As the Phi Beta Kappa Society and the United States both mark their 250th anniversaries, this lecture presented by Dr. Shannon Jackson reflects on how the arts help shape civic identity and free expression. Through historic and contemporary examples, we’ll explore how public art challenges our understanding of community and opens us to new possibilities of what democracy can mean.

Thursday, Nov. 6 | 6 p.m.
Cornerstone Arts Center Film Screening Room

Get ready to duck, dodge, and parry! This block, Theatre and Dance welcomes Sean Verdu, a Colorado Springs-based performer, educator, and fight choreographer, for an action-packed TH200 Dramatic Encounters: Stage Combat Techniques on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Cornerstone 130 at 4 p.m.

A graduate of East 15 Acting School in London, Verdu has performed around the world, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. He has over 17 years of experience choreographing fights for stage.

In this high-energy class, Verdu guides students through the art of safe, powerful storytelling through movement. His passion for helping young performers take big creative risks (and land them safely!) makes this a course not to miss.

This block, Giovanni Ortega returns to CC to lead an inspiring deep dive into the art and craft of Playwriting. A playwright, performer, and professor whose work champions inclusion and cross-cultural understanding, Ortega invites students to explore story structure, dialogue, and character through a lens of authenticity and connection.

With over a decade of experience working with theatre companies and communities across the globe, Ortega brings his signature warmth and curiosity to the classroom, creating a space where every student’s voice matters and every story has power.

Catch Ortega teaching TH217 3321: Playwriting this block and will return in Block 6!

Award-winning choreographer and educator Suzanne Costello guides students through a powerful journey at the intersection of art and healing in Moving Together: The Power of Arts, Health, and Well-Being.

A pioneer in arts and health programming, Costello has led creative initiatives across the U.S. and abroad, from work with cancer patients and veterans to her groundbreaking Caring for the Caregiver project. In this course, students explore how movement and creativity can build empathy, community, and connection across disciplines.

Catch Costello teaching DA200 3311: Moving Together this block!

With Associate Professor Ryan Platt
Dive into the art of what makes us laugh! This new course explores comedy in all its forms, stand-up, improv, sketch, and performance art, while giving students the chance to write, experiment, and perform original material. Discover how humor challenges convention and builds community, all while sharpening your creative instincts.

With Associate Professor Marie Davis
Explore how scenery and space can become powerful storytellers in this hands-on design course. Students will learn how landscapes shape emotion, meaning, and movement on stage while experimenting with visual composition, texture, and symbolism. Perfect for theatre artists eager to blend imagination with design.

Enroll during pre-registration in Block 3 to secure your spot!

We’re excited to introduce this year’s Theatre and Dance Department Student Representatives!
These dedicated students have volunteered to serve as a bridge between peers, faculty, and staff—helping to foster communication, share ideas, and keep our department community thriving.

Have a question, suggestion, concern, or shout-out to share? Reach out to your reps—they’re here for you.

Many thanks to Carina, Ella, and Snezana for their leadership, enthusiasm, and commitment to the department.

Snežana Radoičić – Sophomore, Theatre Minor, Economics Major 

Bella Boyd Brocker – Junior, Double Major in Dance and Creative Writing  

Carina Rockart – Senior, Theatre Major in Design

14 E. Cache La Poudre St.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903