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Professor talks to students in studio art class

Welcome to Visual and Performing Arts at Clark

Students studying in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts develop skills as imaginative practitioners, understand art as a meaningful human endeavor, and explore creative works in dialogue with the past and our current moment.

We believe the pursuit of creativity is a human right.

Students acting on stage
The Visual and Performing Arts Department comprises six separate majors. In our classes, you will learn about the history of creative practice, from the ancient Greek architects and the plays of William Shakespeare to the music of Duke Ellington, the films of Maya Deren, and the contemporary photo-collages of Mickalene Thomas.

You will cultivate the theoretical tools to analyze works of art from the past and the present, and develop your own skills as a creative practitioner in our studios — painting, costume, recording, and more.

By studying the history, theory, and practice of the arts in a liberal arts context, you will make and explore creative works while connecting the past to the present.

Venues and Resources

trainia center

Clark Arts Venues

Throughout the academic year, our on-campus arts venues host a range of shows, exhibitions, plays, and concerts.

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wall art

Arts in Worcester and Beyond

The arts in Worcester are thriving, from niche galleries to the Worcester Art Museum’s world-class collections, small concert halls to the Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts.

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Clark Arts Venues

Throughout the academic year, our on-campus arts venues host a range of shows, exhibitions, plays, and concerts.

Learn More
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Theatre Summer Intensive production

Theatre Summer Intensive

A two-week day program for rising 10th- 12th grade actors, designers, and theatre-makers

Step into the spotlight—or behind the scenes—this summer at Clark University! Our two-week theatre intensive program is designed for passionate high school students eager to explore the full spectrum of theatre arts, from performance to production.

Visual and Performing Arts

Featured Stories

‘I try to capture Worcester in a way that I w...

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Toby Sisson selected for RISD Museum residency

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‘I get to learn something new about my work, ...

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Events

Featured Event

Featured Event


theater arts class

Theater Summer Intensive

July 6 – 17, 2026

A two-week day program for rising 10th- 12th grade actors, designers, and theatre-makers

Step into the spotlight—or behind the scenes—this summer at Clark University! Our two-week theatre intensive program is designed for passionate high school students eager to explore the full spectrum of theatre arts, from performance to production.

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All faculty, administrative staff, and students must follow safety guidelines

Contact Information

Visual and Performing Arts

Office Location
  • Traina Center for the Arts
    92 Downing Street
    Worcester, MA 01610

  • 1-508-793-7113
  • vpa[at]clarku[dot]edu
  • 1-508-793-8844 (fax)