Arts
Dordt University celebrates creativity through a Christ-centered approach to the arts.
From inspiring visual art and captivating theatre performances to soul-stirring music events, there are countless opportunities for students, alumni, and community members to engage with the arts. Join us for concerts, exhibitions, and performances that bring beauty and joy to Northwest Iowa.
View the Calendar of Events
Music
Do you want to learn how to share your musical gifts? If you study music at Dordt, you can choose to focus on music education, church music, performance and pedagogy, or music management.
Ensembles
Dordt offers a wide variety of ensembles for students to participate in, welcoming a broad array of interest and ability levels. Approximately 300 students are members of one or more ensembles or take private lessons.
Many of our ensembles tour extensively throughout the United States and Canada. Tours have included the east and west coasts, the midwest, and several locations in Canada, including visits to New York City, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and more. Local off-campus opportunities at churches and schools also abound for interested students.
Dordt Music Patrons
Dordt Music Patrons is a society of donors that supports ongoing excellence in the Music Department. The mission of the Dordt University Music Department is to provide excellent and diverse musical experiences that enable students, constituents, and the broader community to discover, develop, and share the gift of music in ways that bring glory to God.
If you would like to become a supporter of Dordt University music, request information below or give a gift.
Theatre Arts
Do you like to act, tell stories, and share culture with others? As a major in theatre arts, you’ll not only learn the technical skills necessary for the theatre industry, but you’ll have the chance to actively be part of the stage production process right from the start.
Productions
Experience the magic of live theatre at Dordt University! Our talented students and faculty bring compelling stories to life through performances that inspire, entertain, and spark thoughtful conversation. From timeless classics to thought-provoking contemporary works, each production showcases the creativity and dedication of our vibrant theatre community.
Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, a member of the local community, or simply looking for an evening of quality entertainment, we invite you to join us. Our intimate and welcoming performance spaces ensure every seat offers a fantastic view of the action on stage.
Why Attend a Dordt Theatre Performance?
- Diverse Productions: Enjoy a variety of shows throughout the year, from dramatic plays to family-friendly performances.
- Talented Performers: Witness the artistry and hard work of Dordt students guided by experienced faculty.
- Meaningful Storytelling: Engage with performances that reflect Dordt's mission to explore creativity through a Christ-centered lens.
Theatre Arts Center
As a theatre arts major, you’ll have the opportunity to spend time in Dordt’s Theatre Arts Center. This location houses theatre offices, scene shop, make-up room, classroom, and the Fourth Avenue Theatre, a black box performance space which seats up to 140 audience members.
Art & Design
Painting. Drawing. Sculpting. Designing. Creative pursuits driven by skill and vision. If you have a passion for crafting your vision into works of art, consider an art degree from Dordt.
Scholarship Information
Dordt University funds institutional scholarships, awards, and grants that recognize the unique contribution each student brings to our academic community.
Student Stories
An Artist Takes Flight
Emma Nydam“One of my favorite classes was Avian Biology. We had to memorize and identify 150 bird species by sight and sound, and I’ve painted almost all of them because that’s how I study best. I also found that I could pay attention to all the details when I put it to paper.”
Emma Nydam
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Delivering God's Message through Theatre and Music
Tommy Shin“I like singing because music can deliver feelings and thoughts that are sometimes hard to share in other ways,” he says. “From music, I get comfort and courage not only by listening but by singing aloud. When I sing, it helps me to lay down my burdens – especially when I sing worship songs, which is when I feel most profoundly that God is beside me to guide and support me.”
Tommy Shin
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Finding a Faith-Focused Education and So Much More
Grace Bruin“I wanted to be in an education program that was founded and rooted in faith rather than having Christianity as an appendix to the program. It was clear from the first time I talked with Dordt education professors that they are passionate about Christian teaching.”
Grace Bruin
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A Call to Worship
Isabel AlsumIsabel Alsum, an aspiring church musician, discovers her calling to elevate and unify worship experiences through sacred music while studying at Dordt University under the guidance of inspirational mentors, ultimately shaping her future path in the world of liturgical performance.
Isabel Alsum
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Harmonizing Worship Arts and Design
Nicole Mahoney“I think there’s something really powerful about the community at Dordt; we get to do life together and know each other’s stories, and then we get to worship together."
Nicole Mahoney
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Creation and Collaboration
Kyle FosseWith Kyle's first time at Dordt also being his first time out of Africa, he took the opportunity to grow and ran with it, becoming heavily involved in extracurriculars and the community that Dordt had to offer.
Kyle Fosse
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Community, Opportunity, and Confidence
Ellen Inggrid DengahDuring her time at Dordt, Ellen was able to overcome her language barrier and prominent Indonesian accent and become heavily involved in theatre, digital content, and the international community.
Ellen Inggrid Dengah
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