The Department of Theatre and Dance is committed to equity and representation that reflects the student population, builds community, teaches compassion, and condemns intolerance. They are committed to advancing social justice by providing equal opportunity for all students without biases toward race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, economic status, or political beliefs. As artists, educators and scholars, the school strives to achieve a creative collaboration in their classrooms, rehearsal, and performance spaces with a focus and dedication to equitable representation while actively embracing traditionally under-represented groups and their contributions to the canon.

Their programs prepare professional actors, designers, writers, film markers, producers, directors, technicians, performers, choreographers, as well as, teachers for the public schools. Students work closely with professional artist-educators who have earned national and international recognition. The faculty have performed on Broadway, starred in television shows, danced in professional companies, worked at Tony-Award winning regional theatres, produced award winning films, choreographed for dance productions and musicals, had designs displayed internationally, presented films at Cannes Film Festival and SXSW, published books and articles, and had their plays produced in New York and abroad. They are large enough to provide access to a full complement of highly qualified specialists, while still small enough to offer personal attention to their students. Specializations include acting, technical production, performance and production, performance and choreography, musical theatre, film production, and teacher certification. Graduates work as teachers, dancers, actors, choreographers, designers, writers, producers, directors, film makers, and technicians throughout the industry.