Dance

What dance techniques are emphasized?

We strive for a balanced curriculum of ballet, modern, jazz and tap dance with multiple sections in each style, beginning through advanced levels, offered each semester. Additionally, one course in African dance is taught each term.

Are there particular technical styles focused upon - for example, Vagonava or Balanchine, Graham or Release Technique?

The program emphasizes exposure to diverse dance practices within dance genres. Our extensive guest artist program is designed so that classes can be team taught by faculty and artists whose approaches both contrast and complement. Guest artists traveling in from New York and Philadelphia typically teach for a semester or two and then new artists are rotated in for greater breadth of study.

How many dance studios do you have and what type of floors?

We have four dance studios, all with sprung wood floors - three have a Marley overlay and one is natural wood. We also have a fully equiped Pilates studio.

What is the typical class size?

Between 12 and 25 students depending on the course taught and the studio in which it is taught.

Are there musicians for the dance classes?

Yes, all levels of ballet, modern and African dance have musicians. Tap classes have occasional guest musicians.

Is there access to good medical personnel?

In addition to the college’s medical facility and counseling center, the dance department has a resident physical therapist specializing in dance. We also have a strong relationship with several off-campus orthopedists and physical therapists.

What performance opportunities are available?
5 department concerts, 3 touring ensembles, several student dance groups, and musical theatre productions.

Each year the department presents one concert choreographed solely by faculty and guest artists. Guest works are regularly commissioned from nationally noted choreographers. We emphasize the development of student choreography in four additional concerts each year. As part of our community outreach program we also have three touring ensembles (Tap, Ballet, and Modern). And finally, there are several student initiated performing groups on campus, as well as, musical theatre opportunities.

Does the school participate in the American College Dance Festival Association?

Yes, we hosted the Northeast Festival in 2002 and we have been selected via the adjudication process for three consecutive regional Gala concerts and the past two consecutive National Festivals at the Kennedy Center.

What are the opportunities to view dance in the area?

Our location 90 miles from New York City and 45 miles from Philadelphia ideally situates us to see a wide spectrum of professional dance. There are also several colleges and universities in the area that regularly present dance touring companies. Typically the department sponsors 6-8 trips to see dance per year.      

If I were to major in dance, what other courses besides technique would I take?

All Muhlenberg students take a core liberal arts curriculum. In addition dance majors study anatomy and kinesiology, Pilates, dance history, basic stage craft, and choreography. We work closely with students to advise them in choosing electives and cross-disciplinary studies to prepare for future careers in dance and related areas. For example we have elective curriculum in dance teaching, and cross-disciplinary studies for dance therapy, physical therapy, or dance studio ownership.

How much might I expect to dance each week?

This is a personal choice, again determined with a faculty mentor in advising. Students interested in performing careers are likely to find themselves in two or three classes a day plus several hours of evening rehearsal. Conversely, a student interested in becoming a dance therapist might choose to only take one class a day and not be involved with performing at all.

Besides the courses in pedagogy, are there other ways to develop teaching skills?

Yes, we have an on-site children’s dance program where student’s may intern and, if qualified, become paid teachers under faculty mentorship. Additional teaching opportunities are available during the summer through Camp Imagine!

Can I choose my dance focus - or is the program structured so the areas of study are equal?

When majoring in dance at Muhlenberg, one is able to specify his or her area of study. Although there are certain classes that a dance major must take, our program is structured so that the student is able to choose what fields they prefer to study most intensively.

What are Muhlenberg Dance Alumni doing?

Most dance majors go on to careers in performing, choreography, arts management, physical therapy, teaching, as well as non-dance related professions. (See alumni profiles for more information)

Is an audition required for admittance to the dance major program at Muhlenberg?

No. Any student admitted to Muhlenberg can major in dance. Students with strong skills who would like their talent to be taken into consideration as part of the admissions process are encouraged to schedule an audition. For details about the audition process please review our admission page.

Why should I audition?

A letter about your dance ability will be included in your admission file and talent scholarships awarded.

Is there a dress code?

No, but you should dress in appropriate dance attire.

Are there talent scholarships offered to incoming students?

Yes. An audition is required for consideration for a Muhlenberg Talent Grant or Baker Scholarship. Scholarships range in size from $1,000 to $4,000 per year depending on talent level.

What are the criteria for dance scholarships?

Dance scholarships are based on current skill, potential to develop and to contribute positively to the dance program at Muhlenberg. (learn more about dance auditions)

Should I bring my own music for my solo?

Yes, we have both a cassette tape player and a CD player.

Do I need a costume?

No.

Should I bring a picture and resume?

Yes. The photo can just be your school photo - it does not need to be fancy or professionally done. It is only used as a means of identification.

Do I need to apply to Muhlenberg College before I audition?

No. However, students applying Early Decision should audition by December 11th.

I don’t plan to major in dance, but want to continue dancing. What opportunities are open to me?

All dance classes are open to Muhlenberg students regardless of major. You may audition for all performances and performing ensembles provided you are actively studying dance at the college.

Theatre

Is an audition required for admittance to the theatre major program at Muhlenberg?

No. Any student admitted to Muhlenberg can major in theatre. Students with strong skills who would like their talent to be taken into consideration as part of the admissions process, are encouraged to schedule an audition. For details about the audition process please review our admission page.

Are there talent scholarships offered to incoming students?

Yes. An audition is required for consideration for a Muhlenberg Talent Grant or Baker Scholarship. Scholarships range in size from $1,000 to $4,000 per year depending on talent level. Students with skills as actors, directors, or in design and technical theatre are eligible for talent grants. For details about the audition process please review our admission page.

How many students are involved in the theatre program at Muhlenberg?

We have over 120 theatre majors and over 200 students involved in dramatic activities through the department of theatre and dance and the Muhlenberg Theatre Association.

How large is the theatre department faculty and staff?

The department of theatre and dance has 16 full-time faculty and staff. In addition, we utilize the talents of several nationally reknowned guest artists each year.

How many productions are mounted at the college each year?

We mount a least six productions in our main stage season each year. One of those productions is always a musical and at least one is student directed. Every other year we do one musical and one operatic production. In addition to the main stage season we also produce anywhere from 15 to 25 student directed workshop productions each year. These are one-act plays and musicals that are presented in our studio theatre. Each spring we also send out two or three touring productions to local public schools and health facilities. There are also several informal readings, improvisational evenings and special one-night performances each season.

Can first-year students and non-theatre majors audition for theatre productions?

Any student, regardless of class year or major can audition for any Muhlenberg Theatre production. First year students can audition for any production; to continue auditioning after the first year, students are required to participate in one production running crew or shop crew during their first, second and third years. Seniors are not required to do a crew. Students can bank crew credits – if a first year student does three production crews, they don’t have to do any in future years.

What are the major area concentrations offered in the Department of Theatre and Dance?

Students can concentrate in Acting, Directing, Theatre Design and Technology (Costume, Sets, Lights, Sound), or Stage Management.

Can students complete more than one concentration?

Yes. Students can easily complete two concentrations.

Do you offer a Musical Theatre Major?

No, but students can receive very high quality musical theatre training at Muhlenberg. We offer complete training in acting, dance and singing. The vocal component of the training is offered through the music department which has an excellent voice faculty. Dance and acting training is offered through the department of Theatre and Dance. Our acting curriculum is carefully structured and we offer complete dance training in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. It is strongly recommended that students with a serious interest in musical theatre major in theatre performance and complete minor programs in dance and music (vocal performance). With this kind of program students receive an extremely intensive, well-integrated musical theatre training experience. We also regularly produce large-scale and workshop musical theatre and opera productions during our school-year production season. In addition, Muhlenberg students are offered the opportunity to audition for the Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre Festival, a large scale musical summer stock operation at the college. The summer theatre experience allows our students to work alongside Broadway professionals as actors and technicians. All positions with the Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre Festival are paid and free housing is provided.

Do you offer programs for high school students?

We offer an internship program for high school students interested in technical theatre and stage management through the Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre Festival. High School interns are paid a $400 stipend and are provided free housing for the summer. For information about the high school internship program, contact Jess Bien at bien@muhlenberg.edu. Interns must be at least 16 years of age to be considered for the program.

Are there study abroad opportunities for Muhlenberg theatre students?

Yes. The department has an exchange program with Goldsmiths College of the University of London, the United Kingdom’s leading university for creative arts study. Approximately 50% of Muhlenberg theatre majors spend the first semester of their junior year at Goldsmiths. Several students from Goldsmiths have also come to Muhlenberg to study in the theatre department.

What kind of career preparation opportunities do you offer graduating students?

Each year we run a senior seminar program for students heading for careers in the theatre. As part of the program we bring a professional casting director from New York to work with our seniors on audition preparation for the professional theatre. The students also have seminars with working theatre professionals who have graduated from the program. For the past three years, our students have participated in the New Jersey Theatre Alliance college showcase which has given our students the opportunity of audition for the major professional theatres in New Jersey. In addition to the group programs, many of our students do individual career and graduate school counseling with our resident staff, all of whom are experienced theatre professionals. Full-time faculty members are available for individual coaching and help with audition preparation.

What do Muhlenberg theater students do after graduation?

Several of our graduates have gone on to very successful careers in the performing arts. Our alumni have been seen on Broadway, in regional theatre, film and television. Many alumni have gone on for advanced study at the finest graduate theatre programs in the country including degree programs at The Yale School of Drama, New York University, The Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, and the University of California at San Diego. Others have gone on to satisfying careers in theatre production and administration at the nations major regional theatres and in Broadway production offices. Because of the strong liberal arts background our students receive, several have been able to go on to law school, medical school and a variety of other graduate programs. For further information see the alumni page.