The Performing Arts Program offers minors in Music, Theater, and Musical Arts Administration, as well as three major concentrations. Students develop essential skills in performance, research, and communication, with opportunities to explore intersections with the arts, sciences, and social sciences. The program prepares graduates to begin professional careers where they can perform, innovate, lead, and thrive as artists. The available concentrations are:
Music provides students with a full range of musical opportunities, academic and performance, guided with a high level of personal attention. We offer instrumental and vocal instruction, the opportunity to participate in ensembles, and coursework that supports an understanding of music in its wider historical, social, cultural and geographical contexts. Summer international and orchestral programs offer students the opportunity to expand horizons and deepen understanding of worlds beyond their own by engaging in conservatory-like, pre-professional training here and abroad. Taken together, these endeavors prepare our students for advanced training and careers in a variety of fields such as performance, composition, music scholarship, education and arts administration.
Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies students develop the knowledge and skills required to create theater, dance and performance, including visual thinking, design, dance, acting and performance, directing, movement, stagecraft, playwriting and critical analysis, scholarly writing and presentation. They participate in a variety of production opportunities, including three mainstage shows per season, student-created works, dance concerts, and devised performances, collaborating directly with faculty mentors. Students also have the chance to engage in research projects exploring the historical and cultural significance of theater, dance, and performance and imagine new ways of working together.
Integrated Performing Arts prepares students for diverse careers such as musical theatre, directing, choreography, and arts management. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, students gain opportunities to tailor their education to their artistic interests across areas like music, theatre, dance, and arts administration. They develop key skills in performance, research, and communication while engaging in hands-on projects and leadership roles. This concentration fosters both creativity and practical experience, ensuring students are well-equipped to innovate in the performing arts. Graduates leave ready to lead and succeed in this dynamic field.