College of the Arts
Who We Are
Just 12 miles from New York City, the College of the Arts (CART) combines an exceptional arts education with unparalleled access to one of the world鈥檚 leading performing arts and creative capitals, preparing you for a future onstage, onscreen or behind the scenes. If you aspire to work under the bright lights of Broadway, perform at Carnegie Hall or be part of New York Fashion week, Montclair's programs will prepare you to succeed.
Find the program that fits your creative path
Programs to choose from: Dozens of pathways to follow your creative passions.
Explore our programs in art, design, music, theatre, dance and interdisciplinary study.
John J. Cali School of Music
Explore our conservatory-level music school and programs.
Art and Design
Imagine your creative future as an artist or designer.
Why College of the Arts at Montclair?
When you choose 糖心vlog鈥檚 College of the Arts, you are choosing a state-designated 鈥淐enter of Excellence in the Arts鈥 with national accreditation in all arts disciplines.
Learn by Doing
At Montclair, your creative ambition meets opportunity. As an arts student, you learn by doing 鈥 through performances, exhibitions, productions and other hands-on experiences. Our graduates turn their creative ambition into real careers鈥攐n television and Broadway tours, in community theatres and concert venues, at fashion houses, design studios, art galleries, museums, media companies, and beyond.
Award-winning Faculty and Industry-renowned Guests
Our faculty and staff bring professional expertise, creative practices and a deep commitment to your growth. They provide training, mentorship and opportunities to shape your creative future.
- Learn from Grammy-winning artists, composers and performers at the John J. Cali School of Music.
- Develop your passion for theatre and dance on stage and behind the scenes through guidance from credentialed industry professionals.
- Learn from globally recognized stage performers, such as the Royal Shakespeare Company.
- Create art, photography, illustrations, fashion using some of the latest equipment and tools available.
Spectacular Opportunities
The College of the Arts is committed to making an impact on local communities through dynamic partnerships, projects and performances.
Working with the Best
鈥Having the Royal Shakespeare Company residency is a testament to the transformative power of this collaboration. Each year, our students deepen their understanding of Shakespeare鈥檚 language and performance through the RSC鈥檚 extraordinary teaching."
- Daniel Gurskis, CART Dean
Spaces that Support Serious Creative Work
Tour the studios, stages, galleries, rehearsal rooms, and production environments where you get to learn and create
Performance Spaces
Alexander Kasser Theater, home to many student-led and professional theater and musical productions.
Jed Leshowitz Recital Hall, which accommodates large ensembles and opera performances and has hosted many Grammy-winning artists alongside students.
Memorial Auditorium, a 988-seat venue where students learn, create, design, and perform, gaining hands-on experience in the kinds of professional venues they will encounter throughout their careers.
The L. Howard Fox Theatre, an intimate black box that has hosted everything from plays to large-cast musicals.
Studios and Laboratories
The David Ott Lab for Music and Health, an innovative space for research and education on the role of digital music technologies in the promotion of human wellbeing, complete with a recording studio, DJ station and more, equipped with the latest recording tools and technology.
Specialized studio facilities for animation/illustration, visual communication design, fashion, photography, ceramics, drawing, painting, 2D and 3D studios, and mixed use workspaces.
Studios and teaching laboratories for ballet, modern, and experimental dance students.
Galleries and Display Spaces
Finley Gallery, which spotlights a variety of exhibitions by Art and Design students and serves as a center for pedagogical and artistic excellence and creativity.
University Galleries, which includes the George Segal Gallery and the Kasser Theater Lobby, showcase diverse art exhibitions and programs that educate and connect Montclair鈥檚 campus community and the public.
鈥淚 made my first quilt while I was at Montclair. That was the moment when I realized I could use my love of sewing and textiles 鈥 and combine that with my drawing and painting skills in order to make art.鈥
Bisa Butler, 鈥05
Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)
Fiber Artist
鈥淲hat sets Montclair apart is how intentionally it bridges the gap between training and the industry. You鈥檙e not just learning in a classroom, you鈥檙e building the discipline, collaboration, and professional mindset that actually translates as an actor."
Josh Dela Cruz, 鈥11
Theatre & Dance
Host of Nickelodeon鈥檚 鈥淏lue鈥檚 Clues & You!鈥
News and Announcements
Have Questions? We鈥檙e Here to Help.
Whether you鈥檙e exploring programs, preparing for auditions or portfolio review, planning a visit, or looking to partner with us, we would love to hear from you. and a member of our team will follow up with you.
- Student Services and Recruitment Coordinator
- Academic Advisor, College of the Arts