Visual and Performing Arts

About Visual and Performing Arts

Central to the Visual and Performing Arts education at Fordham Prep is the objective that students understand what goes into a work of art from conceptual, technical, and cultural points of view; and how, in the spirit of cura personalis, these help contribute to the makeup of a well-rounded person. Through a comprehensive curriculum students will develop skills in creating, responding, and performing in visual, musical and theatrical artistic disciplines. The curriculum’s design stimulates growth through self-discovery and self-expression.

“I waited much too long to get involved in the music program. I joined the various bands, orchestra, and took AP music theory only in junior and senior year. But even in those two short years, I obtained a wealth of new knowledge, new friendships, and so much fun.”
Luca Gierlinger Fordham Prep '22; Royal Academy of Music '26

“Joining the band was not something I thought I would ever do. But over four years, I am so thankful for my experience in the band and the impact my teachers and the entire group had on my time at the Prep."
George Anderson '22; Boston College '26

"To say that my time in Fordham Prep Dramatic Society (FPDS) was incredible would be an understatement. We really are more than a company - we are family. Regardless of any differences, we come together and cheer for one another like a true community. My time in acting class has not only helped me strengthen my acting skills, but the course also taught me more about myself than I ever thought possible. FPDS and Fundamentals of Acting truly defined my Fordham Prep career, and I am forever grateful to how both programs changed my life for the better."
Lorenzo Mazzarulli '22; George Washington University '26

Click Here to View the Prep's Current Course Catalog

Disciplines

Music

At Fordham Preparatory School we encourage our students to develop their musicianship skills through the use of individualized practice, group rehearsals, and lecture style courses. Students are given an opportunity to further their knowledge in music literacy, music theory, composition, keyboard skills, and improvisation in an environment that encourages creativity and experiential learning. With an emphasis on student centered teaching, our goal is to produce competent musicians who are self-driven performers and compassionate as members of group ensembles.

Theatre Arts

Students can receive a 1/2 credit per play toward graduation requirements as a performer in theatrical productions.

The Dramatic Society welcomes all students who wish to participate, regardless of skill level and experience, in Prep productions. Each year the Dramatic Society performs one musical and one play (drama or comedy) in the gorgeous Leonard Theatre. Student performers learn about acting, singing, and choreography while building a story. Students on the stage crew learn technical aspects of the production, such as: stage management, set construction, and lighting and sound design. Female performers are invited to join our productions from any school. Our program's philosophy centers around family. We work together to build skills of engagement, connection, and unity toward one goal. The final bow is always the company bow -- everyone together. Past members of our program have gone on to pursue training in college acting programs and career opportunities in the arts. The award winning Dramatic Society has been recognized by the National Youth Arts Awards and a semi-finalist and winner with the National Roger Rees Awards.

Students can receive a full credit toward graduation requirements by participating with the Fundamentals of Acting class. This class, which has its roots in Jesuit pedagogy and includes techniques from some of the great acting teachers such as Stanislavski and Uta Hagen, invites students to engage in expression and experiences that enlighten the intellectual and spiritual well-being of the whole person. They explore their unique potential by becoming inventive, creative and playful, flexible thinkers and problem solvers. Students learn that effective communication is essential to developing into an active and empathetic member of the broader community with a deep understanding of self and the human experience.

Recently, five members of the Class of 2020 chose to pursue acting as part of their college matriculation.

Follow the Dramatic society on Instagram

Visual Arts

The visual arts component of the Visual & Performing Arts Department offers courses in Studio Art I, II, and Advanced Placement, as well as Computer Graphics & Web Design, plus Architectural Drawing. Additionally, there is an Art Club which meets once per cycle. In all visual arts offerings, students learn and practice fundamental concepts and skills and are encouraged to apply that knowledge to their creative thinking as they produce works of art.