Do you want to learn circus skills? Are you taking clowning seriously? Do you feel called to a career in the performance arts?  Do you wish to earn a bachelor’s degree focused on physical practices? – if your answers are yes to all of these questions, East Tennessee State University has a solution for you.   The Department of Theatre and Dance at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), nestled in the scenic Appalachian Highlands of the United States, now introduces an exhilarating new addition to their program: the Physical Theatre Concentration.

Tailored for undergraduate students, the Physical Theatre Concentration presents an intriguing avenue to explore theatrical practices grounded in physicality, expressive movement, and imaginative play. Drawing inspiration from diverse disciplines like theatre, dance, and circus arts, this concentration offers a spectrum of coursework anda rich curriculum.

Students delve into a range of offerings including Commedia Dell’Arte, Modern Clowning, Aerial Dance, Tight Wire, Modern Dance, Dance Improvisation, and Dance Composition. These courses offer a comprehensive understanding of varied physical theatre techniques. Emphasizing hands-on experiences, students actively participate in the department’s productions, showcases, and community performances. Opportunities span script-based plays, musicals, devised performances, cabarets, dance recitals, and even hospital clowning initiatives.

This comprehensive training, rooted in liberal arts principles, emphasizes lifelong learning, career development, and collaborative artistry. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and affiliated with the American Circus Educators Association, the program maintains low student-teacher ratios, ensuring high-quality education and fostering safe, supportive learning environments. Graduates have excelled in diverse roles as performers, educators, and designers in the professional field.

“Circus practices and techniques are an intrinsic part of the Physical Theatre curriculum,” shares Ante Ursić,Head of Physical Theatre Concentration. “For example, students can take courses in tight wire technique, aerial dance, and clowning. In our devising course, students create their own acts and shows. Having so many circus-related activities integrated into a BA degree is quite unique. Additionally, enrolled students are eligible for scholarships and financial aid, mitigating some of the financial burden that is common among circus programs in the United States.” 

Ursić also highlighted that “the ETSU Department of Theatre and Dance gives its students a comprehensive understanding of the performance arts. While obtaining a degree in a liberal arts setting, students learn fundamentals in stage and costume design, makeup, light design, and theatre production. In so doing, students gain knowledge that helps them succeed in various performance contexts.”

Ursić added that the program prepares students for careers in the performing arts by offering many performance opportunities and comprehensive coursework. “Students engage in a variety of both on and off-stage experiences. We create four stage productions annually, incorporating students from all of our concentrations. For example, an aerial dance act might be part of a musical or a straight play. This interdisciplinary experience is tremendously fruitful for students as they learn to think beyond their discipline. In addition, students can participate in community performances at the public library and perform their acts in collaboration with the music department.  We are also fortunate to collaborate with our local children’s hospital in hospital clowning. Lastly, students learn how to craft grant proposals, create a professional webpage, and write both resumes and artistic statements in pursuit of their personal artistic visions.”

The Physical Theatre Concentration regularly hosts acclaimed artists from circus, puppetry, mime, and performance art genres. Past visiting artists include renowned groups like Bread and Puppet (Vermont), Circus Amok (New York), Teatro de la Vuelta (Ecuador/ France), and Oncogrrrls (Spain).

In addition to robust course offerings and international collaborations with institutions like theUniversity of Quito in Ecuador and theCircusDanceFestival in Cologne, Germany, our students can expand their horizons through studying abroad and gaining invaluable global experiences.

Furthering their skills, students engage in a weekly circus lab, honing techniques like rola bola, juggling, stilt walking, and mastering the walking globe. Additionally, they leverageaffiliations with regional, state, and national associations to apply and enrich their learned skills.

East Tennessee State University offersaffordable tuition,scholarships, financial aid, and Federal Work-Study programs for incoming students. Interested applicants should mark their calendars with the application deadlines: March 1st for scholarships, and April 15th for financial aid priority.

Main image: Photo@Ron Campbell