students at a visual arts reception

Students

Welcome to The Prior

The Prior Performing Arts Center is a new hub on campus to connect with the arts: as a performer, audience member, technician, or student. It’s also a great place to grab a hot beverage and a snack between classes or to study with your friends in the evening!

Read on to learn more about ample arts opportunities for Holy Cross students at The Prior and click the link below to learn more about the academic and co-curricular arts at Holy Cross.

Student Research

Through the state-of-the-art resources available at The Prior, Holy Cross students have a rare opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in a wide range of fields and disciplines in the arts.

“Two years earlier, some of the aspects of this work wouldn’t be possible, but we now have the state-of-the-art Prior Performing Arts Center on campus. It is in The Prior that I will be actualizing my research through rehearsals and recording.” –Rhiannon Hurst ’25, Fenwick Scholar & Brooks Music Scholar

Student Discounts

Holy Cross students benefit from discounted tickets to music, theater, dance, and other live arts events in the center’s visiting artist series, Prior Presents. Come be thrilled by artists from the around the world for only $5 a ticket!

Non-Holy Cross college and university students are also eligible for a Prior Presents discounted ticket price of $12 ($10 ticket + $2 fee) with code STUDENT26 (limit one per person per show available for pickup at will call with student ID). 

Please email priorboxoffice@holycross.edu with any questions about student discounts.

Student Employment

Students play a crucial role in the operation of the Prior Performing Arts Center, working as AV assistants, after-hours building managers, ushers, ambassadors, and more.

Our application for student employment opportunities for the 2025-2026 year are available at the link below. Apply today!

Student Lounge

Holy Cross students are always welcome to visit “The Beehive Atrium” during The Prior’s open hours to gather with friends, study for classes, explore exhibitions and sample the delicious offerings at the O’Connor Family Café.

students lounging in The Beehive atrium
Students gather on stage after a performance