Performing Arts
You want to perform!
It’s in our blood too! We dance. We act. We compose and practice and play. It’s about connecting with an audience, and setting the stage. The College of Arts and Architecture’s majors, minors, and graduate programs will prepare you to succeed in the limelight.
Undergraduate
Degrees
B.F.A. in Acting
The B.F.A. in Acting degree program trains the next generation of stars using a holistic educational approach that prepares performers for success on every stage.
B.A. in Integrative Arts
The B.A. in Integrative Arts offers the unique opportunity for students to work successfully as innovative and dynamic artists, designers, and performers in an increasingly interdisciplinary world.
Bachelor of Arts in Music
The Bachelor of Arts in Music fosters musical creativity and skill while immersing students in a diverse educational experience that informs artistic growth and explores the profound importance of music.
Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music prepares students for a professional career as a performer or composer by offering specialized training designed to develop musicianship and celebrate creativity.
Bachelor of Musical Arts
The Bachelor of Musical Arts explores each student’s passion for music while offering endless cross-disciplinary opportunities to create a unique degree that prepares graduates for a professional career.
Bachelor of Music Education
The Bachelor of Music Education equips students with the tools to become music educators that profoundly impact the lives of elementary and secondary school children.
B.F.A. in Musical Theatre
The B.F.A. in Musical Theatre is a revered and intensive professional training program that prepares students to step into the spotlight on Broadway and beyond.
B.A. in Theatre
The B.A. in Theatre inspires the next generation of theatre professionals to shape the future of the industry after experiencing an impactful education supported by endless artistic outlets.
B.F.A. in Theatre
With options in Stage Management and Theatre Design and Technology, the B.F.A. in Theatre trains the behind-the-scenes theatre professionals to produce a transformative theatrical experience by artistically engaging modern technology and skills.
Undergraduate
Minors + Certificates
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Minor
Become a leader in the arts or design. Engage in a start-up venture. Leverage your art or craft. Create alliances. Meet social or business needs. Craft ideas and make art work.
International Arts Minor
Expand your perspective. Become a well-traveled citizen of the world. A minor in International Arts will provide a deeper understanding of how art and design permeate cultures around the world.
Music Technology Minor
The Music Tech minor opens the study of musical acoustics, digital audio, sound design, and audio recording. You will apply domains of knowledge from your majors to the fields of audio production and digital technology.
Music Studies Minor
Blend music theory, composition, or performance studies with your major. The Music Studies minor can refine and balance coursework and studies across varied majors.
Music Performance Minor
A minor in Music Performance lays the foundation for you to integrate your love and knowledge of music into any career path.
Theatre Minor
The Theatre minor is designed for personal enrichment or to enhance study particularly for students in the humanities, communication, and the arts.
Graduate
Degrees
Master of Arts in Music (+Integrated Undergraduate/Graduate Option)
The Master of Arts in Music offers three curricular tracks – Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Theory and History – as well as integrated undergrad/grad options.
Master of Music
The Master of Music program prepares students for professional careers as performers or composers, or for doctoral study. The program is both rewarding and rigorous, with internationally known faculty providing...
Master of Music Education
The M.M.E. program is designed to provide candidates with (1) a deeper level of musical skill and understanding, (2) an increased knowledge and skill in the pedagogy of music teaching,...
Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education
The Music Ed Ph.D. program, which offers advanced study of teaching and learning music from a research-based perspective, is aimed at individuals careers in higher ed and music administration.
Doctor of Musical Arts
This program is for individuals interested in continuing their studies in piano performance and music theory, history, and analysis in order to teach at the university level. Degree requirements include...
M.F.A. in Theatre
The M.F.A in Theatre program is one of the most unique and well-respected theatre education programs in the country that consistently exists as a conduit to Broadway and beyond. Collaboration...
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight
Annie Burridge
Bachelor of Music 2000As general director and CEO of Austin Opera, Annie has led the development of a new strategic plan and launched an artistic initiative – Opera ATX – which brings groundbreaking artists to unexpected and unique venues throughout Austin. Before switching her focus to administration, Annie performed with numerous opera companies and orchestras, and was a young artist with Des Moines Metro Opera. In addition to her performance successes, Annie has received many leadership accolades.
Web
austinopera.org
Venues Galore
World-class performance venues. Classic theatres. Practice and performance spaces. They are here!
See All Venues Galore
Eisenhower Auditorium
Eisenhower Auditorium, with a seating capacity of 2,500, is Penn State’s primary theatrical performance space. Opened in 1974 and later named for former University Learn More
Pavilion Theatre
The Pavilion Theatre, built in 1915, is a key venue for the Penn State School of Theatre. Designed by architects Frank Miles Day and Charles Learn More
Penn State Downtown Theatre
Finished in 2003, the Penn State Downtown Theatre Center is an intimate 152-seat theatre in the heart of downtown State College. The Penn State Learn More
Playhouse Theatre
The Playhouse Theatre is a 383-seat proscenium-thrust theatre equipped with a dual level, moveable pit, full fly space, and advanced lighting and sound control Learn More
Recital Hall
Hailed as an acoustically superb design, the new Recital Hall has quickly distinguished itself as one of the centerpieces for the arts at University Learn More
In the spotlight...
With more than 400 performances per year, A&A students have a wealth of opportunities to shine.
Faculty Spotlight
Naomi Seidman
Assistant Professor of Music
Assistant Professor Naomi Seidman joined the School of Music faculty in 2012. An accomplished solo performer, she has won the Mid-South Flute Competition and the Frank Bowen Young Artist Competition, and was first runner-up in the Myrna Brown Young Artist Competition. She was also a semi-finalist in the Beijing Nicolet International Flute Competition. She has performed as a soloist with the Pennsylvania Centre Orchestra, Santa Fe Symphony, Kingsville Symphony, and Ballet Austin. She has also been an invited performer, judge, and presenter at National Flute Association (NFA) conventions and is a member of the NFA Cultural Outreach Committee.
Nov 30
MM Final Recital: Annabelle Lecy, cello
Music I 130 Recital HallEvents
Go. Explore.Centre and Vocal Dimensions Jazz Ensembles
Music I 130 Recital Hall
Percussion Ensemble
Music I 130 Recital HallArt After Hours: Museum and Chill
Palmer Museum of Art
News from A&A
Broadnax directs 'Thoughts of a Colored Man' on Broadway
Penn State Theatre Professor Steve H. Broadnax III is the director of “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” which premiered on Broadway in October 2021 after runs in Syracuse and Baltimore.
Penn State Theatre Professor Steve H. Broadnax III is the director of “Thoughts of a Colored Man,” which premiered on Broadway in October 2021 after runs in Syracuse and Baltimore.
Storytelling course to share perspectives of those experiencing climate change effects
Students would tap into an artistic means of storytelling to share perspectives of those grappling with the effects of climate change. Read More
Theatre alum premieres one-woman musical in New York City
Theatre alum Katie Nixon premieres her one-woman musical in New York City after touring to festivals in Canada and Washington, D.C. Read More