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Interdisciplinary Arts Major at Arts Academy


Why Study Interdisciplinary Arts

The Interdisciplinary Arts major is designed for students who wish to explore more than one artistic discipline and the intersection of multiple art forms—both as an individual artist and in collaboration with others. The division’s schedule allows you the flexibility to pursue training in other arts divisions while taking core classes in the Interdisciplinary Arts division. Collaboration with other artists within and outside the division is encouraged.

What You'll Learn

The Interdisciplinary Arts curriculum provides access to accomplished faculty from all our artistic disciplines. You will work closely with the Director of Interdisciplinary Arts to create an individualized plan of study to match your artistic goals. Instructors from the Creative Writing, Music, Film & New Media, Visual Arts, Theatre, and Dance departments will help you polish an array of talents as you prepare for a dynamic future.

As a student at our boarding school for Interdisciplinary Arts, you will:

  • Develop artistic potential across multiple disciplines 
  • Apply practical skills in creative expression, collaboration, arts leadership, and management
  • Refine skills in communication, organization, and planning
  • Collaborate across disciplines through designing, producing, and devising original work
  • Exhibit knowledge of the cultural movements that shaped art and cultural history, and the history of performance 
  • Broaden the artistic mind to encompass all elements of artistic expression and develop the "complete artist"

How to Apply

Core Curriculum

Portfolio Requirements

For information on graduation requirements and academic curriculum, please visit Academy Academics.

Meet the Faculty

Interlochen’s Interdisciplinary Arts faculty have worked in multiple areas of the arts world as producers, directors, musicians, and more. They aren’t just visionaries, however—they’re also gifted educators with a passion for helping students see where different disciplines intersect and harmonize.

All Faculty

Clyde Sheets

Clyde Sheets

Director of Interdisciplinary Arts

Steven Speciale interdisciplinary arts interlochen

Steven Speciale

Instructor of Interdisciplinary Arts

Get to know Jenn

"Before I came to Arts Academy, I always pictured myself as a Theatre major—but when I learned about Interdisciplinary Arts, I thought that makes more sense for me." - Jenn, Interdisciplinary Arts

Guest Artists

  • Sydney James Harcourt, musician, actor, dancer, and theatrical producer
  • Jamie John, multidisciplinary artist and activist
  • Luis Resto, musician, songwriter, and record producer
  • Christina Seymour, musician, actor, director, and educator
  • Jennifer Steinorth, author and interdisciplinary artist

Program Highlights

Core Classes

All Interdisciplinary Arts majors are required to take four core classes: Contemporary Arts Performance and Culture; Leadership and Management in the Arts; Individual and Collaborative Studio; and Portfolio and Resume Development. This is where you'll receive hands-on experience in the arts industries, learn the aesthetic and practical skills you’ll need to thrive, and have the chance to develop your own individual path of study.

Interdisciplinary Performance Collaboration

A year-long course open to all majors and grade levels, the Interdisciplinary Performance Collaboration course culminates in an original work presented in the spring, often shaped and produced by Interdisciplinary Arts majors. Past presentations include RESOLVE, which premiered at Brooklyn's National Sawdust and ONE, which debuted at the New World Center in Miami, Florida.

College Matriculation

Arts Academy Interdisciplinary Arts students regularly enroll in top art programs and conservatories, as well as prestigious undergraduate institutions, including:

  • New York University
  • Parsons School of Design
  • Northwestern University
  • Skidmore College
  • Pratt Institute
  • School of the Art Institute of Chicago
  • DePaul University
  • Emerson College
  • The New School
  • The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
  • Rider University
  • Sarah Lawrence College

"Patterns Change" by Son Lux

This music video is one of many projects developed by the Interdisciplinary Arts Department. Students and faculty members from dance, visual arts, and music programs worked together to create it.

[Interdisciplinary Arts] is for a person who wants to be in a place where they have the resources to investigate different art areas as fully as they'd like.

Melanie Chitwood '12, Arts Academy (Interdisciplinary Arts)

A picture of Jamie John

Telling Native Stories

Multidisciplinary artist Jamie John (IAA 15-19) was named a 2021 Full Circle Fellow by the Sundance Institute and invited to participate in the Institute’s Native Lab, which convenes storytellers from indigenous backgrounds to hone their creative practice. For the lab project, John developed a script for a short science fiction film drawing on their cultural heritage as a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. “Being a native person, I’ve always been very close to the stories I tell, and it’s an important part of how I communicate as a person,” they said. John is an Instructor of Visual Arts at Interlochen Arts Academy.

Learn more about Jamie John

Upcoming Interdisciplinary Arts Events
May
8

Interdisciplinary Arts, Academy Student

Interdisciplinary Arts: Annual Projects

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Phoenix Theatre FREE, no tickets required

May
9

Interdisciplinary Arts, Academy Student

Interdisciplinary Arts: Annual Projects

Thursday, May 9, 2024 - 7:30 p.m. ET

Phoenix Theatre FREE, no tickets required

See what you can experience at Interlochen.

Come to a high school where young creatives thrive—and see how your unique journey unfolds. Plan your visit, request more information, or apply to Interlochen Arts Academy today.