Beyond The Classroom

An Arts education at Wake Forest goes way beyond the classroom. Students in the Art Acquisitions Committee study art history in the classroomthen travel to purchase artwork for our Collection and curate shows from artists around the globe. Theatre and Dance students not only have abundant chances to perform, direct, design, choreograph or manage productions on stage, they also have career development opportunities connected to our deep alumni arts community. Our career treks invite students to travel to theatres in New York and DC where they meet and network with our talented alumni working in creative industries. Music students can join orchestra, band, choirs, chamber and jazz or our gamelan ensemble, as well as continue private instruction with our talented faculty. 

How does all of this happen? Learn about some of the opportunities below.

“Through interdisciplinary studies in the arts, I was able to stretch my mind, gain a different point of view. Learning from these experiences helped me grow and mature into the man I am today.”

Branden Cook (’17), actor
Anthony Aston Players

Anthony Aston Players

Motivated by love for the art of theatre, the Anthony Aston Players are dedicated to the promotion of the theatre arts at Wake Forest University, providing students opportunities to develop skills, to participate in the production of theatre, and to promote high standards of theatre arts by recognizing outstanding work and dedication in the Wake Forest University Theatre.

Learn more about Anthony Aston Players

Art Gallery with Bench

Art Buying Trip

Once every four years since 1963, Wake Forest students have traveled to New York City over spring break on a Student Art Acquisition Trip to purchase art on behalf of the University. They are asked to choose contemporary artwork that reflects the times.

Learn more about Art Buying Trip

Community Ballet

Community Ballet

The Community Ballet Program has been providing ballet technique classes to students for over 35 years in the Scales Fine Arts Center of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Starting with basic steps for children in pre-kindergarten and progressing through advanced techniques, classes are offered on a semester basis.

Learn more about Community Ballet

gamelan ensemble

Gamelan Giri Murti

The Wake Forest University gamelan (percussion orchestra), Gamelan Giri Murti, performs traditional, neotraditional, and avant garde music, dance, and theater rooted in both sacred and secular traditions of Bali, Indonesia. The ensemble is open to all Wake Forest students, faculty, and staff, as well as the greater Winston-Salem community.

Learn more about Gamelan Giri Murti

Interdisciplinary Arts Center logo

Interdisciplinary Arts Center

When you imagine life on a college campus, you probably think of a place filled with smart, inventive people having inspiring conversations about every subject imaginable. The Interdisciplinary Arts Center exists to foster just that.

Learn more about IAC

Reynolda Film Festival

Reynolda Film Festival

The Reynolda Film Festival is intended as a celebration of film and filmmaking. It serves to inspire our community, and challenge the way that film education and the filmmaking process are viewed throughout North Carolina. We also hope it will serve as a resource for students considering a career in film.

Learn more about Reynolda Film Festival

RiverRun Film Festival

RiverRun Film Festival

Sponsored by Wake Forest University, the RiverRun International Film Festival is a regional event based in Winston-Salem, NC and is one of the premier film festivals in the southeastern United States.

Learn more about Riverrun Film Festival

Secrest Artists Series

Secrest Artists Series

The Secrest Artists Series has a long and distinguished history of presenting, to the campus of Wake Forest and to the surrounding community, performing artists of national and international reputation. Each event is usually accompanied by a pre-concert talk and/or a residency activity by the artist.

Learn more about Secrest Artist Series

Students outside the gallery

stArt Gallery

Wake Forest’s student-run gallery presents many opportunities for students to exhibit and sell their artwork, curate exhibitions, and socialize with other artists. Don’t miss out on the chance to start your Arts career while you’re still a student.

Learn more about stArt Gallery

3 to 4 ounces

Three To Four Ounces

Three to Four Ounces, formerly The Student literary magazine, was founded on the original Wake Forest campus in 1883. The magazine has undergone many changes since its inception, but has continued to serve as a creative forum in the Wake Forest University community for visual and literary arts. It is published twice per year by the students of Wake Forest University. 

Learn more about Three To Four Ounces

Bri Butler (’14) dazzles on the Broadway stage in STOMP.

Visual and Performing Arts Career Treks

Faculty advisors introduce students to alumni and others working in the field. Treks typically travel to New York City, Atlanta, and Washington, DC. An incredible boost in the transition from school to a successful Arts career.

Learn more about Career Treks

WFU Dance Company

Wake Forest University Dance Company

The Wake Forest University Dance Company is comprised of students working in a semi-professional manner and produces two concerts per year. The company performs works set by nationally renowned choreographers, Wake Forest faculty members, and selected students. Through a variety of dance styles, it introduces its audience to the wonderful world of dance.

Learn more about Dance Company

Wake Voices

Wake Voices

WAKE VOICES is a mixed (co-ed) vocal ensemble at Wake Forest University.  We exist to showcase the talents of our diverse student body as we serve the campus and local community through the beauty of choral singing. We seek to establish a welcoming place to connect, express, belong, invigorate, and grow through the singing of varied musical styles. WAKE VOICES performs classical, folk, acapella, modern and multi-cultural repertoire.

Learn more about Wake Voices

WFU Press

WFU Press

WFU Press has been dedicated to Irish poetry since 1975, and we’re passionate about our mission. We know our books, we know our authors, and we know our readers.

Learn more about WFU Press