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South Carolina School of the Arts
The Department of Theatre & Dance
The show is about to start!
We work hard in the Department of Theatre and Dance at the South Carolina School of the Arts. Everyone probably stays a little too busy— or maybe a lot too busy—but we love it!
The dance classes and voice lessons can be tough, taking notes after rehearsal requires putting aside ego, but in the end, we see significant progress and so does our audience. During the applause, we point upwards to acknowledge our Lord after each performance, then we point to those who have been working behind the scenes in the tech booth and finally we enjoy taking a bow. It’s a good way to do “show business!”
About The Department of Theatre & Dance
Whether your goal is to perform, design, stage manage, or tackle any other career in Theatre and Dance, the South Carolina School of the Arts is the institution where you will receive the highest level of training. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), our theatre and dance programs consist of three core categories of training:
Innovative Training
Receive rigorous instruction in a multitude of techniques across all theatre and dance disciplines, as well as training catered specifically to you with our small student to professor ratio
Award-Winning Skills
Train under professional artists who know how to help you produce quality performances that get national recognition
Abundant Opportunities
We produce two plays, two musicals, and two dance concerts on our main stage every year. Additionally, numerous project and class productions will showcase your talents year-round.
Programs
BA in Dance
Understand, utilize and master fundamental theatrical and dance skills for independent expression.
BA in Theatre
Designed to be a comprehensive, well-rounded education in theatre within the context of a liberal arts education.
BA in Theatre Design
Designed to teach you to create exciting theatrical environments that will transport audiences to other worlds.
BFA in Musical Theatre
Designed to prepare you for a professional career as a “triple threat” on Broadway, national tours, regional theatres, theme parks, and cruise lines.
BFA in Theatre: Acting
Designed to challenge you to become a well-rounded and daring actor through the most time-tested and innovative approaches.
Theatre & Dance Series
Throughout the academic year, the Department of Theatre & Dance at The South Carolina School of the Arts hosts two musicals, two plays, and two dance concerts for you to attend!
2024-2025 Mainstage Season
The Sound of Music
Music by Richard Rodgers Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse Directed by Dr. David Sollish
Henderson Auditorium, October 3, 4, 5 at 7:30pm; October 5 at 2:00pm
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical. Featuring a trove of cherished songs, including “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and the title number, The Sound of Music won the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning five Tony Awards and five Oscars.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare Directed by Jessica Johnson
Belk Theatre, November 6, 7, 8, 9 at 7:30pm and November 9 at 2:00pm
The world is not as it seems in Shakespeare’s comic masterpiece. The title itself tells the story; A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Romance and buffoonery abound as the “real” and dream worlds collide. Weaving his way through the play is the mischievous sprite, Puck, who reminds us at the end that the play is “no more yielding but a dream.” And what a dream it is! Tragedy tomorrow – comedy tonight!
Fall Dance Concert Henderson Auditorium November 21, 22, 23 at 7:30PM Find your voice through movement. AU Dance seeks to encourage young dancers to find their voice through movement, creativity and faith. We strive for excellent dancing across the four styles of ballet, modern, jazz and tap exploring a wide range of genres within each style to build versatility. Spring Dance Concert is the perfect opportunity to see the creativity of our faculty, students and guest artists on display. The performance will encompass the amazing talents of our dancers for an entertaining night of live dance on stage! We hope you will consider joining us.
Dancing at Lughnasa
by Brian Friel
Directed by Natalie Wilson
Belk Theatre, February 19, 20, 21, 22 at 7:30pm and February 22 at 2:00pm
This extraordinary play is the story of five unmarried sisters eking out their lives in a small village in Ireland in 1936. Their spare existence is interrupted by brief, colorful
bursts of music from the radio, their only link to the romance and hope of the world at large. Widely regarded as Brian Friel’s masterpiece, this haunting play is Friel’s tribute to the spirit and valor of the past.
Spring Dance Concert Henderson Auditorium March 20, 21, 22 at 7:30PM
Find your voice through movement. AU Dance seeks to encourage young dancers to find their voice through movement, creativity and faith. We strive for excellent dancing across the four styles of ballet, modern, jazz and tap exploring a wide range of genres within each style to build versatility. Spring Dance Concert is the perfect opportunity to see the creativity of our faculty, students and guest artists on display. The performance will encompass the amazing talents of our dancers for an entertaining night of live dance on stage! We hope you will consider joining us.
Into the Woods
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine Directed by Dr. David Sollish
Belk Theatre, April 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 at 7:30pm; April 5 and 6 at 2:00pm
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece . . . a rare modern classic. The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later.
Facilities
Faculty
Alumni Feature
SCSA
From high school productions to professional theatre and practically everything in-between, Davy Grace McGuirt has been there.
Davy Grace McGuirt
'21
South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University
Summer Repertory Theatre
The AU Repertory Theatre or “AU Rep” as it has come to be known features the best student-actors and technicians from local high schools, working hand-in-hand with theatre professionals and students from the South Carolina School of the Arts at Anderson University.