School of the Arts Festival 2025: From theatre takeovers to video games, Rocky Horror to sculpture

This May and June, York St John University is inviting the public to a month-long festival of creativity as our students present the School of the Arts Festival 2025. The ambitious programme celebrates the passion and talent of Yorkshire’s next generation of artists and performers.  

The end of year shows from Art, Design, Performance and Production courses have expanded into a full creative showcase with immersive art installations. events, performances, screenings, exhibitions and celebrations. 

Festival dates: Thursday 15 May to Friday 13 June  
Venues: York St John University and York Theatre Royal 

Highlights of this year’s programme include a student-produced performance of the Rocky Horror Show, a colourful York Theatre Royal Takeover and the Art and Design Degree Shows. Whether you're into fine art, live music, theatre, or gaming, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. 

Festival highlights include: 

• Rocky Horror Show: Thursday 15 May and Friday 16 May, 7.30pm, Creative Centre Auditorium 

• York Theatre Royal Takeover: Monday 27 May to Saturday 31 May, the theme for 2025 is disco, celebrating vibrant colours and funky beats with creative activities for the whole family 

• Music Showcase: Wednesday 4 June, 7.30pm, Creative Centre Auditorium 

• Art Degree Show Exhibition: Friday 6 June to Thursday 12 June, 12.00pm to 6.00pm, Creative Centre Auditorium, Phoenix, McGregor, Quad South Foyer 

• Reignite IX: The Next Generation: Friday 6 June, 6.00pm to 9.00pm, Temple Hall 

• Design Degree Show Exhibition: Monday 9 June to Thursday 12 June, 10.00am to 4.30pm, Design Building, Dance Studio, Quad South Hall 

Professor Helen Julia Minors, Head of School of the Arts said: “Our annual School of the Arts Festival is a diverse and exciting opportunity for our final year students to share the results of their studies, from staging a musical and concerts, to sharing art exhibitions, products, and designs, to screening films, animations and sharing video games. We welcome visitors to many of these events to experience the creative endeavours of our students and to share in the experiences.” 

Dr Sarah O'Brien, Head of Performance said: "Our students on Music, Musical Theatre, Acting and Drama degree programmes have been working hard to bring you an amazing couple of months of concerts and live theatre to lead you into the summer!   

“Get dressed up for our YSJ version of the Rocky Horror Show, which is sure to get you dancing along; we have an awesome full programme at York Theatre Royal where our final year Musical Theatre, Drama and Acting students showcase their work; and then we finish with a flourish with our Music concert in June."  

The School of the Arts Festival is a unique opportunity for friends, family, and the public to engage with the innovative work of our students and celebrate the power of creativity. 

For more information and event booking, visit School of the Arts Festival