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FALL 2024

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back for the 2024-25 academic year!

Announcing the 2024-25 Theater and Dance Performance Season

We are excited to announce the performances for our upcoming 2024-25 season! This year will highlight work made by Bates students and guest artists. We are thrilled to be able to collaborate with such a wonderful group of writers, makers, and choreographers. We hope you'll be able to join us!

Check out the 2024-25 Performances

Poster image of Marcy Plavin Spring Dance Concert 2024, photograph by Phyllis Graber Jensen

Department Updates

Introducing New Faculty and Staff Members

We are delighted to have four new department members joining us this year, and we could not be more excited to begin collaborating and making theater/dance together!

Rebecca Armstrong
Costume Director

Rebecca Armstrong (she/they) is joining Bates as the Costume Director, bringing a wealth of experience from a career in costume design, technology and wardrobe management. With a BFA in Technical Theatre specializing in Costume Design & Technology and graduate studies at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Rebecca has honed their skills working professionally for the last fifteen years including five years as Head of Costume and Wardrobe at the Palm Springs Follies and a role as Wardrobe Supervisor at Charlotteville Opera.

Rebecca is committed to dressing everyone with dignity and respect, collaborating across artistic disciplines, and mentoring future talents in the textile arts. Her passion for creativity and exploration drives her to
continually explore the boundaries of costume design.


Pronouns: she/they
Website: rebeccajarmstrong.com
Photo Credit: Nichole Emerson Photography

Read more about Rebecca

Indya Childs
Academic Administrative Assistant

Indya Childs is a professional dancer from Atlanta, Georgia, holding a BA in Dance from Kennesaw State University. In 2015, she was recognized by Dance Magazine as one of their “25 to Watch.” Childs has participated in programs such as the Hubbard Street Professional Program under Alexandra Wells and has performed with professional dance companies including Ballethnic Dance Company, T. Lang Dance, and Abby Z and The New Utility.


Indya began her journey at Bates College as the Operations Manager for the Bates Dance Festival and is now excited to expand her role as the new Academic Administrative Assistant in Pettigrew Hall.

Scott McPheeters
Visiting Lecturer in Dance

Scott McPheeters (he/him) is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and co-director of arts non-profit, Subcircle - a Biddeford, Maine based dance company, arts presenting organization, and artist residency. He holds an BA in Theater Arts from Dickinson College, and an MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts from Sierra Nevada University. From 2004-2018, McPheeters danced professionally in Philadelphia, working with artists and companies including Nichole Canuso Dance Company, Kun-Yang Lin / Dancers, Enchantment Theatre Company, Bearded Ladies Cabaret, and Subcircle. In 2016 he received a Philadelphia Barrymore Award (“Best Lead Actor in a Musical”) for his portrayal of Candy Darling in the Opera Philadelphia / Bearded Ladies Cabaret collaboration, Andy: A Popera. His own choreographic work aims to challenge anthropocentric hierarchies and create avenues for queer belonging in rural spaces.

Courtney Smith
Associate Professor of Design, Technology, and Management

Courtney Smith (he/him) is a lighting, scenic, and digital media designer for live performance. He works primarily in theater, dance, and film but can also be found working on music videos, events, and anything with a solid story and a great group of people behind it. Courtney’s designs have received several Meritorious Achievement Awards from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, including the national award “Distinguished Achievement in Scenic Design” from the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. 


Courtney’s work has been seen in theaters from coast to coast and internationally including: (Off-Broadway) A.R.T./NY, Atlantic Theatre Stage 2, The Bushwick Starr, Roundabout Theatre Company, New York City Opera, Playwrights Horizons, Classic Stage Company, Cedar Lake Dance, Marvel Repertory Theatre, (International) Southwark Playhouse; UK (Regional) Warren Miller Performing Arts Center, MT; Mount Baker Repertory Theatre, WA; Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, MT; Coeur d’Alene Summer Theatre, ID; Idaho Repertory Theatre, ID.


He also works outside of theater as a window display designer & fabricator for Saks 5th Ave as well as working in the editorial field for Victoria's Secret and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. In his spare time he has created original concept art for music albums and book covers. 


Courtney holds a United States Institute of Theatre Technology (USITT) professional membership and is excited to be the KCACTF Coordinator for the department.


Additional Updates

Associate Professor Tim Dugan earned tenure last year and will be on sabbatical during the 2024/25 academic year.  


Visiting Assistant Professor Sally Wood will be returning to us for the full year and will be teaching courses in acting and directing.


Joshua N. Hsu will be guest directing the winter mainstage production of The Seagull by Anton Chekhov.


Brian J. Evans will be on leave during Winter and Short Term 2025.


Liz Coyer will be stepping into a new role within the department, as Arts Events Manager.



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