Interdisciplinary Performance

 The interdisciplinary nature of creating performance experiences — whether live/in-person, live-streamed, recorded or other modalities — requires the integration of skills across a variety of disciplines: acting, directing, choreography, movement and dance, design, textual analysis, technical production, business, fundraising and more.

A Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Performance aims to create well-rounded practitioners who understand the evolution of performance, its influence on society and its potential as a business venture. By incorporating study across a variety of skill areas, the program equips students to become independent content creators and artist-leaders for performance-based projects. This cross-disciplinary approach not only boosts graduates’ employability, but also develops visionary leaders ready to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the present and future performing arts and entertainment industries.

The Interdisciplinary Performance, BA is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares students with the skills, knowledge, practices and ethical foundation necessary for success as generative performance artists across a range of creative forms and disciplines. Through the program, students will understand how performative art functions, both as solo creators and as part of creative teams, develop collaboration skills (including those needed for organizing and leading teams), practice physical production skills required for mounting fully-realized productions, gain proficiency in one or more performance-related disciplines (acting, movement, dance, design or technical production), stay current with industry standards and trends and prepare students for advanced study or professional practice.

The Interdisciplinary Performance major culminates in a capstone performance experience during the student's senior year. This experience is intended to provide students an opportunity to explore how their performance work fits into their socio-historical context as well as the long history and trajectory of performance as an artform. Students will have the opportunity to create and present solo or collaborative works developed over the length of their senior year.

Because of the desire to prepare graduates for a variety of opportunities in the performing arts and entertainment industries — including self-produced projects and creation of independent studios and venues, the Interdisciplinary Performance major includes completion of courses in the Mitch Daniels School of Business. Because of this, some students who complete the Interdisciplinary Performance degree also have the opportunity to complete the requirements for the Certificate in Entrepreneurship.

Degree in 3

Motivated, driven students can complete this major in three years. Degree in 3 allows students to enter the work force or graduate school a year earlier while also providing a cost-effective way to complete an undergraduate degree. Degree in 3 offers a great combination of cost-savings and the opportunity to accelerate your future and achieve your goals.