Learning Beyond the Classroom

Co-Curricular Production Program

The department hosts a dynamic co-curricular production program that provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to students, the university community, and the region. The curriculum emphasizes skills that prepare students for professional careers in the arts, and that are highly transferable to other pursuits.

You do not have to be a declared major to participate in our productions. We recommend that you:

  • Visit the department as soon as you can to discover ways to get involved.
  • Investigate the Prospective Students section for more information.

Annual Productions include:

  • A First Year Showcase of new theatre and dance students - freshman and transfers.
  • Four faculty-directed mainstage productions. One show in each season is selected based on a rotation of historical periods. The remaining three productions are selected from proposals suggested by faculty and students.
  • Two Dance Concerts featuring faculty and student choreography.
  • Theatre for youth performances produced by Appalachian Young People's Theatre. The AYPT production tours to elementary schools throughout Western North Carolina in the spring.

Faculty-Led Study Abroad and Study Away Programs

Teacher Training Programs

School Outreach

  • African Diaspora Dance and Drum Ensemble (INFORMATION COMING SOON)
  • Each February, in celebration of Theatre In Our Schools (TIOS) Month (declared by the American Alliance for Theatre and Education), Appalachian State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance holds a day of theatre workshops for high school students and teachers.  The workshop sessions are for a variety of interests and ability levels and are taught by professionals with graduate level training in theatre. You do not have to be a “theatre person” to attend. Teachers may arrange for professional development or continuing education credits with prior approval from their local educational agencies.

Community Outreach

Associated Club Productions

  • Performances produced by students and sponsored by associated Theatre and Dance Department clubs such as Playcrafters, Alpha Psi Omega, Appalachian Musical Theatre Club, Momentum Dance Club, and Entropy Dance Crew.