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A home for the visual and performing arts at ý.

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AU Arts

The arts have a prominent role at ý. Rotating exhibitions at the AU Museum in the state-of-the-art Katzen Arts Center emphasize regional, national, and international contemporary art. The Department of Performing Arts, comprised of Arts Management, Audio Technology, Dance, Music, and Theatre/Musical Theatre, provides dynamic, connected, expressive, and fulfilling experiences for all of our majors, minors, and participating students. The Department of Art encompasses Studio Art, Art History, Photography, and Graphic Design.

To stay up-to-date on performances, exhibitions, and events, join the AU Arts and follow us on , and .Questions? Call 202-885-ARTS or email us.

Featured Events

See all Music | Theatre/Musical Theatre | Installation Art events

Melissa Joseph
February 6, 6:00 p.m. |Katzen Arts Center 201

Part of the Department of Art Visiting Artists Series:
Melissa Joseph is a New York based artist. Her work considers themes of memory, family history, and the politics of how we occupy spaces. She intentionally alludes to the labors of women as well as experiences as a second generation American and the unique juxtapositions of diasporic life. Her work has been shown at the Brooklyn Museum, Delaware Contemporary, Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, MOCA Arlington, ICA San Francisco, and List Gallery at Swarthmore College. She has been featured in Hyperallergic, Art Forum, Artnet, Artnews, New American Paintings, WNYC, Le Monde, Vogue, CNN, Whitewall, Family Style, and participated in residencies including Artpace, Dieu Donné Workspace Residency, The Textile Arts Center, BRIC, Fountainhead, the Archie Bray Foundation for Ceramic Arts, the Museum of Arts and Design and upcoming at Greenwich House Pottery. She is the recipient of the 2025 UOVO Prize and a regular contributor to BOMB Magazine.

Dance NationDance Nation
By Claire Barron
Directed by Tara Giordano
Choreographed by Jennifer Hopkins
February 13-15 | Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre

Somewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay. A Pulitzer-Prize nominated play about ambition, growing up, and how to find our soul in the heat of it all.

After the February 15 matinee (2:00 p.m.) performance of Dance Nation, we invite you to stay for a discussion with Director Tara Giordano, Choreographer Jennifer Hopkins, and Ronya-Lee Anderson, Professorial Lecturer of Dance. The discussion will be moderated by Liz Brown, student dramaturg.

Content advisory: strong language, stylized gore, depictions of self-harm, simulated masturbation, and discussions of suicide and sex. “Dance Nation” is presented by arrangement with on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

Faculty Music ConcertFaculty Music Concert
February 15, 7:30 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall

The AU Music Program presents faculty performing a varied selection of vocal and instrumental works. Featuring Todd Baldwin, Kristianna Dilworth, Magdalena Duhagon, Mary Gottlieb, Kevin Jang, Kelly Smith Jones, Nobue Matsuoka, Nancy Jo Snider, Matthew Van Hoose, and Barbara Wilkinson. See all Music events

A Game of Love and ChanceA Game of Love and Chance
With apologies to Pierre Marivaux
Directed by Karl Kippola
February 25-March 1 | Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre

Silvia has never met her fiancé, so she switches places with her maid to observe him. Her husband-to-be has the exact same idea, trading identities with his valet. Sparks fly between both couples, making them question where allegiances lie and if class lines can be crossed in the name of love. A hilarious 1730 comedy that will be improvised – with a different cast selected by the audience for each performance! See all Theatre/Musical Theatre events.

All Events

Tickets to Department of Performing Arts events are free for AU students with ID; $10 for AU alumni, faculty, and staff, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older); $15 for the general public.

Faculty Music ConcertFaculty Music Concert
February 15, 7:30 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall

The AU Music Program presents faculty performing a varied selection of vocal and instrumental works. Featuring Todd Baldwin, Kristianna Dilworth, Magdalena Duhagon, Mary Gottlieb, Kevin Jang, Kelly Smith Jones, Nobue Matsuoka, Nancy Jo Snider, Matthew Van Hoose, and Barbara Wilkinson.

AU Chamber Singers
Haydn: Mass for Troubled Times (Missa in angustiis) - "Lord Nelson Mass"
April 5, 7:30 p.m., April 6, 3 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Daniel Abraham, director

Joseph Haydn's Missa in angustiis (Mass for troubled times), commonly known as the “Lord Nelson Mass” was hailed by scholar H.C. Robbins Landon as "arguably Haydn's greatest single composition.” Hear this incredible program by the AU Chamber Singers and a band of period instruments in preparation for the singers’ May 2025 tour to Colombia. Bach's monumental motet Der Geist hilft and Arvo Pärt's stirring Salve Regina will lead off the program.

ý Chorus
Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem
April 11-12, 7:30 p.m.
Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Casey Cook, director
Barbara Wilkinson and Dana Scott, pianists

While most requiems mourn the loss of a loved one, Brahms specifically wrote this piece to give comfort to those left behind. Join the ý Chorus and friends for a performance of Brahms' choral masterpiece, Ein Deutsches Requiem.

AU Symphonic Band
Spring Concert
April 13, 3 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Matthew Brown, conductor

The AU Symphonic Band plays an eclectic mix of concert band selections, ranging from established classics of the standard repertoire to new works.

AU Symphony Orchestra
Classical Collage
April 26, 7:30 p.m., April 27, 3 p.m. | Katzen Arts Center, Abramson Family Recital Hall
Matthew Brown, conductor

The AU Symphony Orchestra plays a wide variety of time-tested classical hits that are sure to please. Featuring the student winner of the 2025 Concerto and Aria Competition as soloist.

to Department of Performing Arts events are free for AU students with ID; $10 for AU alumni, faculty, and staff, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older); $15 for the general public.

Dance Nation
By Claire Barron
Directed by Tara Giordano
Choreographed by Jennifer Hopkins
February 13-15 | Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre

Dance NationSomewhere in America, an army of pre-teen competitive dancers plots to take over the world. And if their new routine is good enough, they’ll claw their way to the top at Boogie Down Grand Prix in Tampa Bay. A Pulitzer-Prize nominated play about ambition, growing up, and how to find our souls in the heat of it all.

After the February 15 matinee (2:00 p.m.) performance of Dance Nation, we invite you to stay for a discussion with Director Tara Giordano, Choreographer Jennifer Hopkins, and Ronya-Lee Anderson, Professorial Lecturer of Dance. The discussion will be moderated by Liz Brown, student dramaturg.

Content advisory: strong language, stylized gore, depictions of self-harm, simulated masturbation, and discussions of suicide and sex.

“Dance Nation” is presented by arrangement with on behalf of Samuel French, Inc.

A Game of Love and Chance
With apologies to Pierre Marivaux
Directed by Karl Kippola
February 25-March 1 | Katzen Arts Center, Studio Theatre

A Game of Love and ChanceSilvia has never met her fiancé, so she switches places with her maid to observe him. Her husband-to-be has the exact same idea, trading identities with his valet. Sparks fly between both couples, making them question where allegiances lie and if class lines can be crossed in the name of love. A hilarious 1730 comedy that will be improvised – with a different cast selected by the audience for each performance!

9-5, the Musical
Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton
Book by Patricia Resnick
Based on the 20th Century Fox Picture
Originally produced on Broadway by Robert Greenblatt, April 2009
Directed by Nikki Mirza
March 27-29 | Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre

9 to 5, the MusicalSet in the late 1970s, this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic. Featuring the iconic music of Dolly Parton, it explores the struggles women faced within a frustrating workplace culture in the 1970s. It portrays their journey towards empowerment as they challenge the status quo, seize control of their destinies, and forge deep bonds of friendship and community along the way.

“9 to 5, The Musical” is presented through special arrangement with (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

DANCEWORKS 2025
April 11-12, 7:30 p.m. | Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre

Rediscover the power of live dance. The ý Dance Company brings DANCEWORKS 2025 to the Greenberg Theatre stage with new works by Dance faculty, as well as guest choreographers Tarik O’Meally and haus of bambi’s Robert Woofter.

to Department of Performing Arts events are free for AU students with ID; $10 for AU alumni, faculty, and staff, children (under 18), and senior citizens (55 and older); $15 for the general public.

Melissa Joseph.Visiting Artists Series

Spring Art Department Series features

  • Elisa Harkins, January 17
  • , February 6, 6:00,
    Katzen Arts Center 201
  • , February 20, 6:00,
    Katzen Arts Center 201
  • , March 27, 6:00,
    Katzen Arts Center 246

Spring Exhibitions at AU MuseumFebruary 8–May 18, 2025
Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00–4:00
with associated artists talks and special events

  • Arpad Pulai,The Army of Felt Dreamers. A stout and spiky figure made of white felt; a bird is drawn on its torso in red thread and the tips of its spikes or tentacles are red. LOOKING FOR MUSHROOMS:
    Bruce and Jean Conner in Mexico, 1961-62
  • Monumental Washington
  • Otho Branson: Paintings
  • #SerbiaInRealLife
  • Fred Folsom: Women Smoking and Last Call
  • A Sight to Behold

Visit AU Museum

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To the Point: Why Are Climate Activists Attacking Art? 

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