Advancing the arts

University of Delaware students had a new minor to choose from last fall. For the first time in University history, students interested in theatre, dance and music could combine the three by declaring a minor in musical theater.

The change is a sign of things to come from the new Department of Theatre and Dance, which joins UD's existing theatre and dance minors into one unit supported by the University's professional theatre company, the Resident Ensemble Players (REP). The change will give students an inclusive, high-quality experience in the performing arts.

UD has long had a strong theatre presence in addition to the theatre and dance minors. The REP has presented professional productions for 15 years, with company members teaching undergraduate acting classes and students occasionally appearing on stage with the Equity actors. The Healthcare Theatre partnership with the College of Health Sciences helps future healthcare professionals develop vital communication skills through interactive simulations presented by acting students.

When longtime REP company member Steve Tague began his term as interim producing artistic director and interim department chair in 2022, one of his first goals was to build more partnerships between the REP's professional staff and academic units on campus. Bringing the dance minor into the department allows the REP to support dance performances with sound, lights, stage management and costumes, creating higher production values for dance concerts.