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Creative Arts

The Creative Arts Program at William Penn University is designed to help students refine their artistic talents in drawing, painting, ceramics, vocal and instrumental music, and dramatic arts. Students can choose to focus on either Fine Arts or Theatre, allowing them to specialize in their area of interest.

Central to our program are the elements of practice, performance, and critical evaluation. Students are given ample opportunities to develop, pursue, and perform their unique artistic visions. Our curriculum offers a comprehensive, hands-on foundation in music, theatre, and art, complemented by strong leadership training in writing, speaking, and computer technology.

Students in the Creative Arts Program have numerous opportunities to showcase their skills through theatre productions, student art shows, jazz band tours, and collaborations with professional productions. The program is dedicated to nurturing creativity and equipping students with the skills needed to excel in their chosen fields. Join us and bring your artistic vision to life.

Pursue Your Passion

William Penn University’s Creative Arts Program offers a vibrant and comprehensive curriculum designed for aspiring artists, musicians, and theater enthusiasts.

Visual Arts
For visual artists, we provide a wide range of introductory classes, including drawing, design, watercolor painting, acrylic painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, pastel drawing, pen and ink drawing, and art history. Advanced students can further their skills in our graphic design courses, utilizing industry-standard software such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
Music
Music lovers will find numerous opportunities to explore their passions. Join our Jazz Band, William Penn Singers, or Chamber Choir, and participate in our Athletic Bands. We also offer private lessons, Music Theory classes, and more to enhance your musical talents and knowledge.
Theater
Theater students will benefit from the exceptional facilities at the George Daily Auditorium in Oskaloosa. This venue hosts professional shows and features state-of-the-art theater equipment, including CAD software for set and lighting design, computerized sound mixing and recording, and comprehensive video recording and editing capabilities.
Our Creative Arts Program is dedicated to fostering creativity and providing students with the skills and experiences needed to excel in their artistic endeavors. Join us at William Penn University and unleash your creative potential.

Careers

Employers continually search for creative thinkers who have the ability to communicate with others using creative concepts. Professionals with these skills can develop problem solving tactics and provide ideas which can lead toward corporate progress. A degree in creative arts from William Penn University will allow students to pursue a wide variety of careers including:

  • Actor
  • Musician
  • Student Training
  • Make-Up Artist
  • Art Museum Positions
  • Teaching
  • Road Production
  • Journalistic Work
  • Marketing
  • News Production
  • Theater Production
  • Tattoo Artist

Internships

Internship experience allows students to gain professional understanding of required expectations. Students can contribute ideas which can lead toward future opportunity. Students of the Creative Arts program have the following internship opportunities available:

  • Production Coordinator at the George Daily Auditorium
  • Theatre Performances
  • Barnhouse Music
  • Event Organizer
  • Production Assistant
  • Marketing Departments
  • Art Museums

Faculty

Andy McGuire

Adjunct Instructor of Theatre 641-672-3795 Email

Brant Bollman

Director of Theatre Arts Email
See All Faculty >

Courses

As a student of the Creative Arts program, you will take the following courses:

Creative Arts Core

  • ART 130 3-D Design
  • ART 134 2-D Design
  • COMM 357 Internship
  • COMM 390 Communication Seminar
  • ENGL 215 Business and Tech Writing
  • MUSI 104 Fundamentals of Music
  • THEA 212 Oral Interpretation

Fine Arts Emphasis

Select 12 credits from the following:

  • ART 121 Drawing 1
  • ART 215 History of Art
  • MUSI 123 Music Theory I
  • MUSI 216 History of Music I
  • THEA 110 Improvisation and Movement
  • THEA 216 History of Theatre

*Plus 12 credits from list of Fine Arts electives

Theatre Emphasis

  • INDU 107 Industrial Wood Processes
  • THEA 104 Basic Production
  • THEA 106 Acting I
  • THEA 110 Improvisation and Movement
  • THEA 124 Stage Lighting and Sound
  • THEA 130 Scenic Design and Construction
  • THEA 216 History of Theatre
  • THEA 304 Directing and Advanced Production
  • THEA 306 Acting II

*Plus 12 credits from list of Theatre electives

Art Minor Courses

  • ART 116 Painting I
  • ART 121 Drawing I
  • ART 130 3‐ Dimensional Design
  • ART 134 2‐ Dimensional Design
  • ART 215 History of Art

Six hours from the following:

    • ART 116 Painting I
    • ART 117 Pen and Ink Drawing
    • ART 211 (COMM 211) Digital Photography
    • ART 217 Painting II
    • ART 221 Drawing II
    • ART 230 Sculpture
    • ART 235 Graphic Art
    • ART 331 Ceramics I
    • ART 332 Ceramics II

Graphic Art Minor courses

      • APCS 112 Communications Computer Apps
      • APCS 205 Algorithms & Programming
      • APCS 336 Web Programming
      • ART 121 Drawing I
      • ART 134 2-Dimensional Design
      • ART 211 Digital Photography
      • ART 215 History of Art
      • ART 235 Graphic Art

Theatre Minor courses

      • THEA 104 Basic Production
      • THEA 106 Acting I
      • THEA 110 Improvisation & Movement
      • THEA 212 Oral Interpretation
      • THEA 216 History of Theater

Six hours from the following

    • THEA 114 Theatre Production
    • THEA 116 Special Effects
    • THEA 117 Makeup
    • THEA 118 Costuming
    • THEA 130 Scenic Design and Construction
    • THEA 304 Directing & Advanced Production
    • THEA 306 Acting II
    • THEA 307 Shakespeare

Additional Resources