Department of Theatre and Dance

Welcome from the Chair

The Department of Theatre and Dance is a special place full of vibrancy, curiosity, and tenacity. Here, students can find the foundation of a liberal arts education with the professional and creative skills needed to thrive as an artist, all within the inclusive environment of Montclair State University. It is our mission to produce well-equipped, flexible, inspired artist-thinkers who are socially aware and personally responsible.

Study, create, and perform in exceptional facilities, from the state-of-the-art Alexander Kasser Theater to fully equipped dance studios and production shops. Learn from renowned faculty and guest artists who will mentor and inspire your artistic and professional growth. Please come visit us or check out a performance to see us in action.

Prof. Kathleen Kelley,
Chairperson, Theatre and Dance

Accolades and Associations

The Department of Theatre and Dance is recognized statewide and nationally for excellence, ranking #9 among the Best Theatre Bachelor's Degree Programs, #8 among the Most Popular Dance Schools in the U.S., and #1 in New Jersey for Drama and Theatre Arts. It is also recognized as one of the nation's top 25 college dance programs and ranked #2 Best Acting School in New Jersey. 

Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and the National Association of Schools of Dance, the department prepares graduates for successful careers throughout the performing arts, with alumni performing on Broadway and across the entertainment industry.

Acting BFA

The Acting BFA prepares students for a versatile career as a performer across stage and screen. Students spend their first two years immersed in intensive stage training, developing a strong foundation in acting technique, voice, movement, text analysis, and ensemble work. The final two years shift the focus to on-camera performance, giving students specialized training for film, television, and digital media. Throughout the program, students work with accomplished faculty and guest artists while gaining the practical experience, confidence, and adaptability needed to navigate a rapidly evolving performance industry.

• Learn more about the Acting BFA

Dance (BA, BFA)

Dance students develop their technique, artistry, creativity, and individual voice through rigorous training and performance opportunities. The BFA provides an intensive, professionally focused course of study for students seeking extensive preparation as performers, choreographers, and dance artists, while the BA combines substantial dance training with a broader liberal arts education. Students work closely with accomplished faculty and guest artists while exploring performance, choreography, improvisation, teaching, and interdisciplinary approaches to movement. Both degrees provide opportunities to perform, create, collaborate, and develop the skills needed to build meaningful careers in dance and the broader arts.

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Dance MFA

The Dance MFA is an advanced, artist-centered program for experienced dance artists seeking to deepen their creative practice and expand their impact in the field. Through intensive study, creative research, performance, choreography, and critical inquiry, students develop and refine their individual artistic voices while engaging with contemporary approaches to dance. Working closely with faculty, guest artists, and fellow artists, MFA students have opportunities to create new work, investigate ideas through movement, and pursue interdisciplinary and collaborative practices. The program prepares graduates for careers as professional artists, choreographers, educators, and leaders in dance and the performing arts.

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Design, Technology and Management BFA

The Design, Technology and Management BFA prepares students to become the creative and technical artists who bring live performance to life. Through hands-on training and production experience, students explore areas including scenic, costume, lighting, sound, stage management, technical direction, and production management while developing the collaborative and problem-solving skills essential to professional theatre. Students work on productions throughout their education, learning to move from concept to execution while building a portfolio of work and gaining experience in the collaborative environment of a working theatre company.

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Musical Theatre BFA

The Musical Theatre BFA provides intensive professional training for performers who want to excel in the demanding and collaborative world of musical theatre. Students develop as triple-threat artists through rigorous study in acting, voice, and dance, while gaining extensive experience performing and working as part of an ensemble. Training is complemented by performance opportunities, master classes, and work with accomplished faculty and guest artists, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in a professional-level environment. The program develops not only technical ability, but also the artistry, versatility, discipline, and confidence needed to pursue a career on stage and across the broader entertainment industry.

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Theatre MA

The Theatre MA offers advanced study for students who want to explore theatre through scholarly, critical, and creative perspectives. Students investigate theatre history, dramatic literature, performance, theory, criticism, and the cultural contexts in which theatre is created and experienced. The program encourages students to connect rigorous academic inquiry with their own interests and professional goals while working with experienced faculty in a dynamic theatre environment. Graduates are prepared for further graduate study as well as careers in teaching, research, arts administration, criticism, dramaturgy, and other areas of the performing arts.

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Theatre of Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Change Certificate

The Theatre of Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Change program explores how theatre and performance can create dialogue, build community, amplify diverse voices, and inspire meaningful change. Students examine the relationships between theatre, identity, culture, equity, and social justice while considering the role artists can play in addressing contemporary issues. Through interdisciplinary study and engagement with diverse theatrical practices, students develop tools for creating and understanding performance that is responsive to the communities and audiences it serves. The program is designed for students interested in using the arts as a means of connection, advocacy, education, and social impact.

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Theatre Studies BA

The Theatre Studies BA provides a broad and flexible foundation for students who want to explore theatre beyond a single area of specialization. Students study theatre through multiple perspectives, including performance, history, dramatic literature, theory, criticism, culture, and practice, developing an understanding of how theatre functions as both an art form and a powerful form of communication. The program allows students to shape their studies around their individual interests and can support pathways into careers in the arts, education, communications, arts administration, and related fields. Students can also pursue the Theatre Education concentration for preparation toward teaching and certification.

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