Mrs. H.D. Dear, Sr. and Alice. E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts
Your creativity deserves a place to grow.
Choosing a college for the arts is a big decision. You want to develop your talents, gain experience, and know your degree will prepare you for what comes next.
At NSU, you’ll have opportunities to perform, exhibit, produce, and share your work while learning from faculty who understand your goals.
Why CAPA at NSU?
Get the experience to take your talent further. A creative career takes practice, experience and guidance. CAPA gives you opportunities to develop your skills while working on projects that reflect what professionals do in their fields.
Learn by doing.
Perform in productions and concerts, exhibit your artwork, create media content and work on projects that help you apply what you're learning.
Learn from people who know you.
Work with faculty who understand your creative interests and can help you develop your abilities, improve your work and plan your next steps.
Create in spaces designed for your work.
Use studios, galleries, rehearsal halls, theatres, design shops, and digital media labs to practice your skills and complete creative projects.
Build work you can show.
Develop a portfolio, performance reel or recordings that demonstrate your experience and help you prepare for future opportunities.
Find the creative path that fits you.
Your interests can lead to many different careers. Explore CAPA's four academic departments and find a program that helps you reach your goals.
Turn your love of music into your future.
Develop your musical abilities through performances, rehearsals and hands-on training. You’ll learn from experienced faculty and have opportunities to perform in bands, choirs, orchestras and other ensembles. Explore music performance, education, composition, and music business as you prepare for your next step.
Build your skills. Create work you’re proud to share.
Develop your artistic abilities through studio courses, creative projects, and faculty guidance. Explore painting, sculpture, graphic design and digital media while building a portfolio that demonstrates your skills. You’ll also have opportunities to exhibit your work and receive professional feedback.
Develop your talent on stage and behind the scenes.
Gain experience through performances, productions, and hands-on training. Whether you’re interested in acting, musical theatre, dance or production and design, you’ll work with faculty who help you strengthen your abilities and prepare for opportunities in the performing arts.
Learn to tell stories that inform, connect and inspire.
Build skills in journalism, broadcasting, public relations, strategic communication and digital content creation. You’ll gain practical experience with multimedia storytelling, media production and communication projects that prepare you for careers in today’s media and communication industries.
See what you could be part of.
Performances, Exhibitions, & Events
Your college experience should give you opportunities to share your work with others.
At CAPA, students participate in concerts, theatre productions, dance performances, art exhibitions, and other creative events throughout the year. Attend a performance, visit an exhibition or watch select events online to see the work happening at Northwestern State.
Have the space to practice your craft.
Facilities & Resources
Creating good work takes time, practice and the right environment.
At Northwestern State, you’ll have access to learning spaces that support your creative development, including the New Fine Arts Building, galleries, theatres, rehearsal halls, design shops, and digital media labs. You’ll also have access to academic advising and career guidance to help you make decisions about your education and future.
See where your creativity could lead.
CAPA graduates have pursued opportunities in theatre, dance, film, television, and other creative fields. Their experience shows some of the paths you can explore through an education in the arts.
