Theatre and Dance - Department of Performing Arts - Theatre and Dance - Christopher Newport University
Cast members of Pippin perform on stage.

Department of Performing Arts - Theatre and Dance

Christopher Newport is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). Here, faculty and students form a community of artists engaged in the creation of theatre at the highest level. Whether you are a performer, technician, director, or dramaturg, we will challenge and inspire you to realize your dreams. We offer a bachelor of arts in fine and performing arts with a major in theatre. Concentrations include:

  • Acting (audition required)
  • Music theatre / dance (audition required)
  • Directing / dramatic literature
  • Arts administration
  • Design / technical theater
  • Theatre studies

Housed in the magnificent Ferguson Center for the Arts, we have the very best facilities, including rehearsal and dance studios, design labs, and scene and costume shops. We perform on two stages: the 440-seat proscenium Peebles Theatre and the 200-seat flexible Studio Theatre.

We produce four mainstage productions per year, with the addition of student-directed work and an annual dance concert. You’ll have ample performance and crew opportunities to hone your skills in a professional environment.

Our faculty are professional educators and artists committed to continuing their artistic careers in professional venues. All classes are taught by an artist-scholar who will teach you the very latest practices.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is supported by the CNU Theatre Guild and works in partnership with Riverside Performing Arts Medicine.

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