Department of Theatre and Dance

We Take Centerstage

Production is at the very center of our award-winning Theatre & Dance program. Each season we produce four plays and two dance concerts on our Mainstage Theatre and Jerry Harper Studio Theatre. Student-directed scenes, one-acts, and full-length plays are also presented yearly in the Harper. Department plays are cast at open auditions and on average more than 100 majors, non-majors and members of the community are involved each year.

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The Department of Theatre & Dance

Theatre and Dance is proud to offer a comprehensive liberal arts education in both theatre and dance, in which students may choose to pursue either a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre or a Minors in Theatre or Dance. In addition to honing performance and technical production skills, students will learn how to:

Collaboratively communicate with peers and problem solve complex situations
Demonstrate theories based on historical and cultural foundations
Analyze artistic works within an informed critical framework

Getting down to business in ‘Working: The Musical’

By Daybreak StaffFebruary 8, 2017
From home builders to mill workers, “Working: The Musical” showcases multiple jobs, and what those workers like and don’t like about their occupation. It’s based off of a book called “Working” by Studs Terkel in 1972, according to the first copyright. It was adapted into a musical play a few years later, with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. (Read More)
UAA Alumna Returns to Set a New Piece

By Mike DunhamNovember 14, 2016
At an early rehearsal of "Reflections" in University of Alaska Anchorage's Harper Studio theater last month, dancer Marissa Citro hung upside down in a hoop suspended above the ground. Her arms gripped the sides, her head dangled toward the floor and her legs formed a "V" pointing at the ceiling. She looked like a human peace sign. (Read More)
The Thrill and Suspense of a Puzzle

By Lee HarringtonNovember 3, 2016
Nervously fidgeting, a woman in grey and a man in black finish the final details. The landing is dusted, pillows arranged and now all Mr. and Mrs. Rogers (Matthew Meyer and Devan Hawkins) can do is wait as the boat pulls up to Soldier Island. (Read More)
2016 UAA grad enlists students' help preparing for Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

By Loren HolmesSeptember 14, 2016

The theater might be a strange place to look for a dog musher, but for 2016 UAA grad Meredith Mapes, it's an easy fit. "As a student, I spent several years here in the costume shop. Sewing dog booties is normally a lonely endeavor, but this is awesome," she said as she looked around at the dozen or so students cutting and sewing the 1,000 booties that her dog team will go through in the next year. (Read More)