The Program in Theater and Dance offers courses in acting, directing, playwriting, design, dramaturgy, performance history and criticism, dance and choreography -- all taught by professional performing artists, critics and scholars. The program also presents a series of student-acted productions each year in the Berlind Theatre and the Matthews Acting Studio. Some of these productions are directed by faculty members or visiting professionals; others are directed by students, often in connection with senior independent work. These productions offer students an opportunity to write, direct, act or design under the guidance of professional staff. Modern dance courses focus on technique and composition, while the program’s modern dance concert presents works choreographed by students and faculty. The dance program provides extracurricular ballet classes for students who have had substantial ballet training. In addition, students may take dance classes through the physical education program.