Individualized Major: Performing Arts

A major in performing arts can open doors to careers in such varied fields as musical and theatrical performance, teaching, theater design, music publishing, arts management, and stage managing. Most importantly, however, is the fact that these days, the job market is demanding people who can think creatively—out of the box—and in no other discipline will a student find so many opportunities to hone their creative spirit.

Performing Arts may be selected as an individually designed major with concentrated work in Theater Arts or Music-Theater. It is also possible to combine Performing Arts with another field to create an individually designed interdisciplinary major, such as Theater Management or Music Cognition. Coursework varies depending on the program and is decided through student-faculty consultation.

In addition to exploring the performing arts in classroom courses, the department offers many performance opportunities. The Performing Arts Department produces three to six productions each year, including a main-stage musical and at least one main-stage play. Opportunities to perform are also available through other courses, including singing-acting, dance, and Saints and Singers. Students may also give recitals, direct plays under faculty guidance, and are encouraged and supported in the creation of their own original works. Private lessons on voice or piano are also available.