Tell your
story.
Find your purpose.
Jump right into the work.
Spend some time with us and see for yourself how the work we do can become the foundation for what you do for the rest of your life.
Our faculty, along with the professional staff, bring an impressive array of accomplishments and experiences to their work with students. Students connect theory to practice under the mentorship of gifted faculty, staff, and guest artists. Through realworld insight and professional practice, students begin building careers in the theatre long before they graduate. If you compare ’ find that our faculty are more us to other universities you’ll committed to mentoring undergraduate students.
Do it. The best way to learn theatre is to make theatre.
We believe that theatre inspires conversations and tells the stories that explore and change the world in which we live. Theatre does much more than entertain – our work provides purpose, fosters empathy, and gathers us in community.
Step out onto your own stage. Be a part of building your community. Take your passion to the next level and share your story with the world.
Visit us online.
Our classes center on our impressive production program, offering students excellent opportunities onstage, backstage, and frontof-house to apply what they are learning – beginning in their first year at UMW. Learning is a constant – in and out of the classroom – as students work with our faculty and staff in every aspect of theatre production. Whether your interest is acting, scenic design, lighting design, costume design, stage management, sound design, directing, musical theatre, costume technology, scenic ’ Department technology, education, or arts administration, UMW ’s of Theatre and Dance has a place for you!
“This is truly an amazing community that I am so proud to be a part of and can’t wait for the years to come being involved in UMW Theatre.” — Ciarra Hopson ’27
Find your purpose.
Jump right into the work.
Spend some time with us and see for yourself how the work we do can become the foundation for what you do for the rest of your life.
Our faculty, along with the professional staff, bring an impressive array of accomplishments and experiences to their work with students. Students connect theory to practice under the mentorship of gifted faculty, staff, and guest artists. Through realworld insight and professional practice, students begin building careers in the theatre long before they graduate. If you compare ’ find that our faculty are more us to other universities you’ll committed to mentoring undergraduate students.
Do it. The best way to learn theatre is to make theatre.
We believe that theatre inspires conversations and tells the stories that explore and change the world in which we live. Theatre does much more than entertain – our work provides purpose, fosters empathy, and gathers us in community.
Step out onto your own stage. Be a part of building your community. Take your passion to the next level and share your story with the world.
Visit us online.
Our classes center on our impressive production program, offering students excellent opportunities onstage, backstage, and frontof-house to apply what they are learning – beginning in their first year at UMW. Learning is a constant – in and out of the classroom – as students work with our faculty and staff in every aspect of theatre production. Whether your interest is acting, scenic design, lighting design, costume design, stage management, sound design, directing, musical theatre, costume technology, scenic ’ Department technology, education, or arts administration, UMW ’s of Theatre and Dance has a place for you!
“This is truly an amazing community that I am so proud to be a part of and can’t wait for the years to come being involved in UMW Theatre.” — Ciarra Hopson ’27
Dream big. When you step into one of our spaces, you are taking your first step into a nurturing and challenging environment that prepares you for a career doing what you love. UMW Theatre provides each student the opportunity to explore a variety of interests in the world of theatre, with instruction and production opportunities that model professional theatre practice. When our students graduate, they are prepared to begin their careers in the world of theatre.
When you choose a liberal arts college, you decide to learn about the world by studying a breadth of disciplines that offers perspectives on what it means to be a citizen of our global society. You soon discover that life is complex and interconnected and that no majors stand alone. We believe that a liberal arts education is the finest preparation for a theatre student because we want our emerging actors, designers, technicians, and arts managers to be curious about the world – the source of the stories we tell on our stages. A major in theatre at UMW prepares you for life after college. Whether you work in the professional theatre, pursue a related field, or continue your studies with specialized training or graduate school, your liberal arts education prepares you to realize your dreams. — Our theatre major is customizable and flexible —you can design a program that allows you to concentrate on your greatest interest, pursue a double major, a minor, or obtain a teaching license.
“Studying with UMW Theatre has been a wonderful experience that has given me endless hands-on opportunities from the moment I stepped onto campus.” — Matt Carroll ’25
Make our house your home. Our theatre complex includes the intimate 233-seat Klein Theatre, home of our mainstage work, and Studio 115, our flexible studio theatre. Both theatres feature state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and communication systems and share our fully equipped scene shop, costume shop, lighting and sound studios, digital design studio, management lab, and acting studio. In addition, productions rehearse in our nearby Wonder Bread Studio, a remarkable rehearsal hall adjacent to Eagle Village. Our students also take classes in the Goolrick Dance Suite, featuring fully equipped studios with floating floors and full length mirrors. Each year, students and faculty collaborate on four mainstage productions and eight to twelve studio projects to create a season that challenges our students while showcasing their craft.
We take seriously the culture in which we work. Our students, faculty, and staff contribute to a vibrant and supportive community that makes it possible for us to take artistic risks and be our very best. Students find themselves in our building not only working and rehearsing, but also hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.
Faculty, staff, and students are collaborators in the work we share with our audiences. Through a shared journey of learning and engaged pedagogy, we approach every production with a focus on creating the richest experience for all of us and do so with respect and appreciation for what each of us brings to the process. That’s what we do here.
Dream big. When you step into one of our spaces, you are taking your first step into a nurturing and challenging environment that prepares you for a career doing what you love. UMW Theatre provides each student the opportunity to explore a variety of interests in the world of theatre, with instruction and production opportunities that model professional theatre practice. When our students graduate, they are prepared to begin their careers in the world of theatre.
When you choose a liberal arts college, you decide to learn about the world by studying a breadth of disciplines that offers perspectives on what it means to be a citizen of our global society. You soon discover that life is complex and interconnected and that no majors stand alone. We believe that a liberal arts education is the finest preparation for a theatre student because we want our emerging actors, designers, technicians, and arts managers to be curious about the world – the source of the stories we tell on our stages. A major in theatre at UMW prepares you for life after college. Whether you work in the professional theatre, pursue a related field, or continue your studies with specialized training or graduate school, your liberal arts education prepares you to realize your dreams. — Our theatre major is customizable and flexible —you can design a program that allows you to concentrate on your greatest interest, pursue a double major, a minor, or obtain a teaching license.
“Studying with UMW Theatre has been a wonderful experience that has given me endless hands-on opportunities from the moment I stepped onto campus.” — Matt Carroll ’25
Make our house your home. Our theatre complex includes the intimate 233-seat Klein Theatre, home of our mainstage work, and Studio 115, our flexible studio theatre. Both theatres feature state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and communication systems and share our fully equipped scene shop, costume shop, lighting and sound studios, digital design studio, management lab, and acting studio. In addition, productions rehearse in our nearby Wonder Bread Studio, a remarkable rehearsal hall adjacent to Eagle Village. Our students also take classes in the Goolrick Dance Suite, featuring fully equipped studios with floating floors and full length mirrors. Each year, students and faculty collaborate on four mainstage productions and eight to twelve studio projects to create a season that challenges our students while showcasing their craft.
We take seriously the culture in which we work. Our students, faculty, and staff contribute to a vibrant and supportive community that makes it possible for us to take artistic risks and be our very best. Students find themselves in our building not only working and rehearsing, but also hanging out and enjoying each other’s company.
Faculty, staff, and students are collaborators in the work we share with our audiences. Through a shared journey of learning and engaged pedagogy, we approach every production with a focus on creating the richest experience for all of us and do so with respect and appreciation for what each of us brings to the process. That’s what we do here.
Choose your path. At UMW Theatre, you have options. Our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees offer distinct pathways to a career you love. We encourage you to jump into the work on your very first day. The BA in Theatre gives you the flexibility to explore the full breadth of theatre while pursuing a double major, minor, or teaching licensure. It’s the perfect choice for curious artists who want to combine their theatrical training with studies across the liberal arts. The BFA in Performing Arts is an intensive, conservatory-style program for students who want to specialize deeply in their craft. You’ll build a professional portfolio, train with expert faculty, and graduate ready to work. Both degrees share the same extraordinary production opportunities, the same supportive community, and the same commitment to hands-on learning. The question isn’t which path is better – it’s which path is right for you.
Go all in.
The BFA in Performing Arts puts you inside real productions from day one. You’ll train with purpose, mentored by expert faculty, to prepare for the career you want. Most programs teach you theatre. Ours trains you for a career in it. Our BFA is built around intensive, hands-on production work that builds a real, career-ready portfolio, sharpens your craft, and gives you stories to tell in every audition room and interview. With four specialized majors (Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, and Stage Management), you’ll receive conservatory-level training while still enjoying the richness of a liberal arts education. We believe theatre has the power to change the world. We also know that belief only matters if you have the tools to be that change
You’ll graduate ready to work and ready to lead. Two degrees. One extraordinary program. Your choice.
“My experience with UMW Theatre has been rewarding and engaging from day one. The welcoming environment created by both faculty and students has encouraged me to expand my skills and challenge myself academically. In just a few years here, I’ve grown considerably as a technical artist and as a person. I’m proud to support the storytelling and artistry that happens on our stage, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and sense of community I’ve found here. I’m excited to see where my future in theatre takes me!” — Sophie Coudert ’28
Choose your path. At UMW Theatre, you have options. Our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees offer distinct pathways to a career you love. We encourage you to jump into the work on your very first day. The BA in Theatre gives you the flexibility to explore the full breadth of theatre while pursuing a double major, minor, or teaching licensure. It’s the perfect choice for curious artists who want to combine their theatrical training with studies across the liberal arts. The BFA in Performing Arts is an intensive, conservatory-style program for students who want to specialize deeply in their craft. You’ll build a professional portfolio, train with expert faculty, and graduate ready to work. Both degrees share the same extraordinary production opportunities, the same supportive community, and the same commitment to hands-on learning. The question isn’t which path is better – it’s which path is right for you.
Go all in.
The BFA in Performing Arts puts you inside real productions from day one. You’ll train with purpose, mentored by expert faculty, to prepare for the career you want. Most programs teach you theatre. Ours trains you for a career in it. Our BFA is built around intensive, hands-on production work that builds a real, career-ready portfolio, sharpens your craft, and gives you stories to tell in every audition room and interview. With four specialized majors (Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, and Stage Management), you’ll receive conservatory-level training while still enjoying the richness of a liberal arts education. We believe theatre has the power to change the world. We also know that belief only matters if you have the tools to be that change
You’ll graduate ready to work and ready to lead. Two degrees. One extraordinary program. Your choice.
“My experience with UMW Theatre has been rewarding and engaging from day one. The welcoming environment created by both faculty and students has encouraged me to expand my skills and challenge myself academically. In just a few years here, I’ve grown considerably as a technical artist and as a person. I’m proud to support the storytelling and artistry that happens on our stage, and I’m grateful for the opportunities and sense of community I’ve found here. I’m excited to see where my future in theatre takes me!” — Sophie Coudert ’28
Find your focus. Acting − Craft characters. Command the stage. Blend classical technique with contemporary practice. Through scene study, voice and movement training, audition preparation, and extensive performance opportunities, you’ll develop the tools and confidence needed to thrive in a competitive field. Audition required. Musical Theatre − Bring joy, truth, and power to every note. Pursue integrated training in voice, acting, and dance, supported by individualized coaching and performance opportunities. From classics to contemporary works, you’ll build the versatility required to succeed across the full spectrum of musical theatre. Audition required. Design and Technology − Create worlds for the stories that matter. Explore scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design alongside technical production and backstage artistry. With state-of-the-art equipment and mentorship from experienced faculty, you’ll gain the practical experience and creative fluency essential to bringing stories to life. Portfolio review and interview required. Stage Management − Lead each production from page to stage. Lead with confidence, creativity, and professionalism. With comprehensive hands-on experience, you’ll develop strong skills in communication, producing, problem-solving, and the collaborative leadership experience that make stage managers indispensable in theatre and beyond. Portfolio review and interview required.
One program. Two paths. Visit our BFA program page
BA, Bachelor of Arts
BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Explore broadly. Stay flexible.
Specialize deeply. Train intensively.
The BA is designed for students who want a well-rounded ’ gain theatre education with room to pursue other interests. You’ll experience across performance, design, and production while taking advantage of everything a liberal arts education offers.
The BFA is a conservatory-style program for students ready to commit to focused, rigorous training in one of four ’ build a professional portfolio through hands--on majors. You’ll production work and graduate prepared to enter the industry.
Best for: Students who want to double major, add a minor, pursue teaching licensure, or keep their options open.
Best for: Students who know their focus and want intensive preparation for a professional career.
Flexibility: Design your own path through the major with a customizable curriculum.
Structure: Follow a sequenced curriculum in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, or Stage Management.
Admission: Apply directly through UMW admissions. No audition or portfolio required.
Admission: Audition (Acting, Musical Theatre) or portfolio review and interview (Design & Technology, Stage Management) required in addition to your application to UMW.
Both Degrees
☑ Production opportunities from your first semester ☑ Access to the same facilities, faculty, and guest artists ☑ A supportive, collaborative community ☑ Proximity to Washington, D.C., and professional theatre ☑ Internships and real-world experiences ☑ The new state--of--the--art building opening in 2028 Not sure which path is right for you? We’re happy to talk it through. Visit cas.umw.edu/theatre or email us at theatre@umw.edu
Find your focus. Acting − Craft characters. Command the stage. Blend classical technique with contemporary practice. Through scene study, voice and movement training, audition preparation, and extensive performance opportunities, you’ll develop the tools and confidence needed to thrive in a competitive field. Audition required. Musical Theatre − Bring joy, truth, and power to every note. Pursue integrated training in voice, acting, and dance, supported by individualized coaching and performance opportunities. From classics to contemporary works, you’ll build the versatility required to succeed across the full spectrum of musical theatre. Audition required. Design and Technology − Create worlds for the stories that matter. Explore scenic, lighting, costume, and sound design alongside technical production and backstage artistry. With state-of-the-art equipment and mentorship from experienced faculty, you’ll gain the practical experience and creative fluency essential to bringing stories to life. Portfolio review and interview required. Stage Management − Lead each production from page to stage. Lead with confidence, creativity, and professionalism. With comprehensive hands-on experience, you’ll develop strong skills in communication, producing, problem-solving, and the collaborative leadership experience that make stage managers indispensable in theatre and beyond. Portfolio review and interview required.
One program. Two paths. Visit our BFA program page
BA, Bachelor of Arts
BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts
Explore broadly. Stay flexible.
Specialize deeply. Train intensively.
The BA is designed for students who want a well-rounded ’ gain theatre education with room to pursue other interests. You’ll experience across performance, design, and production while taking advantage of everything a liberal arts education offers.
The BFA is a conservatory-style program for students ready to commit to focused, rigorous training in one of four ’ build a professional portfolio through hands--on majors. You’ll production work and graduate prepared to enter the industry.
Best for: Students who want to double major, add a minor, pursue teaching licensure, or keep their options open.
Best for: Students who know their focus and want intensive preparation for a professional career.
Flexibility: Design your own path through the major with a customizable curriculum.
Structure: Follow a sequenced curriculum in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, or Stage Management.
Admission: Apply directly through UMW admissions. No audition or portfolio required.
Admission: Audition (Acting, Musical Theatre) or portfolio review and interview (Design & Technology, Stage Management) required in addition to your application to UMW.
Both Degrees
☑ Production opportunities from your first semester ☑ Access to the same facilities, faculty, and guest artists ☑ A supportive, collaborative community ☑ Proximity to Washington, D.C., and professional theatre ☑ Internships and real-world experiences ☑ The new state--of--the--art building opening in 2028 Not sure which path is right for you? We’re happy to talk it through. Visit cas.umw.edu/theatre or email us at theatre@umw.edu
Do more.
Every role matters.
We offer two minors and a licensure for students who want to make their degree in any discipline go further. Minor in Musical Theatre The department offers a performance-focused minor in musical theatre. The interdisciplinary curriculum builds skills in vocal performance, dance, and acting. While you may pursue the minor regardless of your major, BA majors may choose to minor in musical theatre to create a formal specialty within the degree. Minor in Arts Administration Together with the College of Business, the department offers an experientially based minor in arts administration to launch graduates into marketing, audience development, fundraising, front of house, and ticketing careers that are abundant in the industry. Students build a strong foundation of coursework that connects with real-world experiences in the field. Graduates emerge from the minor fully prepared to pursue a professional career in arts administration. Prepare to Teach In partnership with the College of Education and Human Development, the department offers students the opportunity to pursue PreK-12 theatre licensure, as well as a secondary licensure in theatre as an additional endorsement. Like the theatre major, the licensure programs combine classroom study with practica, during which students get classroom experience in local schools.
“One of the best benefts of UMW Theatre in my opinion has been learning skills that translate so easily to other areas of your life. I use things I have learned in my classes here on the daily, and I will be better prepared for a career as a theatre professional because of it.” — Maddie Chin ’27
Our student jobs: Accounting Assistant Advancement Assistant Archives Assistant Audience Services Assistant Box Office Assistants
We recognize that paying for your theatre education may be a challenge. Our alumni and donors have established an impressive array of endowed scholarships that benefit our students. Many of these scholarships honor excellence in the production program to recognize our most active students.
Communications Assistant
• Albert R. Klein Memorial Scholarship • Alexander W. Holsinger Scholarship • Barbara Crickenberger Hall ’69 Theatre Scholarship • Claudia Moore Read Scholarship in Dance • Debby C. Klein Theatre Scholarship • Eastman-Mullins Scholarship for Theatre • Frances Rodgers Bryant ’68 Scholarship • Fred Winer Scholarship • Joella C. and Michael D. Killian Theatre Scholarship • June Davis McCormick ’49 Scholarship • Keith Belli Scholarship in Theatre • Lee Wingate Pappandreou ’40 Scholarship • Marceline Weatherly Morris ’50 Musical Theatre Scholarship • Nina G. Bushnell Scholarship • Penelope Ann Parrish Scholarship in Theatre • Penelope Ann Parrish Theatre Internship Grant • Polly Updegraff Champ ’61 Scholarship • Ralston Costume Design and Technology Scholarship • Rosemary Ingham Scholarship in Theatre • Sonja Dragomanovic Haydar Scholarship in Dance • Susan Mulholland Breedin ’86 Scholarship • UMW Performing Arts for the Community Scholarship • UMW Theatre Scholarship • Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80 and Florence Overley Ridderhof ’50 Scholarship in Dance • William V. Patterson Scholarship in Theatre
Production Management Assistant
Costume Shop Assistants Digital Content Assistant Interactive Marketing Assistant
Recruitment Assistant Scene Shop Assistants Special Projects Assistant Students learn while getting paid to work on our productions and in the program garnering valuable professional experience that will propel them into their careers.
“I graduated from UMW in 2022 and I cannot overstate how formative and important that time in my life was for my professional career. I gained skills, determination, and a passion that have led me to where I am today. Being an actor in productions and a carpenter in the scene shop allowed me to be a part of two worlds that rarely meet and gave me a greater appreciation and understanding for the work I do. UMW made this possible.” —Tommy Kelleher ’22 Staf Carpenter, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Do more.
Every role matters.
We offer two minors and a licensure for students who want to make their degree in any discipline go further. Minor in Musical Theatre The department offers a performance-focused minor in musical theatre. The interdisciplinary curriculum builds skills in vocal performance, dance, and acting. While you may pursue the minor regardless of your major, BA majors may choose to minor in musical theatre to create a formal specialty within the degree. Minor in Arts Administration Together with the College of Business, the department offers an experientially based minor in arts administration to launch graduates into marketing, audience development, fundraising, front of house, and ticketing careers that are abundant in the industry. Students build a strong foundation of coursework that connects with real-world experiences in the field. Graduates emerge from the minor fully prepared to pursue a professional career in arts administration. Prepare to Teach In partnership with the College of Education and Human Development, the department offers students the opportunity to pursue PreK-12 theatre licensure, as well as a secondary licensure in theatre as an additional endorsement. Like the theatre major, the licensure programs combine classroom study with practica, during which students get classroom experience in local schools.
“One of the best benefts of UMW Theatre in my opinion has been learning skills that translate so easily to other areas of your life. I use things I have learned in my classes here on the daily, and I will be better prepared for a career as a theatre professional because of it.” — Maddie Chin ’27
Our student jobs: Accounting Assistant Advancement Assistant Archives Assistant Audience Services Assistant Box Office Assistants
We recognize that paying for your theatre education may be a challenge. Our alumni and donors have established an impressive array of endowed scholarships that benefit our students. Many of these scholarships honor excellence in the production program to recognize our most active students.
Communications Assistant
• Albert R. Klein Memorial Scholarship • Alexander W. Holsinger Scholarship • Barbara Crickenberger Hall ’69 Theatre Scholarship • Claudia Moore Read Scholarship in Dance • Debby C. Klein Theatre Scholarship • Eastman-Mullins Scholarship for Theatre • Frances Rodgers Bryant ’68 Scholarship • Fred Winer Scholarship • Joella C. and Michael D. Killian Theatre Scholarship • June Davis McCormick ’49 Scholarship • Keith Belli Scholarship in Theatre • Lee Wingate Pappandreou ’40 Scholarship • Marceline Weatherly Morris ’50 Musical Theatre Scholarship • Nina G. Bushnell Scholarship • Penelope Ann Parrish Scholarship in Theatre • Penelope Ann Parrish Theatre Internship Grant • Polly Updegraff Champ ’61 Scholarship • Ralston Costume Design and Technology Scholarship • Rosemary Ingham Scholarship in Theatre • Sonja Dragomanovic Haydar Scholarship in Dance • Susan Mulholland Breedin ’86 Scholarship • UMW Performing Arts for the Community Scholarship • UMW Theatre Scholarship • Vicky Nichols Wilder ’80 and Florence Overley Ridderhof ’50 Scholarship in Dance • William V. Patterson Scholarship in Theatre
Production Management Assistant
Costume Shop Assistants Digital Content Assistant Interactive Marketing Assistant
Recruitment Assistant Scene Shop Assistants Special Projects Assistant Students learn while getting paid to work on our productions and in the program garnering valuable professional experience that will propel them into their careers.
“I graduated from UMW in 2022 and I cannot overstate how formative and important that time in my life was for my professional career. I gained skills, determination, and a passion that have led me to where I am today. Being an actor in productions and a carpenter in the scene shop allowed me to be a part of two worlds that rarely meet and gave me a greater appreciation and understanding for the work I do. UMW made this possible.” —Tommy Kelleher ’22 Staf Carpenter, Shakespeare Theatre Company
Script your future. Learn from incredible Guest Artists and Teachers working in the field in which you want to work. Our proximity to Washington, D.C., and New York, N.Y. gives us access to working professionals who are eager to work with our students. These guest artists bring the experience of their distinguished careers to not only our productions, but to workshops, conversations, our courses, and master classes on and away from campus.
Catherine Girardi, Lighting Designer
Casey Kaleba, Fight Director
Max Doolittle, Lighting Designer
Madeline LeCuyer ’11, ’ Hair and Wig Designer
“I was entirely enraptured by the incredibly vibrant and hands-on program UMW Theatre had to ofer. The unique opportunities, mentors, and peers I was exposed to during my time there truly fostered my rapid growth in this industry and set me up for the success I am seeing in my career today.” — Alexander Ríos ’18, Actor
Alicia Austin ’16, Costume Designer
G Clausen, Sound Designer
Get out there.
Kyna Chilcot, Wig Designer
Tony Angelini, Sound Designer
We believe that your learning and growth extends beyond our campus. We step out of our classrooms, shops, studios, and theatres to see the world (yes, the world) to experience the wide breadth of how professional theatre artists tell stories on their stages.
Experience professional theatre on a class trip. Washington, D.C., is a world-class theatre city and you will travel to our nation’s capital to experience performances in every theatre class you take. The department sponsors trips to Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre, the Kennedy Center, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, Signature Theatre, and others throughout the metropolitan area. Seeing great theatre is an essential aspect of our students’ education and another way we prepare you for life after graduation. Engage in research and connect with working professionals. Ideas in Performance is a popular inquiry-based class in which students do field research in New York City. Students meet and interview theatre professionals, network with alumni, explore advanced training, participate in workshops, and see an impressive array of Broadway and off-Broadway theatre. These extraordinary opportunities allow students to formulate and articulate their professional goals while immersed in the New York theatre community. Travel the world and explore global possibilities. As part of our UMW Theatre in London study abroad program, students travel to London for three weeks of performances at the Globe, in the West End, and at other venues throughout the metropolitan area while exploring one of the richest theatrical cities in the world. Students also journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon to explore Shakespeare’s early life and spend time at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The program is centered on discovery and conversation; students return to campus with a greater understanding of themselves and the world beyond our campus.
Script your future. Learn from incredible Guest Artists and Teachers working in the field in which you want to work. Our proximity to Washington, D.C., and New York, N.Y. gives us access to working professionals who are eager to work with our students. These guest artists bring the experience of their distinguished careers to not only our productions, but to workshops, conversations, our courses, and master classes on and away from campus.
Catherine Girardi, Lighting Designer
Casey Kaleba, Fight Director
Max Doolittle, Lighting Designer
Madeline LeCuyer ’11, ’ Hair and Wig Designer
“I was entirely enraptured by the incredibly vibrant and hands-on program UMW Theatre had to ofer. The unique opportunities, mentors, and peers I was exposed to during my time there truly fostered my rapid growth in this industry and set me up for the success I am seeing in my career today.” — Alexander Ríos ’18, Actor
Alicia Austin ’16, Costume Designer
G Clausen, Sound Designer
Get out there.
Kyna Chilcot, Wig Designer
Tony Angelini, Sound Designer
We believe that your learning and growth extends beyond our campus. We step out of our classrooms, shops, studios, and theatres to see the world (yes, the world) to experience the wide breadth of how professional theatre artists tell stories on their stages.
Experience professional theatre on a class trip. Washington, D.C., is a world-class theatre city and you will travel to our nation’s capital to experience performances in every theatre class you take. The department sponsors trips to Arena Stage, Folger Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre, the Kennedy Center, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, Signature Theatre, and others throughout the metropolitan area. Seeing great theatre is an essential aspect of our students’ education and another way we prepare you for life after graduation. Engage in research and connect with working professionals. Ideas in Performance is a popular inquiry-based class in which students do field research in New York City. Students meet and interview theatre professionals, network with alumni, explore advanced training, participate in workshops, and see an impressive array of Broadway and off-Broadway theatre. These extraordinary opportunities allow students to formulate and articulate their professional goals while immersed in the New York theatre community. Travel the world and explore global possibilities. As part of our UMW Theatre in London study abroad program, students travel to London for three weeks of performances at the Globe, in the West End, and at other venues throughout the metropolitan area while exploring one of the richest theatrical cities in the world. Students also journey north to Stratford-upon-Avon to explore Shakespeare’s early life and spend time at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. The program is centered on discovery and conversation; students return to campus with a greater understanding of themselves and the world beyond our campus.
Worth it. Many graduates enjoy careers with acclaimed institutions:
Our graduates have continued their educations at institutions including: New York University • The Catholic University of America • CalArts • University of California Berkeley • Cincinnati Conservatory of Music • Columbia University • Georgetown University • Harvard University • Indiana University • Rutgers University • Stony Brook University • Syracuse University • The New School • University of Kentucky • University of Maryland College Park • University of North Carolina Greensboro • University of North Carolina School of the Arts • University of Richmond • University of Virginia • Virginia Commonwealth University • Virginia Tech • University of Wisconsin Madison • Yale University School of Drama • The Actors Studio Drama School • CAP21 • Atlantic Acting School
Learn more about Anissa’s time at UMW. “At UMW, I was able to perform onstage as an underclassman, which is very rare for most theatre programs. With the encouragement of the faculty, I gained real-world experience and connections with industry professionals, long before I even graduated. I brought those connections along with me in my Broadway/ TV Career. I can't recommend this program enough...” – Anissa Felix ’13, Actor, Writer, Producer
Design Firm: HGA
New York Theatre Workshop • Santa Fe Opera • The Shakespeare Theatre Company • Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company • Ford’s Theatre • New Jersey Shakespeare Festival • Smithsonian Institution • Paper Mill Playhouse • Barrington Stage Company • Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble • Studio Theatre • Signature Theatre • Kitchen Theatre Company • National Endowment for the Arts • Arundel Barn Playhouse • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts • Joffrey Ballet • Arena Stage • Washington Opera • Lincoln Center • MTV • Utah Shakespeare Festival • California Shakespeare Theatre • Walnut Street Theatre • Barter Theatre • Actors Theatre of Louisville • CBS • Amazon Prime Video • HBO • Virginia Repertory Theatre • NBC • Wiliamstown Theatre Festival • Walt Disney Company • Northern Stage • Metropolitan Opera • FX • Netflix • Broadway Productions • Olney Theatre Center • GALA Hispanic Theatre
Coming soon On the horizon, just within reach, is the construction of our brand new, state-of-the-art theatre facility coming soon. The hallmark of the building is a 300-seat proscenium theatre space with orchestra pit, trap room, and all the technology our students need to prepare them for their careers. The building includes gorgeous rehearsal studios, a flexible 150-seat studio theatre, fully equipped costume and scene shops, classrooms, student collaboration spaces, design studio, script library, CAD studio, makeup studio, and other spaces designed to support our production program.
And, as a UMW Theatre student, you will get to make theatre in this extraordinary building! Arena Stage
Signature Theatre
Studio Theatre
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Ford’s Theatre
Worth it. Many graduates enjoy careers with acclaimed institutions:
Our graduates have continued their educations at institutions including: New York University • The Catholic University of America • CalArts • University of California Berkeley • Cincinnati Conservatory of Music • Columbia University • Georgetown University • Harvard University • Indiana University • Rutgers University • Stony Brook University • Syracuse University • The New School • University of Kentucky • University of Maryland College Park • University of North Carolina Greensboro • University of North Carolina School of the Arts • University of Richmond • University of Virginia • Virginia Commonwealth University • Virginia Tech • University of Wisconsin Madison • Yale University School of Drama • The Actors Studio Drama School • CAP21 • Atlantic Acting School
Learn more about Anissa’s time at UMW. “At UMW, I was able to perform onstage as an underclassman, which is very rare for most theatre programs. With the encouragement of the faculty, I gained real-world experience and connections with industry professionals, long before I even graduated. I brought those connections along with me in my Broadway/ TV Career. I can't recommend this program enough...” – Anissa Felix ’13, Actor, Writer, Producer
Design Firm: HGA
New York Theatre Workshop • Santa Fe Opera • The Shakespeare Theatre Company • Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company • Ford’s Theatre • New Jersey Shakespeare Festival • Smithsonian Institution • Paper Mill Playhouse • Barrington Stage Company • Alvin Ailey Repertory Ensemble • Studio Theatre • Signature Theatre • Kitchen Theatre Company • National Endowment for the Arts • Arundel Barn Playhouse • John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts • Joffrey Ballet • Arena Stage • Washington Opera • Lincoln Center • MTV • Utah Shakespeare Festival • California Shakespeare Theatre • Walnut Street Theatre • Barter Theatre • Actors Theatre of Louisville • CBS • Amazon Prime Video • HBO • Virginia Repertory Theatre • NBC • Wiliamstown Theatre Festival • Walt Disney Company • Northern Stage • Metropolitan Opera • FX • Netflix • Broadway Productions • Olney Theatre Center • GALA Hispanic Theatre
Coming soon On the horizon, just within reach, is the construction of our brand new, state-of-the-art theatre facility coming soon. The hallmark of the building is a 300-seat proscenium theatre space with orchestra pit, trap room, and all the technology our students need to prepare them for their careers. The building includes gorgeous rehearsal studios, a flexible 150-seat studio theatre, fully equipped costume and scene shops, classrooms, student collaboration spaces, design studio, script library, CAD studio, makeup studio, and other spaces designed to support our production program.
And, as a UMW Theatre student, you will get to make theatre in this extraordinary building! Arena Stage
Signature Theatre
Studio Theatre
Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Ford’s Theatre
Department of Theatre and Dance 1301 College Avenue Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401
umw.edu/theatre Connect with us. instagram.com/UMWTheatre
facebook.com/UMWTheatre
Be fearless. Make a diference. Join a community that has your back.