University at Buffalo (UB)
Experiential Learning Opportunities
University at Buffalo Department of Theatre and Dance believes that experiential learning through hands on production experience, internships, study abroad, and conference participation is integral to the training of new artists. Our classroom learning is complemented each academic year by a full season of plays, musicals, dance concerts, and experimental performance work.
With close faculty mentorship, students perform, design, tech, and manage two musicals, two drama shows, and four dance concerts annually. In addition to our main season, there are also numerous opportunities for students to work as directors, choreographers, designers, technicians, performers, dramaturgs, and managers through numerous student directed productions throughout the year.
Each year, additional performance and production opportunities arise as the result of interdisciplinary collaborations, faculty research and creative activities, and visiting guest artists. As a result, Theatre and Dance students are exposed to a breadth of artistic styles, forms, and techniques, from classical to cutting edge. Past guest artists include: Bill T. Jones, Jose Limon Co., Momix Dance Co., Pilobolus, avant-garde theater pioneer Richard Foreman, Broadway director Marcia Milgrom Dodge, and Beijing Olympic Designer Han Lixun.
Hear from students like you about their opportunities!
Maddie Sipowicz '25
DANCE BFA, ENVIROMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY BA
Recipient of the Paul and Christine Nussbaum Experiential Learning Innovation Fund
I would tell future students to focus on what brings them joy each day and what sparks their interests. Along with this, it’s important to explore your options with different clubs and ways to get involved since there might be many things out there that you didn’t know you loved.
- Maddie Sipowicz
Q: Tell me more about your experiential learning that you got to do with your funding?
A: Before I even applied for colleges, I knew that studying abroad was something I really wanted to pursue. Keeping that in mind, I was able to save money by commuting all four years of college and living fairly close to the school while maintaining a minimum wage job. This was my first time in Europe, so I really wanted to experience the culture to the best of my ability. I learned a bit of Italian before going and took a few cooking classes and many tours while I was abroad in order to experience the culture. Throughout my time in Italy, I learned many valuable things that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned a lot about myself, especially with how independent I became while exploring a different country and adapting to new social norms and ways of life. It’s important to remain open minded and respectful of other cultures.
Q: What was your favorite part about it?
A: My favorite part was being able to go on little day trips and explore more beyond Florence and how cultures can differ even if you’re a few hours away from a specific location. It was interesting to experience how different people have their own traditions and norms.
Q: How is it helping you with your studies?
A: It helps me understand differences in cultures and adapt to changes whether it’s academic, job, or travel related. It also allowed me to become more open minded about everything and consider all different opportunities and options while appreciating everyone's different backgrounds and traditions when crossing paths.
Q: How was Italian dance different from American dance?
A: I went to see a ballet: Fondazione Mascarade Opera, Reunited in Dance: Simbiosi. I’ve grown up learning the Cecchetti method of ballet (Italian style) and Balanchine (American) but it was interesting to see how intricate and precise each dance was. It was also noticeable that the ballerinas focused on seamless transitions throughout each movement, along with rapid footwork. They had a live orchestra which was something I had never experienced on stage before.
Performance Opportunites
Musicals and Drama Shows auditions occur the semester prior to production (Fall shows audition in the spring before; spring shows in the fall before). Students must have completed at least one semester at UB and be in good academic standing to be cast. Any undergraduate student at UB is eligible to audition. Musicals and plays are credit bearing courses; students must register for a 3 credit course in order to participate.
Zodiaque Dance Company auditions at the start of the fall semester. Company members perform in both the fall and spring shows. Zodiaque is a credit bearing course; students register for 4 credits of DAC 337 or DAC 338.
Emerging Choreographers’ Showcase, MFA Dance Concerts, and ChoreoLab audition in the fall semester. These dance performance opportunities have varying credits for course enrollment.
Dancer’s Workshop is a student organization that offers non-credit performance opportunities to the university at various levels of ability and interest. Auditions are held in the spring semester.
Production Opportunites
Design and production positions are all assigned to UB students, and there are many opportunities for interested undergrads from all majors to be involved, from building sets to run crew and everything in between. Students generally need to have taken TH 106: Intro to Technical Theatre with TH 135 or TH 136 prior to working on productions. However, you do not have to be a Theatre and Dance major to participate. Design and production positions are credit-bearing courses; credits vary depending on position.
Want to get involved? Email td-theatredance@buffalo.edu for more information on being part of the backstage experience at UB.
Study Abroad
Literary Ireland: Play and Places Program (Summer Session)
UB Theatre and Dance’s Literary Ireland program is a 16-day discovery of Ireland’s plays and places led by award-winning UB professor and Program Director, Maria S. Horne, and Associate Program Director, Chelsea L. Horne. This intensive experiential program integrates the study of dramatic literature with focused research on the Dubliner experience. The course explores themes of identity, nationalism, and revolt, emphasizing the tradition of tragi-comedy. While the program is jam-packed, there will also be free time to relax and enjoy Dublin and the truly magical Irish countryside on your own. This 3-credit course satisfies the SUNY General Education requirement for the Arts and it fulfills a component of the UB Curriculum Global Pathways.
Cultural and Performance Appreciation Program in London (Winter Session)
During the Winter Session, UB Theatre and Dance takes students on a guided discovery journey of London’s artistic and cultural world led by award winning UB professor and international expert Maria S. Horne. This intensive program integrates, in a comprehensive way, the study of culture and performance with focused research on its relationship with architecture, fine arts, history, music, rituals, urban design, and the contemporary landscape.
Interested students should make inquiries with:
Study Abroad Advisor
Office of International Student and Scholar Services
210 Talbert Hall
(716) 645-2258.
For further information visit UB Study Abroad.
Research Assistance and Conference Participation
UB students are active participants in numerous international and national conferences and research presentations, alongside faculty and staff. Students regularly attend American College Dance Festival, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, and the United States Institute for Theatre Technology Conference. Students have also presented their research as part of the Undergraduate Research Council. They also participate in a host of opportunities through the International Artistic & Cultural Exchange Program.