!["In a Breath" by Maleek Washington performed by members of Montclair State University Dance photographed by Julie Lemberger](/sites/default/files/styles/400x192/public/2026-07/JulieLemberger-2909.jpg?h=2568f486&itok=X3rHKAZI) # College of the Arts ## Who We Are Just 12 miles from New York City, the College of the Arts (CART) combines an exceptional arts education with unparalleled access to one of the world’s leading performing arts and creative capitals, preparing you for a future onstage, onscreen or behind the scenes. If you aspire to work under the bright lights of Broadway, perform at Carnegie Hall or be part of New York Fashion week, Montclair's programs will prepare you to succeed. ## Connect With Us - [ Facebook version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.facebook.com/MontclairCART) - [ Instagram version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.instagram.com/montclair_cart/) - [ LinkedIn version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/montclair-cart/) - [ YouTube version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"? ](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCglL7IDd9BNiV2WjsLEekww) [Join Our Mailing List](http://eepurl.com/bzbbkv) ## Find the program that fits your creative path 50+ Programs to choose from: Dozens of pathways to follow your creative passions. Explore our programs in art, design, music, theatre, dance and interdisciplinary study. ![Female student wearing orange dress playing piano on stage.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-06/100424_05170_CALI_Kaleidoscope-LAROSA-X2.jpg?h=29234840&itok=9_kwoH__) John J. Cali School of Music Explore our conservatory-level music school and programs. [Visit the School of Music](/academics/schools-colleges/john-j-cali-school-music) ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) ![Two performers on stage enacting the pride and prejudice play.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-07/101824_0934_PridePrejudice.jpg?h=0bfe44e7&itok=n87UooWJ) Theatre and Dance Discover the expressive world of [theatre](https://www.montclair.edu/academics/program-finder?search=theatre) and [dance](https://www.montclair.edu/academics/program-finder?search=dance). ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) ![Two students in a gallery, one student holding a sculpture up.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-03/SandraLee_BA-Visual-arts-body.jpg.3.2x.generic.jpg?h=06ac0d8c&itok=aKc55y7x) Art and Design Imagine your creative future as an artist or designer. [Read how one alum brought his idea to life](/news-media/news-stories/montclair-state-university-graduate-building-successful-apparel-brand) ![](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/diff-card-graphic.svg) ## Why College of the Arts at Montclair? When you choose Montclair State University’s College of the Arts, you are choosing a state-designated “Center of Excellence in the Arts” with national accreditation in all arts disciplines. ![Dance student on stage wearing flowing purple dress](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-07/55129122851_672d77175a_o-Lemberger-copy.jpg?h=7eabb7da&itok=jpH9PPqm) ### Learn by Doing At Montclair, your creative ambition meets opportunity. As an arts student, you learn by doing — through performances, exhibitions, productions and other hands-on experiences. **Our graduates turn their creative ambition into real careers**—on television and Broadway tours, in community theatres and concert venues, at fashion houses, design studios, art galleries, museums, media companies, and beyond. ![Cali students on stage with Christina McBride](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-06/Christian-McBride-and-Harlem-Quartet-Workshop-85.jpg?h=7eabb7da&itok=Qfoj3Ur3) ### Award-winning Faculty and Industry-renowned Guests Our faculty and staff bring professional expertise, creative practices and a deep commitment to your growth. They provide training, mentorship and opportunities to shape your creative future. - Learn from Grammy-winning artists, composers and performers at the [John J. Cali School of Music.](https://www.montclair.edu/academics/schools-colleges/john-j-cali-school-music) - Develop your passion for theatre and dance on stage and behind the scenes through guidance from credentialed industry professionals. - Learn from globally recognized stage performers, such as the [Royal Shakespeare Company](/news-media/news-stories/royal-shakespeare-company-residency-montclair-offers-students-immersive-theater-experience "Royal Shakespeare Company Residency at Montclair Offers Students an Immersive Theater Experience"). - Create art, photography, illustrations, fashion using some of the latest equipment and tools available. ![Student is taking measurements on a manniquen.](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-06/112216_2865_CART%20Apparel%20Design-X2.jpg?h=0b70fbe8&itok=VHnevyVy) ### Spectacular Opportunities The College of the Arts is committed to making an impact on local communities through dynamic partnerships, projects and performances. ![Actors on stage during Royal Shakespeare Company residence](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1120/public/2026-07/092625_26696_CART-Royal-Shakespeare_MP.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=JeWrgISO) ### Working with the Best “*Having the Royal Shakespeare Company residency is a testament to the transformative power of this collaboration. Each year, our students deepen their understanding of Shakespeare’s language and performance through the RSC’s extraordinary teaching.*" \- Daniel Gurskis, CART Dean ## Spaces that Support Serious Creative Work Tour the studios, stages, galleries, rehearsal rooms, and production environments where you get to learn and create ### Performance Spaces **Alexander Kasser Theater**, home to many student-led and professional theater and musical productions. **Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall**, which accommodates large ensembles and opera performances and has hosted many Grammy-winning artists alongside students. **Memorial Auditorium**, a 988-seat venue where students learn, create, design, and perform, gaining hands-on experience in the kinds of professional venues they will encounter throughout their careers. **The L. Howard Fox Theatre**, an intimate black box that has hosted everything from plays to large-cast musicals. - [See Our Facilities](https://inside.montclair.edu/colleges-schools-research/arts/theatre-and-dance-department/theatre-and-dance-facilities) ### Studios and Laboratories **The David Ott Lab for Music and Health**, an innovative space for research and education on the role of digital music technologies in the promotion of human wellbeing, complete with a recording studio, DJ station and more, equipped with the latest recording tools and technology. **Specialized studio facilities** for animation/illustration, visual communication design, fashion, photography, ceramics, drawing, painting, 2D and 3D studios, and mixed use workspaces. **Studios and teaching laboratories** for ballet, modern, and experimental dance students. ### Galleries and Display Spaces **Finley Gallery**, which spotlights a variety of exhibitions  by Art and Design students and serves as a center for pedagogical and artistic excellence and creativity. **University Galleries**, which includes the George Segal Gallery and the Kasser Theater Lobby, showcase diverse art exhibitions and programs that educate and connect Montclair’s campus community and the public. ## Upcoming Events ![Dancers onstage](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-08/DanceCurrentSiteS22026-03-19.jpg.png?h=59dce28d&itok=8SNH7XDd) 14 Nov [Fall Dance 2026](https://www.montclair.edu/events/fall-dance-2026-department-theatre-and-dance) - Nov 14, 2026, 2:00 - 4:00 pm - Location Alexander Kasser Theatre ![Dancers onstage](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-08/DanceCurrentSiteS22026-03-19.jpg.png?h=59dce28d&itok=8SNH7XDd) 14 Nov [Fall Dance 2026](https://www.montclair.edu/events/fall-dance-2026-department-theatre-and-dance) - Nov 14, 2026, 7:30 - 9:30 pm - Location Alexander Kasser Theatre ![Julie Pacheco, Chad Smith and Sal Lozano](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-11/Multiple%20Woodwind%20Day.png?h=197483aa&itok=A7a4uQzh) 15 Nov [Multiple Woodwind Day Fall 2026 Featuring Sal Lozano](https://www.montclair.edu/events/multiple-woodwind-day-fall-2026-featuring-sal-lozano) - Nov 15, 2026, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm - Location Leshowitz Recital Hall, Chapin Hall [View all CART Events](/events?topic%5B92%5D=92) ![Bisa Butler seated at table with quilt in front of her and wall of fabrics behind](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1440/public/2026-07/020221_1198_Artist-Bisa-Butler-1440.jpg?h=5d9ebd6d&itok=KoV2GuKn) > “I made my first quilt while I was at Montclair. That was the moment when I realized I could use my love of sewing and textiles – and combine that with my drawing and painting skills in order to make art.” Bisa Butler, ‘05 **Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)** **Fiber Artist** ![hawk icon](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/hawk.svg) ## Explore Your Program Options At the College of the Arts, you can pursue many artistic options and follow your dreams in Theatre, Dance, Music, Art and Design and more. [All Arts Programs](/academics/program-finder?school%5B595%5D=595) - [Dance BA](/academics/programs/ba-dance) - BA - [Fashion Design and Merchandising](/academics/programs/ba-fashion-design-and-merchandising) - BA - [Music Therapy](/academics/programs/ba-music-therapy) - BA - [Graphic Design](/academics/programs/bfa-graphic-design) - BFA ![Josh De La Cruz sitting cross-legged on a stage in a theater](/sites/default/files/styles/1120x1440/public/2026-07/2025-03-18_josh-de-la-cruz.jpg?h=a92f03cd&itok=6h_jrMjx) > “What sets Montclair apart is how intentionally it bridges the gap between training and the industry. You’re not just learning in a classroom, you’re building the discipline, collaboration, and professional mindset that actually translates as an actor." Josh Dela Cruz, ‘11 **Theatre & Dance** **Host of Nickelodeon’s “Blue’s Clues & You!”** [Read About Josh’s Journey](https://inside.montclair.edu/news/alumni-spotlight-joshua-dela-cruz-11-montclair-musical-theater-major-blues-clues-host) ![hawk icon](/themes/custom/montclair/assets/img/hawk.svg) ## News and Announcements - ![Raena Loper poses on a chaise.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-11/Raena%20Loper.jpg?h=3ec75680&itok=kbXb5SVR) Student Outcomes [ Alumni Voices: How a Fashion Graduate Navigated a Magazine and Digital Media Career](/news-media/news-stories/alumni-voices-putting-fashion-degree-work-magazines-and-digital-media) November 6, 2026 - ![Ben Coulson sits on a wall on campus.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-10/092926_238_Ben_Coulson_SGA_President-LAROSA_0.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=qy1L6qX4) Front Page News [ Why These Students Chose to Transfer to Montclair State University](/news-media/news-stories/why-i-transferred-montclair-state-university) October 21, 2026 - ![Malcolm McMichael in red cap and gown at Montclair State University 2026 Commencement.](/sites/default/files/styles/750x500/public/2026-08/Malcolm-McMichael-051126_13517_Commencement_MP-X3.jpg?h=926d89e9&itok=RvoHuZr6) Front Page News [ Alumni Voices: How A Dance Teacher Reconstructed His Career at Montclair](/news-media/news-stories/dance-alum-found-his-next-step-teaching) August 31, 2026 [More News and Stories](/news-media/news-stories?school%5B595%5D=595) ## Have Questions? We’re Here to Help. Whether you’re exploring programs, preparing for auditions or portfolio review, planning a visit, or looking to partner with us, we would love to hear from you. [Fill out our interest form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf4n-D8xuQ9UrQp-zKff50z2-5Ufl9U_j46uaVQoVRTxl2jEw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117395254068944767365) and a member of our team will follow up with you. [Sarah Assalone](/faculty-staff/sarah-assalone) - Student Services and Recruitment Coordinator - - Telephone [(973) 655-7346](tel:+1-973-655-7346) [Kyle Courter](/faculty-staff/kyle-courter) - Academic Advisor, College of the Arts - - Telephone [(973) 655-6925](tel:+1-973-655-6925)