The Department of Theatre, Dance and Film at Franklin & Marshall College combines artistic practice with scholarly inquiry, inspiring students to engage simultaneously in craft and context, creativity and critical thinking. We believe in fostering a healthy atmosphere of artistic inquiry, creative exploration, and intellectual rigor. We are committed to understanding the social and historical roots from which contemporary work springs. We believe deeply in exploring the interdisciplinary links between theatre, dance, and film, and in the value of studying these subjects within the liberal arts context of the college.

Central to our programs in theatre, dance, and film is the development of the creative artist and artist/scholar through critical study and regular practice. Theatre studies courses allow the student to explore classical Greek and Roman theatre, centuries of English and American drama, modern and contemporary world theatre, to name just a few topics. Courses in acting, directing, and playwriting take students from the basics through more advanced studies in voice and speech, movement, and modern performance. Those interested in "behind the scenes" aspects of theatre, dance, and film will also find classes in scenery, costume, and lighting, designed to motivate students to develop their own unique creative process while emulating practices most commonly used in the profession.Our dance majors are versed in contemporary world dance techniques; improvisation and choreography; history, theory, and cultural studies; experiential anatomy and kinesiology; and performance. Our students in film are given a broad historical and international background in film and visual media, where they develop a familiarity with the formal properties of film and visual media, forge critical and analytical tools for the study of film and visual media, and begin to ask meaningful questions of the film and visual media by seeing them as manifestations of culture in a historical context. We also provide the opportunity for students to produce media works similar to those under study. The academic experience continues beyond the classroom with direct involvement in season productions and a lively group of student-run clubs and associations respond to current interests in dance/movement, film/filmmaking, and theatre arts.

Taking chances and risking failure intensify learning. In our department we create a safe forum in which students are free to experiment and critically examine the results. Although majors and minors will be equipped to proceed to graduate and professional schools in theatre, dance, and film, our program is primarily directed toward those interested in studying theatre, dance and film as interpretive and communicative tools and as vital artistic phenomena.