Theatre and Dance

Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.)

A B.F.A. student sewing a costume

Become part of a highly immersive experience focused on your artistic growth

The bachelor of fine arts program dives deep into career-specific aspects, requiring a higher number of credits than the Bachelor of Arts in order to prepare graduates for an artistic specialization.

Our goal is to promote artistic curiosity, exploration, innovation, experimentation, risk-taking and cross-discipline collaboration as we inspire our students, and the people of Wyoming to reflect, think and engage in the issues of our life and times.

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A B.F.A. student sewing a costume

This program is currently offered in
the following locations:

Laramie Campus

About the B.F.A. in Theatre & Dance Program

The Department of Theatre and Dance provides students with a well-rounded education and specific training in dance, design, musical theatre and theatre performance. We believe that students learn best by doing. For this reason, we offer numerous opportunities for students to perform and immerse themselves in all aspects of dance, theatre, film and television.

For a full list of required credits and other information, view our handbook.

Students dancing

 

The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in theatre or dance offers rigorous coursework designed to prepare majors for a specialized level of artistic achievement.

B.F.A. in Theatre Concentrations
A B.F.A. in theatre is a pre-professional degree with an emphasis in:


B.F.A. in theatre students are taught how to grow as dynamic actors, build the sets that captivate audiences and discover what it takes to perform in the exciting world of musical theatre.

B.F.A. in Dance Concentrations
A B.F.A. in dance is a pre-professional degree with an emphasis in:


B.F.A. in dance students study technique, choreography, pedagogy, history and kinesiology. Students will also be given the opportunity to perform, present new choreography and complete a pedagogy practicum.

Two acting students during a performance

 

Those interested in the B.F.A. in dance performance will apply for the program in the spring of their first year in the B.A. in dance program.

A group of students performing

 

 

B.F.A. in Theatre and Dance Program Highlights

Scholarship Opportunities

Talented students with outstanding academic records are eligible for scholarships from the Department of Theatre and Dance. Every year, students are invited to audition in order to be considered for the numerous opportunities. On top of that, UW offers students many other scholarship opportunities!

THEATRE & DANCE SCHOLARSHIPS

Our department organizes several auditions for numerous performances and partnerships.

  • Theatre American College Dance Festival Association
  • Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival
  • United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Inc.
  • The University/Resident Theatre Association
  • The Rocky Mountain Theatre Association
  • University of Wyoming productions
  • American College Dance Festival Association

CURRENT PRODUCTIONS

Before achieving a degree of mastery, each art requires years of devoted, practical practice. The Department of Theatre and Dance is fortunate to employ a large number of professors with extensive backgrounds in teaching, performing and other fields. For instance, Cat Kamrath, assistant professor of dance, is a well-known member of the faculty. Her current research examines how altering the power dynamics in a classroom enables more profound student experiences by combining this somatic field with a values-based education.

Meet our faculty

As an artist, your network of connections is just as important as your skill set. Throughout your career, your network will advance you and present you to role models. You have the chance to start your adventure with student-led groups like the Associated Students of the Performing Arts (ASOPA) thanks to the Department of Theatre and Dance. Cabarets and student-run productions are produced by this recognized student organization. They also attend conferences and generate money for student projects. With the chances we offer, start expanding your network right away.

ASOPA

What Can You Do with a B.F.A. in Theatre or Dance?

A B.F.A. in Theatre or Dance is designed for students pursuing a professional career in the performing arts. With intensive training and hands-on experience, our graduates are prepared for work as actors, dancers, choreographers, directors, designers, stage managers and more. Graduates may go on to perform with theatre companies, dance troupes or in film and television. Alternatively, some of our grads build careers in arts education, production or arts administration. UW's B.F.A. also provides a strong foundation for graduate studies in performance or related fields.

  • Professional dancer
  • Professional actor
  • Dance teacher
  • Acting teacher
  • Director
  • Dance therapist
  • Choreographer
  • Community dance worker
  • Media editor
  • Stage manager
  • And more!

Our graduates place exceptionally well in local, regional and national employment as performers, creators, educators and technicians. Soft skills such as collaboration, time management, project completion, communication and vision generation continue to serve them well throughout their careers.

Regardless of the path chosen, we are committed to preparing students for fulfilling careers as artists, researchers and teachers. We give them access to a demanding, exciting, creative and academic atmosphere where we guide them to artistic life in a multicultural society.

  • Yale
  • Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Dance
  • California Institute of the Arts
  • Sarah Lawrence
  • Colombia College School of Physical Therapy
  • University of Michigan
  • And more!

The main difference between a B.F.A. and a B.A. in Theatre and Dance lies in the level of specialization. A B.F.A. (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is a professionally focused degree that offers intensive training in performance, production or design, with a heavy emphasis on studio work and hands-on experience. It’s ideal for students preparing for a career in the performing arts. A B.A. (Bachelor of Arts), on the other hand, provides a broader liberal arts education with more flexibility to explore other academic interests or double major. It’s a great option for students who want a well-rounded experience or who plan to combine their artistic background with another field.

Interested in a B.A. in Theatre or Dance? Check out our program.

Theatre and Dance with Heart

Searching for a supportive community where your creativity can thrive? At the University of Wyoming, the Department of Theatre and Dance offers a space where passionate students and experienced faculty come together to create meaningful art. With guidance from industry professionals, you’ll have opportunities to perform, produce, design and explore new techniques in a collaborative, hands-on environment. If you're looking for connection, inspiration and a place to grow—this is it.

"The BFA in dance performance provided a well-rounded curriculum that prepares you for various careers within the field. The courses offered in the program gave me a diverse and in-depth approach to dance which has aided me in my career as a performing artist. There is a wide range of styles and techniques being taught which allowed for more diversity in movement. As the program is smaller, I found that it allowed for more opportunities to create a strong sense of community with my peers and faculty."

- B.F.A. Graduate, '22