Performing Arts Department
At Saint Mary’s we build creative artists with strong foundational skills and adventuresome spirits.
You’ll receive conservatory-caliber training in a small classroom setting. Our world-renowned faculty of scholars and artists will equip you for graduate studies or a career in the performing arts, while developing your critical thinking and communication skills, the hallmarks of a liberal arts education.
As a Dance, Theatre, or Music student, you’ll progress through a sequence of courses that will emphasize performance practice, history and theory, and criticism and analysis. You’ll also be encouraged to explore interdisciplinary pathways through classes and performance opportunities beyond your home program.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR DEGREE PROGRAMS
Scholarships
In addition to need and merit-based scholarships, incoming students intending to major or minor in Dance, Music, or Theatre are eligible for the Performing Arts Scholarship, totaling $5,000 per year. This year, we are also accepting applications for the East Bay Performing Arts (Dance, Music, and Theatre) scholarship which offers a full-ride (tuition, room, and board) for a student planning on coming to Saint Mary's in Fall '2025 who identifies as Black or of African-American descent and is from the East Bay. Applications open! Apply to the college first, and then apply to the first year scholarships by Dec. 1 for Performing Arts and Jan. 15 for the East Bay Performing Arts Scholarship: http://2r71.tamilfolksongs.com/financial-aid/scholarships/first-year-students
Performances
The Making of a Musical
In the year 2020, when many canceled performances, the Performing Arts Department got to work creating an original musical, gather ‘round, built by students for students. Working virtually with industry professionals across the country, the team created a musical from the group up, composing music, writing the script, learning choreography, and even how to set up lighting and cameras. Watch our short video about their journey.
Program & School Information
CONTACT US:
Rogelio Lopez, Dance Program Director
Sixto F. Montesinos Jr., Head of Instrumental Studies & Assistant Professor of Performing Arts, Music
Deanna Zibello, Theatre Program Director
Tara Sundy, Performing Arts Coordinator & Events Manager/Box Office Manager