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Arts & Humanities

Undergraduate Programs

Create, perform, analyze, and communicate meaning—across music, theatre, art, history, language, and digital expression.

We Prepare You

Guided by our belief that knowledge and wisdom are given by God and that human expression reflects our God-given creative potential, the Arts & Humanities Department aspires to cultivate a community of creative and critical thinkers. Inspiring and equipping students in the disciplines of Communication, History, Language Arts, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts prepares students to glorify God by loving and serving their neighbors, illuminating their communities with talents and truth.

Arts & Humanities at MNU includes music, theatre and English areas of study. Professors provide opportunities for students to learn, grow and experience human culture and self expression in coursework, experiential activities and performance.

Get Started at MNU

A man writing in a notebook with a pen next to an open laptop.
Narrative Studies
Preparing students to create and evaluate stories across literature, film, performing arts, and ministry.
Students on stage performing a play
Theatre
Acting, producing, directing, or writing plays
Hands raised in worship
Music & Worship
Lead God's people in worship musically, theologically, spiritually, practically, & technically
Orchestra playing on stage
Music
Study elements of pitch, melody, harmony, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, and texture
Students around a table studying a map
History
Study people, events, places & ideas that comprise human history
Shelf of books
English
Reading, writing, interpreting, analyzing & critical thinking
Theatre teacher and students reading scripts
Speech/ Theatre Education
Develop creative abilities & effective communication skills
Teacher and students in music class
Music Education
Teach foundational & advanced concepts in music
Books on a shelf
Social Studies & History / Government Education
Empower citizens to be come change-agents in our society
Books on a shelf
English Language Arts Education
Share your love of the English language & literature with students
Student operating a sound board at a sports game
Digital Communication
Express creativity for the benefit of cultures and communities
Dr. Christopher M. Smith, Director
Symphonic Choir

Symphonic Choir is an auditioned large ensemble meeting Monday evenings. Symphonic Choir presents large choral masterworks performed with orchestra. Recent works include choruses from Handel’s Messiah, Vivaldi’s Gloria, Mozart’s Regina Coeli, and Schubert’s Mass in G.

Heritage Choir

Heritage Choir is an auditioned ensemble representing a wide range of majors. It meets MWF afternoons and performs for most choral concerts. Repertoire includes historic masterworks, contemporary music, multicultural music, Broadway shows, vocal jazz, and gospel. Heritage Choir sang in New York’s Carnegie Hall in March 2011 and in the National Capitol Choral Festival in Washington, DC in May 2013. Members participate in Symphonic Choir.

Apostellō Worship

Apostellō Worship is a small, auditioned ensemble of drums, bass, keyboard, guitar, and vocals, producing music in popular/modern styles for Christian worship, providing musical worship leadership in Chapel worship services on campus and in church gatherings in the community.

Facebook: MNUChoirs Instagram: MNUChoirs  Youtube: MNUChoirs

Concert Band

Concert Band is a large ensemble of wind and percussion instruments that meets MWF afternoons. This ensemble performs a mixture of standard band repertoire and new repertoire by current composers. Periodically, chamber wind music is also performed using select members from this group. Directed by Dr. Luke D. Johnson

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble is comprised of standard big band instrumentation. This ensemble performs a wide variety of styles, including Swing, Latin, Funk, Rock, Fusion, and Bebop. Ensemble members incorporate improvisation and appropriate idiomatic styles into the performance practice of this group. Directed by Professor Doug Talley and Dr. Luke D. Johnson

Pep Band

The MNU Pep Band plays at home Football and Basketball games in support of our athletic teams. Directed by Dr. Luke D. Johnson

Drumline

The Drumline performs with the MNU Pep Band at home Football and Basketball games. Additionally, they support other athletic teams when possible and perform at functions across campus and in the community. Directed by Brandon Graves

Chamber Orchestra

Chamber Orchestra includes Violin, Viola, Cello, and String Bass and performs a variety of works from classical and baroque, to modern selections. Directed by Katina Bilberry

Olathe Community Orchestra

MNU partners with our local community orchestra to provide students an opportunity to play in a classical full orchestra. This ensemble is open to all string players. Wind and Percussion players may have opportunities to participate when instrumentation needs arise with the approval of the director. Contact Dr. Luke D. Johnson for information.

Facebook: MNUOrchestra, MNUBands

Instagram: MNUOrchestra, MNUBands

Youtube: MNUChoirs, MNUBands

Heather Tinker, MA, Director
Theatre Productions

The Theatre Department offers at least four productions each year including musicals and plays performing in the 500-seat Mabee Auditorium or the intimate Sunderland Black Box Theatre. Our improv teams perform monthly and we host several campus-wide events each year, such as Live Clue and a Swing Dance fundraiser. MNU Theatre is a proud participant in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival every year where students have the opportunity to compete for scholarships and audition for professional theatres. Visit our social media for rehearsal and show photos of recent productions!

Spark MNU Arts Camp

The Spark of an idea can change the world, especially when expressed through the stage and screen. That’s what Spark MNU Arts Camp is all about: helping students find their voice and expertly expressing it through professional-level technology and hands-on workshops.

For more information click the link above.

Facebook: MNU Theatre; Instagram: mnutheatre; X: @mnu_theatre; TikTok: @mnutheatre; YouTube: ; YouTube: @mnu_theatre5654

Aaron Bohn, MFA, Instructor
MidAmerica Student Film Festival

Open to current MNU students and current high school students, the MidAmerica Film Festival offers young filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their unique voices and cinematic expressions in a setting meant to engage, encourage, and empower one another in a creative arts community.

Just want to watch the chosen films? The Film Festival is open and free to the public. All are welcome.

Submission categories: Comedy, Drama, and Documentary

To register, view the official rules and media requirements, please click the link above.

Spark MNU Arts Camp

The Spark of an idea can change the world, especially when expressed through the stage and screen. That’s what Spark MNU Arts Camp is all about: helping students find their voice and expertly expressing it through professional-level technology and hands-on workshops.

For more information click the link above.

MNU Arts & Humanities department offers two scholarship opportunities: Music and Theatre. Music major scholarships and/or music ensemble participation scholarships are available to exceptional students who complete the Music Scholarship Application Form and perform a successful audition. Theatre major scholarships are available to exceptional students who complete the Theatre Scholarship Application Form and perform a successful audition.

The audition experience is an opportunity for prospective students to demonstrate their level of musical/theatrical skill in the prospective student’s major (and possibly secondary) performance area, and meet the faculty.

Audition Dates

All upcoming auditions are in person on the campus of MidAmerica. If you are unable to come to campus, please get in touch with us at performingarts@mnu.edu.

Audition dates for 2025-2026 are as follows:

  • Friday, October 10, 2025
  • Saturday, November 15, 2025
  • Wednesday, November 19, 2025
  • Monday, January 19, 2026
  • Friday, February 13, 2026
  • Saturday, February 21, 2026
  • Saturday, March 7, 2026
  • Saturday, March 28, 2026
  • Saturday, April 18, 2026
  • Friday, May 8, 2026 *Special Invitation to High School Juniors
Music Audition Requirements
  • Fill out Music Scholarship Application Form.
  • Prepare a solo piece which best demonstrates skills in the primary performance area. Vocal selections should be memorized, and there is no requirement to sing in a foreign language.
  • At the scheduled audition, demonstrate fundamental musical knowledge through a variety of diagnostic exercises, including sight-reading.
  • Optional: Prepare one solo piece in a secondary performance area.
  • Percussionists perform on at least two instruments: snare drum, timpani, keyboard percussion, drumset.
Additional Requirements for Music Majors​
  • Perform a second solo piece in a style contrasting to the first.
  • If not primarily a pianist, demonstrate proficiency, if any, at the piano.
  • If not primarily a vocalist, sing a song of your choice.
Theatre Audition Requirements​​
  • Fill out Theatre Scholarship Application Form
  • ​Prepare two contrasting 90 second monologues OR a 32-bar musical theatre piece and one 90 second monologue
  • At the scheduled audition, be prepared to share your theatre experience and cold read from several scripts

The Community Arts Academy

Serving our community through musical training and experiences, helping participants develop musical skills and a love of music, while providing MNU students studying the pedagogy of music an opportunity to teach and gain real-life experience is our mission. Join us!



JOIN HERE
JOIN HERE

Join In Supporting The Arts

Friends of the Performing Arts exists to promote, support and encourage students in MNU Performing Arts programs—Music (instrumental, vocal, worship) and Theatre. Choose from Single or Couple Memberships.



JOIN HERE
JOIN HERE
Spark MNU Arts Camp logo

Spark MNU Arts Camp

The Spark of an idea can change the world, especially when expressed through the stage and screen. That’s what Spark MNU Arts Camp is all about: helping students find their voice and expertly expressing it through professional-level technology and hands-on workshops.

LEARN MORE
LEARN MORE

MidAmerica Jazz Clinic

This event is a performance opportunity for any middle school or high school jazz ensemble or jazz combo. The focus will be on an education-based performance and clinic, promoting a positive experience and developing musicianship in the jazz idiom.

Learn More
Learn More

Sousa Band Audition Clinic

This event is a performance opportunity for any middle school or high school jazz ensemble or jazz combo. The focus will be on an education-based performance and clinic, promoting a positive experience and developing musicianship in the jazz idiom.

Learn More
Learn More

KMEA Audition Clinic

This event is a performance opportunity for any middle school or high school jazz ensemble or jazz combo. The focus will be on an education-based performance and clinic, promoting a positive experience and developing musicianship in the jazz idiom.

Learn More
Learn More

Events

MNU Improv 2/28
Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre
Feb 28, 2026 @ 7:30pm
to Feb 28, 2026 @ 9:00pm
The MNU Improv team presents monthly shows on campus. Games and lines are made up on the spot based on your suggestions!
MNU Chamber Orchestra | A New Beginning
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Mar 1, 2026 @ 3:30pm
to Mar 1, 2026 @ 4:30pm
MNU’s Chamber Orchestra will feature the winner of our 1st annual concerto competition in a joint concert with the Olathe Community Orchestra.
MNU Concert Band | From Sea to Sky
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Mar 7, 2026 @ 6:00pm
to Mar 7, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Experience an evening of captivating music, featuring compositions inspired by God’s creation. From Sea to Sky will include renowned composers, Grace Baugher Dunlap, Viet Cuong, and Cait Nishimura, among others. There’s also a rumor that music from a classic film score involving battles in outer space might also be heard…come to find out!
MNU Choirs | Messiah
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Mar 8, 2026 @ 3:30pm
to Mar 8, 2026 @ 5:30pm
Join us for a stirring full performance of Handel’s timeless masterpiece, Messiah—the greatest story ever told, brought to life through one of the most beloved musical settings of all time.
MNU Theatre | Charlotte's Web
Bell Cultural Events Center - Sunderland Black Box Theatre
Mar 26, 2026 @ 7:30pm
to Mar 29, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Watch this beloved children’s novel by E.B. White and adapted by Joseph Robinette come to life on the stage. Featuring all your favorite characters, Charlotte’s Web will be a heart-warming performance enjoyable for the whole family! The Sunderland Black Box Theatre will be transformed into a barnyard where you can watch Wilbur and Charlotte’s story unfold.
MNU Percussion Ensemble | Percussion Show 2026
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Apr 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
to Apr 11, 2026 @ 9:00pm
Enjoy an evening of percussive music, featuring the MNU Percussion Studio. They will perform a variety of percussion ensemble pieces including mallet and battery instruments, drum set, and even your MNU Drumline! You won’t want to miss this exciting performance.
MAX Improv 4/16
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Apr 16, 2026 @ 9:00pm
to Apr 16, 2026 @ 10:30pm
The MNU Improv team presents monthly shows on campus. Games and lines are made up on the spot based on your suggestions!
MNU Jazz Ensemble | Jazz-a-Que 2026
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Apr 18, 2026 @ 6:00pm
to Apr 18, 2026 @ 8:00pm
We're excited to announce our annual Jazz-a-Que at MidAmerica Nazarene University on Saturday, April 18, featuring the MNU Jazz Ensemble. A barbeque meal will accompany the entertainment, with proceeds supporting our instrumental music program.
MNU Combined Ensembles | Let Everything That Has Breath
Bell Cultural Events Center - Mabee Performing Arts Hall
Apr 26, 2026 @ 3:30pm
to Apr 26, 2026 @ 5:00pm
Join us as we present our final concert of the season and honor graduating Performing Arts seniors in the MNU Concert Band, MNU Heritage Choir, MNU Symphonic Choir, and MNU Chamber Orchestra.

The Pioneer Pledge

Peace of Mind for Your Future

Concern about paying back student loans is common. That’s why we provide the Pioneer Pledge, our loan repayment assistance program. If your income is modest after graduation, Pioneer Pledge assists with your educational loan repayments. Learn more on our financial aid pages.

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LEARN MORE

Navigate Your Artistic Journey

Find the arts & humanities program that’s right for you. Talk to your MNU team to customize your journey.

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Dr. Abby Hodges

Vice President for Academic Affairs

PhD; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
MS; Organic Chemistry, Yale University 
BS; Chemistry, Denison University

Dr. Hodges began her career in higher education at Azusa Pacific University as a chemistry professor from 2008 to 2014. She then moved to MNU where she taught and in 2018 was appointed Chair of the Department of Natural, Health, and Mathematical Sciences. From 2022-2023, before accepting the Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Hodges was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Dr. Hodges’ career research has focused on protein folding and protein engineering, and she has mentored over twenty students in these research projects. She has also furthered the MNU first-year experience program and chaired the General Education committee for five years. Dr. Hodges was recognized as the MNU Faculty of the Year in 2021.

Dr. Hodges lives in Olathe with her husband Ryan and two boys.

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