School of
Arts and
Humanities
Express Your Creativity. Embrace Your Passion.
Go beyond basic. The Elizabethtown College School of Arts and Humanities is where creativity, personalized mentorship, and immersive experiences come together to build a fulfilling life and career. You’ll learn to embrace new ideas, sharpen your skills, and make a difference in the world. We’ll help guide you, by giving you the knowledge and resources to make your vision a reality.
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Programs
Located At the Center of Arts and Culture
Experience the vibrant arts and culture scene at Elizabethtown College, where we offer music, theatre, and dance performances that are open to the public. Located conveniently near major arts organizations in Lancaster and Harrisburg, our college provides an ideal setting for students seeking performance opportunities and diverse cultural experiences. Located within a three-hour drive of New York City, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Philadelphia, our program offers constant exposure to the arts. You'll have the chance to immerse yourself in cultural offerings while still enjoying personalized attention and opportunities for public performances in the local area.
School Resources
The School of Arts & Humanities offers pathways to exploration and discovery supported by the guidance of dedicated faculty. They are the advocates of your success and further create a learning atmosphere where students are able to become artists, musicians, and scholars. Our students are active citizens and innovators. It all begins when you take the plunge and make the choice to walk through our doors. Explore the facilities and dynamic spaces where your art and academic work will come to life at Etown.
Our Music Department is home to an array of exceptional performance venues and rehearsal spaces. These facilities cater to a wide range of musical activities, from ensemble performances to individual practice sessions, supporting both students and community members. The majority of music courses and rehearsals take place in Zug Memorial Hall, featuring numerous studios, classrooms, and practice rooms, complemented by instrument lockers and lounges. Each rehearsal space is fully outfitted for, including a mix of upright and studio grand pianos, state-of-the-art sound equipment, and presentation podiums. The Practice Rooms offer partial soundproofing and are equipped with upright pianos, available for both scheduled and spontaneous practice sessions. Our main rehearsal and performance venues have Steinway pianos; including two Model Bs in the Recital Hall and a Model D (Concert Grand) in Leffler Chapel and Performance Center, the campus's largest performance space. Leffler Chapel serves as the go-to venue for all major presentations and performances, including a cappella shows, and band and choir performances.
Students pursuing Fine Art or Graphic Design are able to engage with professional art exhibitions even without stepping foot off campus. The Hess Gallery and the Lyet Gallery, both showcase the works of national and international artists, reflecting a broad scope of contemporary art. These galleries also offer a platform for students to exhibit their own creations, fostering an environment of creativity and exchange.
In addition to exhibition spaces, the college is equipped with specialized studios for hands-on learning and creation. The Ceramics Studio is a dedicated space where students explore the art of clay, mastering various techniques in molding, throwing and glazing. This facility has an in-house kiln where students are able to see their projects through to completion and learn advanced techniques.
For those inclined toward paint or drawing as a medium, the Paint Studio and Drawing Studio offer vibrant environments for students to express themselves. Furthermore, the Mac Labs, located on the second floor of Steinman Hall, provide access to advanced software and tools essential for contemporary graphic design projects and are open for students to use at their leisure.
Meet the Dean
Dr. Kevin Shorner-Johnson
Dr. Kevin Shorner-Johnson is the Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Elizabethtown College. Dean Kevin Shorner-Johnson’s scholarship focuses on the intersection of peacebuilding and music education. His Music & Peacebuilding podcast was recognized by Medium as one of the top 20 best podcasts on peacebuilding, and in 2018 he was named a "Peacemaker in our Midst" by the World Affairs Council of Harrisburg.
