The Stage & Symphony: UMich SMTD Unveiled
An immersive exploration of the University of Michigan's School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, detailing its rich history, diverse programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and renowned alumni.
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Overview
A Premier Performing Arts School
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) is the dedicated institution for the performing arts at the University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs, fostering talent across music, theatre, and dance disciplines.
Established Legacy
Founded in 1880 as the Ann Arbor School of Music, SMTD has a long-standing tradition of excellence. It was formally integrated into the University of Michigan in 1929, evolving into a leading center for performing arts education.
North Campus Hub
SMTD is situated on the University of Michigan's North Campus, a vibrant academic hub that also houses the College of Engineering, the Stamps School of Art and Design, and the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.
History
Origins and Growth
The school's inception in 1880 was driven by Henry Simmons Frieze, who advocated for music to be a core offering. Initially independent, it became formally part of the University of Michigan in 1929 under the directorship of Earl V. Moore. This integration marked a significant step in its development into a comprehensive performing arts institution.
Leadership and Evolution
Throughout its history, SMTD has been guided by distinguished deans and administrators, including Charles Sink, Earl V. Moore, Allen Britton, Paul Boylan, Karen Wolff, Christopher Kendall, Aaron Dworkin, and the current dean, David Gier. Each leader has contributed to the school's growth and reputation.
Notable Alumni
Theatre and Film
SMTD boasts an impressive roster of alumni who have achieved prominence in theatre and film:
Music Luminaries
The school has nurtured world-class musicians across various genres:
Performance Training
Productions
SMTD annually stages numerous productions, offering students extensive hands-on experience:
Ensembles
Students participate in a wide array of university ensembles, providing diverse performance opportunities:
Specialized Ensembles
Javanese Gamelan
SMTD hosts one of the United States' longest-established Javanese gamelan ensembles, Kyai Telaga Madu. Active since 1966, it offers students exposure to Indonesian performance styles and is housed in a dedicated facility, forming part of the Stearns Collection of Musical Instruments.
Bands
The University Bands program provides central performance and training for instrumentalists. It includes the prestigious Symphony Band and Concert Band, as well as the renowned Michigan Marching Band. Auditions are open to students across all U-M campuses and majors.
Orchestras
Students engage with large orchestral ensembles, including the University Symphony Orchestra, University Philharmonia Orchestra, and the Contemporary Directions Ensemble. Pit orchestras for opera productions and two Campus Orchestras (open to non-music majors) further enrich performance opportunities.
Student Organizations
Arts Enterprise
This initiative empowers students to create projects and foster connections within the cultural spheres, both locally and internationally. It supports student-driven artistic endeavors.
Basement Arts
A student-run group enabling students to direct, produce, and star in studio productions. It is particularly known for showcasing student-written works, such as the popular "A Very Potter Musical."
MUSKET
Founded in 1908, MUSKET (Musical Comedy Guild) stages two large-scale musical productions annually, managed entirely by students. Recent productions include "Rent," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying," and "Into the Woods."
U-M Gilbert and Sullivan Society
This society focuses on main stage productions of operettas, primarily works by Gilbert and Sullivan, but also exploring other theatrical pieces, providing students with experience in operatic performance.
Facilities
North Campus Venues
SMTD's primary facilities are located on North Campus, including the Earl V. Moore Building, Stearns Building, Walgreen Drama Center, and the Dance Building. These spaces house studios, rehearsal halls, classrooms, offices, and performance venues like the Arthur Miller Theater and Stamps Auditorium.
Earl V. Moore Building
Designed by architect Eero Saarinen, this mid-century modern building is central to SMTD's operations. It contains extensive teaching studios, practice rooms, a library, and rehearsal/concert halls. Its design harmonizes with nature and has influenced subsequent North Campus architecture.
Central Campus Venues
SMTD also utilizes iconic central campus facilities such as Hill Auditorium, the Power Center, and Burton Memorial Tower, providing students access to world-class performance spaces.
Departments & Programs
Music Disciplines
SMTD offers extensive programs in various music fields, from performance and composition to education and theory, at Bachelor's, Master's, Specialist, and Doctoral levels.
Dance
The Department of Dance offers Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees, alongside a minor in Dance, providing rigorous training and creative exploration.
Theatre & Drama
The Department of Theatre & Drama provides BFA degrees in Theatre Performance (Acting, Directing), Theatre Design and Production, and Interarts Performance, as well as a Bachelor of Theatre Arts (BTA) and minors in Playwriting and Design & Production.
Entrepreneurship & Leadership
This department offers a Certificate in Arts Entrepreneurship & Leadership and a Minor in Performing Arts Management & Entrepreneurship, equipping students with essential business and leadership skills for the arts industry.
Performing Arts Technology
Programs include BM in Music and Technology, BFA in Performing Arts Technology, BS in Sound Engineering, MA in Media Arts, and a PhD in Performing Arts Technology, focusing on the intersection of technology and the arts.
Key Initiatives
Michigan Performance Outreach Workshop (MPOW)
Founded by students, MPOW coordinates events bringing K-12 students from Southeast Michigan to campus for arts workshops and performances, aiming to provide arts exposure to underserved youth. They also engage in community service performances.
The Gershwin Initiative
A partnership with the Gershwin family to create new critical editions of George and Ira Gershwin's works. This initiative aims to bring their music to students, scholars, and audiences globally through scholarly editions and performances.
EXCEL Program
Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Career Empowerment, and Leadership (EXCEL) provides career coaching, workshops, and funding for student projects, including venture incubation and an annual prize, fostering entrepreneurial skills in arts graduates.
Center for World Performance Studies (CWPS)
Established to study and promote global performance traditions, CWPS has transitioned through various university units and is now part of SMTD, continuing its mission to explore diverse cultural performance practices.
Research & Institutes
American Music Institute
Dedicated to the study and promotion of American music, this institute supports research, publications, and performance related to the diverse musical heritage of the United States.
Consumer Sentiment Index
While not directly SMTD, the University of Michigan is renowned for its Surveys of Consumers, which produce the influential Consumer Sentiment Index, reflecting broader economic research conducted at the university.
Other Research Centers
SMTD is associated with various research centers and initiatives, including the U-M Amerigrove Project, the Gershwin Initiative, and the EXCEL program, fostering interdisciplinary research and innovation in the arts.
University Context
University Structure
SMTD is one of many esteemed schools and colleges within the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. It operates alongside institutions like the College of Engineering, Ross School of Business, and the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts.
Athletics and Traditions
The University of Michigan is widely recognized for its successful athletic programs, the Michigan Wolverines. Key traditions and venues, such as Michigan Stadium and the Michigan Marching Band, are integral to the university's identity.
Campus Landmarks
The university's campuses feature numerous significant landmarks, including Angell Hall, Hill Auditorium, the Michigan Union, and various museums like the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.
Teacher's Corner
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References
References
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not official advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional academic, artistic, or administrative consultation. Always refer to the official University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance website and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.