Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance

Five CNU music students playing saxophones

A smiling performer in a red dress and faux-fur collar sings exuberantly with arms raised, framed by blurred golden stage lights.

Three female dancers in brown sleeveless dresses jump in unison with split legs mid-air against a vibrant orange and purple gradient stage backdrop.

A man wearing a pinstripe suit and bowler hat sits under a single spotlight at a small round table on a dark stage.

Two actors in period costumes on stage; a woman in a traditional apron dress holds hands with a man kneeling in a red military uniform with gold trim and a sword.

A group of dancers gather around a singular dancer on the ground. There's a blue hue over them.

Erin Rigby in a polka dotted dress stands at a microphone and sings while an orchestra plays in the background

Introducing Erin Rigby

Freshman soloist shines brightly performing alongside Broadway stars and the Virginia Symphony Orchestra

Cora Barr as Anna Hyatt Huntington in the Anne Noland Edwards Gallery

Bringing Art to Life

Immersive play explores the life of a world-renowned artist.

Dr. Mike Levine speaking in front of a presentation of Bad Bunny

Captains, Meet Bad Bunny

A new honors seminar called “Bad Bunny: Música, Cultura and Revolución” has immersed Captains in a world energized by Latin music and Puerto Rican culture.

Caroline Scruggs and her instrument the theremin.

Musical Alum Plays her Way to TikTok Fame

Caroline Scruggs '14 elevates rare instrument to social media stardom.

Create. Perform. Collaborate

Take the stage, develop a new work, compose, choreograph, direct, design, perform, and collaborate with other emerging artists in Music, Theatre & Dance. Come and experience the CNU difference with small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, take creative risks, and discover your individual artistic voice. Through partnerships with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Stage Company, Hampton Roads Philharmonic, New Musicals Lab, and New York City’s Tectonic Theater Project, students learn from and work alongside professional artists. Work in the nationally recognized Ferguson Center for the Arts where students have extraordinary access world-class facilities and to the artists and companies who perform on its stages.

At CNU, you’ll perform, create, collaborate, and connect, developing the artistic skills, professional experience, and creative confidence to build a meaningful career in the performing arts.

A dancer does the splits in mid air while punching her arms down

Members of CNU's Marching Captains marching band on stage in their uniforms

A group of performers sing and dance on stage during an Opera CNU production

CNU Theatre's production of Jesus Christ Superstar

As a member of Music CNU, whether you're a singer or instrumentalist, you'll find countless opportunities to shine. Our Music program offers dozens of performances each year - from solo recitals and chamber music to jazz band concerts, opera productions, and full ensemble showcases - giving you the stage to perform, collaborate, and grow as an artist.

Auditions Ensembles Events

Whether you're on stage or behind the scenes, Theatre CNU offers exciting opportunities to bring your talent to life. Each year, students create four mainstage productions, a dynamic annual dance concert, and a range of student-driven shows - with opportunities for actors, dancers, musical theatre performers, tech designers, and other theatre artists to shine.

Auditions Productions Events

Our dance minor allows you to pursue formal study while completing your degree in another field. Explore the theoretical and movement components of dance and engage in hands-on work to nurture your creativity and refine your skills. Join our community of performing artists, express yourself through movement, and unlock your potential as a dancer. Whether you aspire to perform professionally or simply enrich your dance journey, our program provides a platform for growth, exploration, and artistic expression.

Information Events