The Arts Take Center Stage

More musicals and professional development are at the heart of a reimagined Visual & Performing Arts program that enhances both intellectual flexibility and the experiences students need to thrive in their pursuits.

Unique Blend of Theory and Applied Learning 

The Performing Arts major at Stonehill provides students with a unique small-classroom experience while providing performance opportunities and experiential learning not often found at a small school. 

Students share an integrated core curriculum of theory across the disciplines of theater, dance and music. Building on this core, students then pursue their discipline-specific interests as actors, theater professionals, musicians or dancers.   

Performing Arts Concentrations

Students in the performing arts major must choose a concentration in dance, music, theatre or cross-disciplinary performance.

Stonehill dance students experience creative thinking through composition and physical expression, build self-esteem, learn teamwork and presentation skills, and develop an appreciation of the art form, which can be a lifetime experience. There are numerous academic-based and extra-curricular performance opportunities for students interested in dance.  

Qualified students can gain dance experience through The Stonehill College Dance Company, a company that reflects the spirit of the College. The company is comprised of auditioned dancers who learn choreography from well-known area choreographers and perform in various venues on and off campus throughout the semester. Individual creative expression is emphasized. 

Learn more about our Dance concentration and minor

The Performing Arts major – Music concentration and Music minor gives students a deep historical and cultural understanding of music while providing opportunities to perform in instrumental and/or vocal-based ensembles. 

Collegiate Chorale, small chamber-based ensembles, guitar ensemble as well as one-on-one studio lessons provide the musician with a large range of performance opportunities. Our dedicated professors work closely with students to understand their goals and form an appropriate course of study based on their interests. 

Learn more about our Music program.

Students enter the world of theater arts and discover themselves and their abilities anew while challenging their body, mind and imagination. Our program aids students' personal development in several ways: 

  • A deeper understanding of the workings of the human imagination and emotions 
  • The use of the body and voice as a means of expression 
  • The complexities of interpersonal relationships as seen in art and life 
  • Experiential learning opportunities 

Students in the program enjoy the benefits of Hemingway Theatre, a 250-seat facility that stages theater productions and dance company performances. 

Learn more about our Theatre program.

Students whose interests span traditional disciplines have the ability to form their own program of study using the Performing Arts major – Cross-disciplinary concentration. Students in this concentration share the same core as all performing arts students, but can select classes from between theater, dance and music. Education double-majors find this especially useful in that it prepares them for a career in education where they will “wear many hats."

Performing Arts Minors

The Dance minor is designed to challenge students whether they are novices exploring a new world or seasoned dancers furthering their quest for new dance genres.

Students in the Music minor experience classes and ensembles that inspire creativity and maximize their potential guided by faculty who provide individual coaching and instruction

The Music Technology program at Stonehill enables students to create music using the latest software and hardware. Students will learn to record instruments, as well as to edit and mix multitrack recordings.

The Theatre Arts minor provides students the chance to enter the world of theater arts and discover themselves and their abilities anew while challenging their body, mind and imagination

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Sample Performing Arts Courses

Introduction to Performing Arts

This course is a survey of the critical theory behind, and the cultural role of various modes of performance (primarily dance, music and theatre). Historical and contemporary examples of how performance shapes, and is shaped by the world we live in will provide a foundation for students to build a life of creative practice or critical engagement with the performing arts.

Writing for the Arts

Writing-in-the-Disciplines Course
Being an artist or a professional working within the arts requires the ability to float between the role of creator, manager, publicist and editor. This class will address the writing of resumes, grants, fundraising drives, performance programs and more. There will be regular workshops and critiques of your work.

Composition: Songwriting

In this course the student will learn how to write descriptive lyrics. The student will learn how to apply rhythm to these lyrics, and construct an effective melody. The student will also learn how to add harmony to melodies. The course will investigate several effective songs from a variety of sources.

Acting 1

Beginning work on the actor’s physical, vocal and emotional tools. Basic rules, mechanics and methods of analysis for developing a part in a play.

Dance for Musical Theatre

This course explores the world of musical theatre through dance. Students will learn a variety of dance styles associated with musicals throughout the decades. Broadway style dance will be incorporated.

Career Development Resources

The Stonehill Career Development Center offers extensive assistance to students seeking employment, pursuing advanced studies or participating in postgraduate service opportunities. By completing internships and utilizing mentors, students are empowered to build lifelong career management skills.

Visual & Performing Arts-specific career resources:

  • Extensive on-campus recruiting program for internships and entry-level positions
  • Annual career fairs
  • Various industry-specific career lunches – arts administration, nonprofits
  • Externships and internships in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. (weeklong and semesterlong programs).

Visual & Performing Arts Honor Society Affiliations

Lamda Epsilon Sigma

Stonehill’s campus-wide honor society, Lambda Epsilon Sigma, recognizes students from all areas of study. Students who have demonstrated a well-rounded thirst for knowledge are invited to apply.

Alpha Psi Omega

Alpha Psi Omega is the national theater honor society.

Compassionate Leadership Through the Arts

The Arts Outreach program pairs under-served children from the nearby city of Brockton with Stonehill mentors. Because most of the Stonehill students who participate have little experience in art, the projects they undertake – ranging from photography and videography to painting and sometimes dance – provide an opportunity for the mentors and mentees to learn and do something new together.

Outside Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in five years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing during their senior year.

Dance Program Director

Valerie Robertson

Valerie Robertson

Assistant Professor of Dance, Dance Program Director, Director of the Stonehill Dance Company
Visual and Performing Arts

Music Program Director

James M. Bohn

James M. Bohn

Associate Professor of Music, Music Program Director, Music Technology Program Director
Cushing-Martin 028
Visual and Performing Arts

Theatre Program Director

Matthew C. Greene

Matthew C. Greene

Associate Professor of Theater, Theatre Program Director
Visual and Performing Arts

Department Chair

Adam D. Lampton

Associate Professor of Visual & Performing Arts, Visual & Performing Arts Department Chair, Studio Arts Program Director, Art History Program Director
Visual and Performing Arts