A Note from the Department Chair

We are determined to be a department where you can reach your full potential. 

We offer several different degree programs, all designed to balance theory and practice.   We've also brought together a remarkable faculty, an exciting production season, and exceptional facilities so that every component is in place for your success.  We'll challenge you, we'll collaborate with you, and we'll care about you.

At Western Kentucky University, we believe that what you learn in the shops, the studios, and onstage is every bit as important as what happens in the classroom.  Our intensive production season provides plenty of hands on experience.  On average, we offer 15 to 20 different productions every year, including:

• 4 Mainstage Theatre productions, including at least one musical

• 2 Mainstage dance concerts

• 3 Student-choreographed dance concerts

• A Theatre for Young Audience Series of 2 or 3 productions

• A Next Stage Series of student created works

• A Rising Artist Series of showcases and works in progress

We are committed to helping you prepare for life after college by offering classes like Acting Audition Workshop, Dance Pedagogy, and Performing Arts Career Seminar.  Those who choose to go on to pursue graduate training find themselves at schools like NYU, Florida State, Boston University, and the University of Oregon.

We want to help you find your passion and make that passion a reality.

Our goal is for our graduates to have work waiting for them when they leave us, as well as a network of professional connections.  We are extremely proud of our alumni.  Our graduates are acting in film and television, performing on Broadway, designing sets and costumes for film and stage, running dance studios, dancing and choreographing with professional companies, working in schools, running storefront theatres, working as agents, raising money for worthy causes – the list goes on and on.

Come for a visit, we love to have company.  And check out out scholarships opportunities for first-time students interested in dance or theatre. 

David Young, Ph.D.

Department Chair

Department of Theatre & Dance

Western Kentucky University

1906 College Heights Blvd. #71086

Bowling Green, KY 42101-1086

(270) 745-5873