News by Topic: Performing Arts

A chance encounter on the RIT campus has resulted in a student band forming, playing gigs, and working on an album. It’s a testament to the performing arts ecosystem at RIT, and how easy it can be to find other students who share the same passion for performing arts.

Travis Rankin’s passion for music led him to create the Rochester Music Lab, a vibrant space dedicated to music lessons and community outreach. With his studio, the SOIS alumnus aims to give back by offering opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and connect through music.

Dozens of events are planned—from sports, tours, entertainers, music, and dance—for Brick City Homecoming and Family Weekend on Oct. 18-20.

RIT President David Munson delivered his annual Welcome and State of the University address Sept. 12, where he also highlighted a strong enrollment, research milestones, the initial stages of a new strategic plan, and achievements by students, faculty, and staff.

RIT students, faculty, and staff will contribute music, dance, comedy, poetry, photojournalism, and more during the 13th annual Rochester Fringe Festival, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, through Sept. 21.

The 2024-2025 theatrical season will include thrillers, whimsical classical adaptations, a take on a popular Broadway show, and a reimagined look at The Nutcracker set in 1940s Harlem, among others.

More than 3,100 new RIT students got their official welcome Thursday, first parading past cheering faculty and staff in the annual Tiger Walk, then in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center for some friendly advice during this year’s Fall Convocation for New Students.

The new students come from 47 states (all but Arkansas, North Dakota, and Wyoming), Washington, D.C., and 44 foreign countries. They are among the most well-rounded and academically prepared classes at RIT, with average high school GPA's of 93.8 percent, up from 93 percent last year.

The Associated Press talks to RIT President David Munson about the inclusion of a piece of history, a massive pipe organ, in RIT's new performing arts center.

Anyone who would like to make their mark on the music performance theater being erected on the RIT campus is invited to sign a steel beam that will be part of the building.

Making at RIT has hit a new level now that several makerspaces in the Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED) have opened to provide students access to equipment and support for classwork, club advancement, and personal projects.

RIT President David Munson will retire in 2025 after leading the university for eight years and capping an illustrious 40-plus-year career in higher education. His last day will be June 30, 2025.