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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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![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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![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.
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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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![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.
Performing Arts News
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November 4, 2024
![Five Courtyard members are shown in a group photo holding instruments in front of an orange background.]()
Students form band after chance meeting on campus
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.
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October 31, 2024
![Poster for Peter and the Starcatcher with blue background with drawing of a sailing ship and stars with information about the play in orange and a QR code.]()
RIT/NTID Performing Arts presents PETER AND THE STARCATCHER Nov. 15-17
RIT/NTID Performing Arts will present “Peter and the Starcatcher” Nov. 15 – 17, presented in ASL and spoken English, in the Robert F. Panara Theatre on the RIT campus.
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October 30, 2024
![Thomas Warfield sitting in a theater seat with rows of seats all around. Thomas is wearing a colorful jacket, bright blue shirt, light blue pants.]()
Thomas Warfield named NTID's first Professor of Practice
Award-winning performer and Rochester, N.Y., native Thomas Warfield has been named the first Professor of Practice by Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf.
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October 25, 2024
![three men sit at a table with a keyboard and control panel on it. One of the men points to something on a computer screen in front of them.]()
Inspired by teachers, RIT grad opens music studio to teach others
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.
Events
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![RPO at RIT]()
November 12
RPO at RIT - Herb Smith and The Freedom Trio
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED)Sklarsky Glass Box Theater -
![Unstageably Fresh Gynt]()
December 5
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED)Sklarsky Glass Box Theater -
![Unstageably Fresh Gynt]()
December 6
Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHED)Sklarsky Glass Box Theater
