Performing Arts Programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Getting a Performing Arts Degree in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Earning a Performing Arts Degree in Colorado Springs, Colorado, offers aspiring artists a pathway to expertise in theater, dance, music, and acting. This guide explains what a Performing Arts Degree entails and explores diverse education paths—from associate degrees with a focus on hands-on production to bachelor’s and master’s programs featuring specialized tracks in visual and performing arts. Readers will find information on degree programs, schools, courses, and training to help them navigate their creative careers.

About Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs, located in El Paso County, is known for its rich cultural history and active arts community. The city blends a modern urban vibe with scenic views of Pikes Peak and the surrounding mountains. For more details about the city and its initiatives, visit the official Colorado Springs website (HTTP Status 200). Neighborhoods such as downtown and Broadmoor serve as cultural hubs where local theaters and galleries enhance the local performing arts scene.

Performing Arts Degree Programs in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Colorado Springs offers multiple options for students pursuing a career in the performing arts. Below are three key institutions, along with additional programs nearby if local choices are limited:

  • Pikes Peak State College

    • Program: AA in Theatre, Dance, and Music
    • Description: This program emphasizes a transfer-focused curriculum with core courses in acting, directing, and stage production, paired with general education credits. Open enrollment policy means no audition or portfolio is required.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located at 2801 N Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80907 in a centrally accessible area.
    • Website: Pikes Peak State College Theatre Program (HTTP Status 200)

  • University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS)

    • Program: BA in Visual & Performing Arts with specializations in Dance, Film Studies, Theatre, etc.
    • Description: UCCS provides a balanced curriculum that includes performance training, technical skills, and art history, with auditions and portfolios typically required for performance-based specializations. Admission requirements vary by program.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located at 1420 S. Sierra Madre Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909, UCCS is situated in the heart of Colorado Springs’ urban corridor.
    • Website: UCCS Visual & Performing Arts (HTTP Status 200)

  • University of Colorado Boulder

    • Program: MA in Theatre & Performance Studies
    • Description: Although located outside Colorado Springs, this graduate program offers both thesis and non-thesis options with courses such as Introduction to Performance Studies and Seminar: Theory and Criticism. A bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA and relevant theatre experience is required.
    • Distance: Approximately 70 miles north of Colorado Springs.
    • Address & Neighborhood: Located in Boulder’s historic downtown area; specific address details are available on campus websites.
    • Website: CU Boulder MA in Theatre & Performance Studies (HTTP Status 200)

State-Specific Degree Information

Students in Colorado have access to various degree types:

  • Associate of Arts (AA):

    • Available in Theatre, Dance, and Music at Pikes Peak State College
    • Emphasis on hands-on production and transfer-focused courses
    • Open enrollment with no strict audition or portfolio requirements

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA):

    • Offered by UCCS in Visual & Performing Arts with specializations in Dance, Film Studies, and Theatre
    • Admission typically requires auditions or portfolio submissions for performance-oriented tracks and minimum GPA requirements

  • Master of Arts (MA):

    • Provided by the University of Colorado Boulder in Theatre & Performance Studies
    • Requires a completed bachelor’s degree and a minimum 2.75 GPA, with options for thesis or non-thesis tracks

Accreditation for these programs is overseen by several bodies such as the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). Prospective students should verify details directly on program websites.

Performing Arts Opportunities in Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs is home to several performing arts organizations and venues that enhance both the educational experience and professional development of graduates:

  • Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center

    • Description: A premier venue offering theater productions, dance performances, and art exhibitions. The center also provides audition opportunities and masterclasses in various performance disciplines.
    • Neighborhood: Located in downtown Colorado Springs.
    • Website: Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (HTTP Status 200)

  • Local Theatre Companies and Dance Ensembles

    • Description: Various local companies frequently host workshops, live performances, and community events that provide training and networking opportunities for aspiring artists.
    • Neighborhoods: Performances and events are dispersed throughout central and western Colorado Springs.

Students should also consult regional listings and official school career services for additional opportunities.

Prerequisites for Performing Arts Programs

Enrolling in a Performing Arts Degree program typically requires meeting specific prerequisites:

  • Education Requirements: A high school diploma or GED for undergraduate programs; a completed bachelor’s degree for MA programs.
  • Audition/Portfolio Requirements:
    • AA Programs (PPSC): Generally do not require auditions or portfolios.
    • BA Programs (UCCS): Often require auditions or portfolio submissions for performance-based specializations such as theater or dance.
    • MA Programs (CU Boulder): Expect prior theatre experience and additional documentation, such as letters of recommendation and academic transcripts.
  • Entrance Exams/Additional Materials: Some programs may require standardized test scores or supplemental application materials.

Career Opportunities with a Performing Arts Degree

Graduates with a Performing Arts Degree can pursue varied career paths within theater, dance, music, film, television, and related industries. Common roles include:

  • Performing artist (acting, dancing, singing)
  • Stage/technical crew member
  • Arts educator
  • Production designer

Local employers and venues, such as the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and regional touring companies, offer job prospects for graduates. For detailed labor statistics and job outlook information for actors, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Actors page (HTTP Status 200).

Professional development can also be enhanced by joining organizations and unions within Colorado, while keeping an eye on workshops and non-degree courses available through institutions like UCCS.

Get Started Today

With a wealth of educational resources and professional opportunities, pursuing a Performing Arts Degree in Colorado Springs is a promising step toward a fulfilling career in the arts. Explore your options, review each school’s prerequisites, and envision your future on stage, in the studio, or behind the scenes. To take the next step in your performing arts journey, contact your chosen school directly through their inquiry forms and start shaping your artistic career.

Additionally, students should note that state and federal oversight—provided by key agencies such as the Colorado Department of Higher Education, Colorado Creative Industries, the U.S. Department of Education, and the National Endowment for the Arts—ensures that education programs are continually maintained and improved. These regulatory bodies support high-quality academic standards and offer numerous resources to assist aspiring artists in achieving their career goals.