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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.
Upcoming 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
Music Performance Theater
Construction of a two-theater complex has just begun. The smaller theater with approximately 800 seats will house musical theater, including a historic organ. We seek to add a 1,500-seat orchestra hall for larger audiences in a second phase.
2024/2025 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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![Fred Beam and another actor signing.]()
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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![Claire Wilcox looking at a monitor with an animation program open.]()
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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![Ted Canning playing the steel drums during a Steelband Ensemble practice session.]()
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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![Becky Jasen playing the cello.]()
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.
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![Professor Jonathan Kruger composing music.]()
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.
Performing Arts News
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April 16, 2024
![a poster for the Unlabeled music fest is shown with lime green text on a gray background.]()
Six-hour RIT Unlabeled Music Festival takes over the SHED on April 20
RIT's second annual Unlabeled Music Festival, part of SpringFest 2024, will showcase over 40 student acts across four stages in the innovative SHED building on April 20. From rock bands to a cappella and electronic music, the festival highlights the growing interest and talent in performing arts at RIT.
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April 15, 2024
![a poster with dark pastel colors is shown with earth in the background and the silhouette of a mans face entering the frame from the left.]()
RIT Singers team up with Madrigalia and RIT exhibitors
The RIT Singers will join members of the local singing group Madrigalia to present a concert dedicated to protecting and sustaining the Earth, and revitalizing nature. Formed in 1975, the chamber choir has collaborated with local and international audiences as well as premiering new works.
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April 12, 2024
![crowds of people are shown walking through campus with an Imagine RIT banner flying above them.]()
Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival set for April 27
Detecting deepfakes, a device to help grocery stores like Wegmans inspect strawberries and reduce waste, and even the economic impact of Taylor Swift are just a few of the nearly 400 exhibits at this year’s Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival.
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April 11, 2024
![RIT’s Game Symphony Orchestra is shown rehearsing in a performance room.]()
RIT’s Game Symphony Orchestra celebrates the music of video games
Finals week is approaching and, in addition to studying, a club of students, nearly 150 strong, gather to perform “Snake Eater” from the video game Metal Gear Solid 3, the title theme from Octopath Traveler, and “The Battle at the Summit” from Pokémon Sun and Moon.
