Students of the Dance & Theatre program (DTH) embrace the full liberal arts experience while training with faculty, directors, and choreographers who bring the professional world of New York to Manhattanville College’s program.
Type of School: Founded in 1841, Manhattanville College is a private coeducational college drawing its student body from more than 50 different countries and 35 states. Manhattanville offers over 50 academic concentrations in a curriculum that nurtures intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.
Size of Campus: Manhattanville’s 100-acre campus is located 30 minutes from New York City in Purchase, New York, a community within the town of Harrison. Reid Castle serves as the campus’s main hall and has been designated a National Historic Landmark, one of only nine nationally registered sites in Harrison.
Number of Students: 1,800 undergraduate and 1,100 graduate
Number of Faculty: 309 (student-faculty ratio: 12:1)
Colleges, Programs, and Degrees: Manhattanville offers more than 50 academic concentrations in the arts and sciences, including Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts, and Bachelor of Music degrees; a self-designed major; a double major with teacher certification; and preparation for professional and graduate study (Pre-dental, Pre-health, Pre-law, Pre-med, and Pre-speech-language Pathology).
Performance Schedule
Fall Performances:
A Doll’s House
October 26, 27, and 28 at 8:00 pm
October 29 at 2:00 pm
In the Little Theatre
Directed by Carol Fox Prescott
Showtune: A Musical Review
November 2 and 4 at 8:00 pm
In the Little Theatre
Directed by Mark Cherry
Fall Dance Concert
November 16, 17, and 18 at 8:00 pm
November 19 at 2:00 pm
In the Little Theatre
Guest Choreographer: Shawn Bible and Marta Renzi
The Fall Dance Concert is an evening of contemporary and
classical dance. Styles such as Ballet, Modern, Jazz, and African are performed.
Two professional choreographers and five student choreographers will present original dances performed by Manhattanville students.
Freshmen Project
December 1 at 7:00 pm
In the Little Theatre
Directed by Hannah Fox
Spring Performances:
Avenue Q
February 1, 2, and 3 at 8:00 pm
February 4 at 2:00 pm
In the Little Theatre
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
March 22, 23, and 24 at 8:00 pm
March 25 at 2:00 pm
In the Little Theatre
Directed by Clista Townsend
Spring Dance Concert
April 12, 13, and 14 at 8:00 pm
April 15 at 2:00 pm
In the Little Theatre
Guest Choreographer(s): TBD
The aim of the program is to develop student-artists whose practical skills in technique and performance are supported by their growth as literate, articulate, socially aware citizens.
The Dance & Theatre program offers opportunities to embark on a multitude of career paths. Students can concentrate in Dance, Theatre, or Dance Therapy.
The Dance curriculum focuses on a sequential study of contemporary dance technique, employing a variety of current and traditional styles and methods with an emphasis on composition and choreography. Theatre training includes a sequential study of acting, voice and speech, dramatic literature, directing, and design. In addition to studio practice, theory, and performance, all Dance & Theatre majors develop skills in technical theatre. The variety of skills attained creates well-rounded students and performers.
Students in the Dance & Theatre program study with faculty who are professional choreographers, directors, playwrights, dancers, dance therapists, theatre educators, and actors with years of experience on and off Broadway. Their experience in their fields enhances classroom learning and allows students to learn about professional performance experiences.
The Dance & Theatre program also allows for ample opportunities for performance on campus. The program produces four full productions and numerous showcases each year. The department puts on two musical productions—usually a musical review and a musical. They also produce two plays: one a drama and the other a work from Shakespeare. In addition to productions, there are numerous showcases for classes, first-year students, seniors, and dance concerts.
Students who graduate from the Manhattanville College Dance & Theatre program can enter a variety of fields. Graduates from the program have become actors, arts administrators, choreographers, costume designers, dance teachers, drama teachers, dance therapists, dancers, production assistants, set designers, stage managers, technical directors, and TV and radio broadcasters, just to name a few professions.
Manhattanville College’s location in Westchester County, New York, is a great benefit to Dance & Theatre students. Being just 30 minutes from New York City—the “Capital of the World”—is one of Manhattanville’s many assets. The College provides transportation to the city on weekends and to Manhattan-bound commuter trains during the week, so students can take advantage of all New York City has to offer.
The close proximity also allows students the opportunity to pursue internships for credit at studios and theatres in New York City.
Apply Online
Send an Email
Visit Website