The UAA Theatre program offers a well-rounded liberal arts approach
in its curriculum, with courses covering all the basic areas of
theatrical endeavor, including acting, directing, stagecraft, scene
design, lighting, costuming, makeup, dramatic literature, theatre
history, dramatic theory and criticism, and playwriting.
Production is at the very center of our award-winning theatre program.
Each season UAA theatre produces four plays on its convertible thrust
Mainstage, and many one act or full-length plays in the student directed
second stage program.
The plays are cast at open auditions and more than 100 majors,
non-majors, and members of the community are involved in our season each
year.
The Dance Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage began in 1971
under the auspices of Anchorage Community College (ACC) with two ballet
classes. Within a few years, many forms of dance technique were added
to the dance curriculum.
In 1985, the Program began its guest artist residencies sponsoring Nina
Wiener and Dancers in conjunction with the Anchorage Concert
Association. By 1986, the first full time dance faculty member was hired
within the University statewide system. In 1987, ACC was dissolved and
the dance program joined the Department of Theatre at the University of
Alaska Anchorage creating the Department of Theatre and Dance.
In 2004, the Department created and implemented a dance minor
and a BA in Theatre with a dance emphasis. These are the first dance
degree programs in the state. Today, the Dance Program maintains an
active performance role within the community through its continued guest
artist performance-teaching residencies.