Experience the performing arts from center stage:

American University's Department of Performing Arts (DPA) includes robust programs in Theatre/Musical Theatre, Music, Dance, Arts Management, and Audio Technology. Taught by outstanding scholar-practitioners-educators in their respective fields, students learn, create, and perform in the classroom, the studio, on stage, and beyond.

Our location in the nation's capital coupled with our deep connections in the DC arts community as well as regional and national organizations, unlocks student access to a myriad of world-renowned institutions, performing arts venues, artists, and more. Our city is your stage. And, with our flexible curriculum, hands-on learning approach, tight-knit and nurturing community, and unwavering commitment to diversity, we create an ideal learning environment for your artistic and creative growth.

Theatre / Musical Theatre

Our Theatre and Musical Theatre Program will prepare you to succeed in a variety of professions within and beyond the performing arts. BA in Theatre Performance, a BA in Musical Theatre Performance, BA in Theatre Arts, and a minor in Theatre are available.
Learn more: Theatre
 

Music

We offer the breadth, depth, and flexibility to build a fulfilling career in music and a faculty that will guide you on your own path as a 21st-century artist. A BA in Music and a minor in Music are available.
Learn more: Music
 

Dance

Our diverse curriculum without traditional genre limitations allows students to study dance through a wide range of movement forms including ballet, African, contemporary, and urban, to creative research, and dance theory. A BA in Dance and a minor in Dance are available.
Learn more: Dance
 

Arts Management

Refined over five decades, our Arts Management program will provide you the skills, experience, connections, and community you need for a successful career in the business of arts and culture. Our graduates lead many of the most renown organizations across the nation. MA in Arts Management and graduate certificates in Arts Management are available and a combined BA/MA five-year program.
Learn more: Arts Management
 

Audio Technology

Our program blends the art and science in audio in the context of a broad ranging educational program. BA in Audio Production, BS in Audio Technology, and a MA in Audio Technology are available and a combined BA/MA five-year program.
Learn more: Audio Technology
 

Announcements

• Tickets Sign up for our mailing list to hear about fall performing arts events.

Degree program auditions: Music |  Theatre/Musical Theatre  |  Dance

Connect with Us

• Share your interest in our programs and opportunities—a program representative will reach out to you:
  Share My Interest
• The Department of Performing Arts Chair would like to hear from you! Please share comments, questions and suggestions:
  Connect with the Chair

Program Contacts

Department Office

Richard Streeks at 202-885-3422 or streeks@american.edu

Arts Management

Andrew Taylor at 202-885-1601 or eataylor@american.edu

Audio Technology

Michael Harvey at 202-885-6302 or mharvey@american.edu

Dance

Erin Foreman-Murray at 202-885-3942 or danceprogram@american.edu

Music

Ann Kang at 202-885-3859 or akang@american.edu

Theatre/Musical Theatre

Jason Arnold at 202-885-2773 or jasona@american.edu