COURSE CURRICULUM

The Theatre Major: Dance Option at the University of New Hampshire is a creative and performance-focused program designed for students who want careers in dance performance, choreography, theatre production, and dance education. The program combines practical studio training with theatre studies, allowing students to build strong artistic, technical, and performance skills. One of the most unique features of the program is its inclusion of aerial dance, making UNH one of the few universities in the United States to integrate aerial dance into a liberal arts theatre degree. Students study dance history, choreography, composition, pedagogy, acting, and stage production while also participating in live performances and practicums. Required courses include THDA 487 History of Dance, THDA 633 Dance Composition, THDA 732 Choreography, THDA 786 Dance Pedagogy, THDA 551 Acting I, and THDA 799 Capstone Project. Students must also complete performance-based courses such as Ballet I, Ballet II, Theatre Dance I, Theatre Dance II, Ballet III, Theatre Dance III, Pointe, and Aerial Dance II. The curriculum includes stagecraft and design courses to help students understand technical theatre production, lighting, costumes, and performance presentation. Students complete 53 total credits in the major and must maintain at least a C- grade in major courses with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0. The program also requires a digital portfolio that demonstrates artistic growth and learning outcomes. Performance opportunities are available through dance concerts, theatre productions, student choreography showcases, and collaborative productions. Because the degree has a flexible liberal arts structure, students can also combine dance studies with another academic major or minor. Graduates are prepared for careers in professional dance, choreography, arts administration, dance instruction, performance production, and graduate study in theatre or dance-related fields.