Arts Organizations

The Golden Voices at Western New England University is composed of 25 dedicated students from diverse backgrounds and regions and continues to grow each semester. Golden Voices is open to all students (no auditions required) and serves as a platform for creative expression, collaboration, and personal growth.

The Golden Voices has a showcase each semester, featuring group pieces and solo acts, in addition to appearing at events on and off campus such as the annual Donors Reception or the Co-Curricular Awards Ceremony. Additional opportunities include workshops with professional vocalists and fun community-building events throughout the year. Golden Voices typically rehearses on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30-6:00 p.m.

Contact director/advisor Leah Cunha at leah.cunha@wne.edu for more information.

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Bear’s Ensemble is WNE’s select, audition-based vocal group, designed for students who are passionate about singing and ready to take their vocal skills to the next level by representing the University at events on and off campus. With a focus on advanced harmonies and intricate musical arrangements, this ensemble challenges its members to refine their technique, blend, and musicianship. Performing a diverse repertoire that spans contemporary, classical, and a cappella styles, Bear’s Ensemble brings a polished and dynamic sound to campus events and concerts. This is a non-club group that is sponsored by the University.

Auditions are hosted in February for the following academic year and are open to all students. Once selected, members commit to regular rehearsals and performances, honing their craft and working collaboratively to create engaging and high-quality musical experiences. Whether performing at university showcases, special events, or collaborative concerts, Bear’s Ensemble provides a unique opportunity for dedicated vocalists to grow as performers and share their passion for music with the WNE community.

Contact director Leah Cunha at leah.cunha@wne.edu for more information.

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Golden Bear Bands, the official band of Western New England University, encompasses three vibrant ensembles: Drumline, Pep Band, and Concert Band. These groups are open to students of all experience levels and collectively provide students with opportunities to engage in dynamic musical experiences while enhancing campus spirit and community engagement.

Concert Band has a showcase each semester. Pep Band plays at events such as football games. Drumline plays at events such as Admissions Events and football games.

Concert Band and Pep Band typically rehearse on Tuesdays from 7:30-8:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 6:45-8:30 p.m. and are directed by Ted Levine. Drumline typically practices on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00 p.m. and is student-led.

For Concert Band and Pep Band, contact Professor Doug Battema at dbattema@wne.edu for more information.

For drumline, contact President Jacquelyn Durant at jacquelyn.durant@wne.edu for more information.

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Improv on the Rocks is WNE’s premier improvisational comedy troupe, bringing unscripted, high-energy performances to campus. Now in its 20th year, the troupe has been a staple of the university’s performing arts scene, delivering quick-witted humor and spontaneous entertainment. As the university’s only audition-based improv group, they are dedicated to quick thinking, creativity, and making audiences laugh through a variety of spontaneous scenes and games.

Improv on the Rocks performs monthly shows filled with audience participation, unexpected twists, and hilarious moments. Beyond their regular performances, the troupe also hosts workshops, collaborates with other student organizations, and performs off campus at least once a year. Their yearly Alumni show is in the spring and brings back Improv on the Rocks alums from years past to perform with our students.

Students who love acting, comedy, or thinking on their feet are encouraged to audition and become part of this tight-knit, fun-loving group. Whether you're in the spotlight or cheering from the audience, Improv on the Rocks guarantees laughter, creativity, and an unforgettable experience!

Contact advisor Professor Hillary Haft Bucs at hillary.bucs@wne.edu for more information.

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The Stageless Players is Western New England University’s dedicated theatre group, now celebrating its 50th year of bringing live theatre to campus. Offering students the opportunity to take the stage or work behind the scenes, the group produces a fall play and a spring musical each year, uniting talented student actors, musicians, and crew members to create unforgettable performances. To ensure high-quality productions, the Stageless Players work with contracted professionals, including a director, musical director, and live musicians, providing students with valuable experience in a professional theatre setting.

Their advisor, Professor Hillary Haft Bucs, teaches Acting and Improv classes at the University and serves as the resident Theatrical Intimacy Educator/Choreographer and producer of the spring musical. Under her guidance, students not only develop their performance and technical skills but also gain a deeper understanding of professional theatre practices in a supportive and educational environment.

Auditions for the fall play are held in September, while auditions for the spring musical take place in January. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to audition, whether they are seasoned performers or stepping onto the stage for the first time. For those who prefer to work behind the scenes, the tech crew plays a crucial role in bringing productions to life. Crew members contribute to set design and construction, set painting, lighting and sound design, props, costumes, and makeup, ensuring a seamless and visually stunning performance. Whether you're looking to act, sing, build, design, or support from the audience, there’s a place for everyone in the Stageless Players!

Contact advisor Professor Hillary Haft Bucs at hillary.bucs@wne.edu for more information.

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The Western New England University Dance Team is a vibrant and dynamic group that brings energy, creativity, and school spirit to the campus community. With about 20 members, the Dance Team performs at campus events, sporting games, and hosts an annual spring recital.

The team is structured to allow all members to shine. Each September, students can audition for specialized Jazz and Hip-Hop Performance Teams, which represent the team at high-profile events, while all members have the opportunity to participate in full-team dances and choreograph pieces for the recital. The team explores multiple styles of dance, including lyrical, tap, and contemporary, expanding beyond the high-energy jazz and hip-hop routines typically performed during game halftimes.

Contact President Taylor Berube at taylor.berube@wne.edu for more information.

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The Step Team at WNE is dedicated to the rhythmic and percussive art of stepping, combining movement, sound, and precision to create powerful performances. Through synchronized footwork, claps, and vocal elements, the team brings energy and creativity to the stage. Open to students of all experience levels, the Step Team offers opportunities to develop skills, build teamwork, and showcase talent at campus events and beyond.

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