Performing and Visual Arts

Program Galleries Part of any university experience of quality is The University is home to four galleries with a the cultural richness provided by its performing wide range of exhibition calendars: and visual arts. Whether enthusiastic novices or The University Gallery is located in Taylor Hall serious pre-professionals, students will find an and features an exhibition calendar of contem- enormous array of artistic choices. The School porary and historical art work, a biennial alumni of the Arts subscribes to a philosophy which show, an annual student art show, and faculty seeks a balance between theory and prac- exhibitions. tice, and we are justifiably proud of the large College of Humanities and Fine Arts number of working artists among our faculty. The BFA Gallery is tucked into Ayres Hall and School of the Arts Chico’s reputation as an artistic center in features culminating shows for students earning the Bachelor of Fine Arts. Performing Arts Center 109 Northern is the result of the collec- 530-898-5351 tive commitment by faculty, alumni, administra- The Janet Turner Print Museum on the mezza- tion, and student-artists to the highest standards nine of Laxson Auditorium curates seven exhibi- e-mail: [email protected] in every facet of the artistic experience. Though tions a year drawn from the collection of over http://www.csuchico.edu/arts/ first-rate facilities help, our large appreciative 3,500 prints. The National Print Competition is Interim Dean: Joel Zimbelman audiences know that quality in the arts resides held every other year with print artists from the Associate Dean: Brooks Thorlaksson within the talent of the individual and the dedi- United States and abroad. cation of the ensemble. The Humanities Center Gallery is located in Trinity Hall and presents an eclectic exhibition calendar of alumni, faculty, and community Performing and artists. Visual Arts

Performance Facilities Scholarships The home of performance at Chico is the Our scholarship program includes awards for Performing Arts Center, which houses the 500- first-time students and continuing students. All seat Harlen Adams , the 200-seat Larry are highly competitive and awarded on the Wismer Theatre, and the 200-seat Ruth Row- basis of demonstrated artistic ability. Consult the land-Taylor Recital Hall. The PAC also houses Departments of Art, Music, and Theatre Arts for offices, classrooms, and a number of studios and more information. rehearsal spaces. The are served by fully equipped scene and costume shops, as well as North State Symphony Orchestra spacious make-up and dressing facilities. All of Truly a “town/gown” affair, the orchestra is a our theatres—including Chico’s 1,300-seat Lax- collection of the finest instrumentalists from both son Auditorium—possess state-of-the-art com- the campus and the North State. The orchestra’s puterized lighting systems. All musical events season features world-class guest soloists, great are professionally recorded, and our recording standard repertoire, and exciting premieres. studio is the finest in the North State.

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Band Program Choral Programs Theatre Arts Productions The Symphonic Band, a student ensemble that The University Chorus is 150 student and com- From the hottest new plays to the classics of features student conductors, performs a wide munity voices specializing in large-scale choral world dramatic masterpieces to the best of variety of concert and pop music. works and masterpieces. Broadway (and off Broadway), Theatre Arts Wind Ensemble is a student group focusing on The A Cappella Choir auditions student voices faculty, staff, and students produce a season of the best original band works and high quality and focuses on a diverse repertoire of exciting eight productions, including two musicals and a transcriptions. vocal music from the 17th to the 21st centuries. dance concert. These productions offer Theatre and majors, minors, and inter- Jazz Program Chamber Singers—a select vocal ensemble —focus on innovative chamber choir literature ested students from other majors a wide array of Jazz Express features contemporary music suited that is varied in style and international in scope. opportunities to act, sing, dance, stage-manage, to the high-powered jazz band as well build, and run (and in some cases, direct, cho- as performing music tailored to the big band Gospel Choir is open to students and communi- reograph, and design) a challenging variety of sound. Students learn to improvise, create their ty singers and presents music from the Ameri- performance styles, staging techniques, authors, own charts, and double on other instruments. can Southern Gospel tradition—from beautiful periods, and design concepts. expressions of faith to exciting foot-stompin’ and Jazz Combos of various sizes and instrumenta- hand-clappin’ gospel tunes. Chico students excel at the American College tion perform eclectic repertoires throughout the Theatre Festival’s annual regional competition. semester. Workshop Students can audition for the “Off Broadways,” Chamber Music This wonderful blend of music and theatre a musical theatre touring group, and participate presents a variety of regular and special perfor- in the Chico Dance Theatre. CDT offers students Trios, quartets, and quintets perform the classical mances and touring opportunities. the chance to choreograph, as well as perform masters as well as contemporary composers. in, the department’s yearly dance concert. Challenging and highly rewarding, these ensem- bles feature woodwinds, brass, low brass, and a variety of other instrumental combinations.

Keyboard Popular Music Ensembles From solo recitals to accompanying, keyboard Student musicians audition for small pop groups Court Theatre has been the highlight of our players perform in a variety of settings, includ- that rock, pop, country, and other music theatrical summer season for 40 years. It is the ing chamber, recitals, and concerts with large from America’s popular culture. longest running summer stock theatre company ensembles. in the CSU and is composed of faculty and staff, professional guest artists, and a company of stu- dent actors and technicians chosen by audition and interview. This collaborative program high- lights intensive interaction and a total immersion in all aspects of theatre. CSU Summer Arts CSU Summer Arts is a multidisciplinary system- wide program offering academic credit plus a festival in the visual, performing, and literary arts. The academic component offers two- and three-week residency courses for undergradu- ates, graduates, and professionals in creative writing, dance, music, film, video, theatre, performance, visual arts, design, arts education, and new technology.

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