University of Rochester

Home Find a College Scholarships Show Calendar Blogs News

Next on Stage Season 5 - Tune in and Vote!

Meet the Top 10

Department of Theatre - English

252 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester,New York 14627
585.275.4959
admit@rochester.edu

DEGREES OFFERED

Bachelor of Arts in English - Theatre

Minor in Theatre

Certificate in Stage Management

Concentrating on active learning, the program is dedicated to producing four major productions every year. Directed and designed by professional artists of international standing and reputation, these productions offer student actors rigorous challenges with significant professional support. In addition, smaller productions and workshops offer further opportunities for public performance. As a part of the English department, the theatre program offers a full range of classes building talent and technique, as well as developing skills in stage management, and technical theatre. Our season is drawn largely from the established dramatic canon, though contemporary work and musicals are also produced. In our productions we explore the ways a theatrical story can be told, pushing theatrical boundaries to create exciting work for a young, contemporary audience. Though our work is centered on the dramatic text, multimedia, music, dance and puppetry have all made their appearance in our productions. The program, established in 1990, has produced over 75 full productions, including five new play world premieres and numerous other Rochester area premieres. Adding to the diverse repertoire have been late-night festivals, new student play festivals, and works by writers such as Jonson, Chekhov, Shakespeare, Gorki and Stoppard. International Theatre Program productions have been seen in Russia, New York City and Canada, and have twice been invited to the Kennedy Center College Theatre Festival. Additionally, original work created and/or developed at the UR International Theatre Program has gone on to have a further life in New York City and nationally. Although not specifically focused on training students to be theatre professionals, the program is proud of its alumni who are working as actors, stage managers, and theatre technicians in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC and other areas, both nationally and internationally. We are equally proud of the students who have applied the lessons they've learned in theatre to their careers outside of the performing arts, and have become discerning, appreciative, and supportive theatre audiences and patrons.

Faculty Info:

Nigel Maister, Katie Farrell, Charles Lawlor, Mary Reiser, Christian Couture.

String Quartet ETHEL And Bassist Ron Carter to Present REFLECTIONS ON MONK AND BACH
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 16, 2024

The string quartet ETHEL and legendary bassist Ron Carter will join forces for an unforgettable classical-jazz mashup performance at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall this winter. Learn how to purchase tickets.

A.I.M By Kyle Abraham to be Presented at Nazareth University Arts Center
by Chloe Rabinowitz - December 12, 2024

Dancer and choreographer Kyle Abraham - winner of a Bessie Award and a MacArthur Foundation 'genius grant' - will bring his New York City-based dance company A.I.M by Kyle Abraham to the Nazareth University Arts Center. Learn how to attend.

Performance Added For SHINNAI MEETS PUPPETRY, Coming Up at Japan Society
by Blair Ingenthron - October 25, 2024

Japan Society will present a world premiere double bill of contemporary puppet theater with Shinnai Meets Puppetry, created & performed by Sachiyo Takahashi/Nekaa Lab with Rowan Magee and Emma Wiseman.

Skating Sensation Le Patin Libre To Bring Ice Show MURMURATION To Rochester For One Night Only
by Chloe Rabinowitz - October 15, 2024

Le Patin Libre's acclaimed ice show MURMURATION comes to Rochester's Tim Hortons Iceplex. Experience breathtaking choreography from the renowned Montreal-based skating company. Learn how to purchase tickets.

Society of Composers & Lyricists To Present Benj Pasek, Justin Paul and Jeff Beal With The Ambassador Award
by A.A. Cristi - August 21, 2024

The Society of Composers & Lyricists will honor Benj Pasek, Justin Paul, and Jeff Beal with the Ambassador Award at the SCL New York Holiday Party on December 4, 2024.

American Composers Orchestra Announces 2024-2025 Season Highlights
by A.A. Cristi - August 12, 2024

The American Composers Orchestra has announced its 2024-2025 season highlights. This upcoming season brings ACO's annual series presented by Carnegie Hall.

American Composers Orchestra Unveils 2024-2025 Season
by Chloe Rabinowitz - August 12, 2024

American Composers Orchestra revealed its 2024-2025 season, featuring works by Michael Abels, Kebra-Seyoun Charles, Curtis Stewart, Paul Novak, and Victoria Polevá. Learn more!

Barkha Patel to Embark On Juried Bessie Award Tour In Rochester
by Chloe Rabinowitz - July 29, 2024

Barkha Patel's Dance Company will perform at the Rochester Fringe Festival, blending live music and kathak dance. Learn how to purchase tickets!

PUSH Gives HYDE Its Regional Debut At Rochester Fringe
by A.A. Cristi - July 23, 2024

Internationally renowned PUSH Physical Theatre will present the Rochester debut of its twist on the iconic, 19th-century Jekyll and Hyde story by Robert Louis Stevenson, HYDE, at the 2024 Rochester Fringe Festival for four performances at School of the Arts' Allen Main Stage.

Palm Beach Opera Announces New General Director
by A.A. Cristi - May 08, 2024

Palm Beach Opera welcomes James Barbato as its new General Director. Barbato, an OPERA America Leadership

ARTs + Change Virtual Conference in 2025 Now Seeking Proposals
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 07, 2024

The University of Rochester's Institute for the Performing Arts is seeking presenter proposals for the ARTs + Change Virtual Conference in 2025, inviting artists, educators, and community members to discuss diversity, inclusion, and transformation in the arts.

Andrew Polec to Perform at Two River's 30th Anniversary Gala
by Chloe Rabinowitz - April 23, 2024

Celebrate the 30th Anniversary Gala of TWO RIVER THEATER with special entertainment by Andrew Polec. Learn more about the event and see how to purchase tickets.

Joywave Will Release New Album 'Permanent Pleasure' In May
by Michael Major - March 22, 2024

Get ready for JOYWAVE's fifth studio album, PERMANENT PLEASURE. Stay tuned for the latest updates and sneak peeks from the much-anticipated album. The band revealed the official artwork and track list alongside the release of their new single, “Scared,” from the forthcoming album. The accompanying music video, directed by Dimitri Basil.

League of American Orchestras Will Honor Lee Koonce With Gold Baton
by Stephi Wild - February 29, 2024

Arts leader Lee Koonce, who transformed Gateways Music Festival from an all-volunteer local festival into an organization of national significance, will receive the Gold Baton, the League of American Orchestras has announced.

Video: Cast & Director Matthew Penn On Barrington Stage's 10x10 Play Festival
by Joshua Wright - February 22, 2024

Watch a discussion about the artistic process of producing Barrington Stage's annual 10 minute play festival - featuring director Matthew Penn and cast members Peggy Pharr Wilson, Matt Neely and Robert Zukerman.

Past Student Productions

	SHOW	THEATER
	Barkha Dance Company: A Live Music & Kathak Dance Performance (9/11/24 - 9/12/24)	Sloan Performing Arts Center, University of Rochester: Smith Theater
	Barkha Dance Company: A Live Music Kathak Dance Performance (9/11/24 - 9/12/24)	University of Rochester
	Everybody (2/27/20 - 3/7/20)	University Of Rochester Theatre Program

Videos

View all Videos

TICKET CENTRAL

STAGE MAG
SIX
HELL'S KITCHEN

MARQUEE TV HOLIDAY OFFER
MAYBE HAPPY ENDING
CHICAGO

Browse More Shows

Discounts