Students in the Department of Performing Arts are highly encouraged to participate in the experiential learning opportunities offered by the department and the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Performance and production opportunities

Opportunities to explore on-campus include work in connection with our activities, mainstage performances and student-led productions. Each academic year, we present eight major productions, two musical cabarets, a new play festival and several student-produced shows. Through these opportunities, students can develop their professional experience working on-stage and behind the scenes in areas ranging from acting, directing, design, management, production and more.

Visiting artists

Our faculty also leverage relationships with industry professionals to share diverse, real-world perspectives and expertise through guest lectures, workshops and specialized programs to benefit our students.

Internships 

Department faculty also encourage students to take advantage of Rider’s close proximity to Philadelphia and New York City to find available internship opportunities in the tri-state area and work closely with students to help them obtain top placements across the industry as a means to fulfill capstone and internship credits.

Recent internships include:

  • The American Ballet Theatre
  • Atlantic Records
  • Disney
  • Manhattan Theatre Club 
  • McCarter Theatre
  • Sesame Workshop
  • Warner Music Group 

To further support student career success, Rider’s Office of Career Development and Success provides students with a dedicated career counselor that will work with them to set goals, create structured career plans, assist with resume writing and offer professional advice.

GRAMMY Museum® University Affiliate

Rider’s formal affiliation with the GRAMMY Museum among other leading institutions builds bridges with like-minded institutions and expands our industry reach. This prestigious partnership enhances our curriculum by providing Rider students and faculty with new learning opportunities and access to a network of resources. Learn more