The BFA in Interarts Performance is a new interdisciplinary undergraduate degree jointly offered by the School of Art & Design and the Department of Theatre & Drama in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. This is the perfect program for adventuresome students who have interests in both the visual arts and theater as well as a desire to create original performance pieces. Interarts Performance introduces students to a diverse range of art forms and creative practices from new media to traditional acting skills, with the aim of generating work that blurs boundaries between the visual arts and performance.
Developed in response to the emergence in the latter half of the 20th century of a new kind of performance domain, combining both creative and interpretive approaches to expression in time and space, this highly interdisciplinary program is the first of its kind in the nation. The School of Art & Design courses contribute a broad visual language vocabulary, a culture of experimentation, and expertise with new and emerging media technologies. The Department of Theatre & Drama courses contribute training in movement, voice, action, and narrative as well as expertise in the design and construction of sets, costumes and lighting.
The BFA in Interarts Performance includes a balanced combination of selected courses from the School of Art & Design (A&D) and the Department of Theatre & Drama (T&D), a component of academic courses in both schools, and academic requirements and electives from across the University. Students are immersed in the cultures of both schools and have the advantage of the academic resources of a major research University. Interarts Performance also includes comprehensive reviews at the end of the second and fourth years, a recommended semester of international study during the third year, student performance opportunities and a final-year, capstone educational experience. Intensive faculty mentoring guides each student through an individualized program of study.
Attributes of the Interarts Performance program include:
- Producing graduates capable of creating new, personal works which transcend aesthetic, discipline, and genre boundaries
- Promoting the freedom and the value of utilizing the tools, materials, and processes from all of the arts in the creation of new work
- Encouraging the development of work that draws upon multiple disciplines, both within and beyond the arts
- Nurturing the role of the unique artistic voice in a world saturated by commonplace media entertainment
- Situating contemporary performance practice in a historical context
- Providing a useable understanding of visual and performance arts practice in non-Western cultures:
- Providing inspiration to make artistic practice a life-long journey of discovery
- Providing a methodology for carrying out research
- Connecting the personal and the social
- Connecting creative and intellectual development
- Encouraging the exploration of both established and experimental approaches
- Engaging the community within and outside of the University; and
- Facilitating the integration of electronic media and information technology across the curriculum
Exhibition: Faces
Open Nov 20 - Jan 12 at the Dexter District Library, Faces features interpretations by twelve area artists.
Winter 2010 Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions and schedules for the Winter 2010 semester have been posted.
Matt Shlian Featured in New Publication
Work by Matt Shlian is featured in the book Papercraft from Gestalten Press, an extensive survey on the innovative art and design work crafted from paper.
Stewart Brand
On December 03, the Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Visitors Series presents Stewart Brand with Hacking Civilization at the Michigan Theater.
Study Abroad in Korea at Sogang University Information Session
RSVP for this information session on upcoming programs at Sogang University for the summer of 2010 and new graduate study opportunities.
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