At Holy Cross, the arts are alive and varied.
Fostering passions—and careers
We do an exceptional job of preparing students who seek to pursue advanced studies, professional internships, and careers in the arts. Holy Cross alumni go on to prestigious graduate programs, residencies and conservatories, and many hold impressive positions in the artistic community. At the same time, the solid foundation and knowledge of the arts that students gain at Holy Cross serves as a launching pad into any number of possible career paths.
Theatre and Dance
Act, dance, direct, design, or stage manage. With numerous production opportunities throughout the year, students studying theatre can try on many different hats—figuratively and literally. Recognized for its high standards of training and the quality of its productions, the Department of Theatre and Dance at Holy Cross provides a nurturing and supportive environment for students to express themselves and develop their artistic capabilities in a collaborative environment.
In the liberal arts tradition, we believe theatre is a vital, dynamic medium qualified to participate in a dialogue about the human condition. Holy Cross theatre explores the spiritual aspects of our collective experience, examining compelling issues and ideas in a provocative and entertaining manner.
As a fully accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, the Holy Cross theatre program is highly regarded regionally and nationally. Our teaching and programming has been reviewed and certified as meeting all national standards for formal theatre training.
Program highlights
In addition to classes in theatre history and literature, students can choose to pursue the major with either an acting or design emphasis, minor in dance, or they can create a self-designed major through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies in film studies or playwriting. Courses of study include:
• Acting
• Dance
• Design
• Directing
• Film
• History and Literature
Music
Music is an integral part of a liberal arts education and vital to campus life at Holy Cross. Every year, hundreds of students take advantage of a wide range of opportunities to explore, experience, and perform music both inside and outside the classroom.
Our academic courses challenge students from across the curriculum to think, speak, and write effectively about music. Our performance ensembles bring students and faculty together to perform a diverse repertoire. Our program of instrumental and vocal instruction offers students private lessons, coaching, and master classes with exceptional performers drawn from across the country. Students find the skills emphasized in music (such as creativity, listening, and collaboration) are transferable to most disciplines and professions.
As a universal form of human expression, music transcends boundaries of language, culture, time and place. Whether you are interested in classical, popular, or world music, in music of the past or the present, in creating, performing, or simply listening, Holy Cross provides a rich context for engagement with music and the arts.
Students of all interests and passions, regardless of experience, are invited to become a part of our musical community. With a distinguished faculty, small classes, and a focus on mentoring, our vibrant program has something for everyone: for students who wish to major in music and for those who wish to explore music one course—or one concert—at a time.
Program highlights
The Department of Music offers courses in the history, theory, technology, and performance of music that cover topics reaching back through history and around the globe. Small classes, individual instruction, interdisciplinary opportunities, and a vibrant cocurricular performance program and concert schedule foster an interconnected environment of dynamic teacher-student interaction and collaboration both inside and outside of the classroom. Areas of study include:
• Theory and composition
• History and cultural studies
• Performance studies
• Classical music and popular music
• World music and jazz
• Audio engineering and music technology
Get more than an education—gain a new perspective
In a diverse community connected by hope, you’ll live, learn, and serve with fellow students and faculty who support and empower one another at the College of the Holy Cross. You’ll solve complex problems, dive deep into what you’re passionate about, and find every opportunity to get involved. Ready to experience life on The Hill?
