Theater & Dance
Study abroad can help Theater and Dance students:
- Gain awareness of the major discipline from a different scholarly tradition
- Develop a global perspective
- Expand cross-cultural communication and problem-solving skills
- Prepare for an increasingly diverse and international workplace
How does a semester or year of study abroad help students in Theater and Dance prepare for graduate school or various career opportunities?
- It exposes students to working professionals and affords them time to focus more specifically on their particular interests in the theater.
- Conservatory-style acting programs offer the opportunity for concentrated training.
- It cultivates an understanding of different lifestyles and what it is like to be a British student, a French student, etc.
- It helps students develop professional connections.
- It provides an opportunity to attend live theater in a different cultural context.
As a general rule of thumb, the Theater and Dance Department recommends the following for students who wish to study abroad:
- First- and second-year students should enroll in THDN 125 Beginning Acting I or THDN 115 Beginning Modern Dance, THDN 246 Foundations of Design, either THDN 245 Foundations of Technical Theater or THDN 277 Costume Construction Techniques, and at least two courses in history/literature, theory, and culture to be selected from THDN 210, 235, 357, 372, 373, or 377. Some of these courses are offered in alternate years, so students need to be aware of their long-term academic plan.
- Students are encouraged to study abroad in either fall or spring. We recommend that students meet with their Theater Major Advisor when planning for study abroad and keep in mind when courses are offered here at Whitman. Be aware of the choices you are making fulfilling the requirements of the major.
Which requirements can Theater majors and Dance minors fulfill while studying abroad?
- Elective major credit in consultation with the Major Advisor
- General Studies distribution credit
- General degree credit
Major Credit Limitations
- The maximum number of credits that can be applied to the Theater major from off-campus studies (including AP credit, IB credit and credits from other U.S. institutions) is 11 credits with the approval of your Major Advisor.
Minor Credit Limitations
- A minimum of three-fifths of the specific course and credit requirements for the minor must be completed in the on-campus program of the college.
What are the types of study abroad programs recommended by the Theater and Dance Department?
- Programs that offer conservatory-style training in the theater
- Programs that offer opportunities to study alongside host-country students
- Programs that offer internships related to theater
Which partner programs are recommended by the Theater and Dance Department?
- BADA: London Theatre Program (England)
- IES: London Theater Studies (England)
- The Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute (NTI) (USA)
Students interested in studying abroad should attend a Study Abroad First Steps Meeting in the fall of their second year, discuss their interests with their Major Advisor and schedule an appointment with a Study Abroad Advisor.
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992
Office of Global Programs
- Email or call to schedule a virtual advising appointment
- 509-527-4992