Mission

The School of Theatre and Dance is dedicated to providing undergraduate students with superior, professional training in theatre and dance.  In our rigorous, conservatory-style training within a liberal arts setting, students are taught and mentored by a diverse faculty of active professionals, who work to prepare them intellectually, artistically, and practically, to be leaders in their chosen profession.

The ECU School of Theatre and Dance is guided by the following core principles:

Excellence

We strive to maintain a high standard of excellence in our classrooms, rehearsal halls and stage productions, celebrating the individual strengths, talents and dreams of our students while providing professional quality productions to Eastern North Carolina. 

Professionalism

Through a nurturing yet demanding work environment, centered on adhering to performance industry standards, we seek to create graduates who are competitive in their chosen field and also fully prepared to transfer their skills to related fields. 

Access & Opportunity

We believe our student body, faculty, staff and the stories we tell must reflect our community and our world.  We give students the knowledge, skills and values to succeed in a global, multicultural society.

Artistic Risk

The essence of making art is to take risks.  We ask our students to challenge themselves and allow them the space to make both their successes and failures spectacular.  We believe this is how new and innovative forms of creative expression are made.

Community

We recognize and value the impact artists and arts education can have on a community.  We encourage our students to be artists, as well as fully engaged citizens, who understand the responsibility and eagerly accept the opportunity to make an impact in their field, our community, and the global community. 

The Play That Goes Wrong Cast & Crew

2023-2024 Playhouse Season

Photo by: John Dixon