Student performing on a string instrument.

Performing Arts

What’s it like to study performing arts at Case Western Reserve University?

Unleash your creativity at Case Western Reserve University, where the performing arts thrive in one of the nation’s top cultural districts (USA Today). Here, you’ll receive outstanding training in music, dance and theater, guided by accomplished performers, dedicated teachers and renowned scholars.

With access to world-class venues and a deeply collaborative arts community—both on campus and throughout Cleveland—you’ll find the perfect stage to develop your talents and make your mark.

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100%
of music, theater and dance majors work with performing arts professionals
50+
performing arts groups on campus
21
musical ensembles
4
major undergraduate theater productions each year
4
major dance productions each year
#1
largest performing arts district in the country outside NYC—Cleveland's Playhouse Square

Performing Arts Degrees at Case Western Reserve University

At CWRU, performing arts students pursue their craft with the same rigor and curiosity that defines every discipline on campus. Choose from majors and minors in dance, music, music education and theater—with concentrations in acting, directing, dramatic writing, design/technical theater and more. Arts-related programs in arts education, art history and art studio round out a rich set of options for students who want to make the arts central to their college experience.

Majors and Minors

  • Dance
  • Music
  • Music Education
  • Theater (Concentrations)
    • Acting
    • Directing
    • Dramatic Writing
    • General Theater
    • Design/Technical Theater

Other Arts-Related Programs

  • Arts Education
  • Art History
  • Art Studio (minor)

See Degree Requirements for Performing Arts Majors

Arts in Our Area

Experience the arts at their highest level through Case Western Reserve’s unique partnerships with Cleveland’s renowned cultural institutions.

  • Severance Music Center: Considered one of the most beautiful concert venues in the country and home to the Cleveland Orchestra, one of the nation's best
  • The Music Settlement: A century-old community music school with comprehensive instruction, music therapy programs and ensemble training for all skill levels
  • Cleveland Institute of Art: Students work on sets and video components for performances

In Cleveland

  • Playhouse Square: Resident companies include Cleveland Ballet, Cleveland Play House, DANCECleveland, Great Lakes Theater and Tri-C JazzFest
  • Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Provides opportunities for students to bridge popular culture and academic study
  • DANCECleveland: One of the resident companies of Playhouse Square, offers master classes with visiting artists or dance companies
  • Cleveland Play House: The country's first regional professional theater company, now with three state-of-the-art venues in Playhouse Square
An outside shot of Severance Music Center.

Performing Arts Clubs and Organizations

Discover your community at CWRU through a vibrant array of student-led music, theater and dance organizations. Whether you’re eager to try something new or looking to connect with others who share your interests, you’ll find countless ways to get involved and express yourself. 

Explore just a few of the groups you can join:

Music

  • Case In Point (co-ed a cappella group)
  • Case Glee Club (dates back to 1897)
  • Dhamakapella (South Asian fusion a capella group)
  • Nadaam (Indian classical music)
  • Pep Band (promotes school spirit)
  • Solstice (a cappella group)

Theater

  • CWRU Footlighters (fall and spring musicals)
  • IMPROVment (student improv group)
  • Players' Theater Group (student-run theater group)

Dance

  • Case CobRAAS (traditional Indian dance)
  • Case Kismat Fusion Dance Team (dance with video, dialogue and props)
  • Cheza Nzuri Dance Team (African dance)
  • Nritya Dance Team (competitive classical dance)
  • Salsa Dance Club (weekly lessons)
  • Spartan Bhangra (Indian folk dance)
  • Spartan Tappers (two tap lessons each week)
  • Swing Dance Club (swing lessons throughout the year)

Theater Highlights

Home to one of the nation’s oldest academic theater programs, Case Western Reserve University offers students the chance to learn from celebrated teachers and accomplished guest artists—mentors who guide you from design to performance and beyond. Here, your training extends far beyond the classroom.

Theater students at CWRU gain hands-on experience through:

  • Internships: Connect with professional theater companies—including Cleveland Play House, winner of a Regional Theater Tony Award
  • Study abroad: Attend renowned programs, such as the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art
  • Collaborative projects: Partner with organizations such as the Great Lakes Theater Festival to bring your creative vision to life.

Dance Highlights

With a focus on contemporary dance, our innovative program is on the forefront of integrating dance and technology.

Dancer Wellness Program

In this three-part, internationally recognized program, all majors take kinesiology and participate in seminars on topics such as nutrition and injury prevention. They also complete an annual biomechanical screening, followed by an individual assessment with a physical therapist or qualified professional to customize a cross-training program. 

Learn about the Dancer Wellness Program.

Mather Dance Center

All three studios offer state-of-the-art, triple-layer basket-weave sprung dance floors and lots of natural light. The Baroque Dance Ensemble holds classes here, and one studio transforms into an informal theater space where the Mather Dance Collective—a modern dance club—performs. 

Discover the Mather Dance Center. 

Students in a dance studio.

Music Highlights

Study music with distinguished faculty who are passionate performers, dedicated educators and innovative scholars. Our comprehensive music program offers a rich blend of performance, theory, history and music education, preparing you for a variety of careers in the arts and beyond. Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities, diverse ensembles and a vibrant campus arts community.

Music Education at CWRU

Our highly respected music education program features a fully accredited curriculum that leads to teaching licensure, combining rigorous academics with hands-on experience in the classroom and on the stage.

A percussion ensemble plays at the Maltz Performing Arts Center.

Iconic Performance Space

Step into the Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center, where history and innovation meet to create extraordinary opportunities for CWRU performers. This iconic venue features state-of-the-art technology and stunning architecture, providing the perfect backdrop for creativity and collaboration. From your first rehearsal to your final encore, you’ll find a home for your artistry in the heart of campus.

  • Silver Hall: With seating for 1,200, this breathtaking auditorium showcases the talents of CWRU’s music students and ensembles in unforgettable performances.
  • Roe Green Theatre: Theater students hone their craft in this intimate, 250-seat space, equipped with advanced lighting, sound technology, and professional-grade scene and costume shops.
Maltz Performing Arts Center

Find your future at CWRU.

Ready to move forward? Start your application today.

Apply Now