Department overview
Rider University’s Department of Performing Arts offers a dynamic mix of programs that help aspiring professional performers, producers, managers, designers and entrepreneurs find their unique and extraordinary path in an ever-evolving arts and entertainment industry.
Department faculty, along with our dedicated staff, work closely with students from around the nation in building an equitable, exciting and sustainable future for performing arts and artists by exploring the many diverse historical, cultural, social, and creative threads that add to our rich tapestry.
Through our rigorous academic offerings, and array of performance, production, management, networking and engagement opportunities, we help ensure that our graduates have the practical skills, creative passion, and entrepreneurial flair to build successful and rewarding careers, wherever their path leads them.
Build your network
Department faculty, who collectively represent hundreds of years of professional experience on some of the greatest platforms and in some of the greatest workspaces and management suites in the nation, bring invaluable expertise, networking capacity and passion to our classrooms and stages.
Internships and experiential opportunities
We believe experiential learning is essential to the student experience. Our hands-on opportunities, which range from on-stage and behind-the-scenes work to internships, capstone and practicum projects, are designed to develop your skills as a professional artist and build your portfolio and are a requirement for several of our programs.
Performance facilities, venues and resources
Students in our programs are encouraged to utilize Rider’s various professional studios, performance and rehearsal spaces, and production facilities to learn, create and collaborate, and practice to master their craft.