With over half of RIT’s undergraduate population pursuing STEM majors according to RIT’s Common Data Set, it’s easy to overlook the university’s vibrant performing arts culture. However, with more than 2,000 Performing Arts Scholars enrolled in the 2025-26 academic year, the arts clearly play a significant role in student life.
Performing arts at RIT is a close-knit community, combining both passion for the arts and desire for self-expression. Currently, RIT has multiple clubs and organizations dedicated to theater, a cappella, band, dance and other performances. With some organizations dating all the way back to the 1970s, the performing arts at RIT have a long and storied history on campus.
In 2019, former university president David Munson launched the Performing Arts Scholarship, a partial scholarship for students who intend to pursue performing arts during their time at RIT.
Chloe’s Story
Chloe Allen, a first year Environmental Sustainability, Health and Safety student, attended RIT on a Performing Arts Scholarship for guitar. This semester, she started a band in the Popular Music Collective to fulfill her scholarship requirements.
“It’s a really cool program because it allows you a place to find other people who are into music,” Allen said.
Having been involved with the performing arts since fourth grade, Allen considers it to be a foundational part of her identity.
“It’s very much something that fulfills my heart, and I am doing anything to continue to do it, not even just for a requirement,” she said.
Josh’s Story
Josh Milone, a first year Mechanical Engineering student, joined theater in second grade after encouragement from his dad. Milone, a current member of RIT theater organizations, is currently rehearsing for an upcoming show here on campus.
“I’m a mechanical engineering major, so I do a lot of math, it’s very different from theater,” Milone said. “I find that it’s nice to have the balance of both, you know, a very science-y major and then also being able to do art as a performance.”
Jon’s Story
A newcomer to performing arts, Jonathan Hall, a first year Cybersecurity student, began theater during his junior year of high school.
“I was very much a fan of improv and doing impressions,” Hall said.
Here at RIT, Hall has participated in “The 39 Steps,” RIT’s NTID show. During his short time participating in theater, he recalls meeting a lot of great people and really enjoying his time with the different programs.
“At the end of the day, no matter how much fun you’re having, the whole reason is to bring joy or to bring a story to your audience,” Hall said.
Despite the stigma surrounding performing arts, these students show that passion for the arts can shine through even if one does not intend to pursue it as a career. Along with current performing arts scholars here at RIT, students participate in various theater and concert productions all year long. Fitting in study sessions between rehearsals, students have demonstrated that artistic passion never needs to be sacrificed for academic success. In fact, striking a healthy balance between both can make many students happier and more dedicated than ever.
