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.

The school offers Bachelor of Fine Arts programs in art therapy, graphic design, interior design, photography, and studio art with concentrations in 2-D, 3-D, art education, and intermedia. Performing arts options in dance, music, music theater, and theater include performance, coursework, private instruction, and theory. Students from all majors are welcome to take one of the minors in the visual and performing arts, which include art history, arts administration, ceramics, creative arts therapy, dance, graphic design, music, photography, studio art, and theater.

All degree programs begin 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. To progress in each major students must successfully complete portfolio evaluations druing sophomore, junior, and senior years.

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. 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, Athens, Copenhagen, Cork, London, and Madrid are available, with many additional worldwide programs possible.

Experiential learning through internship is a vital part of every Endicott program. Through their short-term and semester-long internships, 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, with enhanced portfolios and resumes - and often with job offers.

Arts students are encouraged to ecplore 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. This insight into the day-to-day and annual operations in a variety of types of arts organizations, combined with the appropriate major and concentration, fosters proficiencies for administrative and technical professions within nonprofit and educational arts institutions. 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.

Art/Design Portfolio Process

Portfolio development is an integral part of the art and design education at Endicott College. 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 be considered as a component of the admission review in addition to the student’s academic record, recommendations, extra-curricular activities and the student essay.The portfolio should include the following:

10-15 samples of the candidate’s artwork as JPEGS on a thumb drive or a link to the applicant’s online portfolio (do not send originals). Also, appointments can be made for a portfolio review with one of our faculty. 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.
For questions regarding the portfolio please contact the Office of Admission.

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

In order to have the evaluation included with the application review, materials should be sent at the time of application submission, but no later than 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.

Performing Arts Auditions

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: DVD, thumb drive, online portfolio, and photographs. Note: Your DVD, thumb drive and photographs will not be returned.