University of South Florida

School of Theatre & Dance

College of the Arts

Career Development

The University of South Florida and the School of Theatre & Dance provide a range of resources to support your personal and professional development. In addition to the following, check out our Why Study Here page to discover what else you can achieve at USF.

Work with Renowned Faculty and Guest Artists

Our students are able to enhance their education and training because of our expert faculty. With a passion for dance and theatre cemented by years of experience in the fields, our faculty guide and challenge students to help you grow and reach your goals.

In addition, our dance and theatre programs offer you the opportunity to work with and be mentored by accomplished guest artists from the United States and abroad. Theatre students learn from professionals who will broaden your creative techniques in directing, acting, playwriting, lighting design, costume design, set design, and more. Dance students experience a wide range of exciting and challenging repertories while working with different dance artists and choreographers.

Make Your Own Production

Production opportunities embedded into our curriculum provide practical experience working with professional theatre and dance artists. Students at USF also have the opportunity to take part in productions that are entirely student-made. The Student Dance Production Board choreographs, performs, and manages the annual Student Dance Concert. The Student Theatre Production Board writes, designs, directs, and acts in two to three fully-realized shows every year, which they stage in the on-campus Theatre Centre’s blackbox theatre.

Access USF Resources

Career Services
They provide career fairs, employer events, and graduate and professional school fairs to help you explore different career options. You can also attend a series of workshops to learn more about the job search process, getting ready for job interviews, and more.

Academic Success Center
Offers a Tutoring Hub where you can receive tutoring assistance in a variety of subjects, and a Writing Studio where you can schedule free appointments with writing consultants and review your drafts.

Office of Undergraduate Research
Equips you with the know-how and support to conduct an inquiry in your field. The process of research assists you in forming skills and capabilities that employers seek: critical thinking, communication, collaboration, professionalism, etc.  

DanceUSF Professional Development

All dance majors at USF take an Entry Seminar and Dance Senior Seminar, where you explore career opportunities in dance. The courses help you gain a comprehensive overview of what you can do with your degree after graduation.

Specialized Study

Our curriculum emphasizes student-centered learning. Explore various areas of interest and meet your professional and personal goals. Combine your passion for dance with a strong liberal arts education that will broaden your employment opportunities.

Performance: Develop technical proficiency in ballet and modern dance through four progressive levels of classes. Hone your performance artistry through regular dance concerts and shows. Students wanting to intensify their training can pursue the Advanced Dance Studies Certificate.

Choreography: Four progressive levels of choreography and a course on dance improvisation equip you with the principles and practice of composing body movements.

Dance Education: The dance pedagogy sequence of courses teaches you how to design a dance curriculum for middle/high school students. It includes an internship for you to apply your training and gain real-world experience.

Dance Studies: Dance Studies majors will complete an independent research project to help them: 1) explore and identify their specific interests within dance and interdisciplinary fields; 2) apply the tools and methodologies used in dance research; 3) prepare for professional careers in research, education and other related disciplines.

Dance Medicine and Science: This certificate program enables you to acquire specialized knowledge and training in the health, wellness and injury prevention of dancers.

TheatreUSF Professional Development

USF Theatre provides the aspiring theatre professionals focused study in performance, design, or theatre arts within a comprehensive core curriculum. Practical experience working on productions enables you to develop your skills and confidence. Guidance from faculty and guest artists further enriches your education so you can fulfill your potential.

Special programs augment the theatre curriculum. The British International Theatre Program, the John W. Holloway Endowment, and Macy’s Visiting Artist Endowment provide exciting opportunities. Aspiring playwrights delve deep into their craft and pen pieces for a staged reading series through the Lily Dishman Playwriting Program.

  • Students meeting recruiters at a job fair.

    USF Career Services

    USF Career Services helps students prepare for life after USF through services such as job search coaching, career fairs, workshops, job boards, and more.

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  • Work-study student checking people in at a desk.

    USF Student Employment

    For students interested in working at USF while taking classes, locate job opportunities and resources to aid in finding on-campus part-time work and federal work study positions.

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  • Graduate Assistant directing a musical performance.

    USF Graduate Assistantships

    Colleges and departments at USF award graduate assistantships to qualified students on a competitive basis, contributing to your professional development.

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