University of Maryland School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies Home
The School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies advances and transforms the research and practice of theatre, dance, and performance studies through a commitment to inclusive excellence and educational innovation in the performing arts.
The School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) at the University of Maryland (UMD) offers undergraduate and graduate programs that rank among the top in the country. The school creates a rich and productive learning environment that is part of a larger, comprehensive liberal arts experience provided in part by the College of Arts & Humanities and with the resources of a public research university. TDPS encourages the development of inclusive and diverse cultural perspectives. Students develop fundamental life skills, intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, problem solving, embodied learning and emotional intelligence—creatively applied to advance human welfare in all its dimensions. Alumni transition to a rich variety of career pathways within and outside of theatre and dance professions, working as arts managers, choreographers, directors, performers, designers, lawyers, business entrepreneurs, professors, published authors, teachers and consultants. The school serves locally and nationally as a model for collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship.
The educational offerings in TDPS are administered by 16 tenured or tenure-track faculty; numerous adjunct faculty, international guest artists, visiting scholars; 6 administrative staff; and 56 graduate associates. We currently serve about 150 undergraduates in the B.A. Theatre program, about 60 undergraduates in the B.A. Dance program, 27 graduate students in the M.F.A. Design program, 9 graduate students in the M.F.A. Dance program, and 21 graduate students in the M.A./Ph.D. Theatre and Performance Studies program. Visiting artists and scholars regularly enhance these programs and provide additional perspectives that enhance the student experience.
Prospective Students
Interested in our programs?
The School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies offers two undergraduate majors, one undergraduate minor and four graduate degree programs.
Find out more about our degree offerings on our academic programs page. Learn about our talented faculty, graduate assistants and staff on our faculty and staff page.
Current Students
Current Students
Looking for information about how to declare the major, curriculum requirements or how to apply for grants and scholarships?
Declare the theatre or dance major and check out curriculum requirements for any of our degrees by starting at the academic programs page.
For information about grants and scholarships, check out our dance or theatre CAPA scholarship information or our graduate fellowships, grants and awards.
Faculty and staff directory
Faculty, graduate student and staff directory
Search our directory to learn about our faculty, graduate students and staff.
Directory