Mission Statement

The Department of Theatre and Dance provides a broad, liberal arts education in the related performing arts of Dance, Theatre and Design for Performance that cultivates critical thinking and analysis as well as helping students build the basic skills for creative expression.  For emerging artists and specialists, we provide tools to build careers in their chosen field and networks to the professional world, both nationally and internationally. We serve the community through high quality performance events that showcase student and faculty artistic work and serve as a laboratory for applying skills learned in the classroom and studio.

Vision

The UNM Department of Theatre and Dance, building on the rich cultural and artistic diversity of the state of New Mexico as well as on national and international influences, aims to serve its students through education and training in Dance, Design for Performance, and Theatre in an environment that supports exploration, artistic curiosity, experimentation, risk-taking, creative collaboration, and innovative projects across disciplines.

Values

We embrace the future and are open to new ways of conceiving of and creating theatre and performance. We develop new works in new ways and build bridges for interdisciplinary work within and beyond the department. We are committed to the collaborative process and to nurturing it with our students. Knowing our students is important to us.  We aim to serve their needs, broaden their thinking and prepare them for the larger world.  We build upon the expertise and connections of current and future faculty to think and act globally so as to embody the importance of the performing arts to celebrate individual expression, build community, and engage with the issues of our life and times.