Theatre & Dance
The Department of Theatre & Dance at Converse inspires, entertains, and challenges audiences with live performances that enhance our capacity for empathy and illuminate our common humanity. We train and support the next generation of performing artists by providing programs that promote intellectual curiosity, creativity and lifelong learning. The stage is our laboratory, a place where we grow and create in community.
We celebrate the essential power of theatre and dance to connect us to one another and to our larger world.
We celebrate the essential power of theatre and dance to connect us to one another and to our larger world.
Our theatre productions build upon more than 115 years of excellence and continue today, through our producing company Theatre Converse.
Dance performance extends 40 years of tradition, discipline and talent through Dance Converse. Our primary focus in the classroom, in rehearsal, and in live performance is to give student artists the opportunities and support to succeed.
Discover more about our majors and minors through the link below, and then contact us for a campus visit.
Majors
Minors
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement from the Theatre & Dance Department
Theatre & Dance Converse’s mission is to create a community built on celebrating and acknowledging our differences, creating belonging, and using our creativity to open others to new perspectives. We condemn any form of bias, discrimination, hatred or bigotry.
As Converse University educators and students, we strive to be leaders – change makers who create a more inclusive world with our art. We recognize that this work is not perfect, and it is ongoing, but we acknowledge and are committed to our unique ability as artists to support it.
Every student’s life experience, educational journey, and voice will be recognized and supported by our Theatre & Dance community through our casting, classes and productions.
Upcoming Cultural Events
2023 Annual Alumni Recital
2023 Cello Immersion @ Converse
Theatre & Dance Faculty and Staff
Anne Denbow
Adjunct Instructor of Voice
Jenna Elser
Visiting Instructor of Theatre
Elijah (E.J.) George
Assistant Technical Director
Meg Hanna Tominaga
Chair Department of Theatre & Dance, Associate Professor of Theatre
Mayes Hopkins
Technical Director
Melissa Owens
Associate Professor of Theatre
Allison Roux
Visiting Instructor of Musical Theatre
School of the Arts
In the moment of creation, each artist faces a question: “What will I make of this?”
Dean of the School of the Arts
Christopher Vaneman
864.596.9038
chris.vaneman@converse.edu
Blackman Music Hall 202/230