The Wittenberg Series of distinguished lectures and artistic events enriches Wittenberg’s academic environment. Throughout the year, students may attend (free of charge) lectures by respected scholars and public figures, concerts by internationally recognized performers and art exhibits. Further, the university’s membership in the Cincinnati Council on World Affairs brings foreign affairs specialists to the campus each year.
Speakers brought to the campus address critical issues in public forums, lecture in classes, and meet informally with small groups of interested students and faculty members. Departmental colloquia (campus-wide symposia on specific topics) and the university chapel programs provide additional opportunities for interaction with wellknown scholars, theologians and political figures.
Notable among the distinguished authors, scholars, lecturers and performers who have recently visited campus are Sylvia Earle, James Burke, Stephen J. Gould, Cornel West, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David McCullough, Elie Wiesel, Athol Fugard, Eavan Boland, Kurt Vonnegut, John Updike, The Parsons Dance Company, Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Emanuel Ax, The Emerson String Quartet, Chanticleer, the Acting Company, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. All were impressed with the intellectual interests and friendliness of Wittenberg students, the dedication of the faculty, the beauty of the campus and the support of the community.
Music, Theatre, Art and Dance
Wittenberg has a very active music program that is available to all students and includes special courses designed to develop creative listening, musical literacy and appreciation of music within a broader cultural context. Private music lessons are open to all students, as is participation in music ensembles, including the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Brass Choir, Flute Choir, Wittenberg Choir, Chapel Choir, Handbell Choir, Opera Studio, Kalliopé and Wittenberg Singers. A wide variety of concerts and recitals is presented on campus each year.
Dedicated to the study, development and practice of theatre, Wittenberg’s University Theatre serves as a center of activity for all interested students. Each year it presents a series of main stage productions designed and directed by faculty members, in addition to another series of plays designed and directed by students. Productions of recent years include Tartuffe, An Enemy of the People, Little Shop of Horrors, Dancing at Lughnasa, Hay Fever, Two Gentlemen of Verona, You Never Can Tell and The Glass Menagerie. In addition to its productions, the university Theatre offers an academic major and two minors in theatre. Participation in all productions and theatre classes is open to non-majors as well as majors. In addition to department activities, there is a student improvisation theatre group called Pocket Lint.
The Ann Miller Gallery in Koch Hall hosts rotating exhibits of professional and student art.
