School of the Arts

Welcome to the School of the Arts, the artistic heartbeat of Charleston. Our students are taught by world-class artists/scholars in an environment that stresses experiential learning, creative collaborations, rigorous scholarship, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Graduates of our seven academic departments and programs have been accepted to many of the world’s most prestigious graduate programs and conservatories, and many of them of are professional artists and scholars working at the very highest level, while others are working in leadership roles at some of the country’s most important cultural institutions. Also, some graduates have successful careers in industries such as business, education, engineering and government, where they apply the critical thinking and creative skills gained from our School’s training. 

View a condensed overview of the School of the Arts.

For detailed info about the school, learn more in Dean Edward Hart's message, check out artistic/educational opportunities available, and visit the College's Virtual Visitor Center.

View our 2022-2023 event season and latest news, such as the renovation of the Simons Center for the Arts.

Video Highlights
Video HighlightSchool of the Arts: Overview: Our school is a vibrant community of practicing artists who are also dedicated teacher-scholars in art and architectural history, music, studio art, theatre, dance, arts management and historic preservation/community planning.
Video HighlightArt History Class Highlight: This art history course examines the materials and techniques of Renaissance art. Hands-on experiences combined with engaging lectures are the perfect formula for learning.
Video HighlightOverview of Theatre & Dance Studies: No matter your theatrical or dance interests, you'll find your niche at the College. The Department of Theatre and Dance provides multiple production opportunities as early as your first year.
Video HighlightLearn About Music Studies: Merging the intense focus of a conservatory with a broad education in the liberal arts, the music program is further enhanced by its location in a city renowned for its cultural heritage and devotion to the performing arts.
Video HighlightStudio Art Alumna Highlight: Lulie Martin Wallace is a young artist who has made national waves with her commercial pieces (being sold in Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie and being recognized by Southern Living, Better Homes and Garden and HGTV Magazine).
Video HighlightArts Management Alumna Highlight: Ginger Vallen plays an integral role at Carnegie Hall as the Director of Special Events. She helps coordinate more than 50 events a year including three major fundraisers which raise $2 million to $5 million each.
Video HighlightHistoric Preservation & Community Planning Major: This unique program of historic preservation, architectural and urban design, planning, and architectural and urban history prepares students for jobs and graduate studies in cultural resource management, architecture, urban design and real estate - to name a few.

School of the Arts News

The Artistic Heartbeat of Charleston: 2022-23 SOTA Event Season
Posted on 10 August 2022 | 10:12 am
After a triumphant season last year, the College of Charleston School of the Arts is delighted to continue presenting meaningful, unique performances and visual arts events, featuring acclaimed professionals as well as budding student scholars. Immerse yourself in our 2022-2023…
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Piccolo Spoleto Festival: College of Charleston Young Artists Series
Posted on 12 May 2022 | 1:46 pm
Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival present a 17-day feast of the arts featuring some of the most talented artists from the School of the Arts, from the local area and from around the world.  Piccolo Spoleto’s College of Charleston…
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Piccolo Spoleto Stelle di Domani Theatre & Dance Series
Posted on 12 May 2022 | 11:05 am
Spoleto Festival USA and Piccolo Spoleto Festival present a 17-day feast of the arts featuring some of the most talented artists from the School of the Arts, from the local area and from around the world.  Part of Piccolo Spoleto,…
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School of the Arts Events

CofC Dance Concert: "Becoming We"
March 25th from 7:30 pm
The Department of Theatre and Dance presents the student-choreographed dance concert, Becoming We. As we travel through life, we find ourselves in new relationships and new communities that [...]
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CofC Dance Concert: "Becoming We"
March 26th from 2:00 pm
The Department of Theatre and Dance presents the student-choreographed dance concert, Becoming We. As we travel through life, we find ourselves in new relationships and new communities that [...]
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International Piano Series: Awadagin Pratt
March 28th from 7:30 pm
Among his generation of concert artists, pianist Awadagin Pratt is acclaimed for his musical insight and intensely involving performances in recital and with symphony orchestras. Recent and upcoming a [...]
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CofC Orchestra with Sarah Chang
April 3rd from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
The College of Charleston Orchestra presents a spring concert featuring multiple award-winning violinist Sarah Chang in a performance of Bruch’s Violin Concerto and for a movement of [...]
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