You are a mover. You dream of creating, performing, and shaping the next generation of dancers. At
Winthrop University, our comprehensive dance program nurtures that vision. You’ll
train in diverse dance techniques with focused instruction in contemporary, jazz,
and ballet.
Our curriculum extends beyond technique, immersing you in courses such as Choreography,
Dance History, Pedagogy, and Improvisation.
About the Program
Located near the vibrant Charlotte metropolitan area, Winthrop offers dancers unparalleled
access to a wide range of professional opportunities including commercial work, dance
companies, studios, and K–12 education. With small class sizes and individualized mentorship, our program delivers the kind
of personal attention often missing in larger institutions. Here, you’ll perform,
choreograph, teach, and grow - emerging as a well-rounded artist fully prepared to
step confidently into the professional dance world.
The department presents five main stage productions (three in theatre, two in dance),
two student choreography showcases, and many studio dance/theatre productions and
other informal performances each year!
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Admission: $10 with Winthrop ID | $15 General Admission
*Cultural Event
Book by Rachel Sheinkin, score by William Finn
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is buzzing into town! Winner of the Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, this wildly funny, fast-paced musical follows six quirky kids as they compete for the ultimate glory: spelling bee champion. But they soon learn that winning isn’t everything—and losing doesn’t mean you’re a loser. With a heartwarming and hilarious book by Rachel Sheinkin and an unforgettable, offbeat score by the late William Finn, this show will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even spelling along. Don’t miss this charming, clever, and downright delightful Broadway hit!
11.05 - 11.08 | 7:30 p.m. 11.09 | 2 p.m. Johnson Studio Theatre, Johnson Hall
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 general public
*Cultural Event
By Daniel Prillaman
When a supervisor's shocking loss sends ripples through the office, employees Two, Three, and Four must navigate a surreal maze of promotions and new hires amid deep personal turmoil. With razor-sharp wit and dark humor, this play exposes the absurdity of modern work life. Prillaman’s bold play redefines grief, loss, and the relentless pace of corporate culture!
**Content Warning: Depiction and discussion of suicide, sexual misconduct.
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 general public
A lively, entertaining and eclectic mix of one-act plays directed by advanced theatre students. This production contains mature content language and may not be suitable for children.
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 general public
*Cultural Event
A full evening of works in a variety of genres. This year's concert will showcase pieces choreographed by faculty and senior dance majors for their capstone experience.
02.25 - 02.28 | 7:30 p.m. Special Outreach Performance: 02.27 | 10 a.m. 03.01 | 2 p.m. Johnson Theatre, Johnson Hall
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $10 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public
*Cultural Event
This bold adaptation of the first play published by an African American follows Cato, a complicit "house slave," and Glen and Melinda, two enslaved lovers, who risk everything for freedom. Dr. Marvin McAllister brings new life to William Wells Brown’s powerful mix of melodrama, minstrelsy, and anti-slavery oration. Rich with historical insight and infused with modern music--from bluegrass to bounce, gospel to big beat--The Escape offers a rare look at slavery and resistance from a contemporary perspective—urgent, unforgettable, and triumphant.
The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged)
03.04 - 03.07 | 7:30 p.m. 03.08 | 2 p.m. Johnson Studio Theatre, Johnson Hall
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $10 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public
*Cultural Event
By Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield
For their inaugural residency production, Free Reign Theatre takes us on an irreverent, fast-paced romp through all 37 of the Bard’s plays – plus the sonnets – in just 90 minutes.
Three actors tackle comedies, tragedies, and histories with a mix of clever parody, pop culture, improvisation, and more than a little chaos. No Shakespeare expertise needed—just a sense of humor. Whether you're a seasoned theatergoer or a curious first-timer, this madcap mashup delivers big laughs and even bigger energy.
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $10 with Winthrop ID, $15 general public
*Cultural Event
By Henrick Ibsen
Truth. Power. Consequences. A town’s future hangs in the balance when a water contamination crisis is uncovered—and two brothers find themselves on opposite sides. One is determined to speak the truth. The other is determined to silence it.
This explosive political drama dives deep into the cost of integrity, the weight of public opinion, and the dangers of unchecked power. More than a century after its debut, Ibsen’s masterpiece feels more relevant than ever: “Startling how current the play’s ideas feel” (The New York Times), “A play so necessary, exhilarating to experience” (The Village Voice). Experience the urgency. Feel the impact.
Coordinated by Winthrop University Department of Theatre & Dance
Tickets: $5 with Winthrop ID, $10 general public
*Cultural Event
An evening of selected works by students, faculty, and guest artists. Come see an eclectic showcase of the best of the year's dancing in the Department of Theatre and Dance. A variety of dance styles will be featured.
The dance program at Winthrop University prepares students for careers and future
study in dance by fostering their aesthetic, technical, intellectual, and creative
development within the context of a liberal arts education. In order to achieve this
mission, the program provides students with opportunities to participate in studio-based
practices and explorations as well as performance and other relevant educational offerings.
The program serves both the university and local community in enhancing their knowledge
of the discipline of dance from a holistic perspective, including the political, historical,
cultural, and technological events that have contributed to its evolution.
To provide a developmentally sequenced curriculum of studio and theory courses that
exposes dance majors and minors to a breadth of skills, knowledge, and critical thinking.
To nurture artistic leadership in students through opportunities to perform, choreograph,
teach, design, stage manage, participate in internships, and be involved in professional
organizations.
To promote collaborative experiences that develop students' communication skills,
appreciation of diversity, and adaptability to change in all artistic and interdisciplinary
endeavors.
To prepare students for successful careers as educational leaders in public and private
K-12 education.
All motor vehicles parked on the campus or any property owned by Winthrop University,
which are driven by faculty/staff or students must be registered with the Winthrop
University Police Department and bear either a regular parking permit or a temporary
parking permit. Visitors to Winthrop University that desire to park on university
property for a limited time must register their vehicle with the Winthrop University
Police Department. Temporary or Visitor parking permits can be obtained
online either before or upon arriving on campus.
