Wayne State University Department of Theatre and Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University, established under the College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, is an institution dedicated to the engagement, education, and empowerment of student artists through the rigorous study, practice, and production of theatre and dance. The department's mission is to enrich both the local Detroit community and global audiences with its diverse range of performances and programs. Wayne State University acknowledges its location on the ancestral and contemporary homeland of the Three Fires Confederacy, which includes the Ojibwe, Odawa, Potawatomi, and Wyandot nations. This acknowledgment is a testament to the university's recognition of Indigenous sovereignty and a commitment to educational equity and environmental stewardship. The Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University is deeply committed to anti-racism, cultural sensitivity, and inclusion. These core values are reflected in its curriculum, policies, assessments, marketing, recruitment, and the training of faculty and staff. The department strives to produce performances that foster an inclusive, educated, and informed audience, and it actively supports local Black artists and arts organizations. It also emphasizes ethical engagement within its community, promoting an environment of dignity and respect, free from harassment and discrimination. The department's community guidelines advocate for active listening, non-violence, curiosity, respect for individual agency and diversity, and a recognition of the collective knowledge and experiences of its members. It encourages open dialogue, self-care, and an understanding that learning and growth often involve navigating through complex and uncomfortable conversations. The College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, which houses the Department of Theatre and Dance, was established in 1986. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across its various departments, including the James Pearson Duffy Department of Art and Art History, the Department of Communication, and the Department of Music, in addition to the Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance. The departments of music and theatre/dance are nationally accredited, highlighting the high standards of education and professional training provided by the college.