COVID-19 Resource Center
Why create an Institute for the Performing Arts?
Creative activity and the performing arts are vital to the success of a major research university. The University of Rochester has long enjoyed world-class programs in the performing arts through the Eastman School of Music and our department of music, theater program, and dance program in the School of Arts and Sciences. The city of Rochester is home to a vibrant performing arts community. The combination of a rich arts environment on campus with a strong local and regional arts community makes the University of Rochester the ideal place for the Institute.
Spotlight
Meet the Director
Director of the Institute for Performing Arts, Missy Pfohl Smith, is also the director of the University of Rochester Program of Dance and Movement and founder and artistic director of BIODANCE, a contemporary repertory dance company based in Rochester. A collaborative artist, educator, performer and choreographer, Missy enjoys creating site specific work that has been called "gorgeous... astonishing… exceptional” and “an absolute masterpiece." Read the message from the director to learn about Missy’s vision for the institute.
Our Mission
Performing Arts Spotlight
University takes the stage at 10th annual KeyBank Rochester Fringe Festival
The recently opened Sloan Performing Arts Center on the River Campus gives Rochester’s arts community a new venue to shine.
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Feature Story
Mosaic graces walls of new River Campus performance space
Chinese American artist Jay Yan installed a mural made of nearly 8,000 mirrored discs in the University of Rochester’s Sloan Performing Arts Center.
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courses
The College offers over 200 courses in the performing arts. About 30% of River Campus undergraduates participate in the performing arts each year. The performing arts tradition at UR reaches back over 100 years!
Support the Institute
Rochester is uniquely positioned to advocate, promote, and cultivate the performing arts on campus, in the community, and in the region. If you would like more information about the performing arts at Rochester, including ways of playing a role in supporting our efforts, please Contact us.
Learn MoreWant more information about the Institute for Performing Arts? Contact us.