Harvard University

Overview

The Theater, Dance, and Media concentration at Harvard University offers an enriching blend of critical study and practical experience. This program is designed for undergraduate students who seek to explore the dynamic interplay between theater, dance, and media. Through a combination of hands-on studio practice and theoretical learning, students develop essential performance and production skills while engaging with the historical and contemporary contexts of these art forms.

What you'll study

Concentration focus: The curriculum emphasizes studio-based production and performance-making alongside a thorough examination of historical and aesthetic perspectives. Students will engage in a mix of required and elective courses, ultimately culminating in advanced work that reflects their individual artistic interests.

Example studio and related courses may include:

• Theatrical Production Studio — Focused on rehearsal and production processes for staged works, with an emphasis on directing, performance, and design collaboration.
• Dance Production Studio — Concentrating on choreography and performance development, this course emphasizes movement craft, rehearsal practices, and production coordination.
• Performing Outside the Theater — This course explores performance-making in non-traditional spaces, examining how the environment and audience influence artistic choices.
• Dance Composition: Community Engaged Dance Making — A collaborative approach to creation with community partners, focusing on ethics, process, and shared authorship.
• Live Art from the Archives — Students utilize archival materials and historical sources to develop new performance or media works.

How learning is assessed: Assessment methods vary by course, typically involving a combination of studio participation, written assignments, research, and project-based outputs, such as performances and creative projects.

Capstone / culminating work: The concentration culminates in advanced coursework and a final project that aligns with the student’s academic and creative direction, with specific requirements varying by advising and course selection.

Entry requirements

Admissions to Harvard College for the Theater, Dance, and Media concentration do not require GRE or GMAT scores for undergraduate entry. Selection is based on a holistic review of each applicant's academic achievements and overall preparation, with no specific GPA threshold published.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Theater, Dance, and Media concentration can pursue diverse career paths in fields such as performing arts, media production, arts education, and community engagement. The blend of practical skills and theoretical knowledge equips students to excel in various roles within the creative industries, fostering innovative approaches to performance and media. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the program encourages networking and the development of professional relationships that can benefit graduates in their future careers.