A group performs a musical number.

Fine and Performing Arts

The Fine and Performing Arts Programs at Manhattanville are renowned for developing enterprising artists who can make their artistic vision come to life.

Housed within the School of Arts and Sciences, our fine and performing arts programs integrate the in-demand skills of a liberal arts education with the creative freedom needed to hone one’s craft. We emphasize collaboration, hands-on learning, and the practical tools required to forge an artistic career. New York City is an extension of the classroom, offering unparalleled opportunities like creative internships and networking events.

Discover how our major and minors in Art, Commercial Dance, Musical Theatre, and Theatre can level up your talent and open the doors to a multitude of professional paths.

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Dynamic Fine and Performing Arts Majors in New York

 
A group of students explore an art gallery.
BA or BS in Art, Minor in Art 
Interpret the world through a variety of mediums, styles, and methods while you sharpen your technical skills. The studio art degree program allows you to concentrate on painting, drawing, sculpture, illustration, digital media, graphic design, or another genre of your choice, under the mentorship of our accomplished faculty.
Students perform in a play, set in a hospital.
BA in Theatre, Minor in Theatre

Whether your interest lies in acting, playwriting, technical aspects, stage management, dance, or choreography, the BA in Theatre degree program is designed to nurture your talents and provide the flexibility to experiment across various domains of theatre arts. Courses are crafted to blend practical skills with theoretical knowledge, where you’ll engage in hands-on projects from stage productions to experimental workshops.

Dancers perform in a dance concert.
BFA in Commercial Dance, Minor in Dance

Explore the possibilities in the world of dance with a flexible curriculum that covers ballet, modern dance, choreography, composition, and performance. Engage in hands-on experiences by producing filmed dances, developing skills in stagecraft, performing in productions and dance concerts, and completing internships. Students can also minor in dance.  Students can also minor in dance.

A young man sings and dances near a piano.
BFA in Musical Theatre, Minor in Musical Theatre

Refine your acting, singing, and dancing skills through mainstage productions, senior recitals, and courses in applied voice, musical theater performance, piano, acting, and dance. Learn about and apply your skills offstage, with courses in stagecraft, theatrical design and our Musical Theatre Internships in Community Outreach, Dramaturgy, and Social Media Coordinator. We also offer a musical theater minor that is open to all students.

Resources and Support for Fine and Performing Arts Majors

We provide academic resources and support for creative majors in all areas of student life. Whether you need guidance with the admissions process or deciding your class schedule, or tips on managing audition anxiety, we have a dedicated team who can answer your questions and concerns.

We Are Valiant Artists!Fine and Performing Arts Careers

With the world’s artistic center at our doorstep, undergraduates have a wealth of opportunities to launch their careers in NYC through creative internships, industry networking events, and professional auditions. Students have gone on to perform in regional theaters, national tours, and prestigious dance companies or have found success in industries like production, management, advertising, and publishing.

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News & Events

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As You Like It

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Mar
28

As You Like It

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Reid Castle

Take the Next Step!

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Begin your journey as a valiant by reviewing the admissions requirements, learning more about the types of financial aid we offer, and contacting an admissions counselor for personalized guidance on the arts degree admissions process. Or experience Manhattanville University for yourself—we are a short train ride away from NYC.
dance audition

Auditions and portfolios are an opportunity to showcase your artistic strengths and demonstrate your readiness for advanced studies. If you are interested in the BFA Commercial Dance program or the BFA in Musical Theatre, you must audition or submit additional materials. If you are interested in the BA or BS in Art, a portfolio is strongly recommended but not required.
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Fine and Performing Arts programs at Manhattanville are a training ground for the next generation of artists, musicians, performers, and industry leaders. Whether you want to turn your artistic vocation into a profession or use your degree as a springboard for other career paths, our fine and performing arts programs give you the opportunity to develop your voice, talents, and dreams.