The School of Music, Theatre & Dance is committed to supporting students’ wellness by providing services that are tailored to meet the unique demands of performing artists, and to sustaining a positive environment in which faculty and staff can thrive. The Wellness Program offers a variety of workshops, onsite services, and courses geared towards prevention and recovery. The program is also at the forefront of innovative research in the field of wellness, having recently developed the first-ever performing arts protocol for safe returns to performance after a concussion.
Ongoing services include posture screenings, baseline concussion testing, hearing screenings, free earplug fittings, voice screenings, wellness coaching, nutrition counseling, and an onsite triage clinic for physical injuries. Educational opportunities include the Mind-Body Balance Series (Yoga, Meditation, etc.), guest workshops, and asynchronous resources. Events are free and open to all SMTD students, faculty and staff. Students are an integral part of the Wellness Program, which is staffed by a team of Wellness Ambassadors who support events, write the Performing Well blog, and sustain the SMTD Peer-to-Peer Support Network.
Chris Boyes photography
"When students are well cared for—physically, mentally, and emotionally—they have the foundation they need to focus on their artistry and creativity. In that way, wellness is not separate from performance; it’s the bedrock that allows students to take risks, express themselves fully, and sustain their passion for the long term." - Paola Savvidou, SMTD Wellness Program Manager
"I've come to understand that the way we respect others is the way we should respect ourselves, and one of the most meaningful ways I've prioritized my well-being has been by taking a wellness course. Having access to wellness education has helped me develop habits that will sustain me far beyond my time here, and it's an opportunity every student should seize with intense zeal." - Bennett Smith, BFA (Musical Theatre) ‘28
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