The Department of Theatre and Dance recently completed a three‑week study abroad program in Tokyo titled “The Music, Drama, and Performance of Noh.” Led by Assistant Professor of Acting and Stage Movement Elizabeth Parks, the immersive experience introduced students to one of Japan’s oldest and most revered theatrical traditions.
Throughout the program, students trained daily with professional Noh actors, gaining firsthand insight into the discipline, musicality, and precision that define the form. They attended live Noh performances, visited cultural sites across Tokyo, and deepened their understanding of the historical and contemporary significance of Noh within Japanese performing arts.
A highlight of the trip was the culminating recital at the Kita Ryu Nohgakudo in Meguro, where students performed in traditional attire and demonstrated the skills they had developed during their training. Moments from the journey—including time spent exploring the Shinjuku Gyoen Gardens and preparing “backstage” in full Noh costume—captured both the cultural richness and the collaborative spirit of the experience.
Kenzie Greeson's solo performance
This study abroad program offered students a rare opportunity to engage directly with master artists, expand their global perspective, and bring new depth to their performance practice—an unforgettable chapter in Theatre and Dance’s commitment to experiential learning.
TD S26 Study abroad Japan thumb
TD S26 Study abroad Japan thumb