Department of Theatre Arts
Department of Theatre Arts
An internationally acclaimed leader and producer of artistic merit. Featuring internationally celebrated faculty engaging the African Diaspora and the World.
Campus-Wide Announcements
University Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
The University continues to closely monitor the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, as additional cases are confirmed in the United States and other countries. The University continues to formulate and adjust its plans as needed.
A Welcome Letter from our Interim Chair: Dr. Ofosuwa M. Abiola
Welcome to the Department of Theatre Arts
You have made a life altering choice by majoring in Theatre Arts at Howard University. The Theatre Arts Department is known for its illustrious alumni, historical relevance, and for providing students the opportunity to engage up and coming and established renowned guest artists. Once involved with our dedicated faculty and modern-day, culturally relevant programming, our success in producing skilled, grounded performers, triple threats, theatre administrators, and technical theatre practitioners will be apparent. With a history of over a century, and distinction as the first HBCU to offer a BFA degree, Howard’s Department of Theatre Arts will continue to lead as an artist incubator and producer of cutting-edge artists who are not afraid to step out of the box. From Felicia Rashad, Chuck Davis, and Debbie Allen, to Chadwick Bozeman, Anthony Anderson, and many others in-between and beyond, Howard’s footprint in the Acting, Dance, and the Musical Theatre world is significant.
With academic year 2020-2021 being marked by the historical events of the Black Lives Matter Movement, the Covid-19 Pandemic, and all online instruction for a virtually hands-on discipline, students will be challenged to rise to the occasion. They will have to embrace the understanding that some changes made as a result of these historic events will be with us for years to come – and some may never leave. However, while navigating the Theatre Arts program students will quickly come to the realization that these realities are nonfactors with regard to their growth and ultimate achievement of excellence.
Remember, the most important event to occur this academic year is that you have decided to join a list of luminaries by choosing Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts.
In Truth and Service,
Dr. Ofosuwa M. Abiola,
Ofosuwa M. Abiola, PhD
Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
The Department of Theatre Arts in association with the Cathy Hughes School of Communications presents The Story of 1875!
Young Playwrights’ Theater In Residency at Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts
Young Playwrights’ Theater (YPT) Presents
Silence is Violence: The Future of the Field
A Devised Virtual Performance Directed by YPT Artistic Director Farah Lawal Harris
In Residency at Howard University’s Department of Theatre Arts
October 2020 - March 2021
Young Playwrights’ Theater (YPT)
H.U. Dance Arts Interdisciplinary Project with Hope Boykin
Howard University Alumni | Principle Dancer Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater & Emerging Choreographer To Watch Rachel Harris
Howard University Dance Arts is proud to welcome back H.U. Alumna Ms. Hope Boykin to serve as Artistic Advisor and Guest Choreographer for the H.U. Dance Arts 2021 Virtual Spring Concert. Hope recently completed 18 years with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In addition to creating new breathtaking choreographic work on students within the department, Hope will be bringing her expertise as a well-traveled and accomplished professional dancer, choreographer, educator and producer to the Dance Arts program. Ms. Boykin will also be teaching a scholastically driven interdisciplinary Composition Course to promising juniors and seniors that involves an advanced approach and breakdown of choreography, choreographic research, history, and dance on film. Current technology for the class includes hands on computer software and equipment enhancing video quality, editing, and design techniques.
The Howard University Dance Arts 2021 Virtual Spring Concert will also include new choreographic work from emerging choreographer and current Parsons Dance Company member Rachel Harris. Ms. Harris is a graduate of the USC Glorya Kaufman School of Dance with a choreographic voice ready to be heard. The H.U. Dance Arts 2021 Spring Concert is a 3-day event that will also include talk backs, panel discussions and talented student choreography chosen to be showcased within the festivities. Ms. Boykin and Ms. Harris are supported by The International Association of Blacks in Dance and Friends of Theatre and Dance at Howard University.
HU DANCE ARTS
SPRING 2021 GUEST ARTISTS
The Dance Arts Program continues their guest artist series with
Tracy M. Vogt
LauraBethany Strong
Shaness D. Kemp &
Janine N. Beckles
To Learn More About These Artists Click Here!FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Congratulations to Tony Starnes!
Tony Starnes serves on staff at Howard University's Department of Theatre Arts. His professional career allows him to bring real-world experience and knowledge to our students and departmental season.
For the latest about the 2020 Helen Hayes Awards and more visit here!
VISIT OUR SPOTLIGHT PAGES!
Alumni Spotlight!
Celebrating the work of our esteemed alum
Student Spotlight!
Recognizing our hard working student artists
Faculty Spotlight!
Honoring the achievements of our distinguished faculty
ALUM! WE WANT TO HERE FROM YOU. SHARE YOUR LATEST NEWS AND PROJECTS; UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION.
Complete the form here.
Major and Concentrations
Learn more about the concentrations we offer within the Department of Theatre Arts.
https://theatrearts.howard.edu/concentrationsCONTACT US
Lulu Vere Childers Hall (Fine Arts)
Department of Theatre Arts
2455 Sixth Street N.W., Suite 1044
Washington, D.C. 20059
202-806-7050 T
202-806-9193 F
Janet Johnson, Administrative Aid
Email: jljohnson@howard.edu