Viterbo University (School of Fine Arts)

Schoolof Fine Arts Mission Statement

The mission of the school of fine arts at Viterbo University is to prepare our students to be artists, creative and critical thinkers, successful scholars, active participants, and advocates for the fine arts through excellence in teaching and in production within the liberal arts framework.

By this we mean that:

* We believe that aesthetic sensitivity is a core value in the development of a whole, values-based person and of a liberal arts community.
* We will be producers and presenters of art, and sources of knowledge and inspiration about art for the university, greater La Crosse area, Coulee region, and our state.
* We will create an interdisciplinary, intercultural, catholic and ecumenical community that fosters creativity, collaboration and open discussion, and that encourages the exploration of the values of human dignity and respect for the world through the arts.
* We will teach each student the creative concepts and skills associated with his or her individual arts discipline and the use of the technical tools essential for success in each discipline.
* We will offer enrichment, information, education and leadership to all those served by fine arts by enlivening the cultural climate, forming community partnerships and providing quality resources and outreach opportunities for the campus and community.


Art Department

Degree Programs

• Studio Art
The Department of Art offers two degrees in Studio Art: the Bachelor of Art (BA) and the Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA). The BA program is a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in studio art (up to 61 credits in studio art), and is suitable for students interested in becoming professional artists, applying to graduate schools in art (MA and MFA programs), or working in related fields. The BFA is an honors program that provides further concentration in studio art, and is the preferred degree for application to MFA programs. Admission to the BFA program (up to 85 credits in studio art) is granted on submission of a body of work during or after the second semester of the sophomore year; the criteria are quality, cohesion and personal direction.

In the first year students, take an 18-credit Art Foundations program combining drawing, 2D and 3D design, color studies and a survey of art history, they then go on to take further art courses, culminating in independent studio work in which they are encouraged to develop a more personal sense of direction. BFA students select an area of concentration in one of the following: painting, drawing, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, or interdisciplinary studio. At the completion of their studies studio art majors will exhibit their work in the Art Department gallery.

CAREERS IN STUDIO ART
Graduates from the Viterbo studio art programs have gone on to become schoolteachers, college/university professors of art, gallery managers, graphic designers, photographers, and professional artists and craftspeople—either directly, or by way of graduate school.

• Graphic Design
The BFA in Graphic Design has two tracks: one with a layout emphasis, and one with illustration emphasis. Both tracks follow a comprehensive sequence of courses beginning with an 18-credit Art Foundations program in the first year, in which drawing, 2D and 3D design and color studies are combined with an introduction to art history. Foundations prepares students for the later Graphic Design courses by teaching principles of design and aesthetics along with the cultivation of hand-eye skills essential to the profession.

Both the Layout and Illustration tracks include course work in layout, design, typography and computer illustration. Students gain technical knowledge and production skills working with the computer and professional software applications including Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Dreamweaver and Flash in all of the Graphic Design courses taught at Viterbo.

CAREERS IN GRAPHIC DESIGN
Graduates from the Viterbo Graphic Design program have gone on to work in such areas as advertising design, illustration, medical illustration, package design, multi-media, art directing, and marketing in the business side of design. A number have gone on to graduate school, as a stepping stone to further advancement in their field. Graduates from the Viterbo program have a high rate of success in finding jobs in their field.

• Art Education
The underlying philosophy of the program is that of the artist-teacher: meaning an art education student will become a better teacher when they can draw on their strengths and insight as an artist. For these reasons art education students at Viterbo focus first on their own creative productivity, at some point developing a special interest in a particular area of artmaking. Art education students go through much the same rigor that a studio art major would undertake, first by completing a year of Foundations drawing, design and art history. Every art major takes this sequence of beginning courses. We assume that everyone in the art education program is an artist and has an interest in the history of art. Our aim is to produce future teachers who are confident as both artists and teachers.

Not all programs have a Foundations sequence that prepares grounds all art majors for a major in studio art, art education or graphic design.

One advantage of our Foundations program is that all freshman art majors can change their major easily within the first year between art education, graphic design and studio art.

• Digital Media
Viterbo University’s BFA in Digital Media can be described as the ultimate fusion of technology and art. It is a discipline based on the creative convergence of art, technology, and business for human expression, communication, and social interaction. The Digital Media program teaches both theory and hands-on skills with an emphasis on experiential learning.

Students in the Digital Media program learn by doing. The digital media program focuses on three primary areas: 3D modeling and animation, digital video production, and web design. Although each of these areas have their own focus, it is important to understand how these areas interrelate.

The students in the Digital Media program begin with a solid art foundation in both 2D and 3D design. These basic art principles help build student skills as digital artists as they progress through the curriculum.

The hands on learning that takes place at Viterbo ensures that students will have the necessary technical skills to compete in a digital world. Simply understanding the technology isn’t enough to make you successful in this highly competitive field. Having the creative insight and aesthetic sophistication elevate digital media graduates over their peers.

Students who complete a BFA in Digital Media will be prepared for careers in television and video production, 3D animation, video game design, and web design and development.


FACILITIES
The art department occupies all of the third floor and part of the fourth floor in Viterbo University's Fine Arts Center. The department has studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, and 3D/ceramics work as well as state-of-the art computer labs for graphic design and digital media and a complete darkroom facility.

PAINTING AND DRAWING STUDIOS
The art department has a number of painting and drawing studios for class and individual use. Some classrooms are equipped with stands for modeling and still life painting.

PRINT STUDIOS
Viterbo's intaglio and relief print lab is comprised of three adjacent rooms equipped with two etching presses, one proof press, two hotplates, an aquatint box, a new ventilated acid booth, a light exposure vacuum table and table/workspace for 15 beginning and advanced print students.

CERAMIC/3D STUDIOS
The art department's 3D and ceramics labs consist of a kiln room and a joined ceramics/3D studio with a wide array of working spaces. Professional quality throwing wheels, commercial grade woodworking equipment and state-of-the-art kilns are all included for student use.

GRAPHIC DESIGN COMPUTER LAB
The fourth floor or the Fine Arts Center houses Viterbo's graphic design computer lab. Offering state-of-the-art Macintosh hardware and software products from companies such as Adobe and Macromedia, the lab is always on the cutting edge of design technology.

DIGITAL MEDIA COMPUTER LAB
The digital media lab is equipped with high-end, specialized computers for doing demanding digital media projects. The lab has 14 machines equipped with Avid Xpress Pro video editing software with hardware acceleration, Autodesk 3D Studio Max 2008 for 3D modeling and animation, along with Adobe Photoshop and other specialized applications for producing and outputting all types of digital media.


Music Department

Mission Statement
The Viterbo University Music Department prepares vocal and piano students for professional careers in teaching and performing, provides opportunities for the general student to engage in artistic experiences, and encourages students to influence the musical lives of the communities in which they serve.

Why Study Music at Viterbo University?

* Dedicated artist-faculty with extensive professional experience
* First-rate teaching, rehearsing, performing, and recording facilities
* Five newly restored Steinway grand pianos
* Nationally acclaimed visiting artists
* Four choral ensembles that tour regionally, nationally, and internationally
* Talent scholarships for music majors
* Alumni accepted into graduate programs at Indiana University, Manhattan School of Music, Cleveland Institute, University of Minnesota, Ball State University, Boston Conservatory, and others
* High job placement rate in music education
* Recipient of numerous Liberace Foundation grants
* Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) for over 50 years
* Top-flight programs in music education, voice, and piano


Programs

Music Education

* Dual certification in K–12 general music and 6–12 choral music
* Strong reputation for producing caring and competent teachers
* Student chapters of Music Educators National Association and American Choral Directors Association
* High job placement rate for graduates

Voice

* Comprehensive curriculum in performance, pedagogy, and opera
* Full scale productions of operas, oratorios, and musicals
* Four choral ensembles that tour nationally and internationally
* Student winners and finalists in the Metropolitan Opera, Wisconsin NATS, and Schubert Club competitions

Piano

* Comprehensive curriculum in performance and pedagogy
* Five newly restored Steinway grand pianos
* French-style William Martin harpsichord
* Numerous performing opportunities in solo repertoire, accompanying, and chamber music
* Visiting artists and clinicians from Indiana University, Oberlin College, University of Texas, University of Minnesota, Miami University, and others


Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Music
Students who complete this program obtain a liberal arts degree with an emphasis in music (voice or piano).

Bachelor of Music in Music Education
Students who complete this program are qualified to apply for K–12 general/6–12 choral music certification through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

Bachelor of Music in Music Performance
This program offers emphases in voice, piano, and opera. Students who complete this program attend graduate music programs, audition for opera companies and choral groups, become private studio teachers, or work as freelance musicians.


Theatre and Music Theatre

Viterbo University Theatre and Music Theatre combine intensive training and personal support for students with the talent and drive to pursue careers in theatre. Our approach prepares the “whole artist.” We combine conservatory-like degree programs with the chance to explore all areas of theatre through dynamic coursework and a rigorous production schedule.

We offer degree concentrations in acting, musical theatre, design, technical production, stage management, arts administration, and theatre education. Our programs prepare you for a theatre career while our liberal arts foundation helps you learn for life.


About the Program

Viterbo University Theatre offers dynamic undergraduate theatre and music theatre programs where you can take advantage of exceptional training, technologically advanced facilities, and the best in liberal arts education. We offer Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degrees in acting, music theatre, design, technical production, stage management, and arts administration; Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees in theatre arts and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees in theatre education.

The department is actively involved in the Kennedy Center’s American College Theatre Festival. Our students train with a faculty of theatre professionals and visiting artists from around the nation. Students also benefit from connections at Guthrie Theatre, Milwaukee Rep, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, American Players Theatre, Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis, Dallas Children’s Theatre, Great River Shakespeare, and others.

Our main stage and black box seasons include six productions of new and classical dramas, comedies, musicals, and dance. Students also get hands-on experience assisting with the more than 30 professional touring productions presented each year on our stages.


Mission Statement
The Viterbo University Theatre Arts Department:

* supports and embraces the mission statement of Viterbo University, a Franciscan, liberal arts institution;
* bases its curriculum on a liberal arts foundation while providing all students with a series of "theatre core" foundation courses in the various aspects of the theatrical art, including history and criticism, literature, performance, directing, design, technical production, theatre education, and music theatre;
* strives for high degrees of excellence and professionalism in its diverse academic and production offerings;
* accepts encourages, and guides interested theatre students of all faiths, cultures, socio-economic levels through its diverse academic, production, and advising programs;
* provides group-oriented problem-solving opportunities for students which encourages research, collaboration, and cooperation, while also encouraging individuals to realize the importance of self-exploration, self-discipline, and creative expression;
* prepares students for a service-oriented life which celebrates the theatrical arts as an effective forum for exploring issues of self, community, diversity, human dignity, and respect for the world;
* promotes among its local community a greater awareness and appreciation for the role, function, and value of the theatrical arts in society.


Production Philosophy
Throughout its extensive theatre production programming, the Viterbo University Theatre Arts Department strives to:

* fulfill the missions, goals, educational objectives, and professional aspirations of this progressive liberal arts, Franciscan University and the Theatre Arts Department through a variety of integrated academic and production-oriented theatre offerings;
* select, research, design, cast, rehearse, stage, and market a wide variety of theatrical presentations which effectively and reasonably challenge, stimulate, and expand the knowledge, skills, talents, creative abilities, and professionalism of our theatre students, staff, and faculty;
* stage and present a wide range of dramatic works of recognized artistic or literary merit from a variety of periods and genres, including classical and contemporary dramas, comedies, tragedies, musicals, operas, and other distinctive styles;
* present consistently high-quality educational theatre productions and related programming to an ever-increasing public audience from the University and greater La Crosse communities;
* to utilize guest artist/educators and partnerships with regional professional theatres to further expand and enhance our educational programming and production opportunities;
* provide the members of the artistic production team and the members of our audience with engaging, entertaining, creative, intelligent, thought-provoking theatrical experiences which encourage and challenge us to consider and reflect upon the fullest possible spectrum of human actions, thoughts, philosophies, beliefs, values, prejudices, and diversities;
* provide both artists and audience members the opportunity to "walk in the shoes of others," to invite them to see and appreciate life from a multiplicity of historical periods and cultural perspectives, and to facilitate dialogue, interaction, and mutual learning as a result of active participation in the live theatrical experience;
* inform and educate our audience through pre-show publicity whenever we produce theatrical works of significant artistic and/or cultural merit which contain mature themes, situations, language, or material which may be considered offensive by some members of our audience.


Degree Offerings
Viterbo offers seven distinctive Professional Theatre Training Degrees:

* Bachelor of Fine Arts
o acting
o design
o music theatre
o technical production
o stage management
o arts administration
* Bachelor of Arts - Theatre Arts
* Bachelor of Science - Theatre Arts Education
* Related Minors
o theatre arts
o music theatre
o dance
o art
o music
o English/writing
o business

Our Training Philosophy
Established nearly a half-century ago, the Viterbo Theatre Arts program combines the heritage of a strong liberal arts education with innovative professional theatre training opportunities tailored to meet the needs and expectations of each individual as they prepare for a future theatre-related career. The program has been designed to provide each undergraduate student with a broad-based liberal arts education in the humanities, as well as a comprehensive foundation in the academic and production aspects of the theatrical arts.

It is our philosophy that such a program of study encourages the effective growth and development of the liberally educated person and productive theatre artist. The result is that the theatre arts major receives not only the practical proficiency required of success in the arts, but also the intellectual and interpersonal communication skills essential for successful living in the diverse and challenging world community.

Courses taken in the theatre "core" provide the student with a valuable knowledge and appreciation of all aspects of the multi-dimensional art, including history, literature, criticism, performance, directing, design, technical production, and management. Our program's extensive theatre production component allows students to further explore and apply the theatre core content in a creative forum, and promotes the development of the individual theatre artist: mind, body, creative spirit, and artistic vision.

The hallmark of the Viterbo Theatre Arts program is our commitment to offering extensive opportunities for each student to explore, discover, and focus their own talents, skills, and energies in his or her chosen interest area, whether it be education, history and literature, performance, directing, design, or technical production. Through the careful assistance and guidance of faculty advisors, each student is able to create a program of study which best meets their personal needs, goals, and expectations.

Students may choose to pursue a traditional Bachelor of Arts Degree in theatre, or may audition for the Bachelor of Fine Arts professional training degrees. A Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Theatre Education is offered for students wishing to teach at the high school level. Interdisciplinary programs in music theatre, arts management, and dance are also available to the student.

This tailor-made, personal approach to theatre training results in a proven program of study which thoroughly prepares each individual for his or her next career step, whether it be working in the professional theatre, graduate school, or the high school classroom. This personal approach to theatre education has made our program successful for almost 50 years, and promises to be the key to effectively preparing theatre artists and community-minded citizens for the next century.

Program Admission: Students wishing to major in any Theatre degree area must audition and interview with a faculty committee.

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