Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance

05/15/2026

Summer Dance Series returns June 2nd - June 30th, 2026! These classes are open to all dancers and dance enthusiasts on campus and in the local community. There are classes for all ages and experience levels!

To learn more and to receive an email with the weekly line-up of teachers, class descriptions, directions, and maps, contact Regina Gulick at [email protected].

BOONE — The Appalachian State University Department of Theatre and Dance celebrates the return of its popular Summer Dance Series of free community classes, Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5:30 —

05/13/2026

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a Theatre or Dance major at Appalachian State University? If so, be our guest at App State's Theatre Student for a Day (TS4D) and Dance Student for a Day (DS4D)!

Student for a Day provides an opportunity for you to take or observe classes, tour our facilities, converse with faculty and staff, attend a complimentary performance, and talk with students about our various departmental programs.

Visit our website to learn more and register for our 2026/2027 dates!

https://theatreanddance.appstate.edu/students/prospective-students/register-person-visitation-events

05/12/2026

Please join us in welcoming our newest faculty member Trenton Bean.

Trent Bean is a theatrical designer, maker, and educator, whose work centers on connecting classroom learning with professional practice. He joins Appalachian State University as Scenic Designer after designing, building, and mentoring at Snow College, where he developed production-based learning environments that give students meaningful, hands-on experience in design and technical theatre.

His creative work spans academic and professional settings, including collaborations with regional theatres and summer companies such as Utah Festival Opera, Actors’ Theatre of Columbus, and Idaho State University. Collaborating with bright minds such as Trent Hanna, Dmitri Peskov, Karl Eigsti, and Petr Matasek. He remains actively engaged in the field through design work and participation in national organizations including LDI, USITT, and ACTF.

Trent’s approach to teaching emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and helping students build the skills and confidence to transition into professional and transfer-level opportunities. He is especially interested in fostering connections between students, institutions, and the broader theatrical community.

Welcome Trent!

05/09/2026

Congratulations T&D Class of 2026! We know you'll do great things!

05/06/2026

Join us in welcoming Sierra Lee our new Administrative Support Specialist.

We’re excited to welcome Sierra Lee to the CFAA community as the Department of Theatre and Dance new Administrative Support Specialist!

Originally from Charlotte and a proud graduate of the University of West Georgia, Sierra believes deeply in the power of the arts to build confidence and self-expression — a passion shaped by her own performing arts school experience.

She joined CFAA this spring and is already making a meaningful impact. When she’s not supporting our students and faculty, you can find her enjoying life in the High Country with her two cats.

05/06/2026

Retirees!

Join us in saying a heartfelt goodbye to two of our faculty who will retire this year.

Marianne Adams

We bid a fond farewell to Marianne Adams. Marianne has been teaching at Appalachian since 1982.

As a Dance Studies professor at Appalachian, she has created over thirty-five new courses in the curriculum, directed the dance program, and created the Dance Honors program.

She was a founding member of the Appalachian Expressive Arts Collective from 1996-2014, and served as an Artist in Residence at the European Graduate School for Expressive Arts in Switzerland in 2003 and 2008.

Marianne served as Chairperson of the Theatre and Dance Department from 2007-2015, and was a co-creator/director of the Appalachian Pilates Teacher Training Program from 2004-2024.

We wish her the best as she moves on to this next chapter in her life.

Keith Martin

Keith has served as the inaugural John M. Blackburn Distinguished Professor of Theatre at Appalachian State University since 2011. He has 50+ years of experience, including an Emmy Award and 450+ stage credits, in addition to his roles in arts management, directing, and advocacy. He is highly recognized for his contributions to the arts, including leadership in professional theatre, dance, and community engagement initiatives.

Prior to coming tom AppState, Keith served as Managing Director of the Richmond Ballet and Producer/Managing Director for Charlotte Repertory Theatre. In his career, Keith has worked with industry celebrities like Tony Kushner and Olympia Dukakis. Beyond the stage, he is a seasoned lobbyist and consultant, having secured significant state funding for the arts and served on the boards of organizations like the ACLU, VLA, and the League of Resident Theatres.

Keith currently chairs the board of the historic Appalachian Theatre in Boone, where he headed up a $10 million restoration project. However, I think we know him best for his 38 week long trips to NYC involving 665 students and a dozen faculty, which has been a transformative experience for many of our Appalachian Theatre and Dance Majors.

We wish Keith the best in his retirement.

04/11/2026

Happily ever after… with a twist!

Join us next week for Once Upon A Mattress, a hilarious and heartwarming production that flips the classic “Princess and the Pea” tale on its head! 👑💫

Follow the bold and unconventional Princess Winnifred as she faces outrageous royal challenges, a not-so-subtle queen, and a kingdom ready for love and laughter. With catchy songs, quirky characters, and nonstop fun, this is a show you won’t want to miss!

🎙️ Want a behind-the-scenes preview? Check out our recent interview with High Country Radio to hear more about the show, the cast, and what makes this production so special:
https://soundcloud.com/user-324091400/once-upon-a-mattress?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing&si=234cea28f1b646eca7b98b5f97fa8d06

📅 Performances: April 15–19
📍 Valborg Theatre
🎟️ Get your tickets and learn more here:
https://schaefercenter.appstate.edu/event/once-upon-a-mattress/

Bring your friends, your family, and your sense of humor! Support the arts with us!

03/31/2026

https://youtu.be/QUFSZsrQFw0?si=EYkm_PVvcdVk1Oyp

Follow Dance Studies major, Elsie Currie, as her choreography and cast prepare for their performance at the Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble.

03/26/2026

Consider Donating to the Department of Theatre and Dance at AppState!

03/26/2026

Today is AppState Giving Day!
Please considering donating to the Department of Theatre and Dance. We have four exciting challenge grants that we need your help to unlock. See the links below:

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/60465/donations/new?designation=theatreanddance

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/60465/donations/new?designation=frankcmohlerendowedtechnicaltheatrescholarship

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/60465/donations/new?designation=thetleechildrenstheatreendowedscholarship

https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/60465/donations/new?designation=theatreanddance

03/24/2026

The Spring Appalachian Dance Ensemble is running through May 25 - May 29th with both student and faculty choreographers🌸🌟

Get an exclusive look with Chris Yon, Emily Daughtridge, and Elsie in their High Country Radio interview to hear what’s in store for this year’s showcase.

Click here to listen to the interview: https://soundcloud.com/user-324091400/appalachian-state-theater?si=23098fa68eb444b3b9e0ed98905aa6ca&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing