CWU OFFERS NEW MINOR IN MUSICAL THEATRE

October 30, 2006

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Responding to the growth of the musical theatre industry, Central Washington University's theatre arts department is now offering a new musical theatre minor. It is the only academic degree of its kind being offered by a public college or university in Washington.

Musical theatre dates back to 1866, when "The Black Crook" opened on Broadway. The collaboration between a dramatic group and ballet troupe proved to be the birth of an original, American art form that is now embraced worldwide.

It can also be a lucrative art form. More than 90 percent of all Actors' Equity Association contracts issued in recent years have been for musical theatre productions, according to Dr. Terri Brown, CWU theatre arts professor.

"Students interested in pursuing acting or performance will find long-term benefits in learning the fundamental techniques of this venue, which will prove invaluable for continual employment in the industry," she points out.

Brown, who spent 12 years starring in various musical theatre productions, leads the new university minor. She also now serves as the artistic director for Edgewater Records, based in Atlanta. In addition, Brown spearheaded development of and provided the voice talent - spoken and musical - for several national commercial campaigns and worked with Sheena Easton, Kenny Rogers, Diana Ross and Hank Williams Jr. on demo material for their CDs.

With a professional performance-based training approach, the new CWU program is designed to address all areas of musical performance, regardless of previous training in music, dance or acting. Such a comprehensive approach addresses all practical knowledge needed to pursue a career in the musical theatre profession, according to Brown.

Before students begin the minor, which must be combined with a performance specialization, they must take courses in theatre, including basic acting sequence and singing for actors. Program enrollment is limited and final acceptance into the minor will be based on annual auditions.

Contact: Terri Brown (509-963-2020/fax 509-963-1767/e-mail: brownte@cwu.edu)