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Theatre and Dance @ UCM
A History of Excellence
As a part of the University of Central Missouri's Theatre and Dance program, you'll build knowledge of your craft, gain critical thinking skills, artistic instinct, and the confidence needed to realize your professional goals. Our five undergraduate degree programs are all accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Audition for UCM Theatre and Dance!
UCM Theatre and Dance Audition Day:
Monday, February 20, 2023; from 9am-5pm
Follow these steps to apply to UCM Theatre and Dance:
- Apply for admission to UCM
- Complete the Theatre and Dance Admission Form; includes information on scholarship and auditions
- If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, please create an account in "Scholarship
Finder" by February 1st (note: you must first have been accepted to the university)
- Visit: https://ucmo.academicworks.com/
- In the top right corner, click "Sign Up"
- Enter your personal credentials as requested
- Click "Sign Up"
- Click here for information about Theatre and Dance auditions
- For more information, contact:
- BFA Performance: Jenise Cook · jenisecook@ucmo.edu
- BFA Musical Theatre: Ashley Miller-Scully · almiller@ucmo.edu
- BFA Design Technology: Spencer Musser · musser@ucmo.edu
Production Calendar
See What's On Stage at UCM Theatre and Dance
This season we are producing two mainstage musicals, a contemporary play, a modern adaptation of a Greek play, and an original play serving as our spring dance concert!
We are excited to announce our 2022-2023 Theatre & Dance Season: HERstory season! - Download schedule
September 15-17th @ 7:30pm - Studio One Acts - Nickerson Black Box Theater
- Rinse the Blood off my Toga
- A Tale of Two Spectators
- Bake Off
- 500/501
October 6 - 9th, 2022 - Stop Kiss - Nickerson Black Box Theater
- October 6-8th, 2022 @ 7:30pm
- October 8-9th, 2022 @ 2:00pm
- After Callie, a traffic reporter, meets a school teacher named Sara, the two unexpectedly
fall in love. While sharing their first kiss a violent attack takes place, transforming
their lives in a way they could never anticipate. This play journeys through the aftermath
of the attack and relationship between Callie and Sara.
-- For Mature Audiences Only
By Diana Son
Directed by Dr. Aaron Scully
November 11-12th, 13th, 17-19th, 18-20th, 2022 - The Prom - Highlander Theater
- November 12-12th, 17-19th, 2022 @ 7:30pm
- November 13th, 2022 @ 2:00pm
- Four eccentric Broadway stars are in desperate need of a new stage. So when they hear
that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put
a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high
school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her
girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny!
Book by Bob Martin
Book and Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Music: Matthew Sklar
Directed by Ashley Miller-Scully
Musical Direction by Daniel Doss
Choreography by Allison Duncan
February 9-11th @ 7:00pm - Studio One Acts - Nickerson Black Box Theater
- The Unknown Part of the Ocean
- Do Over
- In a Darkroom, The Lord Knows
- The Stonewater Rapture
- Destiny is a Careless Waiter
February 23-26th, 2023 - Eurydice - Highlander Theater
- February 23-25th, 2023 @ 7:30pm
- February 25-26th, 2023 @ 2:00pm
- Dying too young on her wedding day, Eurydice must journey to the underworld. It’s
there where she reunites with her father and struggles to remember her lost love.
Reimagining the classic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice through contemporary characters,
ingenious plot twists and breathtaking visual effects, this performance provides a
fresh look at a timeless love story.
By Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Jenise Cook
April 6-9th, 2023 @ 7:30pm - Little Women - Highlander Theater
- April 6-8th, 2023 @ 7:30pm
- April 8-9th, 2023 @ 2:00pm
- This story follows the adventures of sisters, Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Jo is trying
to sell her stories for publication, but the publishers are not interested. Her friend,
Professor Bhaer, tells her that she has to do better and write more from herself.
Begrudgingly taking this advice, Jo weaves the story of herself and her sisters and
their experience growing up in Civil War America.
Book by Allan Knee
Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein
Music by Jason Howland
Directed by Kristen Henning
Musical Direction by Daniel Doss
April 20-23rd, 2023 - Remember the Dance - Nickerson Black Box Theater
- April 20-22nd, 2023 @ 7:30pm
- April 22-23rd, 2023 @ 2:00pm
- Closing out the Mainstage season is the world premier production of Remember the Dance,
an original “dance-play!” The story follows a woman as she reflects on the people
and events of her life. Take this journey and be reminded to live life to the fullest,
as nothing lasts forever. Combining a new play, original choreography and original
music, this show is bound to be an experience like no other.
Written by Aaron M. Scully
Directed by Ashley Miller-Scully and Dr. Aaron Scully
Plus numerous Black Box productions written, created & produced by UCM Theatre & Dance students.
UCM Stagecraft in the Spotlight
Watch this PBS behind the scenes video showcasing Assistant Professor of Theatre, Ken George and how he and his students brought his design for Hairspray to fruition during our Fall 2019 season opener.
Why UCM Theatre and Dance?
Reach Your Potential - Learn from Professionals
UCM Theatre and Dance excels in educating future professionals for careers in theatre.
You will study with nationally recognized faculty and collaborate with accomplished
guest artists, known for staging some of the region's finest academic theatre productions.
We will mentor and guide you as you reach your potential. You will benefit from our strong connections to regional and national theatres and dance communities. The Meridith Harmon Sauer Endowed Guest Artist Series in Theatre will introduce you to local, regional, national and international artists.
UCM Theatre and Dance, through its academic and production programs, joins the global community in its investigation of the human condition. Along this journey, not only will we train you with rigor and excellence to compete at the highest level in regards to your artistic endeavors, but this investigation will equip you with the transferable skills of critical thinking, empathetic reasoning, collaboration, communication, discipline, time management and charismatic self confidence; skills that will make you highly employable in any career. Whether it's in our 5-6 Main Stage productions, 12-15 Studio Theatre One Acts, 30-40 Black Box productions, or membership and involvement in our six different student organizations, there are dozens upon dozens of opportunities for involvement each and every semester. Regardless if you intend to pursue one of the majors or minors listed below or plan to explore theatre and dance more casually, we welcome you to join us in our journey!
Mission, Vision and Values
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Mission: UCM Theatre and Dance develops the intellectual growth, creativity, and artistic leadership of its students by combining rigorous theatrical training with a liberal arts education and serves as a vital force in the cultural and intellectual life of the University of Central Missouri, the community, and region.
Vision: To be an indispensable member of the theatrical, academic and public community and a place of empathy, love, growth, inspiration and achievement for all.
Values:
Inclusivity: Welcoming all differences and ensuring different perspectives are respectfully heard with every individual feeling a sense of belonging
Equity: Dedication to removing biases and creating accessible instruction, production program, curriculum and scholarships for all students particularly those who have been marginalized
Diversity: Faculty, guest artists, selected works, recruiting and coursework will represent the richness of the multicultural world in which we live
Liberal Arts Education: Educating students to be well-rounded and dynamic artists through a student-centered learning environment
Professional Training: Prepare students for professional work through rigorous, hands-on real world situations and opportunities
Scholarship: Valuing in-depth scholarly research and program training across all disciplines both inside and outside of the classroom
Interpersonal Communication: Training collaborative individuals who work positively and respectfully with others
Inspiration: Students are encouraged and empowered to be innovators in both course work and theatrical production in pursuit of their goals and dreams to see beyond their perceived limitations
Creativity: Students shall never be stifled as they explore and find their own artistic voices as theatre artists and educators. The opportunity to fail is just as important as the opportunity to succeed.
Undergraduate Programs
All UCM Theatre and Dance degree programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.
Majors:
- BA - Theatre
- BFA - Theatre - Design Technology
- BFA - Theatre - Performance
- BFA - Musical Theatre
- BSE - Speech Communication and Theatre
Minors:
Accreditations
UCM is the longest continuously CAEP accredited public institution in Missouri
UCM’s Theatre and Dance Department is nationally accredited by the National Association for Schools of Theatre
Resources
