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Theatre Studies and Fine Arts

Bachelor of Fine Arts
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Overview of Theatre Studies and Fine Arts Program

As one of the oldest professional theatre training programs in the region, Niagara University is well-known for preparing students for careers that take them anywhere from Broadway to Hollywood.

Since 1964, NU Theatre has proudly educated and entertained audiences through a variety of annual productions, giving students an artistic playground for growth and development and a heightened sense of purpose in their artistic pursuits. One-on-one mentorship with theatre faculty gives increased confidence – both on- stage and offstage – throughout every step of the experiential learning process. Our unique curriculum fuses a conservatory approach to theatre training with a liberal arts education. NU’s theatre programs require an intense schedule and disciplined focus on both academic coursework, and practical production experience.

Degree Programs

There are three bachelor of fine arts degree (B.F.A.) programs offered by the department:

Performance

Not only will Performance students take classes in acting, voice, and dance & movement every semester, but also will be required to take specialized performance courses in commedia dell’arte, dialects, directing, physical theatre, speech, stage combat, and much more.

Design & Production

Under the guidance of working professionals, Design and Production students focus not only on the studio/classroom coursework, but also receive practical, individualized training in all aspects of theatre design: costumes, lighting, scenery, and sound.

Theatre Specializations

Students exploring career paths other than performance or design and production may choose a theatre specialization. Specialization students spend their first two years in the BFA Performance program and transfer into the Specialization program to begin their focused coursework. Each student in the Theatre Specialization program creates a two-semester Senior Seminar project, tailored to their interests.

BFA Audition/Interviews + National Auditions

For prospective and transfer students seeking entry into any of our BFA programs, applicants are required to attend one of our events, typically held each Spring, to complete either an audition or an interview for their respective programs.

Upcoming Auditions & Interviews

Jan. 28 and Feb. 11, 2024

Schedule your audition or interview for admission into our 2024 BFA program


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Why Theatre Studies and Fine Arts at NU?

Productions

Niagara University Theatre, the producing entity of the Department of Theatre & Fine Arts, has been entertaining and educating audiences since 1964. Each season, typically composed of eight productions, provides students with more opportunities to apply knowledge, skills and techniques explored in the classroom.

Mentorship & Networking

Under the guidance of a faculty and staff consisting of working professionals, theatre students receive hands-on individualized training in all aspects of theatre. Moreover, our multi-faceted alumni network, consisting of artists with credits from Broadway, international tours, TV, and radio, can give a clarity of direction for the exciting future that awaits you.

Opportunities

Students have the opportunity to spend part of their summer studying abroad in London, England, as well as Rome & Florence, Italy. Each summer, one student is awarded a scholarship for full tuition and board to the five-week summer intensive Powerhouse Theater training program at Vassar College with New York Stage and Film. Students are also encouraged to pursue industry-related summer apprenticeships and performance opportunities.

John Kander
I fell in love with Niagara’s theatre department for what it meant. There is a purity that I find extremely inspiring. There is an attitude here about theatre that corresponds so closely with my own. It’s about love.
John Kander
Tony/Emmy/Academy Award winning composer of Broadway musical hits Chicago, Cabaret, Curtains and more

Careers

  • Artistic Director
  • Company Manager
  • Costume Designer
  • Costume Shop Supervisor
  • Costume Shop Technician
  • Dancer
  • Director
  • Dramaturgy
  • Film/Television Actor
  • Lighting Designer / Professional
  • Managing Director
  • Marketing/Public Relations Director
  • Playwright
  • Production Manager
  • Scene Shop Supervisor
  • Scenic Designer
  • Scenic Technician
  • Singer
  • Sound Designer
  • Sound Technician
  • Stage Actor
  • Stage Manager
  • Technical Director
  • Theatre Producer
  • Theatre Teacher
  • Theatrical Talent Agent
  • Video/Production Designer
  • Video/Production Technician

Accreditations

Theatre and Fine Arts
Faculty & Staff

MAIN CONTACT

Mrs. Terri L. Filips Vaughan

Terri L. Filips Vaughan
Professor

Chris

Ballard

Lecturer - Sound Design / Sound Coordinator

Phone: 716.286.8480

Email:

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Ms. Lara

Berich

Assistant Professor

Phone: 716.286.8685

Email:

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Steven

Braddock

Artistic Director Theatre
Director
Instructor - Acting

Phone: 716.286.8329

Email:

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Jayson

Clark

Lecturer - Lighting Design / Lighting Designer

Phone: 716.286.8480

Email:

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Julia

Cordani

Instructor - Voice

Phone: 716.286.8480

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Jessica

DiPalma

Faculty Fellow and Director, Art History with Museum Studies

Phone: 716.286.8367

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Teodoro

Dragonieri

Adjunct Faculty, Physical Theatre

Phone: 716.286.8480

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Mr. David

Dwyer

Associate Professor

Phone: 716.286.8485

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Mrs. Terri L.

Filips Vaughan

Professor

Phone: 716.286.8489

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Adriano J.

Gatto

Artist in Residence

Phone: 716.286.8481

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