Unleash your creative potential at Mount Saint Joseph University. Join the MSJ Renaissance program to enrich your understanding of the human experience, expand your potential, and improve your critical thinking. Regardless of your major, pursue your passion in the performing, visual, or written arts. Our Renaissance programs provide real-world experiences and opportunities for personal growth in a close-knit community.
Students paint a cicada mural

Art Guild
Students perform a play on stage

Theatre
Students perform in an orchestra on stage

Band
theatre

writers block

peak productions

choir

Join the MSJ Renaissance

  MSJ Choir
MSJ Choir offers many opportunities for all students, regardless of their major, to continue singing in college and earn scholarship money! Our ensembles perform during our four on-campus concerts per year, at special Masses, University special events, and in the community during our spring concert tour.
Our main ensemble is The University Singers, a non-audition SATB choir with over 40 members and counting. This ensemble requires no audition nor prior experience in singing. One simply needs to register for the course to become a member. In addition, we offer Chamber Singers, an auditioned SATB ensemble, pop a cappella, and opportunities to perform in musical theatre productions. All are welcome to “Perform at the Mount!” Please contact David.Castillo@msj.edu for more information. Find more on MSJ Choir here.
  MSJ Theatre Arts
Theatre has a long-standing tradition at Mount St Joseph University, and MSJ Theatre Arts is proud to be a part of it. At MSJ Theatre Arts we believe theatre is for everyone. All students are welcome to participate regardless of their major. If you have a passion for theatre or would like to develop theatre skills MSJ is the place for you. Please Lauren.Carr@msj.edu for more information. Find more on MSJ Theatre Arts here.
  MSJ University Bands
MSJ University Bands is open to all MSJ Students. We perform for Concerts, Athletic Events, and University Ceremonies. Student Performers are eligible for up to $1000 a year through our Performing Arts Grant. Please contact Mark.McCafferty@msj.edu for more information. Find more on MSJ University Bands here.
  Art Guild

The Art Guild is a hands-on art making experience. Members of the class will be completing public art projects both on and off campus. The Art Guild provides students with the opportunity to work on individual and group projects in areas of their expertise and interest. Enrollment in the group is open to all MSJ students by instructor approval. Please contact kurt.grannan@msj.edu for more information. Find more on Art Guild here.

  Peak Productions

Peak Productions is your opportunity to learn about video production in the field. You get real world, hands on experience which is the best way to build good production value and storytelling skills. Set yourself apart from the Instagram crowd and elevate your videos by joining today. Please contact Bevin.Blankenbuehler@msj.edu for more information. Find more on Peak Productions here.

  Writer's Block
Students will collaborate with lead faculty in workshopping their creative writing. They will also showcase their writing in publications and performances and by participating in other community projects. Please contact brian.whalen@msj.edu for more information. Find more on Writer's Block here.
$1,000 Renaissance
$ Mission Ambassador
$ MOSAIC Scholar
$ Lion’s First

Mission Ambassadors

Incoming students; interested in serving as student campus ministers through the Center for Mission & Belonging. Students applying must be actively involved in a faith tradition and exhibit an openness to persons of other faith traditions. 

MOSAIC Scholars

This program supports high-achieving students who commit to showing respect and concern for all persons and an appreciation for all cultures and beliefs.

Lion’s First

First-generation college students who participate in the Lions 1st Scholars Community as first-year students or mentors.

MSJ Renaissance logo

The School of Arts & Sciences programs at Mount St. Joseph University allow you to broaden your understanding of the human experience, enrich your own potential, and sharpen your critical thinking and communication skills through the MSJ Renaissance Awards. Students of any major can earn a $500 per semester award through participation in the arts, including: Art Guild, MSJ Choir, MSJ Theatre Arts, MSJ University Bands, Peak Productions, or Writer's Block. 

These programs also place a large emphasis on visual and performing arts. See the opportunities below for how you can get involved to unleash your creative potential. 

MSJ Renaissance Awards

MSJ Renaissance: $500-$1000 per year. Planned participation in: Art Guild, MSJ Choir, MSJ Theatre Arts, MSJ University Bands, Peak Productions, or Writer's Block. Students may only receive one award, regardless of participation in multiple groups. Does not require a separate application. Visit the Scholarships page for more details.

Launch Experience

Virtual tour view of Theatre

Theatre has a long-standing tradition at Mount St Joseph University, and MSJ Theatre Arts is proud to be a part of it. At MSJ Theatre Arts we believe theatre is for everyone.

Enrichment facilities

  Mater Dei Chapel
Mater Dei Chapel
  Media Room (peak)
Media Room (peak)
  Music Practice Room
Music Practice Room
  Recital Hall
Recital Hall
  Studio San Guiseppe

Gallery Exhibitions 2025-2026

MAY 3 – AUGUST 25, 2025

MSJ Student Art Exhibition

Features selected art and design student works that represent the best of the Mount’s Art & Design programs.

Gallery Closing Reception: Monday, August 25, 4:00 – 6:30 pm

Awards Recognition 5:30 pm

Mid-Semester Holiday: Friday, October 3, 2025 (Gallery Closed)

SEPTEMBER 12 – OCTOBER 15, 2025

Artists of the Pendleton – featuring artists that call the Pendleton home

Artists: up to 25

Artists of the Pendleton will be a celebration of the wide variety of artists that call their studio home “The Pendleton.” This spectacular exhibit will feature artworks created by Greater Cincinnati regional artists. The artists of the Pendleton will submit up to five pieces of artwork to be juried. The SSG gallery will choose the artists and their work to be featured. The Pendleton houses over 200 artists and the SSG gallery is proud to present a curated collection of the work. All submitted artwork must be ready to hang – either framed or wired canvas.

Gallery Reception:  Sunday, September 21, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm

Thanksgiving Recess: November 22 – 30, 2025 (Gallery Closed)

NOVEMBER 1 – DECEMBER 3, 2025

Selections 2025

The 22nd biennial exhibition and awards gala spotlighting art works created by talented area high school students as selected by their art teachers. The high school students will have the opportunity to apply for four scholarships – two senior and two junior awards.

Gallery Ceremony & Reception: Sunday, November 2, 2025 Awards Ceremony at 1:00pm in Theatre with Gallery Reception from 2:00-4:00pm in the Studio San Giuseppe Gallery

Semester Break: December 11, 2025 – January 5, 2026 (Gallery Closed)

Martin Luther King Holiday: Monday, January 19, 2026 (Gallery Closed)

JANUARY 22 – MARCH 18, 2026

Cultural Tradition & Artistic Voices

Artists: Names of artists in CAS

Studio San Giuseppe Gallery is excited to present the Creative Asian Society for an extended exhibition highlighting the Asian influences in the Greater Cincinnati area. The exhibition will feature artists from a variety of regional backgrounds providing an expanded look at the artistic voices of non-western artists, geographical areas, and stylistic traditions. Artists will be providing workshops to MSJ art and design students throughout the exhibition.

Theatre Presentation and Reception: Saturday, February 7, 1:00 – 4:00 pm (tentative)

Artist Talk and Reception: Sunday, March 1, 2:00 – 4:00pm

Mid-Semester Holiday: February 13 - 15, 2026 (Gallery Closed)

Spring Break, March 7 – March 15, 2026: (Gallery Closed)

Easter Holiday: April 3 – 6, 2026 (Gallery Closed)

MARCH 23– MARCH 31, 2026

Art Guild Egg Auction Show

Luncheon and Auction: Wednesday, March 25, time is TBD 

APRIL 13 – APRIL 28, 2026

2026 Senior Thesis Degree Exhibition:

Artworks and Design Projects created by Art Education, Fine Art,

and Graphic Design Candidates

Comprehensive works that reflect the culmination of studies in each student’s major area of concentration and serve as a bridge to professional careers in the visual arts and design field.

Gallery Opening Reception: Friday, April 17, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

 MAY 8 – SEPTEMBER 4, 2026

MSJ Student Art Exhibition

Features selected art and design student works that represent the best of the Mount’s Art & Design programs.

Gallery Closing Reception: Friday, September 4, 4:00 – 6:30 pm 

Awards Recognition 5:30 pm

 

 

  University Theatre
University Theatre

Enrichment Adjacent Mount Moment features

Noah Douglas

Noah Douglas

Liberal Arts/Computer Science NLP Major

“I think that it is amazing that the Mount offers these awards and gives students who are creative in some way a chance to express that creativity while being supported. Writing, not purely for a class but writing freely, is a part of me, and I like the ability to have that expressed in my education.”

Mitchell Reveal

Mitchell Reveal

“I want to try more video projects after taking Digital Video Production in my sophomore fall semester. Bevin recommended Peak Productions to me and I decided to give it a go in the next semester and fell in love with it. While we are given suggestions and pointers to help improve the production, the show is ours to create! Everything is very hands-on, and we are given the chance to work with different pieces of equipment and be in different positions.”

Macy Ilg

Macy Ilg

“Originally, I decided to join Peak Productions because my academic advisor recommended it to me and it also qualifies for the Renaissance Scholarship. I ended up loving it so much and I have continued to come back since then! My favorite part about Peak Productions is the hands-on experience with cameras and equipment. I love going out and shooting videos with the team to include in the Morning Minute as well as running the Instagram account!”