about academic programs, or collaborating with the Department of Theatre and Dance at Western Washington University, here is the contact information:

Address: PAC, 516 High St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA (Note: The Dance program facilities are primarily located in the Commissary building on South Campus. For specific inquiries related to dance, it may be beneficial to confirm location.)

Phone: (360) 650-3876

Mobile Phone: +1 360-650-3876

Website: The College of Fine and Performing Arts (cfpa.wwu.edu) and specific departmental pages on the WWU website are the primary sources for detailed program information, performance schedules, and faculty directories.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Western Washington University is an indispensable cultural and educational asset for locals in the Washington region. For prospective students, it offers a rigorous and immersive education, providing the skills, experience, and connections necessary for a successful career in the performing arts. For the broader community, it delivers a consistent season of high-caliber theatrical and dance productions, offering accessible and engaging entertainment right in Bellingham. The blend of student talent with professional faculty, combined with impressive facilities, creates a dynamic environment that fosters artistic growth and provides rich cultural experiences. Whether you're an avid theatregoer, a dance enthusiast, or someone considering a path in the performing arts, WWU's Department of Theatre and Dance enriches the cultural landscape of Washington, inviting everyone to experience the transformative power of live performance.

Department of Theatre and Dance

PAC, 516 High St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA