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Theatre and Dance

 

 
 

Welcome to Theatre and Dance at Alma College

The Theatre and Dance Department is motivated by the belief that the performing arts are vital and necessary to the human experience. At their heart, theatre and dance explore the mystery and exhilaration of human relationships - the myriad aspects of our relationship to self, to each other, to our world and to larger spiritual forces. We are firmly aligned with the mission of Alma College, and uniquely positioned to cultivate and promote experiences that lead students to an outlook on life of wholeness and openness. Theatre and dance have the power to profoundly affect the development of human potential. This influence can be felt both by the participants actively engaged in the creation of a performance and by the participants actively engaged in the viewing of a performance.

We strive to teach each student not only the craft of theatre and dance, but also to inspire each student to the heights of art, which at its best is a quest for truth. A quest where truth is found not only in the results but also in the process of the journey; a process which focuses on the questions that are raised rather than only on the answers to those questions. Even though adversity and conflict are at the very core of drama, our journey is a process which demands that a community of artists strive to work collaboratively to illuminate the human experience.

This quest for truth begins with each artist’s individual contribution, continues in the collaboration of the design, technical, and rehearsal studios, and is not complete until the communal efforts of the artists are shared on a stage with the larger community with whom we have a relationship. In this vital final step of the process we must strive to present our best possible work, but we must never be afraid to take the risks to truthfully explore the questions.

The Theatre and Dance Department is committed to:

  • challenging students to aspire to high standards of excellence and reach new heights in the development of their craft and artistic growth;

  • awakening in students the importance and value of the culture, history and tradition of theatre and dance;

  • providing quality opportunities for both majors and non-majors to actively participate in all areas of production;

  • exposing students to various styles, genres and methods of performance and production;

  • preparing students with the necessary skills to pursue vocations in theatre and dance.

 

In the more than 100 years since its founding, Alma has stayed true to its roots by keeping its Scottish heritage alive. Today, Alma features a marching band clad in Kilts, a Scottish dance troupe, student pipers and its own tartan. Each year, the College hosts the Alma Highland Festival and Games, which feature traditional Scottish games and revelry.

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Faculty Profile

Carol FIke

Carol FIke
Departments: Theatre and Dance

Since coming to Alma in 1984, Carol Fike, associate professor of dance and director of the Alma College Dance Company, has developed and expanded Alma’s dance program along with enlightening the community and student body about dance appreciation. Her dedication and expertise has turned the Fall and Winter term dance concerts into huge campus and community events that are sold out well in advance.

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