University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department

For residents of New York, especially those in the vibrant Western New York region, the University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department stands as a significant cultural and educational cornerstone. More than just an academic department, it’s a dynamic hub for the performing arts, bringing together emerging talent, seasoned faculty, and cutting-edge productions that enrich the entire community. Situated within the expansive University at Buffalo campus, this department is a vital source of diverse theatrical and dance performances, ranging from classic plays and contemporary dramas to captivating dance concerts and innovative experimental works. For anyone in Buffalo and the surrounding New York areas seeking high-quality live entertainment or a deeper engagement with the performing arts, the UB Theatre & Dance Department offers a compelling and accessible array of experiences.

The department prides itself on fostering an environment where artistry, critical understanding, and impassioned creation converge. Students are engaged in a wide variety of hands-on projects and activities, applying classroom learning to real-world scenarios through participation in public performances. This dedication to practical experience ensures that the productions staged are of a professional caliber, offering audiences in New York the chance to witness the development of future performing arts stars. The department emphasizes pushing boundaries and fostering diversity, equity, and compassion through its work, often exploring contemporary themes and challenging narratives. This commitment to both artistic excellence and social relevance makes their performances not just entertaining, but also thought-provoking and impactful for the local community.

The UB Theatre & Dance Department is a testament to the University at Buffalo's broader commitment to the arts. It serves as a vital component of the cultural landscape, providing invaluable educational opportunities for students while simultaneously offering a rich calendar of events for the general public. For New Yorkers looking for affordable, high-quality performing arts experiences, or those interested in supporting the next generation of artists, this department is an essential destination.

---

The University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department is strategically located at 285, Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA, within the sprawling North Campus of the University at Buffalo. While the department has facilities across the campus, including the prominent Center for the Arts, Alumni Arena houses key departmental offices and potentially rehearsal or classroom spaces. The University at Buffalo's North Campus is situated in Amherst, a suburb of Buffalo, making it a central and identifiable location for residents throughout Western New York.

Accessibility to the University at Buffalo campus is generally excellent. For those traveling by car, major roadways lead directly to the campus, and extensive parking facilities are available for visitors, often with specific parking zones for the Center for the Arts and Alumni Arena areas. This makes it convenient for New Yorkers from Buffalo, Amherst, and surrounding towns like Clarence, Williamsville, and Tonawanda to attend performances or events.

Furthermore, the University at Buffalo campus is well-served by public transportation through the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) Metro bus system, with numerous routes connecting the campus to downtown Buffalo and other key areas. This ensures that individuals without personal vehicles can also access the performances and facilities. The university is committed to accessibility for individuals with disabilities, with the Center for the Arts offering wheelchair-accessible locations in its various theatres, accessible automatic doors at main entrances, and services like assistive listening devices and sign language interpreters upon request. This dedication to inclusivity ensures that the performing arts are available to a broad audience across the New York region, making the UB Theatre & Dance Department a welcoming destination for all.

---

• Full-Scale Theatre Productions: The department stages a diverse season of plays and musicals, ranging from classic dramas to contemporary works, showcasing student talent under the guidance of nationally recognized directors and faculty.

• Dynamic Dance Concerts: Regular dance performances feature a variety of styles, including modern, ballet, jazz, tap, and often experimental or interdisciplinary dance pieces, highlighting the comprehensive training of dance students.

• Student-Directed Series: Opportunities for students to direct and produce their own shows, providing valuable hands-on experience and a platform for emerging directorial voices within the New York arts scene.

• Variety of Performance Venues: Utilizing state-of-the-art facilities like the Drama Theatre (proscenium stage), Black Box Theatre (flexible seating), and the Katharine Cornell Theatre, allowing for diverse staging and intimate audience experiences.

• Community Engagement through Performances: Productions often address contemporary issues and explore the human condition, fostering dialogue and connection with the Western New York community.

• Educational Programs and Workshops: While primarily an academic department, the public performances are a direct outcome of rigorous training in acting, directing, choreography, design, stage management, and technical theatre, offering a glimpse into comprehensive arts education.

• Accessibility Services: Commitment to making performances accessible to all, including wheelchair and scooter accessible seating, assistive listening devices, and sign language interpreters upon advance request.

• Talent Showcase: Provides a vital platform for University at Buffalo students to showcase their learned skills and artistry to the public before embarking on professional careers in theatre, dance, film, and television.

---

• High-Quality Student Performances: A primary highlight is the professional caliber of student productions, often featuring innovative staging and compelling performances that rival those of professional companies.

• Renowned Faculty and Guest Artists: Students and productions benefit from the expertise of nationally and internationally recognized faculty, directors, and choreographers, as well as regular guest artists who bring diverse perspectives and cutting-edge techniques.

• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The department utilizes excellent venues within the Center for the Arts, including a flexible black box theatre, a proscenium stage, and various dance studios, equipped with advanced lighting and sound systems.

• Comprehensive Training Philosophy: A unique feature is the integrated approach to theatre and dance education, combining rigorous physical training with critical understanding of the artistic, historical, and theoretical aspects of performance.

• Diverse Theatrical and Dance Repertoire: The department's season features a wide array of genres and styles, from classical plays and musicals to modern and experimental dance, offering something for every artistic taste.

• Emphasis on Experiential Learning: Students gain extensive hands-on experience by participating in fully realized productions from their very first semester, serving in roles as performers, designers, technicians, and managers.

• Contribution to Buffalo's Arts Scene: The department is a vital contributor to the cultural vibrancy of Western New York, consistently offering accessible and thought-provoking performing arts events to the public.

• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The department emphasizes fostering diversity, equity, and compassion in its artistic endeavors, often presenting works that explore diverse voices and human experiences.

---

For information on upcoming performances, ticketing, educational programs, or general inquiries about the University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: 285, Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA

• Phone: (716) 645-6897

• Mobile Phone: +1 716-645-6897

It is always recommended to check the official University at Buffalo Center for the Arts website for the most current performance schedules, ticket purchasing information, and details on accessibility services. The department’s staff can provide specific guidance on how to best enjoy their diverse offerings.

---

For anyone in the New York region, particularly those residing in Buffalo and the surrounding Western New York communities, the University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department is an invaluable local resource. Its accessibility, situated on the easily reachable North Campus with ample parking and public transport options, makes attending performances a seamless experience for area residents. This convenience is crucial for New Yorkers looking to enrich their lives with cultural events without the complexities often associated with urban entertainment venues.

What truly distinguishes the UB Theatre & Dance Department as suitable for locals is its dual role as both an educational powerhouse and a vibrant public performing arts venue. You're not just watching a show; you're witnessing the culmination of rigorous training, creative innovation, and the passionate dedication of emerging artists guided by experienced professionals. This means audiences get to experience high-quality, often cutting-edge, theatrical and dance productions at more accessible price points than many commercial venues. It's an opportunity to support local talent and witness the future stars of the performing arts right in your own backyard.

Furthermore, the department's commitment to diverse programming and thoughtful storytelling ensures that their performances are relevant and engaging, often exploring themes that resonate with contemporary life. This dedication to art with purpose adds significant cultural value to the community. For New Yorkers who appreciate the arts, enjoy thought-provoking performances, and wish to support the growth of local talent, the University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department offers a consistently rewarding and enriching experience, solidifying its place as a cherished cultural asset in Western New York.

University at Buffalo Theatre & Dance Department

285, Alumni Arena, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA