Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) | Program in Theatre and Dance | The University of Vermont(title)

Do I have to audition for the dance major or the dance minor?
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No, there is no audition required for either the major or the minor. Declare at any time through the myUVM portal.

Which course should I take if I have prior dance training?
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Students with prior training should register for our level II classes (DNCE 012 for Contemporary, DNCE 22 for Ballet). Contact the class instructor with questions.

When are auditions for performances?
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See our events calendar. Most auditions take place during the second week of class in the fall and spring semesters.

How do I receive updates/announcements related to Dance at UVM?
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Follow us on Facebook or Instagram!

Are there auditions or portfolio reviews for acceptance to the theatre program?
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No. The University of Vermont offers a liberal arts education with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. To this end, there is no interview process for acceptance into our theatre program. Once you are accepted to the College of Arts and Sciences, each student may choose their major. Students do so through the UVM registrar's page.

How do I audition for the season productions?
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The Program in Theatre permits all UVM students to audition for productions at Royall Tyler Theatre. Casting notices with audition dates for each production are posted in Royall Tyler Theatre and online on the website.

How many productions do you do?
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There are typically three main stage productions each academic year (two in the fall semester and one in the spring semester). In addition, there is a holiday children's production in December which is cast with mostly first-year students. In the spring we produce a Festival of One Acts comprised of the graduating theatre majors’ senior projects.

Are their specific areas of emphasis with the program?
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The major requires 30 credits of core courses and then any four 3-credit additional theatre courses that students choose to complete a total of 42 credits. A student may tailor their selections to emphasize Performance, Technical Theatre/Design, or History/Criticism, but an area of emphasis is not required.

Why study theatre if I'm not a major or minor?
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The theatre major allows students to hone skills in communication, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. These are skills that can be taken into many career areas. Some students may opt to go on to graduate programs to expand their learning, while others pursue professional internships and apprenticeships at theatre companies.

Can I be a double major?
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Yes. Many students are. 

Does the program do musicals?
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The Program in Theatre produces a wide range of shows. During the typical four years that a student attends UVM, we attempt to offer historical plays, American classics, contemporary works, plays with social messages, as well as musicals. We average a musical every other year. There are also other venues in the area that offer musical theatre productions in which our students sometimes participate: St. Michael's Playhouse, Lyric Theatre (a community organization producing two large-scale productions each year). The Department also offers a musical theatre performance course as part of the musical theatre minor.

What is the relationship between theatre and dance?
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A minor in dance is offered at UVM. Professor Paul Besaw, Director of the Dance Program, holds a secondary appointment within the Program in Theatre. We work closely to provide our students in both dance and theatre with the best opportunities for collaboration, not only in movement and choreography but also in technical support, such as lighting design and stage management for concerts.