At St. Edward’s University, we promote artistic expression and experience on stage, through exhibitions and behind the camera or curtain — across our community as well as in the classroom.

All students at St. Edward’s enjoy opportunities to deepen their connection to the arts. Through student organizations, groups and venues, they join with professionals to produce and perform a wide-range of music and dance. They view and participate in art exhibits on campus and interact with nationally respected visiting artists. And they stretch their theatrical talents in creative and experimental plays, whether performed on the steps of Holy Cross Hall or the stage of Mary Moody Northen Theatre.

Here is a sampling of theater, music and visual art groups, performances and venues:

Ballet Folklórico

Performing and celebrating traditional Latin American dances, raising awareness of culture, language, music, history and other aspects of cultural diversity.

Fine Arts Gallery

Here students can celebrate the artistic achievements of their peers and faculty or rub elbows with prominent artists from around the country through portfolio exhibitions and special shows. Both a teaching gallery and exhibition venue, the gallery is located in the Fine Arts Center on the northwest corner of campus. Past visiting artists and guest lecturers have included Michael Kellner, Alexandra Robinson and Carol Fluekiger.

Mary Moody Northen Theatre

This 178-seat arena theater houses our nationally recognized Theater Arts program. Through Mary Moody Northen Theatre, St. Edward's University students and faculty work alongside professional guest artists and produce four plays each season. Sell-out audiences enjoy a varied repertoire, including classical works, contemporary plays and Broadway musicals. The theater is affiliated with the Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States, and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group.

Transit Theatre Troupe

Students at St. Edward’s create innovative theater on their own terms through the Transit Theatre Troupe. The Troupe produces site-specific theatrical works in varying locations around campus, providing opportunities for theater artists to complement their main stage experiences. The Troupe produces new plays, bravura contemporary works such as "SubUrbia" by Eric Bogosian and "Recent Tragic Events" by Craig Wright, and re-imagines classical texts. Local charities benefit from plays performed by the Transit Theatre Troupe.

Musical Groups

The music program at St. Edward’s sponsors four performance groups who entertain audiences on and off campus. Groups include: Hilltopper Chorale (classical, gospel, and the Pops), Omni Singers (musical revue, song and dance), Vocal Jazz Ensemble (jazz), and the Madrigal Singers (Renaissance style).

Instrumental groups also add to the musical life of our campus community. The hilltop is home to the St. Edward’s Orchestra, the St. Edward’s Chamber Music Ensemble, the Mariachi Alas de Oro (classical and popular music of Mexico) and the Steady jazz band.

 

Students dressed in Ballet Folklórico attire.
Two students performing.

University Chorale and Madrigal Chamber Singers Invited to Perform with World-Famous Band The Chieftains

The combined St. Edward’s University Madrigal Chamber Singers and University Chorale recently were invited to join the world-famous Celtic band The Chieftains on their World Tour Concert appearance at Riverbend Centre in February.