Performing Arts
College of Arts and Humanities
Faculty
Prof. Deborah Mogford, Chair
Prof. Timm Adams
Prof. Lindsay Hawkins
Prof. Jeff Hendry
The Performing Arts department offers all Rockford University students a unique opportunity to explore musical theatre, dance, music, acting/directing, design and technical theatre, and theatre management. All of these interrelated art forms are explored in an innovative, experimental environment where students can express themselves creatively, study the performing arts in their historical-cultural context, and participate in departmental programs and productions. Our faculty members believe in a hands-on approach of positive instruction and guidance to nurture creative and intellectual abilities. Classes are small for maximum student-teacher interaction. Some courses involve team teaching to provide a full understanding of the interrelationships of dance, music and theatre.
Students will have numerous opportunities to enhance their education in the performing arts. We stress to all our majors the importance of disciplining themselves to the rigors of academia within and outside the performing arts, attending artistic events and workshops with professional artists, and participating in student-produced as well as faculty-directed productions. The faculty encourages and helps prepare the students for professional auditions and interviews for summer theatre companies and established regional theatres. Juniors and seniors also may take advantage of internship programs with professional artistic organizations in the Rockford and Chicago areas. The department offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in General Music, Dance, or Theatre Arts, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Musical Theatre Performance, Acting/Directing, Design/Technical Theatre, Theatre Management, and Dance. Minors are available in Music, Theatre Arts, and Dance. Please refer to course listings under each area and the interdisciplinary performing arts courses.
Career Opportunities
Graduates in the performing arts may choose from a variety of career options. Some will move on to careers as performers, theatre managers, stage managers, designers, or technicians. Some attend professional training schools and/or graduate school for further concentration in their studies. Others earn certification through the Rockford University education department and teach at the primary or secondary level.
Performing Arts graduates often pursue careers in jobs requiring presentational abilities: teaching, advertising, public relations, radio, sales, television, repertory and community theatres, recreation and film. The Performing Arts degree also may lead to a career in the performing arts, arts therapy, private studio teaching or arts management.