Why Major in Fine Arts at Vanguard University?
Fine Arts Majors choose to study Theatre and/or Music at Vanguard University because of the excellent degree programs, the outstanding faculty, the availability of in-training experience, and the exciting opportunities that are available to our graduates. The Theatre Department currently produces seven events each year, including Student Showcase Week. These shows are produced in the Lyceum Theater, a 200-seat three-quarter thrust stage. We also have a ministry team called the Vanguard Players that tours churches and high school chapels for three weeks in June.
Vanguard University’s strategic location in Costa Mesa -- The City of the Arts for Orange County -- offers our students many opportunities to see and hear world-class performing artists, ensembles, and theatre. The Orange County Performing Arts Center, South Coast Repertory Theatre, and Irvine-Barclay Theatre are all just minutes away from the Vanguard University Campus. The American Coast Theater Company is also on campus during the summer as Vanguard’s resident professional theatre company.
The best preparation for a career in the Fine Arts must be broad in scope, encourage excellence as well as versatility and creativity, and provide opportunities to learn through hands-on experience. Both majors in the Fine Arts Division (Theatre and Music) offer well-qualified faculty, comprehensive curricula, and extensive student participation to provide this training. At VUSC you can major in Theatre Arts with concentrations in Performance / Directing; Technical / Design; Musical Theatre; or a general degree in Theatre arts. You can also minor in theatre.
A program can be evaluated by its graduates. Vanguard University has ample reason to be proud of its Fine Arts alumni. Theatre alumni are finding increasing opportunities for professional work in both church-related and other professional performance venues, as well as educational theatre. Our music grads are professional music educators, church music ministers, studio musicians, and professional performers.
It is our mission to provide each student with a well-rounded, quality education in theatre from a Christian world-view. We accomplish this by focusing on two aspects of education: professionalism and mentoring. By setting high standards across the department, we ensure you will be getting some of the best private training that higher education has to offer. However, professionalism and knowledge are empty without the Lord. In addition to high quality instruction, VUSC provides caring mentors who help shape your career and your commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ.
We encourage you to take full advantage of your educational experience at Vanguard University. This opportunity for you to invest your gifts, passions, time, energy and resources will garner great personal rewards for you, multiple benefits to the world around you, and eternal treasure where it really matters.
In Christ’s Service,
Susan K. Berkompas, MFA
Chair, Department of Theatre Arts