Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance

For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Gloucester County and the broader South Jersey region, access to high-quality performing arts is a vital part of a vibrant community. The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance, nestled within the College of Performing Arts (CPA) in Glassboro, NJ, stands as a dynamic and accessible hub for diverse theatrical and dance productions. More than just an academic department, it serves as a significant cultural center, enriching the lives of campus community members, South Jersey residents, and audiences from beyond.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Rowan University is committed to providing rigorous, innovative, and broad-based education in theatre and dance, while simultaneously offering a robust calendar of public performances. These productions showcase the immense talent of Rowan's students and faculty, often collaborating with world-class professional artists, ensuring a caliber of performance that rivals many professional stages. This article will offer New Jersey locals a comprehensive overview of what makes Rowan University's Department of Theatre and Dance a compelling destination for experiencing and engaging with the performing arts.

The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance is located on the university's main campus at 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA. Glassboro, a thriving borough in Gloucester County, is easily accessible from various parts of Southern New Jersey via major roadways. Mullica Hill Road is a prominent route, providing straightforward access from neighboring towns like Mullica Hill, Pitman, Sewell, and Clayton, as well as being well-connected to larger routes for visitors from further afield.

The College of Performing Arts (CPA) facilities, which house the Department of Theatre and Dance, are integral to the Rowan University campus. Performances often take place in venues such as Pfleeger Concert Hall (located in Wilson Hall) and the Tohill Theatre (located in Bunce Hall). These dedicated performance spaces offer professional settings for audiences. For convenience, free parking is typically available directly across North Campus Drive from Pfleeger Concert Hall in Lot O-1, just off Stadium Drive, next to Wackar Stadium. This ease of access and ample parking make attending performances at Rowan University a convenient and enjoyable experience for New Jersey locals.

The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance, as part of the College of Performing Arts, offers a rich array of services and opportunities, primarily focused on education and public performance:

• MainStage Theatre Productions: Each academic year, the department stages an annual six-show MainStage season, featuring a diverse selection of plays and musicals. These productions provide students with hands-on experience as performers, directors, designers, and technicians.
• Dance Concerts and Showcases: The department presents multiple dance showcases, including faculty-led productions and student choreography showcases (such as the annual Faculty/Student Dance Showcase and the Student Choreography Showcase). These highlight various dance styles, from contemporary and modern to hip hop and tap.
• Marie Rader Presenting Series: As part of the College of Performing Arts, the department contributes to the world-renowned Marie Rader Series. This curated series brings inspiring, award-winning national and international artists to Glassboro, covering genres like jazz, classical, Broadway, pop, puppetry, circus, and diverse dance forms.
• Educational Programs (BA in Theatre and BA in Dance): The department offers comprehensive undergraduate degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre with concentrations in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design/Technical, Directing, and Pre-Teaching, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Dance. These programs emphasize rigorous training, intellectual growth, and professional preparation.
• Minor Programs: Students from other majors can pursue minors in Theatre or Dance, allowing for interdisciplinary study and participation in performing arts without a full major commitment.
• Student-Led Productions and Initiatives: Beyond MainStage, students have opportunities to create and participate in student-directed productions and companies (like RU Dance Extensions), fostering innovation and collaborative work.
• Community Engagement: The College of Performing Arts and its departments actively engage with the broader region through public performances, educational outreach, and accessible ticket pricing for youth, families, and seniors.
• Box Office Services: Tickets for all public performances can be purchased online or in person at the Pfleeger Concert Hall Lobby, with discounts often available for seniors, youth, Glassboro residents, military personnel, and students.
• Venue Rental and Management: The College's Venue Management office oversees the use and rental of professional performance spaces like Pfleeger Concert Hall (800 seats) and Tohill Theatre (300 seats), making them available for university and external events.

The Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance is distinguished by several key features and a commitment to artistic excellence and community enrichment:

• National Accreditation: The College of Performing Arts, including the Department of Theatre and Dance, holds specialized national arts accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre, signifying high standards of education and practice.
• Professional Facilities: The department utilizes state-of-the-art performance venues, including the 800-seat Pfleeger Concert Hall with full technical capabilities and the historic 300-seat Tohill Theatre, alongside well-equipped costume and scene shops, design studios, and dance studios.
• Diverse and Inclusive Programming: The mission of the College of Performing Arts emphasizes providing a "diverse range of classical, contemporary and popular music, dance and theatre programming" that reflects "artistic integrity and inclusion." Auditions for MainStage productions are open and inclusive, supporting maximum representation.
• Faculty of Working Professionals: Students learn from a faculty comprised of accomplished working professionals, artists, performers, and educators who bring real-world experience and professional connections from New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York to the classroom and stage.
• Robust Performance Opportunities: Both theatre and dance students benefit from extensive performance opportunities, from main stage productions to student-choreographed showcases, allowing for hands-on skill development as performers, directors, designers, and technicians.
• Focus on Innovation and Collaboration: The department regularly highlights "new or devised work created in collaboration with world-class professional artists" and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration within the College of Performing Arts and the wider university.
• Affordable Access to Culture: Through initiatives like the Marie Rader Series and various discount programs, Rowan University provides "unprecedented access for youth, families and seniors" to world-class performances at accessible prices.
• Student Development: The programs are designed to foster "intellectual and artistic growth," developing "highly skilled and well-rounded performers, designers, and technicians who make creative, vibrant, and connected physical choices."

To learn more about performance schedules, purchase tickets, or inquire about the academic programs offered by the Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance, please use the following contact details:

Address: 201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA

Phone: (856) 256-4030

Mobile Phone: +1 856-256-4030

For specific information regarding ticket purchases and box office hours, it is recommended to visit the College of Performing Arts website (cpa.rowan.edu/boxoffice) or email performingarts@rowan.edu for group inquiries. General departmental inquiries can be made via the provided phone number.

For New Jersey residents, particularly those in Glassboro and across South Jersey, the Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance, as a cornerstone of the College of Performing Arts, offers an invaluable resource for experiencing diverse and high-quality performing arts. Its commitment to artistic excellence, professional education, and community engagement makes it a unique cultural asset in the region. Whether you're looking to enjoy a captivating play or musical, witness dynamic dance performances, or be inspired by internationally acclaimed artists through the Marie Rader Series, Rowan University provides a convenient and enriching destination.

The opportunity to witness the emerging talent of future performing artists, alongside the expertise of seasoned professionals and touring acts, ensures a continually fresh and engaging season of events. With accessible ticket pricing, convenient parking, and a dedication to fostering both artistic growth and audience appreciation, the Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance is an ideal place for locals to connect with the transformative power of live performance right in their backyard.

Rowan University Department of Theatre and Dance

201 Mullica Hill Rd, Glassboro, NJ 08028, USA