Performing Arts Programs in Charlotte, North Carolina
Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Charlotte, North Carolina
A Performing Arts Degree opens numerous creative career paths in theater, dance, music, and acting. This guide explains what a performing arts degree involves and outlines the various education paths available. Prospective students can pursue undergraduate programs such as the Bachelor of Arts in Music or Associate in Fine Arts – Drama, where core courses include music theory, performance techniques, and arts administration. Specializations in acting, directing, technical theater, or design further tailor these degree programs to career goals.
About Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina is a dynamic urban center known for its cultural institutions and arts initiatives. The city boasts neighborhoods, such as Uptown and NoDa, with a rich history in performing arts. For more information on local government and community projects, visit the City of Charlotte official website.
Official Arts and Education Regulatory Bodies
Charlotte’s arts education scene is supported by several official agencies:
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Arts & Science Council
• Purpose: Supports arts education, grants, and cultural programs in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
• Contact: (704) 333-2100 | [email protected]
• Website: (Currently unavailable)Mecklenburg County Arts & Cultural Education
• Purpose: Manages county-level arts initiatives and partnerships with schools.
• Contact: (704) 336-2100 | [email protected]
• Website: (Currently unavailable)North Carolina Department of Administration – Arts & Cultural Resources
• Purpose: Oversees state arts funding, grants, and cultural preservation.
• Contact: (919) 733-2126 | [email protected]
• Website: https://www.ncdps.gov/National Endowment for the Arts (NEA)
• Jurisdiction: Provides federal grants for arts projects nationwide.
• Website: https://www.arts.gov/
• Relevant Resources: Grant Guidelines
Performing Arts Degree Programs in Charlotte, North Carolina
A wide range of degree programs caters to aspiring performing artists in and around Charlotte. Here are three notable institutions:
Johnson C. Smith University
• Program: Music Major (with concentrations in music business, sacred music, and performance)
• Admission Requirements: Auditions are required for music programs.
• Address: 1618 Central Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205
• Neighborhood: Located in the historically rich Biddleville area
• Website: Visit the Johnson C. Smith University Performing Arts page for more details.Central Piedmont Community College
• Program: Associate in Fine Arts – Drama (providing a transfer pathway to four-year programs)
• Admission Requirements: Minimum GPA of 2.5 is required along with an audition for drama programs and portfolio submissions for technical theater specializations.
• Address: 1510 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28206
• Neighborhood: Situated in the central uptown area
• Website: Learn more on the Central Piedmont Community College Theatre page.Pfeiffer University
• Program: Bachelor of Arts in Music (focusing on vocal/instrumental performance, composition, and music technology)
• Admission Requirements: Auditions are required, and students must meet portfolio submission guidelines for specialized tracks.
• Location: Although Pfeiffer University is not located within Charlotte proper, it is approximately 35 miles away in Misenheimer, NC.
• Address: Please refer to the university’s contact page for specific address details.
• Website: For additional details, visit the Pfeiffer University Music Department page.
Performing Arts Opportunities in Charlotte
Charlotte has a thriving performing arts scene, supported by premier venues and organizations:
Charlotte Symphony
• Sponsors youth programs and collaborates with local schools to promote musical education.
• Neighborhood: Based in key areas of Charlotte conducive to arts and culture.
• Website: https://www.charlottesymphony.org/Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
• A major venue offering theater performances, dance productions, and large-scale musical events.
• Neighborhood: Located in downtown Charlotte.
• Website: https://www.charlotteperformingartscenter.com/Local Community Theaters and Dance Companies
• Numerous smaller companies and theaters provide audition opportunities and performance experiences in neighborhoods such as NoDa and Uptown.
• For detailed audition calendars, visit the respective organization pages found on community arts websites.
Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs
Prospective students should be aware of common admission requirements for performing arts programs:
- Auditions: Routine for music and theater programs to assess performance skills.
- Portfolio Submissions: Essential for technical theater, design specializations, and related tracks.
- Academic Credentials: Some programs, like the Associate in Fine Arts – Drama at Central Piedmont Community College, require a minimum GPA (typically 2.5).
- Entrance Exams: May be necessary in certain institutions to evaluate readiness for intensive coursework.
Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree
Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree have diverse career options. They may pursue roles as theater actors, music educators, dance instructors, arts administrators, and technical theater professionals. Additional career paths include film, television, and radio production. Membership in professional organizations such as the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) provides networking, accreditation, and professional development benefits. For more on job prospects, review the job outlook for Actors on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics site.
Get Started Today
For those ready to begin their journey in the performing arts, researching programs, preparing portfolios, and scheduling auditions are the first critical steps. Prospective students are encouraged to contact schools directly through the inquiry forms available on their websites to learn more about each program and secure their place in a creative future.
Additional Resources
North Carolina Arts Council
• Website: https://www.ncarts.org/
• Description: Provides grants and resources for arts education and workforce development.Charlotte Arts Commission
• Website: https://www.charlotte.gov/ (Search “Arts Commission”)
• Description: Manages public art projects and cultural initiatives in Charlotte.Mecklenburg County Cultural Resources
• Website: https://www.mecknc.gov/ (Search “Arts & Culture”)
• Description: Offers grants and partnerships for local arts organizations.