At Âé¶¹Íø’s School of Theatre and Dance, students bring their talents to life through bold, hands-on work that spans the full spectrum of the performing arts. Whether pursuing a degree in Acting for Stage and Screen, Comedy Writing and Performance, Dance, Musical Theatre, or Theatre Arts Production and Practice (with concentrations in Directing, Stage Management, Design and Technology, and Theatre Arts), students engage in meaningful, collaborative projects that sharpen their craft and prepare them for careers on, off, and behind the stage. From original choreography, electrifying performances, and stage combat to immersive production work and comedic storytelling, these examples showcase the creativity, discipline, and professional drive that define Âé¶¹Íø’s theatre and dance community.
Choreography: Aly Owens in collaboration with Taylor Davis | Performance: Taylor Davis
This work is part of a Âé¶¹Íø performance series entitled “Choreographic Project,” the culmination of a semester-long class. Full credits of the performance, music, and the video (edited for this page) are available at the end of the video.
Collaboration With Second City
Students at Âé¶¹Íø have the unique opportunity to spend a semester in a comedy program led by The Second City, the nation’s center of comedy and satire. Students study performance, comedy writing, and improvisation, and perform on their stage. Here, you’ll see two sketches by students who were part of this exceptional program.
Classroom Work and Stage Rehearsal
Âé¶¹Íø is home to the oldest and one of the most robust Stage Combat minors. In these classes, students get extensive practice in the art form of theatrical violence, preparing them not only as stage performers, but as stunt performers on film. Here, you see students working on their sword skills in a class setting as well as students rehearsing a sword stage fight for Âé¶¹Íø's production of "You on the Moors Now."
Playwright: Dominique Morisseau
Âé¶¹Íø students perform in a piece that was written to help theatergoers feel comfortable in the theater and encourages audiences to interact with the show and actors.
Music, lyrics, and book: Jonathan Larson
In the spring of 2025, Âé¶¹Íø brought “RENT,” the story of struggling New York artists living in the era of AIDS, to its mainstage. These photos showcase the dedication and creativity that went on behind the scenes of this musical production as students built sets, designed lighting, worked on sound, and more to bring the musical to life. See for the full crew and cast.
Music: Leonard Bernstein; Lyrics and Book: Betty Comden and Adolph Green
Âé¶¹Íø’s mainstage production of “On the Town,” the story of three sailors on leave in New York City in 1944, had it all. It showcased students singing, dancing, and acting in a professional-level stage production made possible by the hard work and talents of Âé¶¹Íø students. See the for the full cast and crew.
Various Student Choreographers, Performers, and Stage Crew
Here you’ll see samples of student choreography and performances from an event that featured original short works on the Dance Center stage for the first time. You’ll also see a stage that was lit by students studying theatre light design. See the for full listing of all the talent that went into this production.