Experiential Learning

Four walls can’t contain an entire education. That’s why, at Richmond, most students extend their educations by participating in experiential learning opportunities. They’re the chance to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world, either via research, an internship or studying abroad.

Internships

The Department of Theatre and Dance offers students one to three hours of academic credit when students find practical applications of theatre and dance in a supervised, off-campus work environment.

All internships are offered on a pass/fail basis and do not count toward the major or minor. One hour of credit is granted for 50 hours of approved on-the-job work. No more than six hours may be counted for credit in the department, and no more than 12 hours can be counted for credit across all departments. Summer internships require registration and payment of fees for summer school.

Students must secure a faculty member to supervise the internship. The professor reviews the student’s activity log, which is turned in weekly, and assigns a paper that details the academic principles and skills that the student utilized in the workplace. At the conclusion of the internship, the student’s supervisor sends the faculty member a letter indicating that the student has completed the internship successfully.

Students interested in internships in theatre and dance should contact the Career Development Center. There are also several student employment opportunities available in the department and at the Modlin Center each semester. Students should contact the Student Employment Office to explore part-time, on-campus employment opportunities.

Study Abroad

The University of Richmond was recently recognized as the “Hottest College for International Studies” and it’s no wonder. Nearly 70 percent of students study abroad. Often, their travels inspire a major thesis topic and lead to more in-depth research upon their return to Richmond. Theatre and dance students should plan their studies carefully, consulting with the Office of International Education and their major advisor early so they don’t miss critical classes or performances.

For information on studying abroad, visit the Office of International Education.