Students in the Theater and Dance Department at Trinity experience what it means to be a performing artist engaged in creative work in both the studio and on the stage. Our innovative cross-disciplinary curriculum integrates theater and dance and explores contemporary directions in performance. The curriculum links the study and practice of the individual disciplines of theater and dance as well as exposes students to the history, theory and philosophy of performance. Students have an opportunity to engage in a diverse range of performance opportunities and to take advantage of the artistic resources of the city of Hartford and beyond. Our faculty members not only bring a wide range of professional experience to the classroom and to the stage, but are dedicated teachers and artists who are committed to nurturing the individual student's artistic growth and direction. Students are encouraged to investigate the ways in which performance relates to other arts disciplines and to history, philosophy, religion, science, technology and more. Theater and Dance at Trinity is an opportunity to discover the connection between you the artist and the world around you.
In the Community:
The Theater and Dance Department at Trinity has created a strong network within Hartford's urban locale with public schools and arts organizations. For example, as part of the Theater and Dance course, Education through Movement, students work at Parkville Community School and the Montessori Magnet School at the Learning Corridor with teaching artists from the Judy Dworin Performance Project assisting dance professionals as they introduce movement to urban school children. As mentors, they share in these children's creative process and help to integrate their study of movement with the language arts and arts curriculum.
Urban Engagement:
Founded in 1986, the Trinity/LaMama Urban Open Semester in New York City utilizes the urban center of New York City as a catalyst for an intensive study in the arts. Based at the world renowned LaMama E.T.C. in downtown Manhattan, the semester is structured to provide full immersion in the theater, dance, performance, music, creative writing, and visual arts communities. The program includes a comprehensive academic seminar, an arts internship, practice classes, attendance at several performances/arts events each week, group and individual field studies, master classes with guest artists, and diverse guest speakers. The semester culminates with an original arts event generated by the students that is presented at LaMama E.T.C. It is a unique cross-disciplinary arts experience designed to develop each student's interests in one of the major arts capitols of the world.