In 1975 the University of Florida established a separate College of Fine Arts, providing the foundation for the leading-edge innovations in arts practice and education in today's School of Theatre and Dance.
In 1994, UF became the degree-granting institution for New World School of the Arts (NWSA) students earning the Bachelor of Fine Arts, which provides opportunities for Theatre and Dance student exchange and artistic collaboration. In 1997, the BFA in dance performance was created as a joint degree between NWSA and UF.
In 2000, the School of Theatre and Dance reinvigorated its MFA in Design/Technology, elevating the production qualities of all School mainstage performances. Meanwhile, major initiatives distinguish School of Theatre and Dance degree programs in the arenas of the arts in relation to international and diversity issues, healthcare, and digital technology. These include the International Production Program, founded in 1990, the Center for World Arts, founded in 1996, the Center for Arts, Healthcare, Research and Education, founded in 1998, and the Digital World Institute, founded in 2000 as a collaborative venture between the College of Engineering and the College of Fine Arts.
The Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion
The Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion, a 46,000-square foot facility, is the home of the college’s School of Theatre and Dance, the renovated 415-seat Constans Theatre and a 200-seat Black Box Theatre. The exquisitely beautiful building features a soaring glass atrium at its center which is surrounded by classrooms; three dance and four acting studios; large scene and costume shops with natural lighting; computer, design and lighting labs; physical therapy and dressings rooms; and offices for faculty and staff.
Harp of Color
The most striking feature of the Nadine McGuire Theatre and Dance Pavilion is the three-story atrium that provides natural lighting and an open invitation to all who enter the building. The space is graced with public art created by San Francisco-based artist Shan Shan Sheng. Harp of Color, Sheng's installation in the McGuire Pavilion draws visitors into the space with its colorful glass forms, some of which represent instruments used in the performing arts.
Theatres
Constans Theatre
Named for H.P. Constans, founder of Florida Players, this 18- by 40-foot flexible apron theatre is used as the mainstage, or primary producing space for the School of Theatre and Dance. It seats 415, was renovated in 2004, and is easily adaptable to meet the school’s production needs.
Black Box
At 3,600 square feet, the Black Box is an innovative, flexible performance space able to seat an audience of approximately 200. The space is properly equipped with lighting system, sound system, rigging capabilities, draperies, dance floor, and accessibility for scenery and Dance Studios making it useful for a variety of performances.
Studios
Dance Studios
The McGuire Pavilion features three dance studios: one premier studio (4,600 square feet) which is converted each semester into the schools dance theatre to highlight the choreography of our Dance Area in the BFA Dance Showcase, as well as two additional studios (2,400 square feet and 1,800 square feet) for dance instruction and rehearsals. These dance studios have sprung floors, mirrors, barres, and are illuminated by cascades of natural light.
Acting Studios
The McGuire Pavilion features the Miles C. Wilken Acting Studio (1,527 square feet), the Stephen Root Acting Studio (980 square feet) and two additional studios (892 and 980 square feet) for instruction and rehearsals. These spaces have shock-absorbing seamless flooring and full acoustical treatment of walls and ceilings.
Costume Studio
The studio is a professional-quality lab for the construction of costumes for the Theatre and Dance program, complete with the latest equipment for design and execution of hundreds of costumes each season.
Pilates Studio
This studio contains physical therapy equipment including a Stott Pilates Reformer, the major apparatus for the Pilates System. The room has access to ice for injury treatments as well as hydrotherapy equipment.
Scenic Studio
Is a professional, quality studio used to create and build all of the scenic elements and properties for the Schools busy production season.
Labs and workshops
Design Labs
Two teaching labs serve the scene design, lighting design, costume design, and costume technology programs.
Computer Labs
Students and faculty use two state-of-the-art computer labs for instruction, production design, and theatre and dance research projects.
Light Lab
A state-of-the-art lighting lab for the exploration and teaching of the latest lighting techniques is equipped with the most recent instrumentation and lighting design software available.
