The Department of Theatre and Dance provides comprehensive pre-professional training in the areas of acting, directing, dance, design, theatre technology, and musical theatre. The primary goal of the program is to develop artists whose performance skills and creativity are supported by a firm background in history, literature, and aesthetics. In an environment designed to encourage creativity and self-expression, each student has opportunities to participate in various specializations within the major-acting, costuming, dance, directing, scenery, lighting, sound, creative vision, or management. Students perform regularly in a variety of theatre and dance productions. Theatre Arts graduates acquire a range of skills. This enables them to pursue different professional options. Many have entered advanced studies in nationally recognized universities and conservatories. Some have chosen careers in teaching, while others have gone directly into theatre or dance performance. Alumni perform on professional stages around the world, including Broadway and Hollywood. Some have been nominated for Tonys, Emmys, and Oscars, and, one designer won an Emmy and Art Directors Guild award. Employers in other professions desire Theatre Arts graduates for their team skills, their imaginative approach to problems, and their ability to communicate creatively.