Performing Arts

Perform Your Passion

Choose from four unique performing arts opportunities at Concordia University, St. Paul: Theatre, Dance, Choir, and Band. All four options are available to all students, regardless of their major, and can be taken as electives. Talent scholarships for performing arts are also available, ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Dive into each area below and see what makes performing arts at CSP so special.

Theatre

The Theatre department at Concordia hosts four exciting productions each year, ranging from light-hearted musicals to gripping dramas.

Performers have the chance to show their skills on stage inside the 10-story tall E.M. Pearson Theatre. Featuring state-of-the-art stagecraft, the Pearson Theatre makes every show feel like a professional production.

In addition to the Pearson, CSP is also home to the Westlund Black Box Theatre, where smaller plays and student-directed shows take place.

View Upcoming Shows

Students performing a stage version of the play "Anastasia".

Four students on stage wearing old western clothing in a play performance.

Three students on stage for a play performance in CSP's theatre.

Student wearing blue choir robes and holding a song book singing inside CSP's chapel.

Choir

Voice your talent with one of our Choir offerings. Explore each dropdown to learn more about Choir ensembles at CSP:

University Christus Chorus

The University Christus Chorus is an auditioned, mixed voice, touring ensemble that serves as the flagship choir for Concordia University St. Paul. Founded in 1953 as “The Concordia Chorale,” the choir has been touring, performing, and sharing the gospel in song for more than 70 years. Domestic tours occur annually and have taken the choir across the entire continental United States. The choir has a history of international travel, having most recently toured to Germany in 2016.

The Christus Chorus is open to all CSP students, regardless of year or major. Auditions are held every fall over welcome weekend, but alternate audition times may be set up by emailing Dr. von Kampen ([email protected]). Annual marquee performances include A Concordia St. Paul Christmas, the Spring Choir Tour, and the Spring Choir Tour Home Concert.

Director: Dr. Paul von Kampen ([email protected])

Concordia Chorale

The Concordia Chorale is a non-auditioned mixed choir that meets two times per week. This choir is open to all CSP students, regardless of year or major. The men and women often rehearse separately so as to address specific topics relating to their section and role within the choir. It is common for the men and women of the Chorale to perform separately as a men’s or women’s chorus. The choir joins forces for major concert events. Annual marquee performances include chapel services and the Concordia Vespers Christmas service, traditionally held on the Sunday evening before classes end in the first semester.

Director: Dr. Paul von Kampen ([email protected])

Concordia Chamber Choir/Vocal Jazz Choir

The Concordia Chamber Choir is an auditioned, mixed voice choir that sings both traditional choral repertoire and vocal jazz literature. Members are chosen from the University Christus Chorus. Performances include the winter and spring jazz concerts, as well as short tours to local churches, high schools, and university related events. This ensemble rehearses one hour each week, with rehearsal times being determined after membership is confirmed.

Director: Dr. Paul von Kampen ([email protected])

Band

The CSP Concert Band is a 45 piece ensemble that performs quality uplifting and spiritual music.

The ensemble is open to all students on campus who play wind, brass, or percussion instruments. The Concert Band rehearses twice a week and performs multiple times per semester, including a Regional Spring Tour during which they travel and share their musical ministry with others.

CSP band student playing the cymbal during a dress rehearsal performance.

Group of CSP students playing horns and other instruments during a dress rehearsal performance.

CSP band students playing the flute and other various instruments during a dress rehearsal performance.

Performers dancing on stage during a dance performance.

Dance

Express yourself through movement with Dance at CSP. Students enjoy a dedicated dance studio space where they can rehearse and refine their skills. Multiple styles of dance are available such as modern, lyrical, jazz, tap, ballet, hip-hop, and more.

Each spring, the university hosts “Spring Into Dance” in the Pearson Theatre, a showcase of dances put on by students, faculty, and alumni.

View Upcoming Performances