Home Page - Performing Arts
Tigers Helping Tigers
A virtual fundraising event on June 25 featuring performing artists.
Expression for Everyone
Performing arts at a university known around the world for its excellence in science and tech? You better believe it. By combining the constantly innovative nature of technology with traditional art and performance, we are breaking new ground in the realm of artistic experience.
The benefits of performing arts can be viewed in many ways—a dynamic discipline, creative outlet, tool for wellness, and spellbinding spectacle. We specialize in exploring unexpected connections between music, theater, dance, and other academic disciplines—like animating a scene that accompanies an orchestral performance, or designing and building moving set pieces for a play.
Our students put what they learn in the classroom, what they feel inside, and what they are passionate about to use in creative and unique ways while having fun working alongside others as enthusiastic as they are.
So whether you’re a cellist here to study engineering, or a theater club pro majoring in museum studies, RIT’s performing arts have something to offer.
Facilities
The SHED
The Student Hall for Exploration and Development (the SHED), a 100,000-plus-square-foot facility, will become the epicenter of what RIT represents with a huge makerspace, a black-box theater, a dance studio, and music rehearsal spaces.
Learn more about the Student Hall for Exploration and Development
Performing Arts Center
Construction of a 750-seat theater is complete. The performance hall will host musical theater, dance, and music, and house an antique historic theater organ.
2026/2027 Joint Theatrical and Dance Season
Message from the President
RIT is striving to develop the leading performing arts program in the nation for non-majors. We are seeking the most talented and creative students who can continue their passions for music, dance, theater, and the arts. RIT is a place where you can exercise your multiple talents, satisfy your thirst for learning and for doing, and experiment along the way. We’re always on to something. And we’re having fun along the way.
Dr. David C. Munson Jr.
RIT President
Ovation: RIT Performing Arts Showcase
Portraits of Performance
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The Excitement of Live Performance
Ted CanningAdjunct facultyDirector of Steelband EnsembleFor Professor Ted Canning, music is a universal language anyone can learn. No matter your major, no matter your level of experience, you can make music part of your life at RIT.
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Evoking Emotion Through Music
Jonathan KrugerProfessorA difficult task to accomplish, yet a joy to teach, Kruger enjoys composing for visual mediums. As chair of the Department of Performing Arts, Krugar focuses on enhancing a scene with music while keeping the audience immersed in the medium.
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Visual Exploration
Fred Beam '85As outreach coordinator for Sunshine 2.0, a theater group at RIT's National Institute for the Deaf, Beam and his troupe provide performances and activities for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults that highlight the fields of deaf culture, literacy, and STEM.
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A New Way to Tell Stories
Claire WilcoxUndeclared Art and DesignBy combining the performing arts with technology and design, Claire Wilcox is creating a storytelling dynamic that engages technology to share stories on film and on stage.
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The Power of Music
Becky JasenPhysician AssistantJasen is a physician assistant major and the music director for RIT Players. She is applying her passion for music to research that studied how music can reduce pain and anxiety in pediatric patients.
Performing Arts News
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September 16, 2026
RIT’s festival within the Fringe Festival
Visitors attending this year’s ESL Rochester Fringe Festival may not realize they’re also experiencing an unofficial celebration of Rochester Institute of Technology’s creativity. More than 30 performances feature RIT students, faculty, staff, and alumni showcasing the university’s artistic talent.
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August 21, 2026
RIT students share advice for incoming class
Arriving at RIT for the first time can be daunting; it means new faces, new (mostly brick) buildings, and some unwritten rules that students must learn on their own. We asked a few seasoned Tigers for advice on the RIT student experience.
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June 25, 2026
Andy Head to Direct School of Performing Arts at RIT
Creating opportunities for RIT's performing arts community to flourish as the new Performing Arts Center opens a bold new chapter for creativity, performance, and artistic expression is a high priority for the year ahead.
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May 6, 2026
College of Liberal Arts names Romiere Horace and Olivia Croteau as 2025-2026 Commencement Delegates
Recognizing two students whose academic excellence, leadership, research, and service reflect the breadth of impact possible through a liberal arts education.
