School of Visual and Performing Arts

The mission of the School of Visual and Performing Arts is to provide students with historical and aesthetic knowledge, perceptual and conceptual abilities, technical skills, and humanistic perspectives necessary for successful careers as professionals in the arts. Deeply woven within this philosophy is the concept of applied learning, linking studio experience with practical application.

Programs in the visual and performing arts include the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Therapy; the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design; the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design; the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography; the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art with concentrations in 2-D, 3-D, art education, and intermedia; and performing arts options in dance, music, music theater, and theater. Furthermore, students from all majors across campus are welcome to take one of the minors offered by the School of Visual and Performing Arts. These minors include art history, arts administration, creative arts therapy, dance, graphic design, music, photography, studio art, and theater.

All programs integrate theory, practice, and history so students can respond to the rapidly changing demands within arts and design professions. The process begins with foundation courses that introduce students to an art-intensive experience, immersing them in drawing, 2-D design, and art history. Each concentration also requires students to take at least four courses within their majors the first year. The foundation curriculum investigates the methods, materials, and techniques common to most art and design fields and ensures that all students progress to their second year with the skills and comprehension necessary for discipline-specific studies.

Students in the arts are encouraged to participate in ensembles, exhibitions, publications, and performances to further develop and share their work with the community. Special performances, lectures, presentations and exhibitions by visiting artists and faculty provide opportunities for hands-on experience, analysis, and the exchange of ideas, techniques, and perspectives. Endicott students are encouraged to consider studying abroad for one semester to enhance their awareness of historical and multicultural influences within their fields of study. Opportunities to study in Florence and Madrid are available, with many additional worldwide programs possible under special circumstances.

The College’s commitment to experiential learning forms the foundation of the internship program. Through freshman and sophomore winter sessions and the senior semester-long internship, art and design majors have the opportunity to explore their chosen professions firsthand within established studios, agencies, or design firms. Students become part of the fabric of the studios or offices where they work; immersing themselves in the brainstorming, workflow, art making, client interactions, and other aspects of professional practice. Students emerge more articulate, confident, and better able to think on their feet, enhanced portfolios and resumes - and sometimes with job offers.

Students studying the arts are encouraged to take advantage of the arts administration minor, designed to introduce students to the basic concepts, language, strategies, and challenges common to managerial and professional positions within visual and performing arts organizations. It provides students with insight into the day-to-day and annual operations in a variety of types of arts organizations. Combined with the appropriate major and concentration, the minor advances proficiencies for administrative and technical professions within nonprofit and educational arts institutions. Guest presenters include top administrators for Boston Ballet, Museum of Fine Arts, Massachusetts Cultural Council, Boston Lyric Opera, the Harvard Art Museums, Boston Children’s Theatre, and many more.

Endicott College has entered into an affiliation with the New York Film Academy College of Visual and Performing Arts (NYFA), which offers programs in filmmaking, photography, and musical theater among others, taught by industry professionals. Endicott students may pursue internships at NYFA’s New York City campus and may study abroad at locations in Paris, Florence, and Sydney and Gold Coast, Australia.

Performing Arts Auditions and Art/Design Portfolio Processes

All students from any major at Endicott may participate in performing arts programs, courses, minors, and ensembles. Dance, music, and theater productions may require an audition to secure specific parts and roles. While not required, applicants to Endicott are encouraged to share their performing art work in any of the following forms: CD, DVD, design drawings, and photographs.

Students planning to major in one of the art, design, or photography programs are encouraged to submit a portfolio of their work for review by the School of Visual and Performing Arts. The portfolio evaluation will augment the Application for Admission.The portfolio should include the following:

20 samples of the candidate’s artwork as jpgs on a CD or thumb drive, though appointments can be made for a portfolio review with one of our faculty. (Do not send originals.) Examples in various media are suggested, (such as drawing, ceramics, photography, drafting, or graphics), rather than a concentration of images in one medium or discipline.
Checklist description of artwork including medium, title, size, date, and software, if applicable.

Please note: Your CD or thumb drive and materials will not be returned.

Send materials by January 15 to: Portfolio Review, School of Visual and Performing Arts, Endicott College, 376 Hale Street, Beverly, MA 01915

Upon receipt of the portfolio, the dean, department chair, and appropriate faculty will review the work. The evaluation will then be sent to the Admission Office as a supplemental assessment tool.