Performing Arts, B.A.

The Performing Arts major involves an interdisciplinary study of dance, music, and theatre leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree in the Performing Arts. While each of the Performing Arts is a distinct discipline, they have historically drawn from each other in both theory and practice. The Performing Arts major is a cross disciplinary major encouraging students to broaden their perspectives and the range of their skills. It is intended for the liberal arts student seeking to attain a broad based knowledge of the performing arts and for the student seeking to build skills that cross traditional disciplines. Its practical application might be as a basis for a career in arts management, education, or as a foundation in such fields as musical theatre performance, which synthesize all the arts.

The major seeks to acquaint students with the commonalities shared by all three fields and to provide specialized understanding and mastery of two. The major also seeks to provide a solid understanding of the history and theory in the Performing Arts with experience in the practical application of the discipline through studio courses and through the department’s performance programs. Students are encouraged to participate in the London Study Abroad program, which focuses on exposure to the Performing Arts.