Theatre and Dance relies on intensive student involvement both inside and outside the classroom. Our staff, resources and facilities serve the developing artist. At the program’s center is a vital balance of process and production, giving each student opportunities to stretch boundaries and discover new possibilities.
The program includes full productions of plays and musicals, dance concerts like the Emerging Choreographers Showcase, and world premieres in the biennial Y.E.S. Festival of New Plays. Students take the lead in a studio series where they produce, direct, act, design and BFA Playwriting majors often write the shows. Freshmen and transfer students have the opportunity to shine in the First Year Show each fall as well as contribute to mainstage productions.
Graduates of Theatre and Dance are working in professional theatres in every major city in the United States and on five continents, having successful careers on Broadway and in regional theatre, in film and television, on cruise ships and in theme parks. They are studying at leading MFA programs across the country and are teaching in universities, public and private schools. You can see our alumni at every theatre in the Greater Cincinnati area, both on and off stage.
Watch these quick videos to learn about how to apply to NKU, the audition process for Theatre & Dance, and available scholarship opportunities.
Check out this virtual tour with SOTA Director Matt Albritton and Theatre and Dance Program Head Michael Hatton. Learn moreabout becoming a major, auditions & scholarships, as well as creative opportunities of study as current art and design students share their experiences.
Daryl discusses his creative practice in the classroom and engagement communities across cultures and disciplines. His primary focus is race, gender, and theatre.
The future of lighting and sound design for theatre is bright! It is looking for creative artists who can take old and fundamental skills and combine them in new and innovative ways with evolving technology. SOTA is a unique environment that develops artists in all fields and develops the skills that employers are looking for - from collaboration to creativity to critical thinking.
We have a vibrant musical theatre program in which students study with working professionals and guest artists who provide an in-depth and pre-professional training. Musical Theatre students have ample opportunities for production and studio work as well as working with our multiple theatre partners across the greater Cincinnati region. Alumni of our program can be currently found on Broadway, off-Broadway, national and international tours, cruise lines, theme parks, and repertory theatre companies all across the country and world.
Close mentorship is the hallmark of our program, especially in theatre design and technology where we turn ideas into reality. The careers which utilize this training extend far beyond just theatre and dance. Storytellers are needed now more than ever. Come find your story at NKU School of the Arts.
Students with no previous experience in screenwriting learn how to take original ideas from beginning to end, either in a television show or full-length feature film. SOTA classes are small and intimate, and faculty work with you to get to your art. If you want to be successful and be heard and represented, come to NKU SOTA!
Michael Hatton
Theatre & Dance Program Head
hattonm@nku.edu | (859) 572-6160
Nicole Perrone
Theatre & Dance Program Advisor
perronen1@nku.edu | (859) 572-7764
Christopher Ryan
Theatre & Dance Program Advisor
smithr70@nku.edu
