School of the Performing Arts

The School of the Performing Arts is comprised of the departments of Dance, Music, and Theatre. Students are welcomed into the School of the Performing Arts by both a successful completion of the required audition and acceptance into the university. The programs are designed to focus on their potential, preparing them for professional and graduate work within their field. Each department is dedicated to the highest level of academic achievement in an environment that serves to encourage artistic creativity and individuality, while facilitating collaborative, multidisciplinary engagements within the College of the Arts.

Students receive professional training by highly regarded, seasoned professionals who continue their disciplines within the community and abroad. A strong emphasis is placed on the core fundamentals in an effort to maximize a student’s potential, by providing studies in history, literature, theory, and pedagogy. In addition, the performance experience is heightened through a multitude of master classes, visiting artists in residency, and performance opportunities, which aim to broaden the innovative scope of the academic experience.

The Department of Dance offers a Bachelor of Arts and a more rigorous degree program with the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. The B.A. has three areas of study with a concentration in Dance Pedagogy, Performance/Choreography, or Dance Ministry. 

Dance*:

Dance, B.A.  with a concentration in Pedagogy, Performance, or Dance Worship

Dance, B.F.A  

*A minor in the degree program is also available.

The Department of Music is accredited thought the National Association of Schools of Music.  It offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees achieved under the tutelage of a diverse and internationally recognized faculty specialized in vocal, instrumental and keyboard instruction.  The B.A. is offered for applied music studies, music theory and literature, and popular music with a focus in either industry or worship leadership.  The B.M. is offered by music composition, instrumental or keyboard performance, performance, and music education (grades K-12).

Music*:

B.A. – Applied Music

B.A.  – Music Theory and Literature

B.A.  – Popular Music – Industry

B.M. – Composition

B.M. – Instrument Performance

B.M. – Keyboard Performance

B.M. – Music Education (K-12)

B.M. – Performance

B.M. – Worship Leadership

*A minor in the degree program is also available.

The Department of Theatre offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with two different areas.  

Theatre*: 

B.F.A. – Theatre Arts 

B.A. – Theatre Arts 

*A minor in the degree program is also available.

Performance Facilities at Palm Beach Atlantic University

To facilitate their studies, students have access to a computer/piano lab with 13 workstations, three composition labs, 15 soundproof practice rooms, and advanced software and technology. The School of the Performing Arts houses both a small rehearsal room as well as the Choral Rehearsal Hall, the Instrumental Rehearsal Hall, which is large enough for full symphony orchestra and symphonic band rehearsals, and the Percussion Studio. The main performance venues at Palm Beach Atlantic University include the elegant Vera Lea Rinker Hall featuring the 159-seat Helen K. Persson Recital Hall, the Fern Street Theatre (originally used by Ballet Florida), and DeSantis Family Chapel. Due to its close proximity to venues in the Downtown West Palm Beach area, as well as its collaborative partnerships, the students also benefit by performing at facilities such as the Kravis Center, the Norton Museum of Art, The Anne Norton Sculpture Gardens and the Society of the Four Arts.