Cornell College is kicking off the second half of the year with a variety of fine arts activities. Join us on campus for an art exhibit filled with fantasy, a reading by a rising literary voice exploring identity and belonging, one of the largest theatrical productions in Cornell’s history, and a concert with Cornell’s choirs performing works by Composer Jake Runestad.
Up-to-date information on all 2025–26 performances and exhibits can be found on Cornell’s community events calendar. You can also download events to your personal calendars.
“Statements for Small Screens,” Jan. 16–March 1, 2025
Visiting Writer Sam Sussman
BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) New Writing Award-winner Sam Sussman will read from his new novel, “Boy from the North Country,” which is based on his memoir, “The Silent Type: On (Possibly) Being Bob Dylan's Son.” This event is free and open to the public.
Jake Runestad Residency Concert
The Department of Music will welcome Jake Runestad, an award-winning composer and conductor who believes in the power of music for positive change, as an artist-in-residence in April. From April 15–17, Runestad will be on campus working with choirs, providing solo voice coaching sessions, and giving a lunchtime presentation. His residency will culminate in a performance by the Cornell choirs singing many of his works, including “Come to the Woods” featuring the writings of John Muir and “A Silence Haunts Me,” which features a letter written by Beethoven to his brothers, admitting he was going deaf. This is Cornell’s second artist-in-residence of the year—Reena Esmail was on campus in November.
Opera Scenes, March 27–29, Armstrong-Younker Hall, Ringer Recital Studio (Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.)
The Department of Music will hold the fifth annual production of Opera Scenes at Cornell College in late March. Will Serilia forgive her beloved Annio? Will those mischievous shepherds quit decoying? Why do all the voluptuous maidens prefer a penniless philosopher to a regiment of manly soldiers? Who is Bunthorne? Learn all this and more, and experience a beautiful program of singing, dancing, and some of the most lovely music to grace the stage. Opera Scenes is free and open to the public.
“In the Heights,” April 2–5, Kimmel Theatre (Thursday–Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.)
“In the Heights” is a hit musical set in the streets of a largely Dominican-American New York neighborhood—Washington Heights. It follows Usnavi, a bodega owner with big dreams, and his neighbors as they explore love, change, and the meaning of home. Packed with energy, this show celebrates family, culture, and community.
“In The Heights” is one of the largest shows the Cornell Theatre Department has ever produced on our stage, with a cast of nearly thirty. The show was suggested by members of Cornell’s Puerto Rican Posse scholars, and the cast is thrilled to tackle this musical.
Mockumentary: The mockumentary is an original project being developed by head writers Professor of Theatre Scott Olinger and Junior Finn Hunter ’27. It will be shot over the course of the spring semester and premiere shortly before graduation. Olinger says, “In the style of Christopher Guest’s mockumentary films, the students are improvising dialogue and fleshing out a colorful cast of characters straight from our small campus world. The action of the film surrounds a disastrous student event and the ensuing hijinks that occur when a new election is called for.” More details on viewing the production will be released later this semester.
Theatre performances require tickets, and Cornell’s box office information is included in the calendar listings.