Production Opportunities

Theatre

The production/performance experiences in the Theatre Program in the Department of Theatre and Dance is an essential component in the training of theatre artists/craftsmen; therefore, casting in the departmental productions is, for the most part, restricted to UNM students only. We are not a community theatre, although the occasional guest artist from the community will be cast in a role for which a student actor cannot be found. There are unlimited opportunities for students in the acting, directing, and theatre education areas for hands-on practice and production exposure to differing styles and media within the department and outside of the department in the numerous theatre organizations around the Albuquerque area. Students are encouraged to audition for non-departmental productions if not cast in departmental productions.

Departmental opportunities include:

• Main Stage Season (faculty-directed)
• Musical Theatre Productions (faculty/guest artist directed)
• Theatre X Season (student directed)
• Words-Afire Playwriting Festival (student and faculty directed)
• School Outreach Tours (student or faculty directed)
• Directing Projects/One-acts (students directed)
• Staged readings

Off-campus opportunities include:

• Local community theatre venues in Albuquerque
• National Film work-casting calls for television and film are regularly announced

Dance

Student Dance

Each semester, the talent and vitality of the young choreographers and performers in the Dance Program at the University of New Mexico exhibit their vision and discipline in the Student Choreography Showcase. Curated by dance faculty, student works range from ballet to modern and flamenco, African and tap to Hip Hop. Embracing the idea of world dance and the interweaving of cultural experience, these student directed and choreographed evenings are unique in focus and style: unlike the conventional college model based on traditional conservatory presentations, the student dance concerts at UNM put forth a broader perspective on the field of dance while embracing new, cutting edge choreography, using text, multi-media and a variety of disciplines.

Faculty Dance Concert

The annual Faculty Dance Concert in Rodey Theater brings the talents of the nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty together with the undergraduate and graduate dance students in the program. Intensive rehearsals and observation of various ways to approach the choreographic process give students an example of the rigors of the professional world. Occasional guest artists and historical reconstructions provide a well-rounded view of creating works for the stage and the demands made on the dancer of today.

M.F.A. Dance Concert

Curated by dance faculty, the M.F.A. Dance Concert highlights the best work of the graduate students in the M.F.A program. Presented in Rodey Theater, the concert creates a direct interface between the graduate level artist and the community in Albuquerque, showcasing the sophistication and maturity of current and future choreographers.

Alma Flamenca Performance Company

In partnership with the National Institute of Flamenco, the dance program at the University of New Mexico co-directs the pre-professional flamenco performance company, Alma Flamenca. The company consists of students from the institute and the dance program at UNM, performing in various venues throughout the state of New Mexico, presenting original and traditional choreography by artists from the United States and Spain.

Design for Performance

The Design for Performance program at UNM is a unique training program offering undergraduate students the opportunity to design several realized pieces in the production season both in Theatre and Dance prior to graduation. The Design for Performance faculty believe strongly that realized production design work is critical in the development of the student designer and realized design projects are assigned and mentored beginning in the students sophomore year.

In addition students in the D4P program have production opportunities as assistant designers in lighting, scenery, makeup, and costume; and opportunities as stage managers, scenic artists, master electricians, wardrobe supervisors, console operators, and stage crew.

The Design for Performance area also has work-study and student assistant positions available in all production areas.