About the Department of Theatre and Dance at ISU

Welcome to the Theatre and Dance Department at Idaho State University! Our department is a hub of creativity, innovation, and artistic exploration, offering exceptional programs and performances in the captivating world of theatre and dance. Whether you have a passion for acting, dance, directing, or choreography, we have a diverse range of opportunities to help you unleash your artistic potential.

The Theatre and Dance Programs at Idaho State University are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the performing arts. We offer a variety of Theatre programs and Dance performances that allow students to immerse themselves in the rich and dynamic world of stagecraft. From classic plays to contemporary works, our Theatre productions showcase the talents of our students and faculty, offering unforgettable experiences for both performers and audiences alike.

If you have a passion for the spotlight, our Acting classes provide rigorous training and practical experience to help you develop your craft. Through a combination of technique, character exploration, and scene study, our acting courses empower you to bring compelling stories to life on stage. Our experienced faculty, consisting of accomplished actors and directors, will guide you through the intricacies of the acting profession, nurturing your talent and helping you refine your skills.

In addition to our Theatre programs, our Dance performances celebrate the beauty and expressiveness of movement. Our talented dancers captivate audiences with their grace, precision, and artistry. Through a diverse range of styles, including ballet, modern, jazz, and more, our Dance performances provide a platform for students to showcase their technical prowess and creative expression.

At Idaho State University, we believe in providing our students with abundant audition and performance opportunities. These experiences not only allow you to demonstrate your skills but also help you grow as an artist. Our department hosts auditions for various productions, giving you the chance to be part of exciting projects and work alongside experienced professionals. These experiences are invaluable as you develop your craft and build a portfolio of work.

We understand that pursuing a career in Theatre and Dance requires not only talent and passion but also practical support. That's why we offer scholarships to recognize and support exceptional students in our department. Our scholarships provide financial assistance and recognition to deserving individuals, allowing them to focus on their artistic development and academic pursuits.

Our Theatre and Dance faculty members are dedicated educators and accomplished professionals in their respective fields. With expertise in acting, directing, and choreography, our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom and rehearsal studios. They are committed to mentoring and guiding students, helping them grow as artists and preparing them for successful careers in the performing arts.

Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a nurturing environment for artistic exploration and growth. From spacious studios for dance rehearsals to fully equipped theatre spaces for performances, our facilities offer the resources you need to bring your artistic visions to life. We believe that a supportive and inspiring environment is essential for artistic development, and our facilities reflect this commitment.

The One Act Festival is one of the highlights of our department's calendar. This annual event showcases the creativity and talent of our students as they write, direct, and perform original one-act plays. It is an opportunity for students to push artistic boundaries, experiment with different styles, and collaborate with their peers. The One Act Festival is a celebration of innovation, storytelling, and the artistic spirit.

As you explore the art of theatre and dance in Idaho State University's Theatre and Dance Department, you will develop essential skills and qualities that are highly sought after in a variety of career paths. Graduates of our programs have gone on to pursue successful careers as actors, dancers, directors, choreographers, educators, and arts administrators. The skills you acquire, such as creativity, collaboration, discipline, and effective communication, are transferable and valuable in a wide range of professions.

We invite you to visit our website and discover the exciting Theatre and Dance programs, productions, scholarships, and faculty members at Idaho State University. Take the first step towards a rewarding journey of artistic exploration and personal growth. Join us as we delve into the world of theatre and dance, where imagination knows no bounds.

Our department is dedicated to providing exceptional programs and performances that inspire creativity, ignite imagination, and foster artistic growth. At Idaho State University, we offer a wide range of Theatre and Dance programs that cater to students with diverse interests and aspirations.

Whether you have a passion for acting, dance, directing, or choreography, our programs provide comprehensive training and guidance to help you develop your artistic talents.

Our Theatre Department faculty comprises experienced professionals who are dedicated to nurturing the next generation of theatre and dance artists. With their expertise in acting, directing, technical theatre, and more, our faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the classroom and production settings. They are committed to providing students with a supportive and engaging learning environment, where creativity thrives, and artistic potential is realized. Faculty members work closely with students to create quality productions.

Our Productions

At ISU we produce award-winning productions working closely with our students. Students have the opportunity to work with set and lighting design, costumes, acting, and more. The career prospects for Theatre and Dance graduates from Idaho State University are diverse and exciting. Our programs equip students with a wide range of transferable skills, such as creativity, adaptability, teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Graduates have pursued successful careers as actors, dancers, directors, choreographers, educators, arts administrators, and more. Whether you choose to enter the professional performing arts industry or pursue further studies, our programs provide a solid foundation for your future endeavors.

Facilities

Idaho State University boasts state-of-the-art performing arts facilities that provide an ideal environment for students to hone their craft and showcase their talents. Our premier performance venue, The Beverly B. Bistline Theatre is a 450 seat thrust venue. It features excellent acoustics and a spacious stage, creating an immersive experience for both performers and audiences alike.

The Blackbox Theatre is a flexible and intimate space that accommodates a variety of productions, from plays and musicals to dance recitals and experimental performances. Housed in Frazier Hall, the Chick and Diane Bilyeu Theatre is equipped with a wing and drop fly system and orchestration pit. Our Red Hill dance studios feature sprung floors and floor to ceiling mirrors, and are equipped with all the necessary equipment. It includes a ballet studio.

Additionally, our facilities also include rehearsal studios and dressing rooms, technical production areas including scenic, costume, lighting, and sound, equipped with the latest audiovisual technology. With these exceptional facilities, students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of performances and gain invaluable hands-on experience in the vibrant world of the performing arts.