Sponsored jointly by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the College of the Arts and Communication, the Performing and Literary Arts Track is a cross-disciplinary program for students interested in one or more aspects of literary or theatrical achievement.

The track is ideal for:

• Students of all levels. The literary component is open to students of all majors. The theatrical component is open to majors in Art, English, and Music. In order to complete the theatrical component, students in other majors must complete a 21- credit concentration in Theatre (offered through the Communication Department) prior to completing the honors track. (PLEASE NOTE: the 21-credit theatre concentration requirement is a pre-requisite only for the theatrical component, and only for students other than majors in Art, English, and Music.)

 How does the track operate?
Students in the track may select either a theatrical or literary focus. Students choosing the Theatrical focus concentrate on one or more of the following: acting, script writing, directing, production, and music composition or music arrangement as it relates to theatrical production. With the approval of the track coordinator, students select five courses in preparation for a public performance. The outcome of the track is the performance itself--a play or solo performance--held on campus and open to the college community and the community-at-large.

Students choosing a literary focus will work to complete a manuscript of 50-100 pages, such as a novella or extended non-fiction piece or a collection of poetry, short stories or essays. With the approval of the track coordinator, students select five courses to assist them in both the preparation of the manuscript and the formal presentation thereof. In other words, the student will take courses such as speech/oral interpretation or acting, as well as advanced courses in writing. At least one course will be an independent study with a member of the English department faculty, in order to prepare the final draft of the manuscript. Final approval of the manuscript rests with the track coordinator. The outcome will be both a completed manuscript and a public reading/performance thereof.

How do I enroll?
Email or call the Program Director, Dr. Philip Cioffari , 973-720-3053, cioffarip@wpunj.edu or call or email Jan Pinkston, 973-720-3657, pinkstonj@wpunj.edu .

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Complete and return the Honors Performing Arts application (PDF file) to the Honors College offices located in Raubinger Hall Rm 126-129.

About the Program Director:
Dr. Philip Cioffari, a professor in the Department of English, has served as Program Director for the Track since its inception in 2000. He holds a Ph.D. from New York University. His interests include creative writing, acting, and directing. He has recently written two books: a collection of stories entitled A History of Things Lost or Broke, and the novel, Catholic Boys. He has written and directed plays Off-Off Broadway at theatres such as The Belmont Playhouse, The American Globe Theatre, The Triad, The Producer's Club, The American Theater of Actors and at the Pulse Ensemble Theater in New York City. His movie, Love in the Age of Dion, which he wrote and directed, has won awards at various film festivals, including “Best Feature Film on Video” at the Long Island International Film Expo.