After the merging of the Department of Music and Dramatic Arts with the Department of Visual Arts in August 2010, the new Department of Fine and Performing Arts at Southeastern offers students numerous opportunities to be involved in the arts, including non-majors.

“I am personally very excited and optimistic about the recent merge of Southeastern’s fine and performing arts programs,” said Dr. Kenneth Boulton, interim head of the Fine and Performing Arts department. “In my opinion, the opportunity to combine two of the university’s most successful and dynamic units yields unlimited potential. Exploring and developing some specific ways of combining forces will be a priority for us as we move into this new year. Not only do our students stand to benefit from possible collaboration with additional faculty, they may encounter new career ideas or means of expression.”

The department is broken down into four categories: music, theatre, dance and visual arts, with each of these programs offering their own concentrations. According to Boulton, the department offers more than one hundred musical, theatrical and visual arts events annually with an array of concerts, plays, exhibits and lectures.

“A large, vibrant and diverse arts community is absolutely critical to the university’s cultural soul,” said Boulton. “We are so fortunate here at Southeastern to have an abundance of performances, exhibits and other opportunities for students to express themselves, develop their talents and stimulate many different types of audiences. In addition, our performing and visual arts initiatives serve as some of the most effective tools to publicize Southeastern’s overall excellence.”

Every student with an interest in the fine and performing arts is encouraged to participate in one or more of the offered programs. Any student can enroll in a low-level course that reflects their interest in art, music, theater and dance, or for students who just want to try it out for fun.

“If students possess particular talents themselves, they may inquire about the various classes and performing groups we have available for non-majors,” said Boulton.

Musicians have different opportunities to perform, including ensembles such as the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, two Jazz Ensembles, Concert Choir, Northshore Chorale, University Chorus, Women’s Chorale, the Chamber Orchestra and the Southeastern Opera/Musical Theatre Workshop. All music ensembles are offered for class credit.

“Anyone who loves to sing should come join us,” said Director of Choral Activities, Alissa Mercurio Rowe. “Rehearsals are fun, invigorating and challenging.”

Auditioned choirs include the Concert Choir and Women’s Chorale. Auditions will be held on Friday, August 12 all day in Rowe’s office, Pottle Music Building Annex, Room 165. One piece performed from memory is required.

Participation in all areas of theater production—onstage as well as backstage—are open to majors and non-majors alike. Volunteers are accepted in all areas of theatre production, and students can also receive credit by enrolling in THEA Lab, a one-credit production and performance practicum.

The first theatre audition opportunity for students will be for the production of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” which will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18 from 4-6 p.m. in the Vonnie Borden Theatre. A one to two minute contemporary dramatic monologue is required.

“This play is an American tragedy that is still as pertinent today as when it was written back in 1945, examining the ideas of capitalism and its power to corrupt,” said Director Chad Winters. “It’s so exciting that 66 years later after its world premier, Southeastern Louisiana University theatre can present the play to a modern audience to help us better our humanity and try to make change in our lives.”

Each semester, the dance program’s dance company and organization called Moxie Dance Project promotes dance as a performing art with a concert that has been worked on throughout the semester. The dance program holds auditions each semester for dance performances by majors and non-majors alike.

“Many people love to create or perform but do not plan a career in the arts,” said Dance Coordinator Dana Plazinic. “Art is a great outlet for stress and will help students perform better in their other classes. It becomes a creative release that rejuvenates the mind and spirit.”

For lovers of visual art, there is the Southeastern Contemporary Art Gallery, which houses national and regional exhibitions of contemporary art, lectures and workshops. Exhibitions range from historical and contemporary art periods, decorative arts and include diverse cultures of the world. Students are allowed to submit artwork to the gallery for student shows or send in proposals for exhibitions.

Even for students who do not wish to actively participate, there are still other ways to become involved in the arts on campus.

“First and foremost, attend a concert, art exhibit or show,” said Boulton. “There is literally something happening or on display every day of the year. No one should ever feel excluded from the arts at Southeastern.”