A dancer captured in a multiple-exposure photo, creating a blurred motion effect with their arms sweeping out, against a brightly lit stage backdrop that fades from orange and red on the left to purple and blue on the right. The text DANCE is in the lower right corner.

School of the Arts

in the College of Arts and Humanities

Tomorrow is made by today’s artists

At Christopher Newport, we believe the arts are vital to education, community, and life. Inspired by this vision, we established the School of the Arts, a vibrant home where emerging artists, performers, and designers turn passion into purpose.

Christopher Newport is becoming a nationally recognized cultural destination, uniting the creative power of the Ferguson Center for the Performing Arts, the Torggler Fine Arts Center, and our outstanding programs in visual art, art history, music, theatre, and dance. These programs form a vibrant hub of artistic excellence that inspires students and enriches our community.

This new school blends top-tier academics with dynamic, real-world experiences to help you sharpen your craft and shine on stage, in galleries, studios, and more.

A young woman sits on the floor, smiling and looking up, as she paints a piano bright orange.
Art

We seek to inspire creative artists and critical thinkers who will gain a strong historical and visual foundation in art history and studio art.

Explore
A female dancer is captured in a grand jete mid-air, wearing a white top and light blue-and-white striped pants. Her arms are stretched high above her head. Four other dancers are standing to the right on the stage, which is lit with purple and pink hues.
Dance

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.

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A group of diverse young people in an orchestra, dressed in black, playing string instruments; the central focus is a Black male violinist with dreadlocks. The text MUSIC is in the lower right corner.
Music

As a member of Music CNU, whether you're a singer or instrumentalist, you'll find countless opportunities to shine - giving you the stage to perform, collaborate, and grow as an artist.

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An actor on stage, dressed in a vibrant red, gold-trimmed military-style jacket, singing dramatically with both hands raised, against a backdrop of dark green leaves and purple wisteria. The text THEATRE is in the lower right corner.
Theatre

Whether you're on stage or behind the scenes, Theatre CNU offers exciting opportunities to bring your talent to life - with opportunities for all to shine.

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Here, small classes and passionate teacher-scholars and artists create an environment where you’ll receive hands-on training, personal mentorship, and the freedom to explore bold ideas across disciplines. It’s rigorous. It’s inspiring. And it’s designed to help you grow as an artist and a thinker.

Bold Opportunities

  • Create in cutting-edge studios, performance halls, and digital labs built for exploration.
  • Showcase your creativity through juried exhibitions, performances, and professional opportunities to bring your vision to life.
  • Gain real-world experience through internships, arts entrepreneurship, and global study programs.
  • Be part of a connected arts community making waves on campus and across the nation.

What Sets Us Apart

At Christopher Newport, the School of the Arts is more than a program, it’s a partnership. Through deep collaboration between our academic departments and two nationally recognized arts venues, students gain rare opportunities to experience, learn, and do.

The Mary M. Torggler Fine Arts Center is a hub for creative exploration. With cutting-edge studios, major exhibitions, and vibrant public programming, students in Fine Art and Art History learn by doing - curating, creating, and engaging with the professional art world.

The Ferguson Center for the Arts brings the global stage to campus, hosting Broadway tours, world-renowned musicians, and acclaimed dance and theater productions. For students in Music, Theatre, and Dance, it’s both classroom and stage, where training meets performance and theory comes to life.

Together, these venues transform education into experience. From day one, you’ll be part of a thriving arts ecosystem working alongside faculty, guest artists, and students who bring creative ideas into the spotlight.

Jonathan Martin and Yuja Wang

May 2, 2025

Music Major Shines in Masterclass with Yuja Wang

One of the world’s most acclaimed pianists conducts masterclass with Captains.

Kyle Bates stands in a back hallway of the Ferguson Center for the Arts holding an envelope with her name on it.

January 13, 2025

Kylee Bates '27 Earns Broadway Award

Students participate in a masterclass with Broadway veterans
Students walk into the exhibit space.

September 13, 2024

From the Ground Up

New exhibit weaves together students, research discoveries, and artifacts to showcase outcomes.
More Stories

Ready to be part of something extraordinary?

Imagine. Create. Inspire. Lead.

Be part of the first generation to launch their journey in CNU’s new School of the Arts.

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