Our fine and performing arts program features a curriculum targeted to help you reach your artistic potential in drama, music, dance, or the visual arts.
At Chatham Hall, you can gain the skills of creative expression, as well as self-knowledge. Formal training, practical experience, and an academic approach will help you set high standards for your art and enable you to take risks in a supportive environment. Our enthusiastic and supportive Art Department faculty serve as mentors and guides as you explore every medium.
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Visual Arts
You can express yourself through many different mediums, including drawing, photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. You can also continue your passions through independent studies and portfolio classes for advanced study. In addition to regularly offered art courses, there are art-based clubs, weekend activities, January Term courses, and field trips to regional galleries and museums available to students each year.
Dance
Dance is offered as an afternoon activity during each of the three seasons and meets each weekday. Our program offers training in many styles, including African, ballet, contemporary, choreography and creative movement exploration, folk, hip-hop, jazz, musical/Broadway, and pointe, among others. Dancers at all levels are able to participate and hone their skills. Those interested in training at a higher level are able to work individually with our talented and experienced dance instructor.
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Theatre
Theatre is offered as an afternoon activity every weekday, every season. This affords you numerous opportunities to act, direct, or learn a new skill as a member of the production crew. With two plays and a musical offered each year, there are numerous ways to shine and broaden your range. Student-led clubs provide additional ways to get involved with theatre.
Music
Private music lessons are available on campus as a part of the academic day. Students can learn and expand on their musical talents with our faculty, a private instructor, or through virtual lessons. A recital is held each spring for students to showcase their vocal and instrumental skills and progress. St. Mary's Choir meets as a class several times a week and performs during Chapel services and special events throughout the year.
Published each spring, The Iris is the School's student-led art and literary magazine that features student art, poetry, and prose. Check out the latest edition below!
This spring, student performing artists brought many stories to life for the community in the Van Voorhis Lecture Hall “Dutch” through theater and dance.
On April 22, Chatham Hall students and faculty welcomed alumnae, local residents, and friends to campus for a special Earth Day celebration that included the dedication of its new arboretum.
The Chatham Hall Art Department started the new year in service of the regional community through the Empty Bowls fundraiser in partnership with God’s Storehouse.
On Oct. 7, 21 Turtles and four faculty members took a trip to Staunton, Va. for the American Shakespeare Center’s (ASC) production of Hamlet at the Blackfriars Playhouse.
In honor of World Mental Health Day, Hannah Payton ‘26 organized the Significant Arts of Mental Health show in the Van Voorhis Lecture Hall on Oct. 9 to help students celebrate their journeys with mental health.
During this year’s Writer in Residence keynote address, novelist Laura Ruby shared her fascination with the “weird and creepy” with the entire School community in the Van Voorhis Lecture Hall on Sept. 18.