Dance
Introduction & Overview
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. Emphasis is on creative process.
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 four-year program culminates in a guided Senior Thesis Project, which reflects the initiatives, interests and skills of the individual student.
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 performance, 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 in Dance
Minors
Dance
Theatre
Career Ideas
Choreographer, Dancer, Actor/Actress, 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, Performer
Program Director
Shawn Bible, 914.323.1263, Shawn.Bible@mville.edu
Faculty and Staff
Full-Time Faculty
Shawn Bible, Chair of Department, Associate Professor, Modern Dance, Choreography, Dance on Camera
Jeff Kaplan, Assistant Professor, Survey of Dramatic Literature, Junior Seminar, Creative Process, Acting, Composition
Visiting Scholar
Clista Townsend, Acting, Voice and Speech, Shakespeare
Technical Director
Jeremy Ping, Technical Theatre, Lighting & Sound Design
Staff
Jane Ryan, DTH Administrator, 914.323.5458, Jane.Ryan@mville.edu
Roni Sipp, Assistant Technical Director
Adjunct Faculty
Corey E. Esannason, Yoga
Allison Pagnano, Modern Dance
Shawn Garnier, Jazz, Hip hop
Valerie Hubbs, Dance Therapy I & II
Jon Huberth, Acting for the Camera I & II
Andrei Kisselev, Ballet Technique
Vinny Mraz, Intro to Acting
Liz Prince, Resident Costume Designer, Stagecraft
Ken Rothchild, Senior Thesis Seminar, Resident Scene Designer, Dramatic Literature
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 before they enter Manhattanville. Acceptance and Performing Arts Scholarships are based on the audition, high school GPA, and SAT and ACT scores or equivalent....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.
Career Ideas