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Dakota Wesleyan University

Performing Arts

The DWU Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Music and Theatre welcomes you to a place where the passion for music and theatre is celebrated.
Purchase tickets, become a supporter, and learn more about DWU music
and theatre programs.

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Schedule of Events

Live theatre, vocal music, unique instrumental groups . . . get ready for an unforgettable season of captivating performances and extraordinary talent.

Enjoy one of the many upcoming performances firsthand. Throughout the year, DWU hosts musical and theatre performances, we invite you to join us.

Purchase Tickets

Live theatre, vocal music, unique instrumental groups ... DWU has it all! 

Throughout the year, DWU hosts musical and theatre performances that require tickets. Make your purchase easily through our secure online portal. Tickets may also be available at the door, prior to the performance. 

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Become a Friend of the Performing Arts. 

The DWU Friends of the Performing Arts is a society of music and theatre supporters organized to raise funds for music and theatre scholarships. These funds allow the DWU directors to offer scholarship opportunities to music and theatre students, as well as provide opportunities to purchase new instruments and equipment. 

Membership benefits include recognition in printed performance programs, exclusive newsletters, DWU merchandise discounts and performance passes. 

Your support matters. Give now to DWU Performing Arts.

Music Opportunities

Share Your Melody

Are you considering enrolling at DWU? Singers and instrumentalists of all talent levels are welcome to participate in music groups at DWU. 

With eight performance groups, you will find friends and share your musical gifts throughout the school year. Scholarship opportunities are available!  

  • Dakota Wesleyan Choir
  • DWU Drumline 
  • LyricWood Orchestra 
  • The Highlanders 
  • Tiger Pep Band
  • Wesleyan Band
  • Wesleyan Bells 
  • Wesleyan Jazz Band 
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Theatre Opportunities

Take Center Stage

You can perform at Wesleyan regardless of your major. You will have an opportunity to perform in our state-of-the-art performance space in a variety of productions including one-act and full-length plays. Besides acting, you also can direct, stage-manage, and design costumes, sets, and makeup. Scholarship opportunities are available!  

Get a taste for international theatre. Travel to London to experience the culture, history and amazing theatrical offerings. See productions at Shakespeare’s Globe playhouse and watch big-name stars perform at the National Theatre. 

Past DWU Theatre and Musical Productions: 
  • Noises Off!
  • Mamma Mia!
  • Les Misérables 
  • Time Stands Still
  • Little Shop of Horrors
  • Almost, Maine
  • The Games A Foot
  • Rock of Ages

DWU Music and Theatre Directors and Staff

Erin Desmond, M.M.Ed.

Assistant Professor of Music | University Accompanist
Music

Clinton Desmond, DMA

Department Chair | Director of Choral Activities
Music

Corbin Kramer

Performing Arts Talent Coordinator
Admissions, Music, Theatre

Jason Laczkoski

Instructor of Instrumental Music
Music

Dan Miller, MFA

Professor of Theatre | Chair of the Ron and Sheilah Gates Department of Theatre
Theatre

Elizabeth Soladay

Instructor of Piano, Organ and Strings | LyricWood Orchestra Director
Music