The Art of Being Human
We explore the ideas and art that define cultures, and we search for the essence of the human condition across borders and throughout history.
From philosophers like Aristotle and Plato to writers such as Shakespeare and Steinbeck, and geniuses like Beethoven, Leonardo, and Michelangelo, we engage our teaching and research with the human events that shape the world. And our students learn lessons about themselves and about what it means to be human that accompany and enrich their lives beyond NAU.
Center Stage
We are the hub for cultural engagement in Flagstaff. We bring the artists, thinkers, entertainers, and performers to the stage for events that inspire and enlighten. Find an upcoming event that interests you and join us in exploring these human connections.
Academic programs
News
Theatre Reimagined at NAU 2019-2020 Season Retells Classic Stories
The Department of Theatre at Northern Arizona University is telling familiar stories with a new spin for its 2019-2020 season. The season’s theme, Retold, Relived and Reimagined, is brought to stage with four main productions. “Each playwright in our new season is telling a familiar tale in a reimagined way,” says Theatre Chair Kathleen M. McGeever, who is reinventing student engagement, too. “We wish to give our students a touring experience, so after the opening on campus…
NAU Film Series Returns for Fall Semester August 27
NAU’s College of Arts and Letters Film Series, co-sponsored by the Cline Library and the School of Communication, promotes understanding and appreciation of cinema through Northern Arizona University and the greater Flagstaff community. Before each film, a local film expert offers a short introduction to set the film in its historical, artistic, and cultural context. Each film is followed by a discussion. The CAL film series blends well-known audience favorites along with lesser-known films, as well…
NAU students sing in Bulgaria opera performance
NAU School of Music students performed at the 20th Varna International Music Academy in Varna, Bulgaria this summer. Photos from left to right, Anne Anderson and Ye Lynn Han. Anne Anderson, a junior Choral Education major, performed in the chorus and as the Novice in Giacomo Puccini’s Suor Angelica, and assisted backstage with anything from stage managing to helping with makeup and wardrobe. Ye Lynn Han, a senior Vocal Performance major, performed the role of Ferrando in W.A. Mozart’s Così fan…
NAU’s Martin-Springer Institute part of creation team for exhibition that highlights resilient Flagstaff women
A major new exhibition, Resilience: Women in Flagstaff’s Past and Present, opens at Flagstaff City Hall on Aug. 23. Resilience is a collaborative project by the Arizona Historical Society (AHS) and the Martin-Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University. The exhibit shares the powerful stories of 20 local women who faced extraordinary challenges and overcame hardships, painful legacies and adverse environments. The opening reception is 4-6 p.m. Aug. 23 at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.…
Longtime NAU professors create first endowed distinguished professorship in College of Arts and Letters
Two Northern Arizona University professors are continuing their legacy of research and scholarship in applied linguistics by creating a distinguished endowed professorship in the College of Arts and Letters. Fredricka L. Stoller, an alumna and professor of English, and retired Regents’ Professor Emeritus and former Vice President for Research William Grabe have created the Stoller-Grabe Endowed Distinguished Professorship in Applied Linguistics/Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). The new position, which will be the first distinguished endowed professorship…
New NAU exhibit takes kite making to new level Celebrate the Sky at College of Arts and Letters Riles Gallery
The sky is the limit for a new Celebrate the Sky exhibit at NAU’s College of Arts and Letters. More than 20 handmade kites on the second floor Riles Gallery seemingly float by on the walls evoking thoughts of an easy summer day. Designed and stitched together by CAL Academic Advisor Randy Shannon, each kite has its own personality. Animal-shaped kites include a bat, cicada bug, flying squirrel, fish and shark. Others feature geometric designs inspired by Caribbean,…