Frequently Asked Questions

If I have information that I think that the students would like to know, how do I submit that to the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies?

There is a school weekly e-newsletter that goes out every Friday. You can submit items for our e-newsletter here: Newsletter Form. 

Where is the School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies located?

The School of Theatre Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) is located in the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, at the corner of Stadium Drive and Rte 193. The office is in the back of the building, just past the Laboratory Theatre, on the second floor. Walk through the double glass doors and to the left in suite 2800. Directions and Parking

Do you have a musical theatre program?

No, we don’t offer a musical theatre major. But, students are able to focus on musical theatre by taking the offered musical theatre classes, and participating in our main stage musicals. There is also the option to minor in Voice through the School of Music’s program.

How do I schedule a tour for the University of Maryland School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies?

Please email tdps@umd.edu with your desired dates and times.

How do I declare my major as Theatre or Dance? Are there auditions?

If you’re applying to the University of Maryland, simply indicate that your desired major will be Theatre or Dance. If you’re already a student at Maryland, follow these directions on how to declare your major.

There are no auditions to gain admission into the programs.

Are there undergraduate minor programs? Can I double major?

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Performances does not offer minors.

You can double major, but this requires the permission of each department and the College(s). It is very time consuming; please take a look at the course requirements for the BA programs in Theatre and Dance.

Can I audition for a production if I’m not a Theatre or Dance major? When are the auditions?

Auditions are open to all UMD students.

Theatre auditions are held the semester prior to the production. Fall shows are cast in March; Spring shows are cast in October. Freshmen can audition for Spring shows in fall of their Freshman year.

Auditions for Dance performances are held the first Friday of classes in both the Fall and Spring semesters.  Faculty, Graduate Students and Visiting Artists attend these auditions to see dancers for upcoming projects.

How do I work for the shops, ticket office or front of house at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center?

Undergraduate students are eligible to work at the Performing Arts Center. Look at this link for openings: http://claricesmithcenter.umd.edu/2010/c/students/employment_opportunities

If I am currently a University of Maryland student and I want to take a theatre or dance course, how can I do that?

For theatre classes, you need to wait until the first day of classes. If there are any seats free, you can go to the class and ask for the professor’s permission to take the class. If you gain permission, go to the School Office for an electronic stamp on your student schedule and then you can sign up.

Most dance major classes are open to non-majors on a space available basis, providing the student has completed any prerequisites for those classes.  In some cases non-majors may need to wait until the first week of classes to add a class to assure room in the class for incoming freshmen and transfer students.  A few of the classes may fill regularly with Dance majors.

Can I borrow from or donate items to the Costume Shop or the Properties Shop?

Please get in contact with the Costume Shop at 301.405.6689 or the Props Shop at 301.405.2535.

Can I reserve the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center spaces?

Please call the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Scheduling Office at 301.405.8176.

Can I reserve the rehearsal rooms?

Please contact Cary Gillett, the Theatre Production Coordinator, or Erin Glasspatrick, the Dance Production Coordinator, after reading the Studio Use Guidelines.

How can I get tickets to Theatre or Dance productions?

Call the Ticket Office at 301.ARTS (2787) or visit the Clarice Smith Center website.