AT C L E V E L A N D S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
OURSELF
XPRESS
ART | DANCE | DESIGN | FILM & MEDIA | MUSIC | THEATRE
CREATORS AT H
ARTISTS TO
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he CSU Arts Campus flourishes in the heart of Playhouse Square, the nation’s largest performing arts center outside of New York City. It features 120,000+ square feet of studios, rehearsal space, classrooms and production shops with faculty from the top arts institutions in town, including the Cleveland Orchestra and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Our Arts Campus houses some of the most extensive undergraduate theatre and dance facilities in the nation, and we work alongside the Tony Award-winning Cleveland Play House, America’s first professional regional theater. Expanding our artistry and pursuing dreams is part of the curriculum. Together, we push each other to be our best, embrace our talents and step confidently into the future as professionals. WE ARE CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY, AND THIS IS OUR ARTS CAMPUS.
HEART,
OUR SOULS
Cleve FEEL INSPIRED BY THE ENERGY OF THE CITY, ITS PEOPLE AND OPPORTUNITIES. Shop with the city’s award-winning chefs at the West Side Market, grab ice cream at Mason’s Creamery in the eclectic Ohio City neighborhood, cheer on the Browns in the Dawg Pound, head out for dinner in Little Italy, stroll through the Museum of Contemporary Art, paddleboard on Lake Erie and see national Broadway touring productions such as “Hamilton” and “Wicked” at Playhouse Square — ALL RIGHT OUTSIDE YOUR DOOR!
land is Our Campus
Explore our campus and the city we call home.
csuohio.edu/visit
WE ARE
“
VISIO
Leehana, B.A. '25
Studio Art
The professors [at CSU] helped me grow as an artist. They know what I’m really good at, and they help me and encourage me to go further in my artwork. Each project helped bring out my true talent.
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ONARY Department of Art and Design We are a COMMUNITY OF ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS. Together we explore techniques, media, composition and culture. CSU’s faculty of professional artists, designers and researchers help us develop our craft and create portfolios that speak to our passion and professionalism. We have access to a darkroom, a printmaking studio, light-filled studios for painting and drawing, a sculpture facility to work with ceramics, metal and wood, and computer labs. We connect through our student chapter of AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Artists) and SOFA (Student Organization of Fine Arts), and partnerships with local organizations, such as Collective Arts Network, provide pre-professional growth, internships and career networking opportunities.
artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/art Annual Student Art Show and Haddad Merit Scholar Exhibition
Majors
Features artwork by recipients of the department’s Haddad Merit Scholarship plus a juried art show open to all students with cash prizes for “Best In” categories
» Art History » Design » Studio Art » Psychology + Design integrated degree
Cleveland Print Room Work alongside pros in CSU’s darkroom, now home to a Co-Op dedicated to preserving film photography
Career Mentors Provide focused support for careers in Studio Art, Art History and Graphic Design
Our Alumni Work At Cleveland Museum of Art, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Sarofsky, American Greetings, Meta, IBM, Cleveland Metroparks, Sherwin-Williams and more
Bachelor of Art (B.A.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) » Computer Science + Design integrated degree
Minors » Art History » Design » Studio Art » Visual Studies
Certificates » Arts Management and Community Development » Graphic Design » Pre-Art Therapy Programs current as of Aug. 1, 2025. Subject to change.
WE ARE
STORYT School of Film & Media Arts We are FILMMAKERS ON THE RISE. We have worked on films like “White Noise” and the new Superman movie right here in Cleveland’s versatile cityscape. CSU’s School of Film & Media Arts — OHIO’S FIRST STAND-ALONE FILM SCHOOL — inspires us to connect with the city and bring our own visions to life. We start making films and telling stories within our first year, guided by an encouraging faculty of industry professionals. The intensive project-based curriculum and dynamic collaborative environment quickly engages us as we work toward building a full spectrum of technical and creative skills. And our film club has been voted the best club on campus!
artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/film
Majors
Greater Cleveland Film Commission
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
A direct pipeline to work on major motion pictures
Flexible, creative hands-on curriculum
120+ NEO Production Companies
Bachelor of Fine Arts* (B.F.A.)
$2M+ Equipment Cage
Students choose two concentrations for focused coursework and specialization: » Cinematography » Directing » Editing » Producing » Screenwriting » Sound » Visual Effects *Students are required to complete 12 prerequisite credits with a 2.5+ GPA prior to starting the BFA program.
Minor International Film Programs current as of Aug. 1, 2025. Subject to change.
For student internship opportunities Industry grade production equipment
Specialized Spaces Sound-proof production studios, television control room, live 3-camera studio, audio suite and screening room
Odyssey Program For young filmmakers aged 13–18
csuohio.edu/odyssey
TELLERS “
Aaron, B.F.A. '23
Screenwriting and Producing
I’ve had so many opportunities to create projects and work with other wonderful, creative students and those opportunities led to wonderful ways to get my work out there. I’ve screened in Los Angeles twice now. I have a Telly. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without Cleveland State, and I’m very grateful to the program here for giving me all these chances to really create and just, you know, be a filmmaker.
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WE ARE
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Ephrem, B.Mu. '26 Music
One of the most important things to remember as a musician is not just how the music makes the listener feel, but how it makes the player feel. Great music finds a balance between who I am and who I choose to show the audience (and also playing the right notes). Any prospective student can find something they can learn here. I learned as much about music as I did the industry and how to market myself as a performer.”
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School of Music We are INSPIRED PERFORMERS who study with some of the finest musicians in the world: The Cleveland Orchestra, Playhouse Square Theatre Orchestra, Akron Symphony, Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, a Grammy award-winning pianist and so many more. We receive a comprehensive education in music at the undergraduate and graduate levels exploring a wide variety of music styles from classical and jazz to popular and vocal theater, as we elevate our music from proficient to professional. Whether you’re a performer, composer or educator, CSU’s program includes tons of opportunities to fine tune your craft through concerts, recitals, seminars and workshops open to the campus community and Northeast Ohio.
artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/music
Majors
Performance Halls
Bachelor of Music (B.Mu.)
Waetjen Auditorium and Drinko Recital Hall
» Composition » Music Education » Performance
Specialized Spaces
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Music Scholarships
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) » Computer Science + Music integrated degree*
Minor Music
Certificate » Professional Studies in Music Performance Programs current as of Aug. 1, 2025. Subject to change.. *Pending NASM approval
Chamber music rehearsal rooms, electronic music labs and individual sound-proof practice rooms For music and non-music major ensemble participants
Meaningful Collaborations With the College of Health we provide core music classes, applied lessons and traditional ensembles for Music Therapy majors health.csuohio.edu/music-therapy
WE ARE
CAPTIV Department of THEATRE AND DANCE We are PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER. From center stage to behind the scenes, we are individuals and ensembles, dedicated to telling stories of the complex human experience. We learn from accomplished faculty and guest artists in a demanding yet compassionate, learning environment. As actors, dancers, directors, choreographers, stage managers, designers and technicians, we work alongside professionals at Playhouse Square. The state-of-the-art classrooms, studios and performance venues provide us with space to explore, create and innovate. And the community connections with local theatre and dance companies ensure pre-professional experiences and employment opportunities for our future.
artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/theatredance
VATING Allen Theatre Complex where students perform 4–6 full-length shows, from classical to contemporary, including our annual Spring Dance Concert
The Power of Three CSU + Cleveland Playhouse + Playhouse Square equals professional experience through performance, internships and entry level employment opportunities
Dedicated Blocking Spaces Three rehearsal rooms mimic Playhouse Square theatre dimensions so performers can move as they will on stage
Dance Cleveland Partnership Brings local, national and international professional dance company residencies to CSU for masterclasses, lectures and performances
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Majors Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Theatre and Dance: » Acting Track » Dance Track » Design/Technical Theatre Track » Directing / Choreography Track
Minors » Dance » Theatre Arts Programs current as of Aug. 1, 2025. Subject to change.
Brooke, B.A. '25 Theatre
Performing in the Playhouse Square spaces is a surreal experience. Getting to not only work on their professional stages but also work with union stagehands.
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CSU BELIEVEs IN
AFFORDABILITY SO YOU CAN Pursue Your Passion Cleveland State University has one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio and offers numerous scholarship and financial assistance opportunities — because everyone deserves access and opportunity to find their place and defy expectations. You’ll be automatically considered for institutional scholarships once you are formally admitted. Plus, our Tuition Guarantee locks in your tuition for all four years.
Departmental Scholarships Application requirements and deadlines vary. Contact your intended department for details.
Art and Design
Music
216-687-2040 | csuart@csuohio.edu
216-687-2033 | music@csuohio.edu
Film & Media Arts
Theatre and Dance
Apply online! artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/film/ scholarships-for-fma-students
216-687-2113 theatre@csuohio.edu dance@csuohio.edu
Already have college credits? Meet with our Transfer Student Services to discuss how you can continue your collegiate arts education at CSU.
csuohio.edu/transfercenter
Apply today Create your own story, find your definition of success, imagine what’s possible. csuohio.edu/apply
CSU is an AA/EO institution. ©2025 University Marketing 250180 — Arts Campus
Y 2025-26 ARTS EVENTS Art and Design
Music
54 Annual Student Art Show and Haddad Merit Scholar Exhibition
View the arts calendar online for School of Music performances and events.
th
April 21–May 22, 2026 Bostwick Art Gallery
4 Annual CSU Office of the President Exhibition th
June 8, 2025–Nov. 20, 2026 Administration Center
Film and Media Arts Cleveland International Film Festival Filmmaker Panels April 10–11, 2026
CSU Student Film Festival May 6, 2026
Theatre and Dance The Winter’s Tale November 6–9, 2025 Allen Theatre
Spring Dance Concert February 20–22, 2026 Allen Theatre
Starmites April 9–19, 2026 Helen Rosenfeld Lewis Bialosky Lab Theatre (The Helen)
Find up-to-date listings of all ar ts events at artscievents.csuohio.edu
Cleveland State University's Statement of Commitment can be found at csuohio.edu/united.
OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS 2121 Euclid Ave., EC 100 Cleveland, OH 44115-2214