The degree program in Music and Theatre: Professional Stage Performance offers practical vocational training for emerging professionals who gain skills and experience in all facets of production in addition to rigorous performance training. This program recognizes the importance of both musical and theatrical training in the preparation of any stage performer and integrates a sustainability-focused approach to technical production in support of responsible artmaking. Students undergo a rigorous program of study as members of a cohort that functions and serves the community as a professional company offering theatrical productions, musical concerts and events, and other arts programming. Students become immersed in an intergenerational community with unique opportunities to work and learn side by side with young people, senior adults, and peers.
By the time students are in their fourth or final year, they are leaders in the company and spend their final two semesters in intensive production work, which includes the preparation, marketing, and public performance, both on and off campus, of a unique solo work of approximately one hour, which graduates can then expect to market and perform, if they so choose, throughout their professional career.
Students of the performing arts at Ferrum College are prepared to enter careers in performance, tourism, event management and marketing, and arts leadership in educational or community settings. Because of the location and resources available at Ferrum College, including the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, the Crooked Road, and the rural surrounding community, graduates of Ferrum College are uniquely prepared to serve their communities, wherever they may choose to live and work.
Ferrum College Catalog
View the catalog for all program courses and degree requirements.
Orchestra Appalachia is the flagship touring ensemble of Appalachian Music at Ferrum College. Participants gain professional-level touring experience in every aspect, including repertoire selection and arrangement, rehearsal, marketing, booking, tour planning, navigation, sound design, venue etiquette, and performance. Our partnerships with the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum and the Crooked Road offer students professional networking and development opportunities.
To learn more, request tour dates, or to book a performance, please email ebtucker@ferrum.edu and follow us on social media!
The Bluegrass Brass Explosion is a music ensemble unique to Ferrum College. Orchestra Appalachia and the marching band combine to share a musical experience and field show during the fall and for other special performances such as the NASCAR Xfinity race in 2023 at the Martinsville Speedway. The Bluegrass Brass is open to all students, including those who do not play an instrument, and community members.
To inquire about joining Bluegrass Brass or to book a performance, email ebtucker@ferrum.edu.
The Panther Singers are a choral group that performs concerts, recitals, and special performances throughout the year.
To request the Panther Singers to perform at your event, email music@ferrum.edu.
The Ferrum College BRDT offers a full season of plays, musicals, and theatrical performances featuring performers of all ages.
Patrons may choose to join us for a delicious pre-show dinner on site. Most shows are family friendly and all provide wheelchair accessibility.
Appalachian Music at Ferrum College and the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum co-host an open community old-time/bluegrass jam every Monday evening at 7 PM. Jams are free and open to the public, and all are welcome to participate. Come to play, sing, dance, or simply listen and enjoy. Jams are held inside the lobby of the Blue Ridge Institute and Museum through cold weather. When the weather allows, jams are held under the Leo Scott Pavilion at the farm museum, across route 40.
For more information please visit our Facebook page or email ebtucker@ferrum.edu.
Since the first Jack Tale show at Callaway Elementary School on December 11, 1975, Rex Stephenson’s dramatized folktales have been continuously on tour, delighting and entertaining more than a million audience members in 34 states and England. Performances are highly interactive, playful, and filled with audience participation.
To request the Panther Singers to perform at your event, email music@ferrum.edu.
March 27 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EDT
Mary Poppins – Thursday March 27th 7:30pm
March 28 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EDT
Mary Poppins – Friday March 28th 7:30pm
March 29 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EDT
Mary Poppins – Saturday March 29th 7:30pm
March 30 @ 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT
Mary Poppins – Sunday March 30th 2:30pm
