By Madison Hiser

The state of Arkansas has an extensive, rich history of arts and entertainment, and this history is imperative to the arts at the University of Arkansas. From game days in Reynolds Stadium or Bud Walton Arena, to performances in Faulkner Performing Arts Center or the Greek Theatre, the arts stand as pillars of the UA student experience. There are several departments and programs that provide this element to campus culture.

Performing arts can serve as an outlet of self-expression and a means of being creative and productive for students. Calista Maurer, a piano performance major, says that hardworking students need something to participate in or to consume that betters them and their community alike. Performing arts provide a space for students to belong, create and inspire.

“Performing arts… should be at least a small part of everyone’s experience…particularly to encourage a more balanced lifestyle by consuming and outputting creativity,” Maurer says.

The various departments and programs on campus allow unique and talented individuals who have a passion for performing to feel welcome, included, and seen. Kenna Stutsman, one of the Razorback Twirlers, says that performing is a great way for students to bond with each other and keep the traditions of the UA alive. Stutsman says that the Razorback Marching Band and Auxiliary have kept the same traditions the university has had since the beginning. Without the RMB and the Hog-Wild Band the university would lack a special aspect of school spirit that students, faculty, and fans love about the UA.

As much as the community values traditions, they also value hard work. In Stutsman’s experience, twirling pushes her to work hard in all aspects and do things to the best of her ability. Performing arts have given her experiences she never thought possible, such as performing in front of 80,000 people.

“It is incredibly important to have Performing Arts programs to showcase hardworking people who put their time and effort into creating art and spotlighting diverse voices,”  theatre performance major Eden Wilson says.

Performing allows students of diverse backgrounds and cultures to come together and contribute to the campus culture. Wilson says that having an environment where she can express herself among many fellow creatives is one of the most fulfilling aspects of her college experience.

“Being able to perform in an educational environment is very significant in my life…to be surrounded by people that share that passion is a gift I could never trade,” Wilson said.

Not only do the performing arts departments and programs on campus encourage diversity and inclusion within, but they display it for the rest of campus to see. Wislon the lead actress in the student production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” says that the arts give people from all backgrounds the opportunity to be highlighted and appreciated for their creativity. 

 “Although performing arts’ events are not the most spotlighted events on campus, I feel that they are extremely vital in our campus’ culture because they offer raw talent that tells many stories, lots of which have never been told before,” Wilson said.

Involvement in the performing arts departments and programs can provide participants with faculty mentorships and collaboration. Maurer spends an extra hour each week in lessons from a professor. “This mentorship is so intrinsic to my studies, and it’s a phenomenal source of motivation,” she says.

Through these programs students have opportunities in leadership and teaching. Students have the chance through their studies to teach and collaborate with their peers. The university’s The Movement Dance Company member Jessica Znidarsic is an example of this as she is preparing to choreograph her own piece this fall.

“Being able to showcase my talents and let other people watch something that is so important to me is so beautiful,” Znidarsic said.

On campus performances can bring the student body together, similar to sporting events. Whether it is a concert held at the Greek Theatre or a half-time performance of the band, students can be entertained and immersed in school spirit simultaneously.