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  ...Personal growth and artistic achievement in a rich liberal arts setting.  

WELCOME

Your creative journey begins here!

The Department for the Performing Arts at ºÚÁÏÍø is home to the college's programs in Dance, Music, Musical Theatre, and Theatre. Our programs train students in both the technical and interpretive aspects of the performing arts, and in their critical histories. We believe that the development of technique combined with a critical understanding of the arts from historical, theoretical, and socio-cultural perspectives sets our students up for success as socially engaged artists who effect positive change in their communities.

Why study the Performing Arts?

The performing artist takes on various roles and guises, viewing the world from a different perspective with each new project. Studying the performing arts thus crucially expands our empathy and helps us relate to the rapidly changing world around us. In addition, the performing arts help us develop a number of skills essential to any future path, including:

• Performing artists are practiced collaborators and know the importance of supporting teammates.
• Performing artists are creative problem solvers working under a number of time, budgetary, and production constraints
• Performing artists are adaptable, and are able to perform under pressure and meet a deadline

A degree in the performing arts also prepares students for careers:

• As performers in local, regional, and national arts organizations
• Offstage, as producers, designers, and technical crew members
• As teachers in a variety of settings, including in public schools and community arts organizations
• As entrepreneurs who develop and run their own private studios
• In the non-profit sector as leaders in performing arts and educational organizations

DfPA SPOTLIGHT! 

Fall '25 Artist-in-Residence: Sonia Dawkins

September 3 - 7

The Department for the Performing Arts is thrilled to announce its Fall 2025 Artist-in-Residence: Sonia Dawkins. Founder and artistic director of SD/Prism Dance Theatre, Ms. Dawkins has performed extensively with companies and choreographers both internationally and nationally, including Jacob's Pillow, Philadanco, and more. Ms. Dawkins will host a series of master classes and rehearsals with the Geneseo Dance Ensemble, leading to the performance of an original contemporary work with the GDE at the spring concert! Learn more.