Dance and Theatre
Introduction
Students of our Dance & Theatre program (DTH) embrace the full liberal arts experience, while training with faculty and directors and choreographers who bring the professional world of New York to Manhattanville College’s program.
Our curriculum provides basic understanding and practice of the elements of performance and explores the collaborative frontiers where Dance and Theatre meet.
The aim of the program is to develop student-artists whose practical skills in technique and performance are supported by their growth as literate, articulate, socially aware citizens. In addition to studio practice, theory and performance, all dance and theatre majors develop skills in technical theatre.
The spine of our Dance curriculum is a sequential study of Contemporary Dance technique employing a variety of current and traditional styles and methods, with an emphasis on composition and choreography. Theatre training includes a sequential study of acting, voice and speech, and dramatic literature, as well as directing and design.
Degree
Bachelor of Arts. Students can also choose to minor in Dance or Theatre.
Majors can concentrate in the following areas: Dance, Theatre or Dance Therapy
Optional Minors
Students can minor in Dance & Theatre
Career Ideas
Actor/Actress, Choreographer, Dancer, Director, Stage Manager, Dance Therapist, Producer, Recreational Therapist, Playwright, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer, Technical Director, Dance or Drama teacher, Dramaturge, Stage Crew, Production Assistant, Event Planner, Arts Administration, Somatic Body Therapies, Public Relations, Radio and TV, Entrepreneur
Program Administrators
Hannah Fox, Director of Dance and Theatre, (914) 323-3169
Hannah.Fox@mville.edu
Sue Fleishaker, DTH Administrator, (914) 323-5458
Sue.Fleishaker@mville.edu
Overview
Within the context of Manhattanville's strong liberal arts tradition, the Department of Dance & Theatre offers fundamental studies in performance technique, history, literature and critical theory. Areas of concentration include: Dance or Dance Therapy and Theatre. The curriculum provides basic understanding and practice of the elements of performance and explores the collaborative frontiers where Dance & Theatre meet. Emphasis is on creative process.
Majors are required to complete a Core Study, which includes: basic theory and performance techniques; studio exploration and seminar studies; design, technical and production skills, and performance. The four-year program culminates in a guided Senior Thesis Project, which reflects the initiative, interests and skills of the individual student. Many internship opportunities exist in nearby NYC and can be taken for credit.
Faculty and Staff
Full-Time Faculty
Hannah Fox, Director - Performance Studies, Playback Theatre, Acting, Modern Dance, Yoga
Shawn Bible, Modern Dance, Choreography, Screen Dance
Visiting Scholar
Clista Townsend, Acting, Voice and Speech, Shakespeare
Technical Director
Gregory Bain, Technical Theatre, Lighting & Sound Design
Staff
Sue Fleishaker, DTH Administrator
Lance Rosenthal, Assistant Technical Director
Adjunct Faculty
Mark Beauregard, Drama Therapy
Doug Chapman, Acting
Heather Cornell, Tap
Bob Daley, Stage Management
Jim DiVivo, Theatre Education
Corey E. Esannason , Yoga
Allison Pagnano, Modern Dance
Carol Fox Prescott , Acting, Directing
Shawn Garnier, Jazz, Hip hop
Valerie Hubbs, Dance Therapy I & II
Jon Huberth, Acting for the Camera I & II
Andrei Kisselev, Ballet Technique
Claire Porter, Movement Studies, Guest Choreographer
Liz Prince, Resident Costume Designer, Stagecraft
Ken Rothchild, Senior Thesis Seminar, Resident Scene Designer, Dramatic Literature
Beth Soll, Dance History
Bonnie Walker, Dance for Musical Theatre
Jeff Wanshel, Playwriting
Emily Zempel, Voice and Speech
Procedures For Acceptance and Entrance Requirements
Students wishing to major in Dance & Theatre must audition for the department in the spring of their senior year of high school. Acceptance and Performing Arts Scholarships are based on the audition rating, high school GPA and SAT and ACT scores or equivalent.
To arrange an audition, contact Manhattanville Admissions: 914.323.5464 or 1.800.32.VILLE or admissions@mville.edu.
Undergraduate Audition Requirements:
- Completed application for admission to Manhattanville College.
- Essay describing why you would like to study dance and/or theatre at Manhattanville College and your career goals.
- A resume detailing when, where and how long you have studied your craft, performance experience and any other skills you may have (musical instruments, etc.)
- A letter of recommendation from a teacher in the field.
- Perform: Two minute piece of choreography (Dance/Dance Therapy) or/and two contrasting monologues (Theatre)
Transfer students will be admitted as majors on a case-by-case basis.
NOTE: Musical Theatre Auditions: The major in Musical Theatre is administered by the Music Department. Contact the Music Department through the Manhattanville website: www.mville.edu.
Dance & Theatre Honors and Prizes
Departmental honors are conferred by the faculty to graduating seniors who have achieved the highest grade point average and who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, leadership and service.
Bachelor of Arts in Dance & Theatre is available with Concentrations in:
- Dance
- Theatre
- Dance Therapy (with a Psychology Minor)
Minors