Indiana University Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance

==Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance, Indiana University Bloomington== The Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance at Indiana University Bloomington is a distinguished academic and creative department within the College of Arts & Sciences. It offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs designed to provide students with a strong foundation in theatre, drama, musical theatre, and contemporary dance, alongside opportunities for practical experience in production and performance. ===History=== The history of the department reflects a rich tradition of theatrical education and performance. The first theatre course, "The Staging of Plays," was offered by the Department of English in 1915. By 1929, Lee Norvelle had formed the University Players, marking the beginning of a more structured theatre program. The Shakespeare Club, established in 1887, mounted annual productions of Shakespearean plays, contributing to the early cultural life on campus. In 1933, the University Theatre production organization was founded, and in 1941, under the direction of Lee Norvelle, the University Theatre, or Little Theatre, was inaugurated in the new Indiana University Auditorium. This period saw the department's reputation grow, attracting students with ambitions in theatre. The Department of Speech was created in 1945, with Lee Norvelle appointed as its chair. Over the years, the department evolved and expanded, with significant contributions from faculty members such as Oscar Brockett, a renowned theatre historian, and Richard L. Scammon, a costume designer and scenographer. The department officially became the Department of Theatre and Drama in 1971. In 2002, the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center opened, featuring state-of-the-art technology and performance spaces. The department's scope widened with the addition of the Contemporary Dance program in 2013, leading to its current name, the Department of Theatre, Drama, and Contemporary Dance. The department has continued to grow with the introduction of the B.F.A. Musical Theatre program in 2012, under the leadership of George Pinney. Linda Pisano became the department's first female Department Chair in 2018, marking another milestone in its history. ===Programs and Facilities=== The department offers a range of M.F.A. degrees, including Acting, Directing, Dramaturgy, Playwriting, Theatre Technology, Costume Design, Costume Technology, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, and Sound Design. Undergraduate students can pursue majors in Theatre & Drama, Musical Theatre, and Contemporary Dance, as well as minors and other specialized training. The Lee Nor