Student Opportunities
The Arts exemplify the Washington College investment in experiential learning. By empowering students to put what they are learning into practice immediately and in a way that benefits the local community, on-campus concerts, plays, musicals, and more provide ideal learning opportunities, as well as fun and enriching experiences for audiences.
Take a Class
Develop your skills in the arts!
One of the joys of a liberal arts college is the opportunity to learn about a broad variety of topics.
- Music Lessons — Students can learn a new instrument or keep improving on one they already play. Learn more from the music department.
- Studio Art — From introductory painting to art books, the art department offers a variety of media and approaches to making visual arts. See all of their courses here.
- Writing — Both introductory and workshop courses are offered in drama, fiction, nonfiction, and poetry.
- Theatre — In addition to practicums that can provide credit when working on a production, the theatre department offers a number of courses on particular skills.
- Dance — Modern dance, ballet, jazz, composition and more is available from the dance faculty.
Learn from Working Artists
Creators visit campus every year, giving lectures, workshops, and masterclasses.
Washington College asks visiting artists, writers, and other creative professionals to spend several days on campus when they agree to give a talk so that they can lead workshops and more with students, in addition to their public readings and lectures.
Join a Community
Work on a Publication
Writing & Visual ArtsWashington College has four student-run publications that employ writers and artists to publish multiple times a year. There is also a Writers' Union and an Art Club for ongoing support not tied to a publication.
Play in an Ensemble
MusicThe music department supports ensembles performing everything from jazz to Afro-Cuban music, and everyone is welcome to join. You can also play in the pit orchestra for musicals on campus.
Perform in a Troupe
Theatre & DanceOpportunities to dance, act, and entertain don't have to be limited to individual shows at Washington. There are three dance groups and an Improv Club that all meet and perform throughout the year.
Make Your Art
Ways to Share Your Work
Opportunities to express yourself are everywhere at Washington College, no matter the medium or form, and all students can participate, regardless of major.
- Publish in Collegian — Washington has many excellent student-run publications, including literary magazine Collegian, which prints student poetry, prose, and artwork. — Learn How to Submit
- Work on a Show — Perform, Direct, Build Sets, and more! Students typically participate in production meetings, rehearsals, load-in, technical rehearsals, and strike; specific duties are determined based on the needs of the production. Time requirements and available credit hours vary by role. — Learn more from the theatre department.
- DanceScape — Students from all across campus perform in Dancescape, the annual departmental dance concert featuring original works by students, faculty, alumni, and guest artists. Students work side-by-side with professionals, gaining mentorship and earning academic credit for their work in performance, choreography, management, and production.
- 100 Proof — Artists can submit their work for the juried exhibit, 100 Proof, which features the best student work each year in the Kohl Gallery.
- Literary Awards — Washington offers multiple awards for writers, including the William Warner Prize for Environmental Writing and the Sophie Kerr Prize for overall writing.
Get an Internship
Open Studio
MusicStudents serve as producers for the Washington College Open Studio, a unique partnership that provides local musicians with the opportunity to record their songs.
Kohl Gallery
Visual ArtsThe Kohl Gallery employs multiple students to help with curation, promotion, and other tasks that keep exhibits running smoothly. Learn from our professional gallery director.
Rose O'Neill Literary House
WritingStudents can read for Cherry Tree, the national literary journal published by Washington College, or work internships supporting LitHouse programming.
Put Art on Your Transcript
Majors
