BYU Performing Arts presents a dynamic fusion of rigorous academic training and faith-centered artistic expression. Students, faculty, and visiting artists collaborate across music, theater, and dance to create performances that emphasize technical excellence and meaningful storytelling.
With a calendar packed each term, the series includes mainstage productions, studio showcases, and experimental labs that connect emerging artists with broad regional audiences. Programs are crafted to develop disciplined creators ready for professional stages and community leadership.
| Department | Primary Offerings | Performance Venues | Enrollment Scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Music | Orchestral, choral, jazz, solo recitals | Harris Piano, deJong Concert Hall | Large ensembles, applied studios |
| Department of Theatre | Mainstage plays, musicals, directing lab | Bennion Studio, Margetts Theatre | Diverse casts, design-tech courses |
| Department of Dance | Contemporary, ballet, repertory labs | Dance Studio Theatres, deJong | Company performances, workshops |
| Arts Leadership & Management | Production, education, audience development | Collaborations across venues | Integrated programs, internships |
School of Music Academic Programs
The School of Music curriculum blends ensemble performance, private instruction, and music theory to cultivate versatile musicians. Emphasis is placed on interpretive depth, rehearsal discipline, and cross-style collaboration.
Undergraduate Degrees and Tracks
Students can pursue a Bachelor of Music with concentrations in performance, composition, education, or collaborative piano, as well as a Bachelor of Arts for broader liberal arts study.
Ensembles and Concert Series
Wind ensembles, orchestras, choirs, jazz combos, and new music groups present multiple concerts each term. Guest artists and masterclasses connect campus work to professional practice.
Theatre Production and Design Pathways
Theatre training balances acting technique, script analysis, and production roles. Students rotate through acting, directing, dramaturgy, and design tracks to build a versatile portfolio.
Mainstage and Studio Seasons
Mainstage shows feature classical and contemporary works in fully realized productions, while studio labs encourage devised work and interdisciplinary experimentation.
Design and Technology Integration
Scenery, lighting, costumes, and sound are developed in dedicated studios, with hands-on experience guiding students from concept drawings to cue-to-cue rehearsals.
Dance Curriculum and Performance Labs
The dance sequence emphasizes strength, flexibility, and artistic integrity across modern, ballet, and contemporary styles. Faculty mentor artists through embodied practice and critical reflection.
Repertoire and Choreography Labs
Students perform faculty and student choreography, learning rehearsal etiquette and stagecraft while contributing to evolving repertory.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Projects often integrate music, design, and text, allowing dancers to partner with musicians and actors in site-specific and proscenium contexts.
Community Engagement and Professional Pathways
Through outreach concerts, educational workshops, and partnerships with regional organizations, students translate classroom skills into meaningful public service and career readiness.
- Complete a sequenced curriculum in your chosen discipline
- Participate in at least two mainstage or lab productions per year
- Develop a portfolio of recorded and documented work
- Seek internships and mentorship from professional artists
- Engage in cross-disciplinary projects to broaden creative perspective
FAQ
Reader questions
How does BYU Performing Arts integrate academic study with hands-on performance opportunities?
Coursework in theory, history, and methods is paired with applied lessons, ensemble participation, and production roles so that concepts are immediately practiced on stage or in rehearsal.
What support is available for students pursuing design and technology in theatre and dance?
Dedicated studios, software training, equipment loans, and faculty mentors help students build portfolios that demonstrate technical competency and creative problem-solving.
Are there audition requirements for ensembles, and how competitive is the selection process?
Most ensembles require a prepared audition or placement review, with acceptance based on artistic readiness, potential for growth, and contribution to ensemble balance.
How do students balance rigorous training with academic responsibilities across the semester?
Structured rehearsal schedules, time-management workshops, and academic advising support students in maintaining strong progress in both performance and classroom obligations.