President's Message

Dear Chapman Friends:

In this issue of Chapman Magazine, you’ll read about our new College of Performing Arts. Established June 1, the college empowers young artists to develop their skills and nurture their talents in a place they can call home. The college represents the natural evolution of Chapman’s acclaimed Conservatory of Music and departments of dance, theatre and art, and joins them under one banner. The new structure will allow students to reach their full potential and achieve their dreams.

Chapman has earned the respect of Southern California’s distinguished arts community and is well positioned as a magnetic source of talent for Orange County’s five major world-class arts organizations. It has always been a great sense of pride for me to hear about Chapman alumni who perform internationally with the most prestigious dance troupes as well as opera and theater companies; who act and sing on the world’s major stages; and who play music with the great orchestras. You’ll also find the work of our painters, sculptors, multimedia and graphic artists in galleries and museums all over the globe.

Our graduates are sought after not only for their talent but also for their professionalism. Dean William Hall is masterful at creating opportunity, and from freshman year on, his students gain valuable experience both behind the scenes and at center stage, thanks to mentors, internships and performing as well as attending performances, events, lectures and competitions.

Dean Hall’s plans for the college include a partnership with Cirque du Soleil to create a 21st-century entertainment technology curriculum, with classes beginning this fall. In addition, he and the faculty are working on developing new programs in musical theater and non-profit arts management.

I hope you will enjoy reading about this exciting new endeavor and the many people who are making the College of Performing Arts great.

James L. Doti
President, Chapman University