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Theatre and DanceSamford University

School of the Arts

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Samford’s Department of Theatre and Dance is a collaborative creative environment committed to developing artistry and providing professional guidance and production experience.

In a Christian liberal arts environment, our students enjoy a customized education that fosters

creative thinking, communication and collaboration across disciplines.

99%

3of School of the Arts undergraduate alumni were employed or pursuing continuing education within six months of graduation (2014–16)

degree programs are accredited by National Association of Schools of Theatre

Training is accomplished by practical and lecture/lab classroom experiences that prepare the student for the professional world. In addition to the course and laboratory work, Samford provides a valuable cultural component to the broader campus and Birmingham community.

Every three years, students travel to perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland, which is the largest theatre festival in the world, with over 2,500 performances in three weeks. Recent productions include The Curious Savage, Our Town and Alice in Wonderland.

Theatre and dance students have the opportunity to spend a short term or semester at Samford’s Daniel House, an international study center in London. Students take classes and participate in internships in some of London’s most prestigious theatre companies.

Majors Bachelor of Arts Theatre (acting/directing, design/technical theatre)

Bachelor of Fine ArtsMusical TheatreTheatre for Youth

MinorsDanceFilm Production (in cooperation with Journalism and Mass Communication)Interdisciplinary Minor in the ArtsTheatre

Job Success Our students go on to work professionally in theatre as actors, directors, designers and technicians at all levels from Broadway to regional theatre and in film and television.

• Bonnie Baker Charleston Stage Co.• Jordan Bondurant Mamma Mia, Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder (Broadway) and CSI-NY• Christy Delenick Carnival Cruise Lines• Teale Dvornik Wicked (Broadway)• Matt Godfrey Blue Like Jazz (Independent Film)• Carin Lagerberg Charleston Stage Co., Greater Ocean City Theatre Co.

• Sammy Ledbetter Company Manager, Leap of Faith, A Little Night Music, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd and Hairspray (Broadway)• Quincy Price Disney Theme Parks • David Redmon Scott Disney Theatrical, Manager of Theatrical Licensing• Lisa Jane Smith The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime and Aladdin (Broadway)• Cory Wagener Orlando Shakespeare Festival

Recent internships:The Prizery, Virginia • Flat Rock Playhouse, North Carolina • Barter Theatre, VirginiaTelsey & Co., New York • Lexington Children’s Theatre, Kentucky

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Theatre Theatre students delve deep into the craft of acting, directing, design and technical production. Every year, Samford produces 6-8 main-stage productions. From the intimate Bolding Studio to the larger scale theatres of Harrison and Wright Center, students perform for audiences of all sizes.

Recent productionsThe Crucible • A Midsummer Night’s Dream • One Man, Two Guvnors

The Skin Of Our Teeth • Macbeth • 10-minute Play Festival • One-act Play Festival

“When I came to Samford, I was impressed by the creativity and work ethic of everyone in the theatre and dance

program.” —Cody Sparks ’17, theatre, Fort Worth, Texas

FacultyLaura Byland, Theatre For YouthMark Castle, Acting/DirectingJane Caswell, Theatre AppreciationChris Crews, Assistant Technical DirectorDavid Glenn, Technical DirectorMary Gurney, Costume Design/Construction/MakeupMarty Higginbotham, Film Production/Business of the ArtsJen Lane, Stage ManagementVictor McCay, Acting for the CameraAlisa McCool, Dance Chelsea Nicholson, Musical TheatreDon Sandley, Acting/Directing/Theatre HistoryChristian Specht, Lighting, Projection and Sound

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Musical Theatre This degree is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in musical theatre. The program provides interrelated educational experiences in music, theatre and dance that prepare students for the production of musical theatre in the professional environment.

“I am thankful for the community of people at Samford. Faculty members are constant encouragers and advisers who not only help hone your craft but also

stress becoming a person of integrity. My art means so much more to me now . . . Samford inspired me to take both my talent and faith into the world.”

—Elizabeth McGuire ’17, musical theatre, Cynthiana, Kentucky

Recent productions Nice Work if You Can Get It • Pretty Funny • On the TownJane Eyre, the Musical • Bat Boy • Wizard of Oz

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Theatre for YouthTheatre for Youth provides students with comprehensive training experience through academics, studio exercises, performance opportunities and outreach. Samford is one of the only Christian universities in the country to offer this degree. From after-school programs to curriculum integration and workshops, Samford students work in the community, sharing their talents and helping others explore their creativity and imagination.

“I have been able to integrate my passion for teaching with theatre. With this major,

we are helping to shape the people of tomorrow through imagination, creativity

and innovation.” —Kendra Ball ’17, theatre for youth, Cecilia, Kentucky

Recent productionsThe Jungle BookWake Up, Brother BearSleeping Beauty The B.F.G.The Wind in the Willows

Recent Outreach Experiences:The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind Alabama Baptist Children’s Home • King’s HomeLocal Elementary Schools • Unless U

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DanceThe Samford Dance Company encompasses students from across the campus. Students perform one main concert each year and participate in musicals and other productions. Experienced dance professionals lead the program, offering jazz, ballet, modern and tap. The School of the Arts recently opened two new dance studios on campus to support the growing program.

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samford.edu/artsSamfordArts @SamfordArts

Samford University School of the Arts800 Lakeshore Drive • Birmingham, AL 35229

Katie Overturf205-726-4111 • arts@samford.edu SamfordArts

Contact us

Samford University is an Equal Opportunity Institution/Employer.