Whether in the visual art gallery, the dance theatre, the concert hall, the recital hall, or the flexible theatre, a rich and diverse arts season awaits you. The Arts Ablaze contains the schedule for the year and comments from each of the arts department chairs.

Any changes made from the original printing of the Arts Ablaze will be highlighted below. For further details or reservations, connect with the department sponsoring the event or performance:

 

Belhaven Arts Ablaze Schedule

The Annual 24-hour Theatre Event  

August 26, 7:30 pm
Blackbox Theatre

Hosted by Alpha Psi Omega – The annual tradition continues! Teams of talented students will present 10-minute plays that they had only 24-hours to write and rehearse.

Free admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.


Senior Exhibition

August 26, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Run Dates: August 26 – September 16
Gallery Talk: September 11, 4:00 pm

The Senior Exhibition is the culminating experience for our BFA and BA candidates. These students have worked hard to develop their own voices as artists throughout their coursework in the Art and Design Department. This exhibit serves as a launching point for professional practice and allows the students to gain the practical knowledge of museum work through the curating and installing of their exhibit.

We are proud to showcase the work of these artists: Savannah Wimberly, Lauren Watts and Lilly Perkins.


Senior Exhibition

September 23, 2:00 pm 
Run Dates: September 23 - October 14
Gallery Talk: October 9, 4:00 pm

The Senior Exhibition is the culminating experience for our BFA and BA candidates. These students have worked hard to develop their own voices as artists throughout their coursework in the Art and Design Department. This exhibit serves as a launching point for professional practice and allows the students to gain the practical knowledge of museum work through the curating and installing of their exhibit.

We are proud to showcase the work of these artists: Trevor Thomas and Caleb Moak.


A Lovely Sunday For Creve Coeur

September 27-30, 7:30 pm
September 30, 2:00 pm matinee
Barber Theatre

by Tennessee Williams
Directed by Elissa Sartwell

In 1930s St. Louis, four very different women attempt to find love, friendship, and meaning in their lives. Dotty, a hopelessly romantic schoolteacher, shares a small apartment with Bodey, a plain but kind-hearted spinster. Dotty dreams of marrying the principal of her school, but Bodey has plans for her slovenly twin brother to go on a picnic date with Dotty. The picnic is delayed by the arrival of Helena, a snobbish art teacher who wants to persuade Dotty to share an apartment with her in a better neighborhood. And Sophie, the German-speaking upstairs neighbor, just wants some human companionship. As Bodey and Helena compete with one another and Sophie struggles to communicate, Dorothea is brought rudely back to earth – but not without clear evidence that, somehow, she will find the strength to recover and go on. This later play by Tennessee Williams features his trademark complex characters and poetic dialogue.

Tickets can be reserved by emailing boxoffice@belhaven.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (if seats are still available).  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and BU Alumni, and complimentary for Belhaven students, faculty, and staff. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance time.


Community Dance Concert

September 30, 7:00 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Belhaven University dance students and alumni join with other local dance artists to offer an inspiring and lively evening of dance.

General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:fpm. Advanced ticket reservations are not required.


Faculty Show “ArtWork”

October 21, 2:00 pm
Run Dates: October 21 – November 30
Gallery Talk/Process Demonstration: Friday, October 20

“ArtWork” is a dialogue between the diverse mediums and contemporary practices of the current art and design instructors. The opening reception is on Saturday October 21st, from 3-5 pm, in the Bitsy Irby Gallery and is free and open to the public.

In addition to the exhibition, the faculty will be presenting a gallery talk and individual process demonstrations on Friday, October 20th in the Bitsy Irby Visual Art and Dance Center. The Gallery talk will be in the Bitsy Irby Gallery at 10am followed by the process demonstrations at 1:00 in various classrooms.


Emerging Choreographers Concert

October 27-28, 7:00 pm
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre

This event is produced by members of DOXA and highlights student choreography and performance.

General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:fpm. Advanced ticket reservations are not required.


Cinderella

November 9-11 & 16-18, 7:30 pm
November 11 & 18, 2:00 pm matinee
Blackbox Theatre

Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Music by Richard Rodgers
Adapted for the Stage by Tom Briggs
Directed by Jeff Allen Young
Music Direction by Chrissy Hrivnak
Choreography by Kellis Oldenburg

Inspired by the acclaimed 1997 teleplay starring Brandy and Whitney Houston, this version of the magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of originality, charm, and elegance.

Tickets can be reserved by emailing boxoffice@belhaven.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (if seats are still available).  Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and BU Alumni, and complimentary for Belhaven students, faculty, and staff. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance time.


Student Composers Concert #29

November 10, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

The Belhaven Composers Forum invites you to participate in the sober, silly, and surprising adventure of making new music. This concert features collaborations with students from the Dance Department. Join us as we bring freshly fabricated compositions and interactive improvisations to life.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm. Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Psalms, Canticles, And Lamentations

November 13 at 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Join us as the Belhaven Chorale and Concert Choir present musical settings of sacred texts affirming God’s faithfulness to his people, saving the Israelites through the parting of the Red Sea, Jonah in the belly of the whale, and concluding with the fulfillment of the promised Savior.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm. Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Fall Dance Concert

November 16-18, 7:00 pm
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre

A showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble and members of DOXA. Styles include classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance.

General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30 pm. To reserve tickets, please email dancetickets@belhaven.edu.


Symphony Orchestra Concert 

November 17, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

You don’t want to miss an evening of profound symphonic masterworks performed by the Belhaven University Symphony Orchestra. On tonight’s concert you will hear the great Czech composer Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No.8 in G major and the all-time favorite “Nocturne” from Shylock by French composer Gabriel Fauré.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.  Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Best of Belhaven I

November 20, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

The Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester on one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.  Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


The 91st Annual Singing Christmas Tree

December 1-2, 7:30 pm
Belhaven Bowl Stadium

Voices! Carols! Lights! The Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree is the oldest continuous outdoor singing Christmas tree tradition in North America. Dr. Rebecca Geihsler-Chittom conducts the tree made up of Belhaven Choral Arts singers along with additional students, faculty, staff, alumni, and choristers from area churches, in collaboration with Belhaven’s other fine arts programs. Together we join forces to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas!

Complimentary admission.


Senior Exhibition

January 13, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Run Dates: January 13 – February 3
Gallery Talk: January 29, 4:00 pm

The Senior Exhibition is the culminating experience for our BFA and BA candidates. These students have worked hard to develop their own voices as artists throughout their coursework in the Art and Design Department. This exhibit serves as a launching point for professional practice and allows the students to gain the practical knowledge of museum work through the curating and installing of their exhibit.

We are proud to showcase the work of these artists: Tyler McGee, Ke’Marri Thomas, and David Turner.


The Marriage Proposal

January 31 – February 3, 7:30 pm
February 3, 2:00 pm matinee
Barber Theatre

By Anton Chekhov
Adapted and Directed by Ashlyn Pinkerton

One of Chekhov’s popular one-act comedies, The Marriage Proposal has delighted audiences for decades. When Ivan arrives at Natalya’s home to propose marriage to her, he fails to communicate his intentions before the two fall into bickering. Natalya’s mother must intercede and reveal to Natalya that the disagreeable Ivan is actually trying to propose to her. Once matters are finally sealed with a kiss, the couple is left to do what they do best: bicker!

Tickets can be reserved by emailing boxoffice@belhaven.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (if seats are still available). Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and BU Alumni, and complimentary for Belhaven students, faculty, and staff. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance time.


Dance Ministry Ensemble Concert

February 8-10, 7:00 pm
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre

The Dance Ministry Ensemble and members of DOXA present a selection of original dances created by guest artists and dance faculty aimed to encourage and inspire the spirit of all who attend.

General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30 pm. To reserve tickets, please email dancetickets@belhaven.edu.


Senior Exhibition

February 10, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Run Dates: February 10 – March 2
Gallery Talk: February 26, 4 pm

The Senior Exhibition is the culminating experience for our BFA and BA candidates. These students have worked hard to develop their own voices as artists throughout their coursework in the Art and Design Department. This exhibit serves as a launching point for professional practice and allows the students to gain the practical knowledge of museum work through the curating and installing of their exhibit.

We are proud to showcase the work of these artists: Lillyunna Robinson, Daja’hnai Hall, Ollie Porter and Denisha Clairbush.


The Importance of Being Earnest

February 22-24 & Feb. 29 – March 2, 7:30 pm
February 24 & March 2, 2:00 pm matinee
Blackbox Theatre

By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Elissa Sartwell

Subtitled “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People,” Wilde’s classic comedy of manners has entertained audiences for more than 125 years. Two dapper bachelors (Algernon and Jack) each create an alter-ego named Ernest as a way of escaping boring obligations at home. They attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, declare they could only ever love a man named Ernest. Jack and Algernon become increasingly tangled up in their own deception, and it might just take a miracle to set things straight.

Tickets can be reserved by emailing boxoffice@belhaven.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (if seats are still available). Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and BU Alumni, and complimentary for Belhaven students, faculty, and staff. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance time.


Senior Dance Concert

February 28 & March 1, Concert A; 7:00 pm
February 29 & March 2, Concert B; 7:00 pm
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre

Senior dance majors present an evening of original choreography and performance, created at the intersection of scholarship and practice. This event is sponsored by DOXA.

General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30pm. To reserve tickets, please email dancetickets@belhaven.edu.


Senior Dance Research Presentations

March 7, 7:00 pm
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre

Senior dance majors present an evening of scholarship, lecture demonstrations, and creative process discussions on topics from the field of dance and beyond.

Complimentary admission.


Vocal Chamber Concert

March 7, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

This evening of vocal chamber music, presented by the Vocal Arts Ensemble, is sure to delight!

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm. Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Belhaven Strings & Orchestra Showcase

March 22, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Please come to cerebrate and enjoy an evening with Belhaven University’s outstanding string soloists, chamber ensembles and the Symphonic Orchestra. You are guaranteed a night full of musical variety and delight!

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm. Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Amelia Key Show & Masterclass

March 23, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm 
Run Dates: March 23 – April 6
Gallery Talk: March 22, 10:00 am
Masterclass: March 22, 1:00 pm

Join us for a masterclass on March 22 led by artist and Belhaven Alumni, Amelia Key. Artwork by Key will be on display in the Bitsy Irby Gallery from March 23 – April 6. The opening reception will be on March 23 from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Since graduating from Belhaven University, Key has worked in the gallery at the Craftsmen's Guild of Mississippi and as a fused/stained glass artisan at Pearl River Glass Studio while exhibiting her work across the Southeast. Key is a recent MFA graduate from the University of Oklahoma.

Key's show in our gallery will range from small sculptural pieces to large-scale installations made from colorful everyday objects. In addition to the gallery opening, Key will present a gallery talk and Masterclass on her artistic process on Friday, March 22.

For more information and to sign up for the masterclass, scan this QR code:
Amelia Key Masterclass QR code


All-State Strings Festival Concert

March 23, 3:00 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Mississippi All-State String Orchestra consists of talented pre-collegiate string students from all over Mississippi. This concert is the culmination of their two-day intensive orchestra training. Please come to support our young generation of talented Mississippi musicians.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 2:30 pm.


Wind Ensemble Concert

March 26, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Come and join us for an entertaining evening of music from all instrumental wind and percussion genres. This concert will feature the Belhaven University Wind Ensemble, performing music of the highest caliber, as well as other chamber wind and percussion ensembles.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm. Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


A Night of Broadway!

April 5-6, 7:30 pm
Blackbox Theatre

A Celebration of Musical Theatre
Co-Directed by Jeff Allen Young and Chrissy Hrivnak

With songs and scenes from recent Broadway hits, A Night of Broadway is sure to have something for everyone.

Tickets can be reserved by emailing boxoffice@belhaven.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at the door (if seats are still available). Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and BU Alumni, and complimentary for Belhaven students, faculty, and staff. Doors open 30 minutes prior to the performance time.


Student Composers Concert #30

April 5, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

The Belhaven Composers Forum invites you to participate in the profound and playful pursuit of premiering new compositions and improvisations. Join us for the creation of freshly fabricated compositions and inventive, interactive improvisations.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm. Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Mississippi Treblesong Honor Choir

April 6, 2:00 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

The Mississippi Treblesong Honor Choir consists of talented 7-12th grade vocalists from all over Mississippi. This concert is the culmination of their two-day intensive choral training with clinician Tiffany Richter from Wallace State University. Please come to support our young generation of talented Mississippi musicians.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 1:30 pm.


Mr. Casey Kirk, Faculty Percussion Recital

April 8, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

Come and join us as our Director of Bands presents his faculty percussion recital. Classical composers such as Schumann, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Khachaturyan will have their music featured, as well as prominent percussion composers John Beck, Ney Rousauro and Eric Sammut.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm.

Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Spring Dance Concert

April 11-13, 7 pm
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre

A showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble and members of DOXA. Styles include classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance.

General Admission $10, Seniors/Students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven Faculty/Staff/Students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30 pm. To reserve tickets, please email dancetickets@belhaven.edu.


Annual Student and Art Design Exhibition

April 13, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Run Dates: April 13 - Summer Break

The Art and Design department cordially invites the Belhaven University and greater Jackson community to The Annual Student Art and Design Exhibition reception to be held on April 13 from 2:00-4:00 pm in the Bitsy Irby Visual Art and Dance Center Gallery.

The Annual Student and Art Design Exhibition features work produced within the past year by students in the Art and Design Department. This exhibit is juried and curated by the faculty and reveals the diversity and range of disciplines taught in the department. None of the work included in this show was made for a class, but instead reflects the vision and expertise developed by each student as they pursue their various disciplines.

Gallery patrons will enjoy a wide variety of work ranging from the traditional fine art mediums of painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography to graphic design, digital illustration and two- and three-dimensional mixed media work.


I Still Believe

April 15, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

The Belhaven Chorale and Concert Choir present musical settings of Holocaust poetry, including “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” with texts by children from Theresienstadt and a setting of “Even When God is Silent, I still Believe” based on text found written on a concentration camp wall after World War II.

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7:00 pm.  Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


Best of Belhaven II & Music Awards

April 16, 7:30 pm
Center for the Arts Concert Hall

The Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester on one concert.  We will also present music awards to several of our talented majors. 

Complimentary admission. Doors open at 7 pm. Watch the livestream on the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.


people gathered at an art exhibit

A Celebrated Haven for Arts Education

Only 39 universities in the U.S. are accredited in all major arts. Belhaven is one. That means master classes, great performances, and national competitions. When you study art, dance, music, or theatre here, you’re earning a degree from a nationally recognized school for the arts.

See Our Accreditation

Verse of the Year

God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Philippians 2:13