Occidental and the Arts

Whether you want to be part of the show, work behind the scenes, or watch from the audience, Occidental provides a wide variety of opportunities in the arts. We offer courses in theater, dance, music, film and studio art, together with arts-related clubs, organizations and internships.

Location

Our location gives you easy access to theaters, music clubs, art galleries, and museums. If you’re interested in internships in the arts, we can help you find an opportunity with DreamWorks Studio, the Getty, Huntington Library, or other companies and organizations. We also draw on the talents of local artists as visiting faculty, advisers, and performers. Many of our professors are actively involved in the community, which gives you another perspective that often leads to internships or summer jobs.

Off-Campus Study

You can enroll for credit in courses at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Additional opportunity can be found in international study. Independent summer research is supported through Richter Fellowships.

Facilities

The Keck Theater’s innovative design makes it comparable to many professional theaters in Los Angeles. The 412-seat theater is the country’s first to feature adjustable Lambda platforms, which allows for various configurations. Theater productions are also staged at the Remsen Bird Hillside Theater, an outdoor facility that seats 2,500.

The Mullin Family Studio and Art Gallery, which opened in 1997, includes a classroom, gallery, metal and woodworking shops, and studio space for sculpture. Teaching studios, a music library and listening booths, practice and seminar rooms are located in Booth Hall.

Performances/Exhibitions

• Theater performances range from one-act plays, written and directed by students, to main stage productions such as Sweeney Todd, Hamlet, and Bus Stop. Each winter, the New Play Festival features student-written plays directed and performed by students and professional actors. Three main stage productions are presented each year that often feature collaboration between professional designers, directors, and choreographers and our students. Other work is produced through senior comprehensive and directing class projects. You are welcome to try out as a cast or crew member, regardless of your major. Primary roles are not limited to theater majors.

• Art students stage regular exhibitions of their work at the Mullin Studio and Art Gallery. Students majoring in studio art are required to present a public exhibition of their work to fulfill their senior comprehensive requirement. Senior comps are also required of students majoring in film production.

• Whether you're a music major or not, you can try out for our choral, jazz, and instrumental ensembles, including the College Chorus, Glee Club, the the Jazz Ensemble, World Music Ensemble, Symphony or Concert Band, and Chamber Music.