By Miguel A. Gastelum
In the heart of Fresno State’s campus, amidst the bustling energy of student life, two dynamic ensembles stand as beacons of artistic innovation and expression: the Experimental Theatre Company (ETC) and University Dance Theatre (UDT). Led by passionate students and supported by dedicated faculty mentors, these organizations offer a unique platform for creative exploration and collaboration.
Experimental Theatre Company: Nurturing Artistic Vision
Embedded within Fresno State’s theatre and dance department, the ETC embodies the spirit of student-led creativity. It is run by a board of students who also mentor incoming students in the program. The students do everything from selecting the play that is produced each semester, to designing costumes, lights, sound, set and props, to acting and directing in the show. ETC is open to all Fresno State students on campus and offers up to 3 units of credit to participating students.
As faculty mentor Dr. Gina Sandí-Díaz explains, ETC provides students with a one-of-a-kind hands-on theatre-making experience, empowering them to take ownership of every aspect of production.
“ETC is unique in that it provides students the type of exposure MFA students would have,” said Sandí-Díaz. “It is really a gem of a program. I don’t know of any other theatre program that provides a space for students to produce theatre on their own at the undergraduate level.”
Sofia James, the board chair of ETC, underscores the program’s uniqueness and commitment to fostering young theatre talent.
“The Experimental Theatre Company is a program that I know myself and my peers are incredibly grateful to have at our advantage here at Fresno State,” James said. “It is a safe space where fellow students are encouraged to experiment and discover new ideas through the format of a full-scale theatrical production. Students have free range to make mistakes, try out new techniques, gain invaluable production experience, all without the pressure or expectation of perfection.”
Sandí-Díaz underscores the program’s commitment to inclusivity and exploration.
“Whether you are curious about theatre, you always wanted to act but never had a chance, or you want to do theatre without committing to an academic degree, we got you,” Sandí-Díaz encourages. “Come join us!”
University Dance Theatre: A Fusion of Movement and Creativity
Parallel to ETC, UDT provides a platform for students to explore the world of dance and choreography. UDT is the student-led dance performance group in the department. Each semester, UDT student choreographers and the guest artists create diverse genres of dance works ranging from contemporary/modern dance, jazz, and hip-hop to cultural dance. They culminate each semester with their student produced program. The students participate and engage in all aspects of the production and collaboration process with their peers. Similarly to ETC, UDT is open to all Fresno State Students on campus and offers up to 3 units of credit.
Under the guidance of faculty mentor Kathy Luo, UDT students craft original dance works and collaborate with peers to bring their visions to life.
“UDT inspires students to take initiative as active learners and apply their ideas into action, enhancing problem-solving and collaboration skills as young professionals,” Luo said. “The faculty advisor and the students closely work together to shift the paradigm from a teacher-oriented context to a student-oriented creative environment for the production. The students themselves craft each dance work.”
Fostering community, collaboration, and artistic growth is one of the key components of UDT.
“The goal of UDT is to highlight Fresno State’s dance students and the dance community in the Central Valley area,” notes Luo. “The dance program at Fresno State offers this opportunity to immerse our students in a real professional environment that is beyond the classroom context. UDT focuses on creativity, collaboration, communication and community.”
Empowering Students: A Faculty Perspective
Dr. Melissa Gibson, Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department, emphasizes the transformative impact of ETC and UDT on student development.
“While the programs are supervised by a faculty member, ETC and UDT empower students by giving them control over the content and execution of their artistic endeavors,” Gibson states. “The success or failure of the event rests on their shoulders.”
Gibson highlights the diverse skillset cultivated through participation in ETC and UDT, noting their real-world applicability.
“Being in charge of the production of a theatre or dance event demands that students take leadership roles but also learn to cooperate and collaborate for the success of the project,” she explains. “Additionally, time management, decision-making, budgeting and conflict resolution are part of the experience of putting on a show, not to mention the development of artistic sensibilities.”
Looking Towards the Future
Both mentors express hopes for continued growth and innovation within their respective programs.
“My hopes are that ETC continues to grow and incubate our students’ creativity and craft,” Sandí-Díaz shares. “The ETC board has many exciting ideas for the upcoming years, including the desire to experiment with the production of a musical.”
Similarly, Luo envisions expanded technical support and resources for UDT, enhancing the quality of performances and providing students with even greater opportunities for artistic expression.
As these dynamic organizations continue to thrive, they invite students from all backgrounds to join them on a journey of artistic discovery and self-expression. Whether through the captivating narratives of ETC productions or the mesmerizing movements of UDT performances, Fresno State’s theatre and dance community offers a space where creativity knows no bounds.
The College of Arts and Humanities at Fresno State 