Learning at UC Santa Barbara extends far beyond the classroom. The Department of Theater and Dance is home to nationally recognized programs that connect students with professional artists, groundbreaking creative work, community engagement, and global performance opportunities. From developing new plays and performing with professional dance companies to reimagining Shakespeare, engaging in transformative community-based theater, and participating in conversations with leading scholars and artists, these signature programs provide students with hands-on experiences that define a UCSB education. Together, they reflect the department's commitment to artistic excellence, innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact both on campus and beyond.
LAUNCH PAD
Creating the Next Great American Play
Under the artisitic direction of Risa Brainin for over 20 years, LAUNCH PAD has been a nationally recognized new play development program where students collaborate with professional artists to bring new works to life.
SANTA BARBARA
DANCE THEATER
Bridging professional performance and student discovery through the power of contemporary dance
Santa Barbara Dance Theater is a nationally recognized contemporary dance company in residence at UCSB under the direction of Brandon Whited, inspiring audiences and emerging artists through performance, collaboration, and education.
UCSB DANCE COMPANY
Elevating student artists through performance, collaboration, and global engagement
The UCSB Dance Company is a premier student touring ensemble directed by Delila Moseley, that provides exceptional senior dance majors with professional performance opportunities, sharing their artistry with audiences locally, nationally, and internationally.
NAKED SHAKES
The Actor and the Word
Since 2006, Naked Shakes has delivered innovative, award-winning Shakespeare productions with director Irwin Appel, that immerse audiences in the power of language, performance, and theatrical imagination.
Colloquia in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies
Bringing artists and scholars together to shape the future of performance studies
The Colloquia in Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies is a distinguished lecture and performance series curated by Ninotchka Bennahum, that brings artists and scholars from around the world together to explore dance, performance, and the critical questions shaping the field.
The Odyssey Project
Transforming lives through theater, storytelling, and
shared humanity
The Odyssey Project, led by Michael Morgan, is a Theater and Community initiative that brings incarcerated youth, UCSB students, and faculty together through theater, storytelling, and creative collaboration to transform the ancient epic The Odyssey into a powerful exploration of identity, voice, and belonging.