UNT Dance and Theatre

For residents across North Texas, particularly those in Denton and the surrounding communities, the University of North Texas (UNT) Department of Dance and Theatre stands as a vibrant hub of artistic innovation, education, and compelling live performances. This esteemed department is a cornerstone of the regional arts scene, offering a dynamic array of theatrical productions and dance concerts throughout the year. If you're a local seeking high-quality entertainment, eager to support emerging talent, or even considering a path in the performing arts, UNT Dance and Theatre provides an enriching and accessible experience right here in the heart of Texas.

The UNT Department of Dance and Theatre is a collaborative community of performing artists and scholars. Rooted in the liberal arts tradition, their programs prepare students with the skills necessary to pursue diverse careers in the performing arts and beyond. The department's mission emphasizes creating meaningful and relevant art, fostering a culture of imagination, collaboration, and innovation. They are committed to 21st-century educational excellence through continual investigation and implementation of curricular innovation and undergraduate research. This dedication translates into a rich season of productions that showcase the depth of talent and rigorous training taking place within their halls, ranging from classic plays to contemporary dance works and popular musicals. For any Texan looking to be inspired by the next generation of performers, designers, and theatre professionals, UNT Dance and Theatre offers a compelling and evolving artistic landscape.

The UNT Department of Dance and Theatre is primarily housed within the Radio, TV, Film & Performing Arts (RTFP) Building and the Dance and Theatre Arts (DATH) Building on the University of North Texas campus in Denton, Texas. The main address associated with the department is 1179 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76201, USA, which is a central point on the expansive UNT campus. This location in Denton makes it readily accessible for individuals across North Texas, including those from Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and other surrounding cities.

Navigating to the UNT campus is generally straightforward, with clear signage guiding visitors. While a university campus can be large, the specific buildings for Dance and Theatre are well-known within the UNT community. Parking on a university campus can sometimes require advance planning or knowledge of designated visitor lots, so it is advisable for visitors to check the UNT parking website or contact the department for the most current parking information, especially for evening or weekend performances. However, once on campus, the proximity of the performance venues and studios within the department's dedicated buildings ensures convenience for attendees. This central Denton location makes it a cultural beacon within the greater Texas region, inviting a broad audience to experience its artistic offerings.

The UNT Department of Dance and Theatre offers a comprehensive suite of services, primarily focused on education and public performance in the performing arts.

• Full Production Seasons: The department stages a robust season of theatrical plays and dance concerts throughout the academic year. These productions feature student and sometimes faculty talent, offering diverse genres from classic drama and contemporary works to musicals. Past productions have included titles like "Cabaret" and "American Idiot."
• Dance Concerts: Regular dance performances, such as the Fall Dance Festival and the Spring Dance Concert, showcase original choreography by faculty and students, featuring various dance styles.
• Theatre Productions: A range of plays are produced, encompassing different periods and styles. Recent seasons have included productions such as "The Laramie Project" and "Pride and Prejudice."
• Undergraduate and Graduate Degree Programs: The department offers academic programs in Theatre (including acting, design and technology, and musical theatre concentrations) and Dance, leading to Bachelor of Arts degrees and potentially other advanced studies, preparing students for professional careers.
• Acting and Performance Classes: A wide array of classes in acting fundamentals, play analysis, voice, movement, musical theatre, and Shakespeare are offered as part of the curriculum.
• Design and Technology Training: Students receive hands-on experience and instruction in all aspects of theatrical production, including set design, costume design, lighting, and stage management.
• Community Outreach and Engagement: The department engages with the broader community through various initiatives, offering transformative experiences that cultivate compassionate and collaborative interactions.
• Audition Opportunities: For aspiring performers, the department provides opportunities to audition for its mainstage productions and musical theatre programs.

UNT Dance and Theatre boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a significant asset to the performing arts landscape in North Texas.

• High-Quality Productions: As evidenced by audience reviews ("Had an amazing time watching Cabaret and American Idiot here!"), the department consistently delivers engaging and professional-level performances. This high standard attracts local audiences seeking excellent live entertainment.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The department is housed in dedicated buildings (RTFP and DATH) featuring two full-size performance venues: the University Theatre (a 415-seat proscenium stage) and the flexible Studio Theatre (up to 160 seats). They also have four wood-sprung dance studios with live accompaniment, and comprehensive scene, costume, and makeup shops, providing a professional training and performance environment.
• Experienced Faculty: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, a university department of this caliber would inherently feature a faculty composed of experienced professionals and scholars in their respective fields, ensuring top-tier instruction.
• Diverse Performance Repertoire: The seasonal offerings include a broad range of plays and dance styles, catering to varied artistic tastes and providing students with comprehensive performance experience.
• Student Development and Professional Readiness: The core mission emphasizes preparing students for multidisciplinary careers in the performing arts, fostering self-awareness, storytelling, empathy, and professionalism. Students gain hands-on experience both onstage and behind the scenes.
• Contribution to Local Arts Scene: As a major university arts program, UNT Dance and Theatre significantly contributes to Denton's vibrant cultural and artistic identity, offering public performances that enrich the lives of local residents.

For those in the Texas region interested in attending a performance, inquiring about academic programs, or seeking general information, UNT Dance and Theatre can be reached through the following contact details.

Address: 1179 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76201, USA

Main Office Phone: (940) 565-2211

Production Box Office Phone: (940) 565-2428

These contact points provide direct access to information regarding upcoming shows, ticket purchases, degree programs, and general departmental inquiries. It is always recommended to check their official university website for the most current performance schedules and program details.

For locals in Denton and across the North Texas area, UNT Dance and Theatre stands out as an exceptional resource for both cultural enrichment and educational opportunity. If you're a theatre enthusiast or a lover of dance, the consistent stream of high-quality productions offers a fantastic local option for compelling live entertainment, often featuring the stars of tomorrow. The ability to see well-produced musicals like "Cabaret" and "American Idiot" right in your community, performed by talented university students, provides a professional experience at an accessible price point compared to larger commercial venues.

Moreover, for high school students considering a career in the performing arts, or adults looking to further their artistic education, UNT Dance and Theatre offers comprehensive, top-tier programs. The presence of state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated instructors, and a focus on both artistic excellence and professional development makes it a highly suitable choice. By supporting UNT Dance and Theatre, Texans are not only enjoying fantastic performances but also investing in the future of the performing arts and the growth of talented individuals right within their own community.

UNT Dance and Theatre

1179 Union Cir, Denton, TX 76201, USA