2020–2021
Whether in the visual art gallery, the dance theatre, the concert hall, the recital hall, or the flexible theatre, a rich and diverse arts season awaits you.
October 28–31
Check Please, by Jonathan Rand
Directed by Ian Clarke
Streaming Online
Dating can be hard. Especially when your date happens to be a raging kleptomaniac, or your grandmother’s bridge partner, or a mime. Check Please follows a series of blind dates that couldn’t get any worse—until they do. Could there possibly be a light at the end of the tunnel?
Email boxoffice@belhaven.edu to reserve a streaming code.
November 3, 6, 10 @ 7:30 pm
Student Composers Concert
November 3rd, Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m. | Student Center
November 6th and 10th, Friday and Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m. | Concert Hall
The Composers Forum invites you to participate in a new approach to making new music with Belhaven student composers and performers. Join us as we bring freshly fabricated musical worlds to life in a hybrid real/virtual performance space.
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
November 4–7
The Bear, by Anton Chekhov
Translated by Julius West, Directed by Jenna Kahley
Streaming Online
Chekhov's romantic farce about a widow, a cranky neighbor, temper tantrums, and a duel like no other. Reimagined as a 1970s radio play, this production is certain to entertain.
Email boxoffice@belhaven.edu to request streaming instructions.
November 6, 7, 13, 14
Fall Dance Concert
Friday and Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. | Bitsy Irby Visual Arts & Dance Center Studio Theatre
A showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble and members of DOXA. Styles include classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance.
General admission $10, seniors/students $5. Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students and immediate families. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Advanced ticket reservations are required. Seating will be limited and socially distanced. Masks are required.
November 11
Wind and Brass Ensemble Performance
Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m. | Belhaven Park
The Belhaven University Woodwind and Brass Ensembles will honor our veterans. Come out to hear favorites like God Bless America and the United States Service Songs. Other selections that will be played that day are music by Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, and many others.
This will be a family-friendly event! Bring a blanket or lawn chair and join us. Invite your neighbor, co-worker, or friend and come out for some musical therapy and friendly fellowship.
Social distancing and masks are recommended, and the concert is subject to change in accordance with Belhaven University's policy and the City of Jackson's rules and regulations.
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
November 11–14
The Spoon River Project, by Tom Andolora
Based on Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters, Directed by Elissa Sartwell, Music Direction by John Barnts
Streaming Online
In this beautifully haunting play based on Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology, the former residents of Spoon River examine life and the longing for what might have been. As the citizens reflect on the dreams, secrets, and regrets of their lives, they paint an honest portrait of a community. Woven together with popular songs and hymns from the turn of the century, The Spoon River Project reminds us while life is not free of hardship, it can still be filled with joy. Email boxoffice@belhaven.edu to reserve a streaming code.
November 16
Best of Belhaven
Monday @ 7:30 p.m. | Center for the Arts Concert Hall
The Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester on one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you.
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
November 20
Orchestra Concert
Friday @ 7:30 p.m. | Center for the Arts Concert Hall
The Belhaven University String Chamber Orchestra will present one of Tchaikovsky's all-time favorite Masterworks, his amazing Serenade for String Orchestra, Op. 48. You will also hear the famous arrangement of Sergei Prokofiev’s “March” from The Love for the Three Oranges, Op. 33. Please enjoy a special night of high quality and profoundly moving performance by our excellent Belhaven University String Chamber Orchestra!
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
February 17–20
Silent Sky, by Lauren Gunderson
Directed by Kerri Sanders
Wednesday thru Saturday @ 7:30 p.m. | Saturday Matinee @ 2:00 p.m. | Blackbox Theatre
Silent Sky is the poignant, inspirational, and entertaining true story of 19th-century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. When Henri begins work at the Harvard Observatory in the1900s, she isn’t allowed to touch a telescope or express an original idea. Instead, she joins a group of women “computers,” charting the stars for a renowned astronomer who calculates projects in “girl hours” and has no time for women’s probing theories. As Henrietta, in her free time, attempts to measure the light and distance of stars, she must also take measure of her life on Earth, trying to balance her dedication to science with family obligations and the possibility of love. Audiences and critics agree that Silent Sky is a beautiful, funny, poignant, and luminous play written by the nation’s most performed playwright.
Advanced ticket reservations required
Adults: $10 | Students/Seniors: $5 (cash or check only, payable at the door) | Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students | Seating limited and socially distanced | Masks are mandatory
Please contact boxoffice@belhaven.edu or (601) 974-6478 for ticket reservations.
FEBRUARY 18–20
DANCE MINISTRY ENSEMBLE CONCERT
Thursday thru Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. | Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre
The Dance Ministry Ensemble and DOXA present choreography created by guest artists and dance faculty aimed to encourage and inspire the spirit of all who attend.
Advanced ticket reservations required
General Admission: $10 | Students: $5 | Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students and immediate families | Seating limited and socially distanced | Masks are mandatory
Please contact dancetickets@belhaven.edu for ticket reservations.
March 3 and 4
Wednesday and Thursday @ 7:00 p.m. | Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre
SENIOR DANCE RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
Senior dance majors present an evening of scholarship, lecture demonstrations, and creative process discussions on topics from the field of dance and beyond.
Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students | Seating limited and socially distanced | Masks are mandatory
March 6–27
Senior Art Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Art Gallery
The Senior Exhibition is the culminating experience for our BFA and BA candidates. These students have worked hard to develop their own voices as artists throughout their coursework in the Belhaven Art & Design Department. This exhibit serves as a launching point for professional practice and allows the students to gain the practical knowledge of museum work through the curating and installing of their exhibit. We are proud to showcase the work of these student artists:
- Josie Taylor
- Deja Harris
- Bethany Morrison
- Shelby Laws
MARCH 17–20
MFA THESIS AND SENIOR DANCE CONCERT
Concert A: Wednesday and Friday @ 7:00 p.m. | Concert B: Thursday and Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. | Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre
Master of Fine Arts candidates and senior dance majors present an evening of original choreography and performance, created at the intersection of scholarship and practice. This event is sponsored by DOXA.
General Admission: $10 | Students: $5 | Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students and immediate families | Seating limited and socially distanced | Masks are mandatory
Please contact dancetickets@belhaven.edu for ticket reservations.
March 26
String Orchestra Concert
Friday @ 7:30 p.m. | Center for The Arts Concert Hall
The BU String Chamber Orchestra offers a colorful evening of masterworks by Dag Wiren, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Bela Bartok. Please come and enjoy a wonderful showcase of excellent solo and chamber music by Belhaven’s outstanding string students.
Masks and social distancing are required. Attendance is open to students, faculty, and staff who are participating in Belhaven’s Covid-19 testing protocol. Limited seating for the families of student performers is available by advanced reservation. Events held in the Concert Hall will be livestreamed via the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
April 3–May 15
Annual Student Invitational
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Art Gallery
The Annual Student Invitational features work produced within the past year by students in the Belhaven Art & Design Department. This exhibit is juried and curated by the faculty and reveals the diversity and range of disciplines taught in the department. None of the work included in this show was made for a class, but instead reflects the vision and expertise developed by each student as they pursue their various disciplines.
April 6
Student Composers Concert XXIV
Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m. | McCravey-Triplett Student Center
The Belhaven Composers Forum presents an interactive preview of newly-minted compositions and unique improvisations during FIKA at the Shoe Bird Café. Come early, enjoy some refreshing community, and participate in adventurous and engaging music-making by Belhaven’s talented student composers.
Masks and social distancing are required. Attendance is open to students, faculty, and staff who are participating in Belhaven’s Covid-19 testing protocol. Limited seating for the families of student performers is available by advanced reservation.
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
April 8–10
Pride and Prejudice, Adapted by Jon Jory
From the novel by Jane Austen, Directed by Elissa Sartwell
In Person: Thursday thru Saturday @ 7:30 p.m.; Saturday Matinee @ 2:00 p.m. | Blackbox Theatre
Streaming: April 14th–17th, Wednesday thru Saturday | Broadway On Demand
All of the wit and romance of Jane Austen’s classic 1813 novel come to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging new adaptation.
In Person: Adults: $10 | Students/Seniors: $5 (cash or check only, payable at the door) | Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students | Seating limited and socially distanced | Masks are mandatory
Streaming: Streaming access available for everyone through BroadwayOnDemand.com for $5.
Please contact boxoffice@belhaven.edu or (601) 974-6478 for ticket reservations and streaming information.
APRIL 8–10
Spring Dance Concert
Thursday thru Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. | Saturday Matinee @ 2:30 p.m. | Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre
A showcase of choreography by dance faculty and guest artists, presented by the Belhaven University Dance Ensemble and members of DOXA. Styles include classical and contemporary ballet and modern dance.
General Admission: $10 | Students: $5 | Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students and immediate families | Seating limited and socially distanced | Masks are mandatory
Please contact dancetickets@belhaven.edu for ticket reservations.
April 13
Student Composers Concert XXIV
Tuesday @ 7:30 p.m. | Center For The Arts Concert Hall
The Belhaven Composers Forum presents a full program of newly-composed pieces and improvisations by Belhaven’s talented student composers. Come and enjoy an evocative and adventurous range of works, including collaboration with students from other fine arts programs.
Masks and social distancing are required. Attendance is open to students, faculty, and staff who are participating in Belhaven’s Covid-19 testing protocol. Limited seating for the families of student performers is available by advanced reservation. Events held in the Concert Hall will be livestreamed via the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
April 17
Saturday @ 2:00 p.m. | Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center Studio Theatre
MFA THESIS ORAL DEFENSE PRESENTATIONS
Master of Fine Arts candidates present creative process and research findings on topics from the field of dance and beyond.
Complimentary admission for Belhaven faculty/staff/students | Seating limited and socially distanced | Masks are mandatory
April 19
Best of Belhaven II
Monday @ 7:30 p.m. | Center For The Arts Concert Hall
The Belhaven Music Department presents the most outstanding student performances of the semester in one concert. Musical variety and excellence are the gifts from our student performers to you.
Masks and social distancing are required. Attendance is open to students, faculty, and staff who are participating in Belhaven’s Covid-19 testing protocol. Limited seating for the families of student performers is available by advanced reservation. Events held in the Concert Hall will be livestreamed via the Belhaven University Music Department page on Facebook.
Please contact music@belhaven.edu for additional information.
August 23–September 18
Senior Art Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Art Gallery
The Senior Exhibition is the culminating experience for our BFA and BA candidates. These students have worked hard to develop their own voices as artists throughout their coursework in the Belhaven Art & Design Department. This exhibit serves as a launching point for professional practice and allows the students to gain the practical knowledge of museum work through the curating and installing of their exhibit. We are proud to showcase the work of:
- Melissa Gentry
- Hannah Gillis
- Sarah Guinn
September 25–October 30
V • Com21
Visual Communications Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Art Gallery
This exhibit will feature the graduate exhibition of the Belhaven Art & Design Department's associate professor and co-chair, Jon Micah Tyson. Through illustration, interface design, and visual storytelling, Tyson invites the viewer to experience and explore Red Tides, a pirate fantasy tabletop game set in the vast waters of New Caribbean.
November 6–December 11
Senior Art Exhibition
Bitsy Irby Visual Arts and Dance Center, Art Gallery
The Senior Exhibition is the culminating experience for our BFA and BA candidates. These students have worked hard to develop their own voices as artists throughout their coursework in the Belhaven Art & Design Department. This exhibit serves as a launching point for professional practice and allows the students to gain the practical knowledge of museum work through the curating and installing of their exhibit. We are proud to showcase the work of these student artists:
- Sun-Jae Park
- Anna Leonard
- Yumi Choy
Ongoing
Process Wall
Bitsy Irby Main Hall | First Floor
This wall serves as the main display area for the Belhaven Art & Design Department's current class projects. Come and check out what are students are making in their foundation courses. The exhibit is constantly changing, so be sure to stop by often!