The Arts at Middlebury College encompass a wide array of disciplines, including visual arts, music, theater, dance, film, and media studies, providing students with unparalleled opportunities to explore, create, and perform. Middlebury College, renowned for its commitment to liberal arts education, offers a vibrant and expansive arts program that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural engagement. With state-of-the-art facilities, a distinguished faculty of practicing artists and scholars, and a curriculum that integrates theory and practice, Middlebury’s arts programs are designed to inspire students to push boundaries, collaborate across disciplines, and develop a deep appreciation for the transformative power of the arts. Whether through hands-on studio work, performances, exhibitions, or interdisciplinary projects, the arts at Middlebury are a cornerstone of the college’s mission to cultivate well-rounded, innovative, and globally aware individuals.

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Visual Arts: A Dynamic Space for Creativity and Expression

The Visual Arts program at Middlebury College is a thriving community of artists, designers, and scholars who engage with both traditional and contemporary practices. Students have access to cutting-edge facilities, including the Mahaney Arts Center, which houses spacious studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. The program emphasizes experimentation and interdisciplinary approaches, encouraging students to explore the intersections of art, technology, and social issues. Courses range from foundational classes in drawing and design to advanced seminars in digital media, installation art, and art history. The college also hosts the Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibitions of global and regional art, providing students with direct exposure to professional works and curatorial practices.

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Music: A Rich Tradition of Performance and Scholarship

Middlebury’s Music Department offers a comprehensive program that balances performance, composition, and academic study. Students can participate in a variety of ensembles, including the Middlebury College Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and World Music ensembles, which celebrate diverse musical traditions from around the globe. The department’s faculty includes accomplished performers and composers who mentor students in both classical and contemporary music. The Mahaney Arts Center’s Robison Hall and the Kevin P. Mahaney ’84 Center for the Arts provide exceptional performance spaces, while the music library and technology labs support research and innovation. Middlebury also hosts the Middlebury College Performing Arts Series, which brings world-class musicians and ensembles to campus, enriching the cultural life of the college and the broader community.

Theater and Dance: Collaborative and Transformative Experiences

The Theater and Dance programs at Middlebury College are known for their collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to performance. Students can engage in all aspects of production, from acting and directing to set design, lighting, and stage management. The department produces a diverse range of works, from classical plays to contemporary experimental theater, and encourages students to explore the intersections of theater with other disciplines, such as literature, history, and social justice. The Dance program offers courses in ballet, modern, jazz, and improvisation, as well as opportunities to choreograph and perform in student-led productions. The Seeler Studio Theatre and the Wright Memorial Theatre provide intimate and versatile spaces for performances, fostering a close connection between artists and audiences.

Film and Media Culture: Exploring the Power of Moving Images

Middlebury’s Film and Media Culture program is one of the most dynamic and innovative departments at the college. Students study the history, theory, and practice of film and media, with courses covering topics such as documentary filmmaking, screenwriting, animation, and digital media production. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, with students creating their own films and media projects using state-of-the-art equipment and editing suites. The department also hosts the Middlebury New Filmmakers Festival, an annual event that showcases emerging talent and provides students with opportunities to network with industry professionals. Through screenings, workshops, and guest lectures, the program fosters a deep understanding of the cultural and social impact of moving images.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities and Collaborative Projects

The Arts at Middlebury College are deeply integrated into the broader academic experience, with numerous opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can combine their artistic pursuits with studies in environmental science, global health, technology, or any other field, creating projects that address complex global challenges. The college’s commitment to innovation is reflected in initiatives such as the MiddData program, which encourages students to use data visualization and digital tools in their artistic work. Additionally, the Center for the Arts serves as a hub for creative exchange, hosting residencies, workshops, and exhibitions that bring together students, faculty, and visiting artists.

Community Engagement and Global Perspectives

Middlebury’s arts programs extend beyond the campus, with initiatives that engage the local community and promote global perspectives. The college partners with local schools, arts organizations, and cultural institutions to provide outreach programs and public performances. Study abroad opportunities, such as the Middlebury School in France and the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad, allow students to immerse themselves in the artistic traditions of other cultures. The college also supports student-led arts initiatives, such as the Middlebury College Arts Council, which organizes events and fosters a vibrant arts community on campus.

Facilities and Resources

The Mahaney Arts Center is the heart of the arts at Middlebury, offering world-class facilities for creation, performance, and exhibition. The center includes the Kevin P. Mahaney ’84 Center for the Arts, which features the Robison Hall concert venue, the Seeler Studio Theatre, and the Museum of Art. Additional resources include the Dance Theatre, the Wright Memorial Theatre, and the Johnson Memorial Building, which houses the Film and Media Culture program. The college’s investment in these facilities reflects its commitment to providing students with the tools and spaces they need to excel in their artistic endeavors.

Providing A Transformative Arts Education

The Arts at Middlebury College are a vital and dynamic part of the college’s identity, offering students the opportunity to explore their creativity, develop their skills, and engage with the world through the lens of artistic expression. With a rich array of programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to interdisciplinary and global perspectives, Middlebury provides an unparalleled arts education that prepares students to be innovative thinkers and cultural leaders. Whether through performance, exhibition, or collaboration, the arts at Middlebury inspire students to imagine new possibilities and make a meaningful impact in the world.

Academic Programs Offered at The Arts at Middlebury College

Middlebury College offers a diverse and comprehensive range of academic programs in the arts, designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical expertise across multiple disciplines. These programs are structured to provide students with both foundational knowledge and advanced skills, allowing them to pursue their passions and prepare for careers in the arts and beyond. Below is a detailed list of academic programs offered within The Arts at Middlebury College, categorized by discipline.

Visual Arts

The Visual Arts program at Middlebury College emphasizes hands-on learning, creative exploration, and interdisciplinary approaches. Students can pursue a major or minor in Studio Art or Art History, with opportunities to engage in exhibitions, internships, and independent research.

1. Studio Art (Major and Minor)
   • Description: This program focuses on the creation and critique of visual art across various media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, and digital art. Students develop technical skills, conceptual thinking, and a personal artistic voice.
   • Duration: 4 years (major), variable for minors.
   • Key Courses: Drawing I & II, Painting, Sculpture, Digital Art, Photography, Advanced Studio Seminar.
   • Facilities: Spacious studios in the Mahaney Arts Center, access to the Museum of Art for research and inspiration.
2. Art History (Major and Minor)
   • Description: This program explores the history of art and visual culture from ancient to contemporary times, with an emphasis on critical analysis and global perspectives. Students learn to interpret artworks within their historical, cultural, and social contexts.
   • Duration: 4 years (major), variable for minors.
   • Key Courses: Introduction to Art History, Renaissance Art, Modern Art, Global Contemporary Art, Curatorial Studies.
   • Facilities: Access to the Museum of Art and its collections, as well as digital archives and research tools.

Music

The Music Department at Middlebury College offers a rich blend of performance, composition, and academic study, with opportunities to participate in ensembles, attend masterclasses, and collaborate with visiting artists.

1. Music (Major and Minor)
   • Description: This program combines performance, music theory, history, and composition, allowing students to develop a well-rounded understanding of music. Students can specialize in areas such as classical performance, jazz, or world music.
   • Duration: 4 years (major), variable for minors.
   • Key Courses: Music Theory, Music History, Composition, Performance Ensembles, Ethnomusicology.
   • Facilities: Robison Hall (concert venue), practice rooms, music technology labs, and the music library.
2. Performance Ensembles
   • Description: Open to all students, these ensembles provide opportunities to perform and collaborate. Options include the Middlebury College Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Jazz Ensemble, and World Music ensembles.
   • Duration: Ongoing throughout the academic year.
   • Key Ensembles: Middlebury College Orchestra, Middlebury College Choir, Middlebury Jazz Ensemble, Middlebury World Music Percussion Ensemble.

Theater

The Theater program at Middlebury College is a dynamic and collaborative environment where students explore all aspects of theatrical production, from acting and directing to design and technical theater.

1. Theater (Major and Minor)
   • Description: This program offers a comprehensive education in theater, combining practical training with academic study. Students engage in productions, workshops, and courses that cover acting, directing, design, and theater history.
   • Duration: 4 years (major), variable for minors.
   • Key Courses: Acting I & II, Directing, Stage Design, Theater History, Playwriting.
   • Facilities: Seeler Studio Theatre, Wright Memorial Theatre, and fully equipped design and production studios.

Dance

The Dance program at Middlebury College encourages students to explore movement as an art form, with courses in technique, choreography, and performance.

1. Dance (Minor)
   • Description: This program offers courses in ballet, modern, jazz, and improvisation, as well as opportunities to choreograph and perform in student-led productions.
   • Duration: Variable, depending on course selection.
   • Key Courses: Ballet I & II, Modern Dance, Choreography, Dance History.
   • Facilities: Dance Theatre, rehearsal studios, and performance spaces in the Mahaney Arts Center.

Film and Media Culture

The Film and Media Culture program at Middlebury College is a leading program in the study and production of film, video, and digital media.

1. Film and Media Culture (Major and Minor)
   • Description: This program combines the study of film history and theory with hands-on production experience. Students learn to create films, analyze media, and explore the cultural impact of visual storytelling.
   • Duration: 4 years (major), variable for minors.
   • Key Courses: Introduction to Film Studies, Documentary Filmmaking, Screenwriting, Digital Media Production, Global Cinema.
   • Facilities: Film production studios, editing suites, and screening rooms in the Johnson Memorial Building.

Interdisciplinary and Special Programs

Middlebury College encourages interdisciplinary study and offers several programs that integrate the arts with other fields.

1. Architectural Studies (Minor)
   • Description: This program explores the intersection of art, design, and architecture, with courses in architectural history, theory, and design.
   • Duration: Variable, depending on course selection.
   • Key Courses: Architectural Design, History of Architecture, Urban Studies.
2. Creative Writing (Minor)
   • Description: This program allows students to explore creative writing in conjunction with their artistic pursuits, offering courses in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
   • Duration: Variable, depending on course selection.
   • Key Courses: Creative Writing Workshop, Poetry Writing, Fiction Writing.
3. Middlebury College Arts Council
   • Description: A student-led organization that promotes the arts on campus through events, workshops, and collaborations.
   • Duration: Ongoing throughout the academic year.

Study Abroad and Global Engagement

Middlebury College offers unique opportunities for students to engage with the arts globally through its study abroad programs.

1. Middlebury Schools Abroad
   • Description: Students can study art, music, theater, and film in countries such as France, Italy, Spain, and Argentina, immersing themselves in the artistic traditions of other cultures.
   • Duration: Semester or academic year.
2. Middlebury Language Schools
   • Description: While primarily focused on language learning, these programs often include cultural and artistic components, such as theater productions and film screenings.
   • Duration: Summer sessions.

Why Study The Arts at Middlebury College?

The Arts at Middlebury College provide students with a rich and diverse array of academic programs, each designed to cultivate creativity, technical skill, and critical thinking. Whether through studio art, music, theater, dance, or film, students are empowered to explore their passions, collaborate across disciplines, and engage with the global community. With state-of-the-art facilities, a distinguished faculty, and a commitment to interdisciplinary learning, Middlebury College offers an unparalleled arts education that prepares students for a lifetime of artistic and intellectual growth.

Contact Information for The Arts at Middlebury College

Address:
Middlebury College
Mahaney Arts Center
72 Porter Field Road
Middlebury, VT 05753
USA

Phone:
Main Office: 802-443-5000
Mahaney Arts Center: 802-443-3168

Emails:
General Inquiries: arts@middlebury.edu
Visual Arts: visualarts@middlebury.edu
Music: music@middlebury.edu
Theater: theater@middlebury.edu
Dance: dance@middlebury.edu
Film and Media Culture: filmmedia@middlebury.edu

Website:
www.middlebury.edu/college/arts

Social Media Accounts:

• Facebook: https://facebook.com/MiddleburyArts 
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/middleburyarts
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MiddleburyArts
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/MiddleburyCollege