Careers in performing arts have gradually been increasing in popularity in this decade. Is this because of the ease of travelling compared to older generations of performers? Or maybe it is due to the increased hype over celebrities that our younger generations are growing up into. Either way, top performing arts colleges around the globe are waiting to see what you, or your child are capable of offering to the performing community!
Whilst there are many different opportunities in the performing industry, such as dancing, acting, musical talent or even down to magic, these colleges are able to provide the training and offer the best that the industry has to give, to make sure our upcoming stars are treated well and rise as a star successfully.
Some careers in Performing Arts:
Actors, Producers, Directors
Dancers, Choreographers, Theatre artists
Musicians, Singers, Comedians
How to Select a Performing Arts School
Most performing arts colleges and universities in the U.S. provide a performing arts education through a school or department of visual and performing arts. Prospective performing arts students may want to consider colleges with performing arts degrees that include the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts in a particular study concentration. Additionally, it can be helpful for potential students to enroll in schools that provide student performance opportunities, since it is very common for performing arts colleges and universities to have performing arts venues on their campuses.
While most performing arts schools and departments are centralized at a university, there are colleges that specialize in only performing arts education. Before attending these types of colleges, interested students may need to evaluate how much they are willing to spend. Specialized performing arts universities can be more expensive than attending a traditional college, but may be able to offer more degree program options. Doctorate degree programs are often found at performing arts colleges that exclusively cater to performing arts industries.
Ensuring that a performing arts college has affordable student housing can also be on the priority list among potential students. Some schools have campus housing, while others only offer off campus housing. Because many students are attracted to performing arts schools in large metropolitan cities such as New York and Los Angeles, the cost of living off campus can be high.
Largest Performing Arts Colleges by Student Enrollment
| College/University | Student Population | Institution Type |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | 67,082 | 4-year, Public |
| The University of Texas at Austin | 49,984 | 4-year, Public |
| Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus | 44,406 | 4-year, Public |
| New York University | 42,189 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| University of Arizona | 38,057 | 4-year, Public |
| San Jose State University | 32,746 | 4-year, Public |
| Boston University | 31,766 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| George Mason University | 30,613 | 4-year, Public |
| San Francisco State University | 30,014 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 29,215 | 4-year, Public |
| West Virginia University | 28,840 | 4-year, Public |
| Texas Tech University | 28,422 | 4-year, Public |
| University of Utah | 28,211 | 4-year, Public |
| University of California-San Diego | 27,520 | 4-year, Public |
| Iowa State University | 26,856 | 4-year, Public |
| Harvard University | 26,496 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| University of Oklahoma Norman Campus | 26,140 | 4-year, Public |
| George Washington University | 25,116 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| University of Pennsylvania | 24,107 | 4-year, Private not-for-profit |
| Kent State University Kent Campus | 22,944 | 4-year, Public |
How to Select a Performing and Visual Arts School
Aspiring performing and visual artists may choose from a wide variety of schools, some offering liberal arts degrees, others offering specialized training without general education requirements. As undergraduates, students may choose from Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees. As graduates, students may choose from Master of Arts or Master of Fine Arts degrees.
One factor to consider when deciding between performing and visual arts colleges is each school's connection to the professional art world. Often, this connection is at least partially determined by the college's proximity to a major city, like New York, Boston or Chicago. Schools in major cities often hire many of their faculty members straight from an artistic community, rather than from academia, so students hone their skills while simultaneously learning the nuts and bolts of their chosen profession from experienced artists.
In the performing and visual arts, internships, externships and summer jobs are an important part of educational training. Potential students may want to speak with school representatives, or look through each school's promotional materials, to find out what types of internships past students have had. They may also want to research whether each school requires internships or offers credit for them.
Overviews for Performing and Visual Arts Programs
Bachelor of Arts in Performing or Visual Arts
These 4-year degrees offer students in the arts a liberal arts foundation. In addition to a series of major courses, students take a required set of general education courses, such as English, history, philosophy, religion and science. Students may go on to enroll in graduate degree programs in a variety of fields, or they may enter the job market upon graduation.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing or Visual Arts
These 4-year degrees are studio based. They may contain some general education requirements, but are mainly comprised of sequential technical courses and humanities courses directly related to the major. For example, in one semester, a drawing major in a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program might take figure drawing, art history, still life, human form and survey of 20th century art. Students must submit a portfolio or audition for acceptance to most BFA degree programs.
Master of Arts in Theater Performance
These programs usually take 1-2 years to complete. They include courses on the history and cultural context of the art form, as well as advanced courses on the craft. Programs may be anywhere from 30-60 credits. Some Master of Arts programs require a critical thesis paper.
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual or Performing Arts
These studio-based degree programs usually take 2-3 years to complete. They culminate in a creative thesis. The MFA is considered a terminal degree, so graduates are qualified to teach at the university level.
What are Performing Arts Professions?
The field of performing arts is a diverse career field, and includes both professionals who are on stage and those who are behind the scenes. Here is a sample list of performing arts professions:
- Actors
- Art Directors
- Composers
- Costume Designers
- Dancers
- Directors
- Musicians and Singers
- Set Designers
- Theater Technicians
All these professionals are essential to creating a production. Without even one of these professionals, putting together a production may become overwhelming for the other professionals on hand.
Educational Requirements to Become a Performing Arts Professional:
The level of education needed to become a performing arts professional varies depending on the profession chosen. For instance, actors, composers and dancers often enroll in academic programs at colleges and universities that may last for four years. If a student is interested in being a theater technician, they may not need to enroll in a program that lasts for four years. Instead, a student who wants to become a theater technician is likely to receive most of his or her training on set.
Job Outlook for Performing Arts Professionals:
Like the education requirements, the job outlook for performing arts professionals varies. According to the writers at College Board, government economists expect the number of jobs for actors to increase as fast as most careers.
What are Performing Arts Professions?
The field of performing arts is a diverse career field, and includes both professionals who are on stage and those who are behind the scenes. Here is a sample list of performing arts professions:
- Actors
- Art Directors
- Composers
- Costume Designers
- Dancers
- Directors
- Musicians and Singers
- Set Designers
- Theater Technicians
All these professionals are essential to creating a production. Without even one of these professionals, putting together a production may become overwhelming for the other professionals on hand.
Educational Requirements to Become a Performing Arts Professional:
The level of education needed to become a performing arts professional varies depending on the profession chosen. For instance, actors, composers and dancers often enroll in academic programs at colleges and universities that may last for four years. If a student is interested in being a theater technician, they may not need to enroll in a program that lasts for four years. Instead, a student who wants to become a theater technician is likely to receive most of his or her training on set.
Job Outlook for Performing Arts Professionals:
Like the education requirements, the job outlook for performing arts professionals varies. According to the writers at College Board, government economists expect the number of jobs for actors to increase as fast as most careers.
Earnings Information for Performing Arts Professionals:
Salary earnings can also vary depending on the profession. In 2004, the median hourly wage for actors was $11.28, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov.
d='section--EarningsInformationForPerformingArtsProfessionals'>Earnings Information for Performing Arts Professionals:Salary earnings can also vary depending on the profession. In 2004, the median hourly wage for actors was $11.28, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov.
Preparing Your Portfolio for College Admissions
The art student's portfolio will play a determining role in art school admissions." class="left" />Making the choice to major in the visual arts for some students can be a tough decision. Not only do you have to go through the academic admissions requirements, but you also have the added pressure of submitting a portfolio of your creative work. For most university art programs and private art schools, your portfolio will play a determining factor in your admission.
But the portfolio needn't be scary or an obstacle to getting into the college of your choice as long as it is approached in a thoughtful and serious manner.
The first step in developing a portfolio is to create a list of first choice and back-up colleges that you are planning to apply to and contact each of their admissions departments to obtain their particular portfolio and admissions requirements.
Some schools only accept original art whereas some only accept slides; some will accept a digital portfolio and others have size limitations; some have strict application deadlines and others are on rolling admissions. The required content of the portfolio may also differ from college to college and each school's criteria should be followed as closely as possible.
Even if you are currently enrolled in AP Art or an arts program, consulting with a college admissions counselor can give you guidance with your portfolio in advance; generally, these meetings are preliminary and in most cases, not an official review or interview. Meeting as early as possible with a college counselor will give you the opportunity to strengthen the concept and look of the portfolio though constructive criticism and editing.
The most important detail of preparing your portfolio for college admissions is to remember to give yourself plenty of time and have fun with it. It is almost impossible to create quality work if you are nervous and under a time constraint. Don't wait until the last minute, and make enough work so you can edit together the best portfolio for each school you plan to apply to.
What to Include
Your portfolio represents you to a college as a potential student and young artist. Preparing your portfolio should be an exciting and thoughtful process that you engage in both in art classes in school and on your own at home. Most students will have completed 10 finished pieces for every one that is actually included in the final portfolio.
Selecting what to include should not be a nerve-racking experience. Most art programs will want to see works that fall into three distinct categories: observational art, personal art or a home exam. Some colleges will require a combination of two or three categories, and others will want to see only one category.
Young artists are usually their own worst critics and should follow the advice of their admissions counselors at the colleges they are applying to regarding what to include in their portfolio. Students tend to edit pieces based on their own personal aesthetics and not on what the colleges are looking for in an artwork. Admission counselors are trained to know what their admissions committee is looking for in a prospective student and can help edit a portfolio to meet the committees needs.
Category One: Observational Art
Observational art is drawing or painting in a traditional method using a still life, figure model, portrait or landscape as the subject and rendering the subject as accurately as possible. The image should not be taken from a photograph or the artists' imagination, but from real life. Size of the artwork should be approximately 18" x 24" or larger in scale and fill the entire surface of the paper or canvas. Most work in this category is done in pencil, charcoal, or other drawing mediums, but it can also include painting and collage.Category Two: Personal Art
Personal art is the work done outside of a classroom situation and reflects the artists' unique interests in use of materials, subject matter and concept. Work can be completed in any media including (but not limited to) drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, digital/computer art, film/video, ceramics, sculpture, animation and performance art.Category Three: Home Exam
The home exam consists of specific work that has been required by a particular college or department. (Example: Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in the past has asked that all portfolios include a drawing of a "bicycle".)Note on photographic works:
Photographic pieces should be works that are shot and printed by you the artist (do not use photographs printed at photo labs.) When it comes to photography, schools are just as interested in why you chose the subject matter as in how well it was printed. You should always attach a brief description (typed) on the back of each photograph explaining why you made that particular print or series of prints.
Portfolio Presentation
Presentation of the portfolio is very important -- consider this just as you would a personal interview.
Personal Art, Painting, Oil and Wax on Canvas
Due to the cost of mailing and lack of storage, most colleges will generally want the portfolio submitted in 35-mm slide format. Original artwork, if requested, should be documented on slides prior to mailing in case the portfolio is lost in the mail or unfortunately damaged. Follow each college's guidelines to the best of your ability and if you have questions regarding how to submit your portfolio, don't hesitate to call the admissions department of the school for directions.
Slides
- If you need to photograph your works on slides, always take enough slides of each individual work so that you can send them to all the schools that you are applying to (it's better to have too many than too few.) Always keep a master set that you can duplicate at a later date if you need to.
- Give yourself plenty of time prior to the due date of the portfolio. Documenting artwork can be tricky and it may take more than one attempt to get it right.
- Use a 35mm camera with manual operation, if possible. The background should be solid white or black depending on the art.
- When photographing indoors, use photoflood bulbs for lighting because a flash will often produce glare or hot spots.
- Outdoor photography usually produces even lighting. Be sure to prevent shadows from falling on two-dimensional work. Shadows are sometimes desirable for three-dimensional work if they help define edges or textures.
- Fill the frame in the viewfinder with the image of your work so that it is centered and parallel with the frame lines.
- If you still need to edit the image you can mask parts of the slide with a special tape that is sold in camera stores.
- Only submit focused and clear slides.
- Observational Painting, Still Life, Oil on Canvas Label the slides with your name, date, title, and dimensions of the work. (Avery brand #5267 return address labels work great for slides and can be done on a home computer and printed using most word processing programs.)
- Include a separate typed slide description sheet.
Original Art
- Do not include torn or poorly cared for work.
- Include your most recent work.
- Include only finished or completed works (avoid sending too many studies or gestures.)
- Include your name, date, title of work and your social security number on the back of each individual artwork.
- Photograph on slides all 3-dimensional/sculptural work (do not mail 3-dimensional work.)
Video, Disc, and CD-ROM Portfolios
- Observational Drawing, Interior, Charcoal on Paper />Make sure that your work is as finished/complete as possible.
- Do not assume the college will accept a new media portfolio. Check with each individual college to see if they will accept new media presentations and what format or software they can accommodate..
- Include a color printout of the work as well as a copy on disk format with attached list of instructions and programs used.
- Video should adhere to each school's time limitations and compatibility requirements.
Note on portfolio delivery: Mail portfolios "Return Receipt Requested" to ensure that delivery of your work made it to the right department/person in a timely manner.
Portfolio Help
Observational Drawing, Gesture Study, Ink on Paper/>If your school does not offer a strong art program, or if you feel you need more help preparing your portfolio, consider attending a continuing education or prep course offered by an art college. Many art schools and universities offer low-cost courses in continuing or community programs, sometimes called Portfolio Development or Preparation courses.
If you're a high school student, check the pre-college summer programs at art schools, where you have the chance to spend four to six weeks building basic skills in drawing, color and design, as well the opportunity to receive college credit and experience. Many of the summer programs also offer housing and scholarship opportunities. Check the schools for more information.
About the author: Kavin Buck received his BFA in 1987 from Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles and his MFA from the California Institute of the Arts in 1989. Mr. Buck also completed the Whitney Museum of American Art Independent Study Program in 1990 and a PS-1 Museum studio residency in 1992. As a professional artist he has exhibited his work in-group and solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, New York and Europe. Mr. Buck has been director of admissions at Otis College of Art and Design and is currently the Director of Recruitment and Outreach for the School of Arts and Architecture at the University of California Los Angeles.
Videos on the performing arts
SUNY Institutions with "Arts" Programs
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Albany,
University at Art History Bachelor's
Albany, University at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Albany, University at Communication Arts & Rhetoric Bachelor's Alfred State College Culinary Arts Associate Alfred State College Culinary Arts: Baking Production & Management Associate Alfred University, NYS College of Ceramics at Art Education Bachelor's Alfred University, NYS College of Ceramics at Art History and Theory Bachelor's Alfred University, NYS College of Ceramics at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Binghamton University Art History Bachelor's Binghamton University Art Studio Bachelor's Binghamton University Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Brockport, State University College at Art Studio Bachelor's Brockport, State University College at Interdisciplinary Arts Bachelor's Broome Community College Communications & Media Arts Associate Buffalo State College Art Education Bachelor's Buffalo State College Art History Bachelor's Buffalo State College Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Buffalo State College Television and Film Arts Bachelor's Buffalo, University at Art History Bachelor's Buffalo, University at Art Studio Bachelor's Buffalo, University at Fine Arts Bachelor's Cobleskill, College of Agriculture & Technology at Culinary Arts Associate Cobleskill, College of Agriculture & Technology at Culinary Arts Management Bachelor's Cortland, State University College at Art Studio Bachelor's Cortland, State University College at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Delhi, College of Technology at Culinary Arts Associate Delhi, College of Technology at Hospitality Management: Culinary Arts Bachelor's Dutchess Community College Art Studies Associate Dutchess Community College Commercial Art Associate Dutchess Community College Communications & Media Arts Associate Dutchess Community College Performing Arts Associate Dutchess Community College Visual Arts Associate Erie Community College (City) Baking & Pastry Arts Certificate Erie Community College (City) Culinary Arts Associate Erie Community College (North) Culinary Arts Associate Erie Community College (South) Communications & Media Arts Associate Erie Community College (South) Graphic Arts & Printing: Visual Comm. Tech Associate Farmingdale State College Visual Communications: Art & Graphic Design Bachelor's Fashion Institute of Technology Fine Arts Associate Finger Lakes Community College Fine Arts Associate Finger Lakes Community College Graphic Arts & Advertising Technology Associate Finger Lakes Community College Theatre Arts Associate Fredonia, State University College at Art History Bachelor's Fredonia, State University College at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Fredonia, State University College at Visual Arts & New Media Bachelor's Fredonia, State University College at Visual Arts & New Media: Animation & Illustr. BFA Bachelor's Fredonia, State University College at Visual Arts & New Media: Ceramics BFA Bachelor's Fredonia, State University College at Visual Arts & New Media: Drawing & Painting Bachelor's |
Fredonia, State
University College
at Visual Arts & New Media: Graphic Design BFA Bachelor's
Fredonia, State University College at Visual Arts & New Media: Media Arts Bachelor's Fredonia, State University College at Visual Arts & New Media: Photography BFA Bachelor's Fredonia, State University College at Visual Arts & New Media: Sculpture BFA Bachelor's Fulton-Montgomery Community College Communications & Media Arts Associate Fulton-Montgomery Community College Fine Arts Associate Fulton-Montgomery Community College Graphic Arts & Printing: Visual Comm. Tech Associate Fulton-Montgomery Community College Theatre Arts Associate Genesee Community College Communications & Media Arts Associate Genesee Community College Digital Art Associate Genesee Community College Fine Arts Associate Genesee Community College Theatre Arts Associate Geneseo, State University College at Art History Bachelor's Geneseo, State University College at Dramatic Arts & English Bachelor's Hudson Valley Community College Fine Arts Associate Hudson Valley Community College Theatre Arts Associate New Paltz, State University College at Art Education Bachelor's New Paltz, State University College at Art History Bachelor's New Paltz, State University College at Visual Arts Bachelor's Old Westbury, State University College at Visual Arts Bachelor's Old Westbury, State University College at Visual Arts: Electronic Media Bachelor's Oneonta, State University College at Art History Bachelor's Oneonta, State University College at Art Studio Bachelor's Oneonta, State University College at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Oneonta, State University College at Computer Art Bachelor's Onondaga Community College Art Associate Oswego, State University College at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Oswego, State University College at Fine Arts Bachelor's Plattsburgh, State University College at Art Studio Bachelor's Plattsburgh, State University College at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Potsdam, State University College at Art Education 3+1 w/St Lawrence Bachelor's Potsdam, State University College at Art History Bachelor's Potsdam, State University College at Art Studio Bachelor's Potsdam, State University College at Art: Fine & Visual Arts Bachelor's Potsdam, State University College at Visual Arts Bachelor's Purchase, State University College at Art History Bachelor's Purchase, State University College at Arts Management Bachelor's Purchase, State University College at Media, Society & Art Bachelor's Purchase, State University College at Visual Arts Bachelor's Schenectady County Community College Culinary Arts Associate Schenectady County Community College Performing Arts: Drama Associate Stony Brook University Art History & Criticism Bachelor's Stony Brook University Art Studio Bachelor's Ulster County Community College Communications & Media Arts Associate Ulster County Community College Fine Arts: Visual Arts Associate Ulster County Community College Graphic Arts & Advertising Technology Associate Ulster County Community College Theatre Arts Associate |
