Arts & Culture
Project-based learning is central to Plymouth State University’s Fine and Performing Arts programs. Through artistic exploration, students develop essential problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and advocacy skills that are highly prized by today’s employers.
Plymouth State’s Integrated Clusters learning model breaks the mold when it comes to active participation. Whether you dream of a career in the arts or just can’t live without them, you will have many opportunities to combine your talents with students from other majors, and with faculty, staff, working artists, and community partners. We invite you to share your vision as a member of our creative community!
Art | Graphic Design (BA and BFA); Studio Art: Multi-Media (BA and BFA);
Integrated Practices, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking (BFA)
Art Education | K–12 (BS and MAT)
Art History | (BA)
Minors
Art, Art History, Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design,
Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture
PSU Opportunities
Art Internships, Annual Exhibitions, Graphic Design Club, Student Art Collective, Students Exhibition Committee
Contact: Kristina Brouillet, D&M 207, Kristina.brouillet@thisweekonlot.com.
Music Programs
Music | Contract Option (self-design), Music Technology
Music Education | K–12 (BS)
Minors
Music, Audio Production
PSU Opportunities
Teaching Internships, American Choral Directors Association, Chamber Singers, Chamber Winds, Jazz Combos and Ensemble, Keyboard Accompanying, A Cappella Groups, Music Teachers National Association, National Association for Music Educators, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, Piano Ensemble, Drumline, Symphonic Band, University Chorale
Audition Requirements
Contact: Jonathan Santore, jsantore@thisweekonlot.com; (603) 535-2232
Theatre Arts Programs
Theatre Arts | Options: Acting, Dramatic Writing, Music Theatre Performance, Theatrical Design-Tech, Contract Options: Arts Management, Directing, Dramaturgy, Stage Management (BA programs)
Minors
Theatre, Interdisciplinary in Standardized Patient Training
PSU Opportunities
Co-curricular/performance opportunities, Gaiety School of Acting Program (Ireland), Music Theatre Company, New Play Development Lab and Public Readings, NH Educational Theatre Guild Conference, Open Mics, Plymouth Players/PlymProv (Improv Workshops/Performances), Production Practicums, Theatre Productions, Standardized Patient Simulations, Recitals, Tepper Semester through Syracuse University (New York City)
Audition Requirements
Contact: Paul Mroczka, pmroczka@thisweekonlot.com; (603) 535-2265
Dance Program
Dance students may create a self-designed bachelor’s degree through the Interdisciplinary Studies program that integrates dance with one or more concentrations such as theatre, education or business. Working with advisors, students have created extraordinary degree programs that cross sectors including:
- Ethnographic Studio Management
- Pre-Physical Therapy
- Performing Arts Production
- Dance Science
- Dance Entrepreneurship
Contact: Amanda Whitworth, aewhitworth@thisweekonlot.com; (603) 535-2713
Arts Facilities
Plymouth State’s arts facilities are open to students of all majors through extracurricular activities, elective courses, clubs, exhibitions, recitals, and performances.
Silver Center for the Arts
Artists and art-lovers alike take inspiration from central New Hampshire’s premier arts venue. The Silver Center’s outstanding facilities include the 680-seat Hanaway Theatre, the 174-seat Smith Recital Hall designed for vocal and instrumental performances, the Studio Theatre for experimental “black box” theatre, Roland digital piano lab, MIDI lab, state-of-the-art Wenger rehearsal rooms, dance and acting studios, and costume and scene shops.
Music, theater, and dance are resident programs, and the Silver Center regularly raises the curtain on both timeless and avant-garde productions. It is also home to the Eagle Pond Authors Series, which pays tribute to New Hampshire’s Donald Hall, the late poet laureate of the United States; the Sidore Lecture Series, which addresses critical issues and events in politics, society, and culture; fine art exhibitions that complement the center’s dramatic architecture; and numerous regional festivals, workshops, and touring performers.
Museum of the White Mountains
PSU’s on-campus museum is home to the Karl Drerup Art Gallery, which hosts art exhibitions including the annual senior showcase, and an Open Laboratory that brings students from all majors together to work on art projects.
Draper & Maynard Building
PSU’s historic, renovated factory building boasts 12-foot high ceilings and outsized windows that bathe interiors in warm, natural light. “D&M” houses classrooms and studios dedicated to ceramics, drawing, graphic design, metals, woodworking, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, art education, and art history. The Art History Teaching Gallery and the Collins Gallery showcase student exhibitions.
Plymouth State is joining the ranks of Harvard, MIT, RISD, and other universities with “maker spaces” devoted to the arts. Industry-standard equipment, including a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) router, plasma cutters, and 3D printers will enable students to tackle complex, large-scale projects. Students will gain hands-on experience working on University projects and by partnering with local and regional organizations, while acquiring teamwork and supervisory skills essential to successful careers.
