Performing Arts
Let Your Creativity Flourish at Iona
Iona’s performing arts program gives students a platform to showcase their creativity, cultivate their passion for the arts and bolster school spirit.
Our performing arts program encourages students from all academic disciplines to get involved and sing, dance, act and play an instrument in one of our spirit and performing arts opportunities. Participating in one of our performance groups is a great opportunity to take a break from your educational responsibilities, explore your artistic interests and connect with your fellow students.
If you have a love for performing and wish to share your talents with the world, Iona’s performing arts program is the place for you!
Round Out Your Student Experience with Performing Arts
In this video, Kelly Beyrer, director of Performing Arts, speaks to the bonds students form through pursuing their interests in performing arts. With new spaces on our Bronxville Campus, Iona continues to expand opportunities so that every student has a chance to get involved while pursuing their academic studies.
I love the atmosphere at Iona. Since I have a performing arts and athletic scholarship, I am offered vocal lessons, which have given me a better opportunity to grow and strengthen my singing technique.
-Aidan Carpenter '27, singer-songwriter and Division I athlete
Read More about Aidan's Debut Album
Unlock Your Performing Potential
Express Yourself
At Iona, you are free to be you. Joining one of our performing arts organizations allows you to refine your skills, share your talents with the campus community and cultivate meaningful friendships during your college experience.
Enhance Your College Experience
Exploring your interests and participating in extracurricular activities is an important part of your time at college. By becoming an active member of one of our performing arts groups, you will hone your craft and meet new people. Bonding with your classmates who share similar interests is an excellent way to cultivate lasting friendships that endure beyond your time at Iona.
Perform On and Off Campus
As an active member of our performing arts groups, you have the exciting opportunity to perform at Iona events like Homecoming, Commencement and athletic events and compete in intercollegiate competitions, all while raising school spirit and making lasting memories.
With our idyllic location only 20 miles from New York City, Iona’s New Rochelle campus is just a train ride away from one of the premier performing arts capitals in the world, providing students with the opportunity to show off their talents at iconic venues like Radio City Music Hall or exciting events like the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
With Iona being such a close community, I can be involved in so much! Being involved on the Iona dance team really elevated my experience here.
-Ariana Rodriguez '24, Education major
Read More about Ariana
Iona’s Spirit and Performance Arts Groups
Iona Dance Team
Join the Iona University Dance Team to boost Gael spirit at sporting events and Homecoming, engage the community by performing at service and fundraising events and compete at the prestigious Universal Dance Association (UDA) College Nationals.
Iona BSU Dance Experience
The BSU Dance Experience is a HBCU-style dance team that promotes Gael Spirit on campus. Performing at events such Iona basketball games, Homecoming and the Black Student Union's Culture Show, the BSU Dance Experience brings the fire and the groove to Iona University Performing Arts.
Iona Cheerleading
Develop your cheer, dance and tumbling skills by becoming a part of the Iona University Cheerleading team. You’ll take part in cheering on Iona’s athletes on to victory and supporting our school spirit and traditions while showcasing your talents at the Universal Cheer Association (UCA) College Nationals.
Iona Pep Band
Since 2015, the Iona Pep Band has united musicians from different musical backgrounds to spread Gael pride at all of Iona’s home basketball games, campus events and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament.
Iona Irish Dance
Show off your Gael pride by joining the Iona Irish Dance group. As a member, you will have the opportunity to perform at campus events and intercollegiate competitions and continue developing your technique and talents.
Iona Pipe Band
Founded in 1966, the Iona University Pipe Band has been an important part of upholding our school tradition and garnered many awards. Our pipe band proudly participates in major campus events and parades in the tri-state area.
Iona Players
For the chance to nurture your love of theatre and enhance your technical skills, become a part of the Iona Players. You’ll have the opportunity to perform in a variety of productions and learn under professional direction, all while entertaining the Iona community and surrounding public.
Iona Singers
Join the Iona Singers to explore your musical expressions and share your voice with the world. As an Iona singer, you’ll perform at musical productions and campus events, including Commencement and Homecoming. In 2022, the Singers were the opening act for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
Killian the Gael
As a longstanding figure of Iona’s school spirit, Killian the Gael shows his support at campus celebrations, Iona games, community events and the MAAC & NCAA Basketball Tournaments.
Sing the National Anthem at an Iona Gaels Game
Iona students are invited to sing the national anthem at home basketball games.
To learn more about what we look for in applicants, the application process and performance attire, review the frequently asked questions prior to applying.
Audition Process
Students interested in dance, music, theatre and spirit opportunities through Iona’s performing arts program should review the audition process for further information. Please note that auditions are for grant consideration purposes only and do not affect your standing in the performing arts program of your choice.
Academic Programs in the Arts
Those interested in pursuing the arts in an academic context should consider adding a minor from our Arts & Languages Department.
Iona's arts programs include:
Connect with Iona Performing Arts on Social Media
Iona’s performing arts program provides students with exciting extracurricular opportunities, where they can travel, enter intercollegiate competitions and have a blast connecting with their fellow classmates.
Explore our performance art groups’ social media to see what our students have been up to:
Contact Us
Connect with Kelly McKenna Beyrer ’16MA, director of Performing Arts at Iona, via email at performingarts@Iona.edu.
Request Information
To learn more about performing arts at Iona, request information today.
Find Out what an Iona Education Can Do For You
Visit Campus
Our scenic campuses, located just 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, truly do offer the best of both worlds.
Let us show you around, answer your questions and give you a feel of our tight-knit community.
Apply Today
If you're considering applying to Iona, you're not alone! Since 2019, our new-student enrollment is up nearly 40%. Additionally, 99% of our first-year students receive institutional scholarships or grant aid.
Request More Information
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