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Performing Arts

Traditional Undergraduate

Explore Music and Theatre Production and Participation

Looking to lead an exciting and productive career in the theater or music, or cannot imagine a life without them? Hiram’s new Performing Arts program will challenge you to think creatively and collaboratively as you individualize your studies to fit your specific interests and career goals. Through rigorous study and performance-based endeavors, Hiram’s Performing Arts program cultivates future artists and arts leaders by deeply engaging students in the expressive fields of the dramatic arts, music, performance management, design, tech, and dance.

ACADEMIC PATHWAYS AND INFORMATION

WHO ARE HIRAM’S PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS?

Whether you wish to engage in opera and theatre productions, ensembles, or composing; focus your attention on set designs, teaching or digital production; or are more interested in how the performing arts are produced–whatever your goal, Hiram will help you develop the skills and knowledge so you can thrive in the performing arts world.

Students in the Performing Arts program choose from three major pathways:

Performance
Design/Tech
Arts Management/Entrepreneurship.

You may consider a minor in Political Science, Creative Writing, Film Studies, Entrepreneurship, Management, Classical and Medieval Studies, or one of the other academic programs that Hiram has to offer!

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES DOES THE PROGRAM OFFER?

Concerts & Recitals

Faculty, students, and community members all perform within our Music Hall. You could perform in your senior recital or show off everything you have learned in your private lesson.
Main-Stage Productions

Each semester, at least one large main stage performing arts production is offered. The plays are chosen to develop our students’ current interests, talents, and skills while asking them to reach outside their comfort zone. Students can act, run crew, build sets, direct, manage house, and so much more!
Musicals, Reviews, and Opera Workshops

At least every other year, a musical, musical review, or opera workshop is offered. These shows require lots of hard work and dedication, but the result is always incredible. Music, dancing, acting, and design are all an integral part of these performances.
Master Classes and Guest Artists

Along with guest master classes, students also have the opportunity to work with the Cleveland Opera Company and take trips to a variety of local performances or venues for student performance.
Design and Technical Positions

Classes and job positions are offered for lighting, sound, stage, costume, and make-up design at Hiram. You can learn how to write scripts, run a sewing machine, build sets, wire lighting, create production programs, and more. Better yet, you can learn to do it all! How many schools can say that?
Student-Directed 10-Minute Plays

Students all over campus come to audition for the 10-Minutes. Students direct, star in, (sometimes write) and lead the technical design aspects of these shows. Afraid you can’t memorize lines? Don’t worry! These shows are all script-in-hand.

Music Ensembles & Opportunities

Interested in an ensemble or music opportunity? Watch for auditions in your student email once classes start or reach out to stevensonan@hiram.edu. All ensembles must be taken for 1 or 0 credit. There are a limited number of instruments available for student use for band and instrumental ensembles. If you join an ensemble, you can qualify for the private lesson scholarships available, too!

More Performing Arts Opportunities

From choosing a script, casting, and blocking to building a set and finding an audience, these shows happen in less than 24 hours. This heart-racing opportunity will develop your theatre skills in unimaginable ways.
Students can explore composing music in various styles, from song-writing to chamber music and music for large ensembles, with opportunities for performance of their works at student concerts and recitals.
Student-run for students, H-tech provides many of the sound and lighting technology for events on campus. From dances to talent shows, H-Tech is vital in making many shows visible and audible.
An important skill that all actors should learn is the art of oral interpretation. Picking up a script and interpreting the character without any prior knowledge is hard, but it is often asked of actors at auditions. At Hiram, we try to ease that hardship by offering script readings throughout the year so that students can discover the meaning in a work of dramatic literature. After practicing once or twice, a group of students (and sometimes alumni) comes together and reads a full-length play in front of an audience.
This student-led club hosts the 10-minute shows, the Casey Theatre Awards, Blitz, script readings, and so much more to develop the theatrical skills of our students. They also take excursions to local shows, some of which our alumni participate in!