At the University of Iowa, performing arts opportunities are boundless
You can be a musician and a dancer. Sing in a musical theatre production or perform in our renowned chamber music program. Write a play while you study neuroscience. Learn how to be a stage manager or lighting designer, training alongside professionals in our Performing Arts Production Unit, who are some of the best creatives and technicians in the industry.
At Hancher Auditorium you can see some of the world’s most engaging and innovative artists (at special student prices) to inspire your own creativity.
The University of Iowa also offers graduate programs in Dance, Music, and Theatre Arts.
Get in on our spirit of collaboration and innovation
Collaboration provides opportunities for innovation and fuel for our creative fires. More than half of performing arts students are double majors, so our programs welcome and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
In fact, we offer interdisciplinary certificates in Social Justice and the Performing Arts and Public Digital Arts, with many other choose-your-own-adventure certificates offered throughout the college.
There's something here for everyone
Our academic departments of Department of Dance, School of Music, and Department of Theatre Arts are embedded in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the heart of our major public research university, nestled in an exceptional small city for the arts.
At Iowa, you'll find a bevy of opportunities to perform, create, and learn, on campus and in our vibrant, friendly community known for its creative and inclusive spirit.
1 ST
university to award MFA degrees in the U.S.
In 1922, the University of Iowa began to accept creative work in lieu of theses for graduate degrees in the fine and performing arts. Later, in 1940, the university awarded the first Master of Fine Arts degrees in the U.S.
57 %
of undergrads are double majors
In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which is home to all of our performing arts academic units and a dizzying diversity of other majors, we encourage interdisciplinary study.
47
areas of study
From undergrad degrees to PhDs, and with an assortment of concentration tracks, major-minor combinations, and certificates, there are at least 47 different degrees available in the performing arts at Iowa.
112 %
LGBTQ-friendly community
Iowa City received a perfect score—plus extra points for additional efforts—from the Human Rights Campaign’s annual LGBTQ+ equality assessment (HRC, 2023).
From box office and front of house to backstage and administration, University of Iowa students can work in the performing arts—no matter what your major is. Hancher Auditorium and the Performing Arts Production Unit hire more than 150 students each year.
Are you ready to become a Hawkeye?
