University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance

Hey, aspiring artists and performing arts enthusiasts across Florida! If you're seeking a world-class education and an unparalleled environment to cultivate your passion for dance and theatre, then the University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance in Gainesville is a destination you absolutely need to know. Nestled within the prestigious University of Florida, this school is a beacon of artistic excellence, renowned for its rigorous training, innovative productions, and commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers, choreographers, designers, and theatre professionals.

The School of Theatre and Dance (SOTD) at UF is more than just an academic department; it's a vibrant creative community where students, faculty, and staff engage in constant and close collaboration. As one proud alum puts it, "I miss the faculty. They are all wonderful and I love the work that comes out of this place. Great facility and environment." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the supportive and inspiring atmosphere that defines the school. Offering a range of programs from liberal arts Bachelor of Arts degrees to competitive Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts professional training degrees, SOTD caters to a diverse array of interests and talents within the performing arts.

The school is dedicated to providing students with comprehensive training that blends theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Whether you dream of gracing the Broadway stage, designing captivating sets, choreographing groundbreaking dance pieces, or managing the intricate logistics of a theatrical production, SOTD offers the curriculum and mentorship to help you achieve your goals. It’s a place where dreams are not just nurtured but actively pursued and brought to life through dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to the arts.

The University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance is prominently located within the University of Florida's Gainesville campus at 1800 McCarty Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA. This address places it squarely within the heart of one of Florida's largest and most esteemed public universities, offering all the benefits of a major university setting. McCarty Drive is a well-known internal campus road, easily accessible once you are on the UF campus.

The school's primary home is the Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion, a magnificent 46,000-square-foot facility. This central location on campus means easy access for students from various departments and for the Gainesville community attending performances. While parking on a university campus can sometimes require planning, UF generally offers various parking options, including garages and lots, which are well-marked for visitors and permit holders. The convenience of being part of a larger university allows students to access a vast array of resources, including libraries, dining options, and other student services, all within a short walk or campus bus ride. This integrated location makes it highly suitable for both local Floridian students and those relocating to Gainesville for their studies.

The University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance offers a comprehensive suite of academic programs and training opportunities, designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the performing arts. Their offerings include:

• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre: A liberal arts degree with an emphasis in theatre, providing a broad background in theatre studies along with creative studio and performance experiences. Specializations can include General Theatre, Stage Management, and Theatre Management.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Acting: An intensive, conservatory-style training program for students aspiring to professional acting careers.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Musical Theatre: A specialized program combining acting, singing, and dance training for students aiming for careers in musical theatre.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Dance: A highly competitive program offering rigorous training in various dance techniques, choreography, and performance.
• Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Dance: Provides a liberal arts education with a focus on dance studies.
• Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Theatre Production: Focused on the technical and design aspects of theatre, covering areas like scenic design, lighting design, costume design, and technical direction.
• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Acting: Advanced professional training for actors seeking to hone their craft at a graduate level.
• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Design and Production: Graduate-level studies in theatrical design and technical production.
• Minor in Theatre: For students majoring in other fields who wish to gain foundational knowledge and experience in theatre.
• Minor in Dance: For students interested in dance who are pursuing a major in another discipline.
• Performance Season: A full calendar of mainstage productions, student-produced works, and dance showcases presented throughout the academic year, offering extensive performance and production opportunities.
• Workshops and Guest Artist Residencies: Regular opportunities for students to work with acclaimed visiting artists and professionals from the national and international performing arts scene.

The University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance boasts an impressive array of features and highlights that establish it as a leading institution in performing arts education:

• The Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion: This 46,000-square-foot, exquisitely beautiful facility is the school's hub. It features a soaring glass atrium ("Harp of Color" installation by Shan Shan Sheng), creating an inspiring and naturally lit environment.
• State-of-the-Art Performance Spaces:
  • Constans Theatre: A renovated 415-seat flexible apron theatre used as the mainstage for major productions.
  • Black Box Theatre: An innovative, flexible 3,600-square-foot performance space seating approximately 200, fully equipped with professional lighting, sound, and rigging.
• Dedicated Studios and Labs: The pavilion houses three dance studios (including a 4,600 sq ft premier studio convertible to a dance theatre for showcases), four acting studios with shock-absorbing flooring and acoustic treatment, large scene and costume shops with natural lighting, and specialized computer, design, and lighting labs.
• Dancer Wellness Clinic/Pilates Studio: A unique feature housing a pilot program in dancer wellness in conjunction with UF Sports Medicine, equipped with physical therapy tools including a Stott Pilates Reformer, and access to hydrotherapy and ice for injury treatment.
• Acclaimed Faculty: Students benefit from instruction and mentorship by a distinguished faculty, many of whom are active professionals and scholars in their respective fields. An alum fondly mentions, "I miss the faculty. They are all wonderful."
• Rigorous and Diverse Curriculum: Offering a spectrum of degrees (BA, BFA, MFA) and minors across theatre and dance, allowing students to pursue comprehensive liberal arts education or intensive professional training.
• Extensive Production Opportunities: Students are actively involved in a full season of mainstage plays, musicals, and dance concerts, providing invaluable hands-on experience in performance and production roles.
• Close Collaboration and Intimate Setting: Despite being part of a large university, the school fosters an intimate setting where students, faculty, and staff collaborate closely on projects.
• Strong Alumni Network: Graduates often go on to successful careers on Broadway, in film, television, and various professional performing arts roles, highlighting the quality of the training.

For direct inquiries, admissions information, or details about upcoming performances, you can contact the University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance using the following information:

Address: 1800 McCarty Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA

Phone: (352) 273-0500

Mobile Phone: +1 352-273-0500

For Floridians, especially those in Gainesville and across the state with a serious interest in the performing arts, the University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance is an undeniably suitable and exceptional choice. Its location within a top-tier public university means access to world-class academic resources alongside specialized artistic training. The modern, well-equipped Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion stands as a testament to the school's commitment to providing an optimal learning and performance environment.

As an alum's review succinctly puts it, "Great facility and environment." This is crucial for students immersing themselves in demanding artistic disciplines. The diverse range of B.A., B.F.A., and M.F.A. programs ensures that whether you're seeking a broad liberal arts education with a theatre or dance focus, or intensive conservatory-style training for a professional career, SOTD has a pathway for you. The opportunity to learn from and collaborate with a dedicated and acclaimed faculty, perform in professional-grade venues, and gain hands-on experience in every aspect of production makes UF's School of Theatre and Dance an unparalleled destination for any Florida resident looking to make their mark in the world of performing arts.

University of Florida: School of Theatre and Dance

1800 McCarty Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA