Two performers on a dimly lit stage hold large red fabric pieces. One, bald and dressed in black, stands beside another in a red and beige costume. The background is dark with minimal visible details.

Performing Arts

Find Your Voice

At Alfred University, the Performing Arts Division is a place to discover who you are, collaborate with people who inspire you, and create work that matters. Whether your passion is Dance, Music, Sound Studies, Performance Design and Technology, or Theatre, you’ll learn in a hands-on, supportive environment where faculty know you by name, opportunities start right away, and creativity is part of everyday life. Here, artists, performers, and curious minds from all backgrounds come together to take risks, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful futures in the arts and beyond.

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Performing Arts Programs

Why Choose Performing Arts at Alfred? 

  • Interdisciplinary by Design: Explore the intersections of music, theatre, dance, and performance design or in disciplines across the campus — because creativity doesn’t fit neatly into boxes. 

  • Individualized Mentorship: Work closely with faculty who know you by name and champion your goals, both artistic and personal.

  • Performance & Production Opportunities: From mainstage productions to student-led projects, every performer and designer has a chance to shine. 

  • Inclusive & Supportive Community: We value every student’s story, background, and voice — and believe art is for everyone.

  • A Campus That Feels Like Home: Nestled in the beautiful Allegheny foothills, Alfred offers space to create, connect, and grow in an environment that’s both inspiring and welcoming. 

Arts Admissions

Undergraduate Performing Arts Portfolio

For Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Interdisciplinary Performing Arts with focus areas in Dance, Music, Sound Studies, Performance Design & Technology, and Theatre Applicants.

Arts Admissions Events

Visit us virtually or in-person and let us show you around! We also attend a number of National Portfolio Day events and may be coming to a city near you! 

Request More Information

Want to see what a future with Alfred looks like? It's simple. Just tell us a bit about yourself and what some of your college goals are. 

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Community and Belonging

In the Performing Arts Division at Alfred University, community and belonging are part of the everyday work of making art together. Our classrooms, rehearsal spaces, studios, and stages are built on collaboration, trust, curiosity, and care for one another. Students and faculty work closely together, learning not only through performance and creation, but through listening, problem-solving, sharing perspectives, and navigating challenges as a community. Here, making art is about the people you create with, the relationships you build, and the sense of purpose and belonging that grows along the way.

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Message from the Dean

Welcome to the heart of Alfred University — where creativity, collaboration, and community come together to inspire fearless artists and compassionate humans. In the Performing Arts, we believe in learning by doing, supporting each other, and building connections that reach far beyond the stage and rehearsal rooms. Whether you’re performing, designing, composing, or choreographing, this is a place to find your voice! Our students graduate ready to create meaningful work in the world — not only as performers, designers, and educators, but as collaborators and leaders who understand how art connects people.

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Mission

The Performing Arts Division provides collaborative, rigorous and contemporary programs across Dance, Music, Performance Design and Technology, and Theatre. For makers and performers, the Performing Arts Division fosters discovery, ideas, and creativity through innovative learning. Students co-create [live] art.    As practitioners, researchers, and scholars, faculty members foster depth of discovery and life-long learning. Each program is designed to be inclusive of all stages of skill, ability, and experience, while facilitating student mastery at all levels.

Performing Arts Facilities

Discover what makes Alfred University great! From cutting-edge labs to inspiring art studios, state-of-the-art athletic centers to cozy student spaces—explore everything our facilities have to offer. Visit today and see how we can help you realize your purpose! All Alfred Facilities
Latest Performing Arts Posts

From The Spark

The Spark is the official blog of Alfred University. Check our latest posts!

Arts Events

Nov 21
November 21 | Miller Theater
Nov 20
November 20 | C.D. Smith, III Theater
Nov 14
November 14 | Miller Theater
We'll Help You Find the Answers

Contact Us

Performing Arts
Miller Performing Arts Center
Jessie Thoman
Associate Dean and Professor of Music Performing Arts Division