AT C L E V E L A N D S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y
DO WHAT MOVES YOU.
ART | DANCE | DESIGN | FILM & MEDIA | MUSIC | THEATRE
CREATORS AT H
ARTISTS TO
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. From programs in Theatre, Dance, Music and Film to the Department of Art and Design, 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. At Cleveland State, you can build a career that continues to move you every day.
HEART,
OUR SOULS
Photo by © Erik Drost
The Cleveland State University (CSU) Arts Campus flourishes in the heart of Playhouse Square, one of the nation's largest performing arts centers. 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.
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 Guardians at Progressive Field, 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
CREATE SOME UN
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Leehana, B.A. '25
Studio Art
The professors helped me grow as an artist. They know what I’m really good at,
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and they help me and encourage me to go further in my artwork. Each project helped bring out my true talent.
ETHING NIQUELY YOU Department of Art and Design Explore techniques, media, composition and culture. Cleveland State's faculty of professional artists, designers and researchers will help you develop your craft and create a portfolio that speaks to your passion and professionalism. Art and design students have access to a photography suite with darkroom, a printmaking studio, light-filled studios for painting and drawing, a sculpture facility to work with ceramics, metal and wood, and computer labs. University partnerships with local organizations, such as Collective Arts Network, provide access for pre-professional growth, internships and career networking opportunities. You can also connect with the arts community through CSU’s student chapter of AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Artists) and SOFA (Student Organization of Fine Arts).
artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/art Annual Student Art Show and Haddad Merit Scholar Exhibition
Majors
Provide focused support for careers in Studio Art, Art History and Graphic Design
Bachelor of Art (B.A.) » Art History » Design » Studio Art » Psychology + Design integrated degree Bachelor of Science (B.S.) » Computer Science + Design integrated degree
Our Alumni Work At
Minors
Features artwork by Haddad Merit Scholarship recipients plus a juried art show open to all students with cash prizes for “Best In” categories
Cleveland Print Room
Work alongside pros in CSU’s darkroom, now hosting a co-op dedicated to preserving film photography
Career Mentors
Cleveland Museum of Art, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, American Greetings, Meta, IBM, Cleveland Metroparks, Sherwin-Williams and more
» Art History » Design » Studio Art » Visual Studies
Certificates » Arts Management and Community Development » Graphic Design » Pre-Art Therapy Programs current as of July 1, 2026. Subject to change.
BECO STORYTEL School of Film & Media Arts Start making films and telling stories within your first year, guided by an encouraging faculty of industry professionals. The intensive project-based curriculum and dynamic collaborative environment will quickly engage you as you work toward building a full spectrum of technical and creative skills. Cleveland State's film students have worked on major films such as White Noise (2022) and Superman (2025) right here in Cleveland’s versatile cityscape. CSU’s School of Film & Media Arts — Ohio’s first stand-alone film school — will inspire you to connect with the city and bring your cinematic visions to life.
artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/film
Majors
Greater Cleveland Film Commission
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Flexible, creative hands-on curriculum
120+ Local Production Companies
Bachelor of Fine Arts* (B.F.A.) 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 B.F.A. program.
Minor International Film Programs current as of July 1, 2026. Subject to change.
A direct pipeline to work on major motion pictures For student internship opportunities
$2M+ Equipment Cage
Industry grade production equipment
Specialized Spaces
Sound-proof production studios, television control room, live 3-camera studio, audio suite and screening room
Odyssey Program
Summer workshops for rising filmmakers aged 13–18
csuohio.edu/odyssey
OME A LLER
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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
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I’m very grateful to the program here for giving me all these chances to really create and be a filmmaker.
CREATE, P INSPIRE
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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. 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.”
PERFORM, E. School of Music
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.
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 you elevate your music from proficient to professional. Access specialized spaces from chamber music rehearsal rooms to electronic music labs and individual sound-proof practice rooms. Whether you’re a performer, composer or educator, Cleveland State's programs include 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.) » Composition
Waetjen Auditorium and Drinko Recital Hall
» Music Education
Accredited Programs
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) institutional member
» Performance Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Music Scholarships
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) » Computer Science + Music integrated degree
Meaningful Collaborations
Minor Music
Certificate » Professional Studies in Music Performance Programs current as of July 1, 2026. Subject to change.
For music and non-music major ensemble participants With the College of Health we provide core music classes, applied lessons and traditional ensembles for Music Therapy majors
health.csuohio.edu/music-therapy
CAPTIVATEA
Department of THEATRE AND DANCE Become part of something bigger. From center stage to behind the scenes, join a community of individuals and ensembles dedicated to telling stories of the complex human experience. Learn from accomplished faculty and guest artists in a demanding yet compassionate, learning environment. As actors, dancers, directors, choreographers, stage managers, designers and technicians, Cleveland State students work alongside professionals at Playhouse Square. State-of-theart classrooms, studios and performance venues provide you with space to explore, create and innovate. And the community connections with local theatre and dance companies ensure pre-professional experience and employment opportunities for your future.
artsandsciences.csuohio.edu/theatredance
AUDIENCES 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
Cleveland State + Cleveland Playhouse + Playhouse Square equals professional experience through performance, internships and entry level employment opportunities
Dedicated Blocking Spaces
Rehearsal rooms that 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 July 1, 2026. 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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Invest in your future,
invest in yourself.
Departmental Scholarships Application requirements and deadlines vary. Contact your intended department for details.
Art and Design
Music
Film & Media Arts
Theatre and Dance
216-687-2040 | csuart@csuohio.edu csuohio.us/art-scholarships
216-687-5080 | csufilm@csuohio.edu Apply online at csuohio.us/fma-scholarships
216-687-2033 | music@csuohio.edu csuohio.us/som-scholarships 216-687-2113 theatre@csuohio.edu dance@csuohio.edu csuohio.us/theatre-dance-scholarships
Already have college credits? Meet with our Transfer and Adult Learner Services team to discuss how you can continue your arts education at CSU.
csuohio.edu/transfercenter
Apply today
Do what moves you. At Cleveland State, you can. csuohio.edu/apply
Cleveland State University’s Statement of Commitment can be found at csuohio.edu/united. © CSU UMC 2026 260135 — Arts Campus
You deserve the access to transform your talent into a career. That’s why Cleveland State University has one of the lowest tuition rates in Ohio and offers numerous scholarship and financial assistance opportunities. You’ll be automatically considered for institutional scholarships once you are formally admitted. Plus, our Tuition Guarantee locks in your tuition for four consecutive years.
2026-27 ARTS EVENTS Art and Design
Film and Media Arts
5 th Annual CSU Office of the President Exhibition June 7–Nov. 12, 2026 Administration Center
Cleveland International Film Festival Filmmaker Panels April 2027
55th Annual Student Art Show and Haddad Merit Scholar Exhibition April 19–May 22, 2027 Bostwick Art Gallery 2nd Annual SOFA Student Art Sale Last week of April 2027
Music More than 20 music events, starting this fall! View the arts calendar online for details.
Arts Event Calendar
Find up-to-date listings for upcoming events.
artscievents.csuohio.edu
CSU Student Film Festival May 2027
Theatre and Dance Rent Oct. 29–Nov. 8, 2026 Allen Theatre The Bacchae Feb. 25–March 7, 2027 Outcalt Theatre Spring Dance Concert March 26–28, 2027 Allen Theatre
At Cleveland State, you can.
CREATE, CAPTIVATE, INSPIRE.
Office of Undergraduate Admissions 2121 Euclid Ave., EC 100 Cleveland, OH 44115-2214