The Arts at Reed College is group of unique programs for the arts featuring the comprehensive exploration of creativity, scholarship, and expression.  Reed College’s Division of the Arts offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to critically engage with the past, present, and future of artistic expression. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning, collaboration, and hands-on experience, Reed’s arts programs—spanning art, dance, music, and theatre—provide students with the tools to become innovative creators, thoughtful scholars, and engaged global citizens. Whether pursuing a major, minor, or interdisciplinary degree, students at Reed are encouraged to explore the intersections of theory and practice, tradition and innovation, and individual creativity and cultural context. This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared for advanced study, professional careers, or lifelong engagement with the arts.

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Art at Reed College: Bridging Studio Practice and Art History

The art department at Reed College is unique in its integration of studio art and art history, offering students a well-rounded education that emphasizes both creative practice and critical analysis. The program is designed to foster collaboration between artists and art historians, ensuring that students gain a deep understanding of the historical, cultural, and theoretical contexts of art while developing their own creative voice.

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Students can choose from a wide range of courses, including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and digital media, as well as art history seminars that cover diverse periods, regions, and methodologies. The department’s faculty includes practicing artists and renowned scholars who provide mentorship and guidance, helping students refine their skills and expand their intellectual horizons.

Reed’s art facilities are state-of-the-art, featuring spacious studios, a dedicated gallery for student exhibitions, and access to the Douglas F. Cooley Memorial Art Gallery, which hosts rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical works. Students are encouraged to participate in exhibitions, internships, and study abroad programs, gaining real-world experience and building a professional portfolio. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers as artists, curators, educators, and scholars, as well as to prestigious graduate programs in fine arts and art history.

Dance at Reed College: Exploring Movement and Culture

The dance program at Reed College is a dynamic and interdisciplinary field of study that explores the interconnectedness of dance and culture. Students are encouraged to examine dance as both an art form and a cultural practice, engaging with rigorous coursework, studio practice, and performance opportunities.

The curriculum includes courses in dance technique, choreography, history, and theory, as well as interdisciplinary classes that connect dance to other fields such as anthropology, gender studies, and literature. Students have the opportunity to perform with Reed’s dance ensembles, participate in collaborative projects, and attend workshops and masterclasses with visiting artists.

One of the program’s unique features is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students can take part in dance-intensive exchange programs, study traditional and contemporary dance forms from around the world, and create original works for performance. The department also hosts an annual dance concert, showcasing student choreography and collaboration.

Reed’s dance facilities include spacious studios with sprung floors, mirrors, and audio-visual equipment, providing an ideal environment for both practice and performance. Graduates of the program have pursued careers as dancers, choreographers, educators, and arts administrators, as well as advanced study in dance and related fields.

Music at Reed College: A Rich Tapestry of Sound and Scholarship

The music program at Reed College offers students a unique blend of performance, composition, and scholarly inquiry. With a curriculum that spans Western classical music, jazz, world music, and contemporary genres, the program encourages students to explore diverse musical traditions and develop their own artistic voice.

Students can take private lessons, participate in ensembles, and attend masterclasses with visiting artists. The program also offers courses in music theory, history, and ethnomusicology, as well as opportunities for original research and composition. Reed’s music faculty includes accomplished performers and scholars who provide personalized instruction and mentorship.

Performance is a central component of the program, with students regularly participating in concerts, recitals, and opera productions. The department also hosts an annual music festival, featuring guest artists and student performances. Reed’s music facilities include practice rooms, a recital hall, and a recording studio, providing students with the resources they need to excel.

Graduates of the music program have gone on to careers as performers, composers, educators, and scholars, as well as to top graduate programs in music and related fields. The program’s emphasis on both artistic and intellectual growth ensures that students are well-prepared for a wide range of professional and academic pursuits.

Theatre at Reed College: A Dynamic Fusion of Theory and Practice

The theatre program at Reed College is a vibrant and interdisciplinary field of study that combines rigorous coursework with hands-on production experience. Students are encouraged to explore the rich diversity of global theatre traditions, from classical drama to contemporary performance, while developing their own creative practice.

The curriculum includes courses in acting, directing, design, playwriting, and theatre history, as well as interdisciplinary classes that connect theatre to other fields such as literature, philosophy, and visual arts. Students have the opportunity to participate in mainstage productions, student-directed projects, and collaborative workshops, gaining practical experience in all aspects of theatre production.

Reed’s theatre facilities include a fully equipped black box theatre, scene and costume shops, and rehearsal spaces, providing students with the tools they need to bring their creative visions to life. The department also hosts an annual new works festival, showcasing original plays written and performed by students.

Graduates of the theatre program have pursued careers as actors, directors, playwrights, designers, and educators, as well as advanced study in theatre and related fields. The program’s emphasis on both theoretical and practical learning ensures that students are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the professional theatre world.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Expanding the Boundaries of the Arts

Reed College’s Division of the Arts is deeply committed to interdisciplinary learning, offering students the opportunity to combine their artistic interests with other fields of study. Established interdisciplinary majors, such as dance-theatre and literature-theatre, allow students to explore the connections between different art forms and academic disciplines.

Students can also design their own interdisciplinary majors, working closely with faculty advisors to create a customized course of study that reflects their unique interests and goals. This flexibility encourages students to think creatively and critically, pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic practice and scholarship.

A Transformative Arts Education

The Arts at Reed College provide students with a transformative education that combines rigorous scholarship, creative practice, and interdisciplinary exploration. Whether studying art, dance, music, or theatre, students are encouraged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and push the boundaries of their chosen field. With state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and a vibrant artistic community, Reed College is the ideal place to pursue a deep and meaningful engagement with the arts. Graduates leave Reed not only with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their chosen careers but also with a lifelong passion for artistic expression and cultural understanding.

Academic Programs Offered at The Arts at Reed College

Reed College’s Division of the Arts provides a rich array of academic programs designed to foster creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration. Each program—Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre—offers majors, minors, and interdisciplinary opportunities, allowing students to tailor their education to their unique interests and career goals. Below is a detailed overview of the academic programs available within the Arts at Reed College.

Art Programs

The Art Department at Reed College emphasizes the integration of studio art and art history, offering students a comprehensive education that bridges creative practice and scholarly inquiry.

Art Major
The Art major is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of both studio art and art history. Students take courses in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and digital media, alongside art history seminars that explore diverse periods, regions, and methodologies. The program culminates in a senior thesis project, which may be a creative studio project, an art historical research paper, or a combination of both. The major typically takes four years to complete and prepares students for graduate study or professional careers in the arts.

Art Minor
The Art minor allows students to explore their artistic interests while pursuing another major. It requires a combination of studio art and art history courses, providing a well-rounded introduction to the field. The minor can be completed in two to three years, depending on the student’s schedule.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Art students at Reed often combine their studies with other disciplines, such as literature, anthropology, or gender studies, to create interdisciplinary majors or minors. These programs are designed in consultation with faculty advisors and allow students to explore the intersections of art with other fields.

Dance Programs

The Dance program at Reed College explores the interconnectedness of dance and culture, offering students a rigorous education that combines studio practice, performance, and scholarly inquiry.

Dance Major
The Dance major emphasizes both technical training and theoretical understanding. Students take courses in dance technique, choreography, history, and theory, as well as interdisciplinary classes that connect dance to other fields. The program includes performance opportunities with Reed’s dance ensembles and culminates in a senior thesis project, which may involve choreography, performance, or scholarly research. The major typically takes four years to complete and prepares students for careers in dance, education, or further academic study.

Dance Minor
The Dance minor provides students with a foundation in dance technique and theory, allowing them to explore their interest in dance while pursuing another major. The minor can be completed in two to three years and includes coursework in technique, history, and performance.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Dance students at Reed can pursue interdisciplinary majors, such as Dance-Theatre, which combines coursework in dance and theatre to explore the connections between these two art forms. These programs are designed in collaboration with faculty advisors and allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests.

Music Programs

The Music program at Reed College offers students a diverse and immersive education in music, combining performance, composition, and scholarly inquiry.

Music Major
The Music major provides students with a broad foundation in music theory, history, and performance. Students take courses in Western classical music, jazz, world music, and contemporary genres, as well as private lessons and ensemble participation. The program culminates in a senior thesis project, which may involve a performance, composition, or scholarly research paper. The major typically takes four years to complete and prepares students for careers in music performance, education, or further academic study.

Music Minor
The Music minor allows students to explore their musical interests while pursuing another major. It includes coursework in music theory, history, and performance, as well as participation in ensembles. The minor can be completed in two to three years.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Music students at Reed often combine their studies with other disciplines, such as literature, anthropology, or psychology, to create interdisciplinary majors or minors. These programs are designed in consultation with faculty advisors and allow students to explore the intersections of music with other fields.

Theatre Programs

The Theatre program at Reed College combines rigorous coursework with hands-on production experience, offering students a dynamic education in theatre arts.

Theatre Major
The Theatre major emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical experience. Students take courses in acting, directing, design, playwriting, and theatre history, as well as interdisciplinary classes that connect theatre to other fields. The program includes participation in mainstage productions, student-directed projects, and collaborative workshops. The major culminates in a senior thesis project, which may involve directing, acting, design, or scholarly research. The major typically takes four years to complete and prepares students for careers in theatre, education, or further academic study.

Theatre Minor
The Theatre minor provides students with a foundation in theatre arts, allowing them to explore their interest in theatre while pursuing another major. The minor can be completed in two to three years and includes coursework in acting, directing, design, and theatre history.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities
Theatre students at Reed can pursue interdisciplinary majors, such as Literature-Theatre, which combines coursework in literature and theatre to explore the connections between these two fields. These programs are designed in collaboration with faculty advisors and allow students to tailor their education to their specific interests.

Interdisciplinary and Custom Programs

Reed College encourages students to explore the intersections of the arts with other disciplines through interdisciplinary and custom programs.

Dance-Theatre
This interdisciplinary major combines coursework in dance and theatre, allowing students to explore the connections between movement and performance. Students take courses in dance technique, choreography, acting, directing, and design, as well as interdisciplinary seminars. The program culminates in a senior thesis project that integrates both disciplines.

Literature-Theatre
This interdisciplinary major combines coursework in literature and theatre, allowing students to explore the connections between text and performance. Students take courses in dramatic literature, playwriting, acting, directing, and design, as well as interdisciplinary seminars. The program culminates in a senior thesis project that integrates both disciplines.

Custom Interdisciplinary Majors
Students at Reed have the flexibility to design their own interdisciplinary majors, combining coursework in the arts with other fields such as anthropology, gender studies, or psychology. These programs are designed in consultation with faculty advisors and allow students to pursue their unique interests and career goals.

Why Study The Arts at Reed College?

The Arts at Reed College offer a wide range of academic programs that emphasize creativity, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary exploration. Whether pursuing a major, minor, or custom interdisciplinary program, students are encouraged to push the boundaries of their chosen field and develop a deep understanding of the arts. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a vibrant artistic community, Reed College provides an ideal environment for students to pursue their passion for the arts.

Contact Information for The Arts at Reed College

Address:
Reed College
3203 SE Woodstock Blvd
Portland, OR 97202
USA

Phone:
Main College Phone: +1-503-771-1112
Art Department: +1-503-777-7255
Dance Department: +1-503-777-7755
Music Department: +1-503-777-7750
Theatre Department: +1-503-777-7755

Emails:
General Inquiries: admission@reed.edu
Art Department: art@reed.edu
Dance Department: dance@reed.edu
Music Department: music@reed.edu
Theatre Department: theatre@reed.edu

Website:
Main College Website: www.reed.edu
Art Department: www.reed.edu/art
Dance Department: www.reed.edu/dance
Music Department: www.reed.edu/music
Theatre Department: www.reed.edu/theatre

Social Media Accounts:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/reedcollege
Instagram: www.instagram.com/reedcollege
Twitter: www.twitter.com/reedcollege
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/reedcollege