Career Resiliency in the Performing Arts
Feeling stressed these days? You’re not alone. Pursuing a career in the performing arts can come with its fair share of stressors. Honing your craft requires not only passion but an intense work ethic, and career paths in arts and entertainment can be unpredictable and competitive. On top of all that, these days we are
Recommitting to Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion in the Performing Arts
As artists, we must never forget our humanity and the worth and dignity of every person. And we must recommit to upholding the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion and using our art forms not only to delight and inspire, but also to promote empathy, social justice, and anti-racism. — Giulio Ongaro, dean, College of
Career Q&A with Kalena Bovell '09
This year’s Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for the College of Performing Arts is Kalena Bovell, who graduated from Chapman University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Music (Pre-Certification, Music Education). Since graduating from Chapman, Kalena has completed her graduate studies at The Hartt School and has made a name for herself as an accomplished conductor
Career Support at Every Step
At Chapman, you have access to career support at every step of the way. At the College of Performing Arts (CoPA), you are already launching your career by pursuing training and education that will help you develop your craft and make strong connections with a supportive community. Your career is not something that suddenly starts
The Show Must Go On!
The COVID-19 pandemic completely upended the performing arts world. It affected artists, audiences, and infrastructure in ways never imagined. Undaunted, the College of Performing Arts (CoPA) has stepped up to that challenge, refusing to be defeated or allow these new restrictions to affect the quality of our students’ education and training. Throughout the summer, CoPA
CoPA Student and Alumni Share Career Path Stories
Knowing your passions and talents is one thing, but knowing how to craft a career path can be quite another! Luckily, CoPA students have access to plenty of support from their faculty as well as the CoPA Career Advisor. It can also be helpful to see examples of career paths from other students and alumni.
The Curtain Closes on a Fulfilling Career
The College of Performing Arts recently bid farewell to a beloved and long-serving staff member as Bonita “Bonnie” Walker retired after 32 years of service at Chapman University. “Bonnie has been a fixture of the theatre department and CoPA for a long time, and I have really appreciated her unflagging dedication to our students, who
Alumna to Alumna
Due to our small class sizes, conservatory-style training, and the personalized education for which Chapman University, CoPA students develop a strong sense of community that continues to serve them well after graduation. Recently, Monica Furman (BFA Theatre Performance ’17) interviewed Leah McKendrick (BFA Theatre Performance ’08) and McKendrick’s producing partner Mariah Owen about their newest
BLACK LIVES MATTER
Dear CoPA Community, The College of Performing Arts supports Black Lives Matter. We pledge to support the initiative announced by President Struppa to bring more faculty of color to Chapman. We are listening to the students and alumni sharing their stories and will continue to address the issue of racism with concrete steps. We will start by
CoPA Career Spotlight: Azuki Umeda
Azuki Umeda (BFA Dance Performance, BA Integrated Educational Studies ’20) shares highlights of her time at Chapman, as well as some advice for dance students: “I was able to showcase my [choreography] pieces to several festivals this year. I was extremely honored to show my pieces at Capezio ACE Awards and McCallum Choreography Festival, two festivals [where]