Visual and Performing Arts Programs

The Power of Expression

From our impressive facilities to our small class sizes, it’s easy to see why students love the fine arts at Graceland University. Within our Visual and Performing Arts program there are three departments, art, music and theatre, to choose from. In addition to our many courses, each of these departments have specialties in exciting creative endeavors any Graceland student can participate. Take a sculpture or 3D design class, join our band, orchestra or choir or even try out for one of our major theatre productions that are put on each year.

Create With Your Hands

Visit The Art Program

music student plays trumpet during symphonic band concert

"Where Words Fail, Music Speaks"

Visit The Music Program

Step Into Another World

Visit The Theatre Program

Academic Programs

Our art department offers an Art major with concentrations in Studio Art and Graphic Design allowing for study across a wide range of creative interests. We also offer performance scholarships in music and theatre for students in any major.

Art: Studio Art: Graphic Design

Modern Facilities

Graceland is home to some of the finest art, music and theatre facilities in the Midwest.

Shaw Center features the state-of-the-art JR Theatre, a black box theatre equipped with lighting, sound and multi-functional qualities equal to the best such theaters in the country; the acoustically-perfect, 150-seat Carol Hall recital hall; the 500-seat Shaw Family Auditorium; and a beautiful outdoor amphitheatre.

The Helene Center for the Visual Arts is open 24 hours a day so students can create at any time day or night. The facility features two professional gallery exhibition spaces, a graphic design computer lab, a north-facing panting and drawing rooms, as well as dedicated sculpture and ceramic studios.

Discover The Shaw Center

“ What Graceland Students Love About the Arts

The theatre department is incredible; through it I have found my calling and career. I am so fortunate of the foundation Graceland provided me. Graceland is special because of the relationships and traditions they stem from. Once you make it to Graceland, you're one of us and we're all here for you; a worldwide network of supportive, passionate and kind people who all smile in the same language!

Dóri Bosnyák ' '15 Lead Administrator to the Presidential Lecture and Performance Series, Texas Tech University Film, Theatre & Performance Studies and International Studies

“ What Graceland Students Love About the Arts

I loved almost everything about Graceland, but I loved hanging out in the Shaw Center. I was always in the piano lab or the practice room. People around the community knew me as the bassoonist, bassoon player, or Puerto Rico. Also, the professors and the staff were great. I'm thankful for everyone I met at Graceland and those who left a positive imprint on me.

Widalys E. Cruz Gonzalez ' '19 Music Teacher, Diagonal Music

“ What Graceland Students Love About the Arts

I had the opportunity and ability to be involved in as many activities and organizations as possible. I was involved with house activities, music programs, campus ministries, Enactus, the honors program, and many other activities. My typical day was running between classes, meetings, activities, and self projects from 8am to 11pm. During this time I was able to develop strong time management skills and was able to juggle many different responsibilities and deadlines. In my career and personal life, the time management skills I've developed and my drive to get things done has shaped me into the person that I have become.

Robby Donarski ' '20 Auditor, Ernst & Young Accounting, Business Administration, Music