Beyond your required discovery courses, UNH is teeming with opportunities to participate and experience the fine and performing arts. Regardless of your feelings towards the PCAC mural, the building itself houses a plethora of choices of classes, performances, and showcases suited to whatever your heart desires.
Now, most people have already taken a class where they were required to see one of the THDA mainstage shows and/or the UNH Dance Co. performance. If you currently are taking a class where this is required, then you are in luck! Don’t just shirk off the assignment, because you’d be missing out on some amazing performances that you get to see for FREE. Well, that depends on if you count the mandatory course fee “free”, but regardless, take advantage of that chance to see live art being created and performed by your peers. This semester, there are three department shows:
- Dance Company Concert: February 18-22
- The Wedding Singer: March 26-29
- Lost Girl: April 15-19
In the same vein as THDA performances, but not directly departmental, is the performances by the UNH Mask and Dagger organization. This is a completely student run organization and a great way to find opportunities to create art with your peers without being a THDA student. Mask and Dagger is open to students regardless of major or experience and gives opportunities to perform in a fall musical and spring play. If being on stage isn’t your thing, there’s also the opportunity to be on the production side of things as a director, stage manager, music director, or tech. No organization fees and an amazing way to connect with other students. There is one remaining production for Mask and Dagger this year and they are currently accepting pitches for their 2026-2027 season. All information can be found at the link in their bio on Instagram @maskanddagger.
- The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane: April 23-26
In addition to these, throughout the semester, students within THDA and the Music Department hold performances showcasing the work that students do in class. If you’ve ever been curious about what the classes entail and what kind of work really goes into these majors, then these are just the events for you. From Musical Theatre, to Dance, to Orchestra, these performances are a unique chance to see the work of your peers. Other classes that rely on a traditional final exam do not offer this same chance. You can also keep your eyes peeled for the Senior Capstone performances which is the culmination of their four years at UNH, tying together everything they’ve learned.
- Ballet Showcase: April 10
- Musical Theatre Cabaret: April 28
- Aerial Dance Showcase 1 and 2: April 29
And of course, beyond your discovery arts requirement, there are plenty of pathways into the arts programs at UNH. A minor is a great way to explore your interests while in school and get the most out of the money you’re spending on school. Chances are, if you’re taking electives in topics that you’re interested in, you’re already on track to complete a minor. These can also be helpful in making you stand out to future employers. Even if your minor is completely unrelated to your major, it makes your resume stand out as unique to the hundreds of others that are all the same major/concentration.
The arts are a vital piece of the community at UNH. In order for them to survive and for students to continue getting the chance to explore, we all need to take up the mantle and go out to show our appreciation for the arts. Allow yourself the freedom to try something new!