« Jazz Studies | Main | Singer Songwriter »

westernoregonuniversity.info

 

Musical Theater

category: Music Department, 

 


Western Oregon Music University offers the only musical theater degree in the Pacific Northwest. The program, which results in a Bachelors of Music in Contemporary Music with an emphasis in Musical Theater, provides the student with a strong background in music theory and history in addition to training in acting, dance, and voice.


Western presents a full-length, mainstage musical production every other year in the 500-seat Rice Auditorium. Recent shows include The Mystery of Edwin Drood, West Side Story, and Victor Victoria. Performances are usually close sold-out, and there is always a special showing for local high school or middle school students. Productions are directed either by theater professor Michael Phillips or dance professor Sharon Oberst, and musical direction is by Dr. Solveig Holmquist. A live orchestra of Western music students adds an element of excitement to the show.


During the "off" years, Dr. Holmquist directs a smaller production in the newly renovated Smith Recital Hall. Recent productions include Songs of a New World and the No Frills Review. Performers enjoy the "chamber" feel of these more intimate productions, which feature a combo made up of Western music majors.


Western also allows their students the chance to perform opera in the opera workshop held every other year. The workshop features traditional scenes from the likes of Mozart or entire one-acts such as Too Many Sopranos, The Old Maid & the Thief, and A Hand of Bridge. These are also performed in Smith Recital Hall.


Auditions for these productions are open to all students on campus, and though most of those cast are theater, music, or dance majors, students from other areas of study may participate as well. Freshman and new students are given equal consideration for lead roles along with upperclassmen.


Students with a musical theater focus may also choose to perform in the Spring Dance Concert, music ensembles and recitals, and straight plays. Those who are motivated and seeking further performance opportunities may choose to produce their own show, which many have done for junior and senior recitals.


Students who wish to work behind the scenes may assist in a variety of ways from stage managing or assistant directing, to running the light or sound board, to helping with quick changes. Students working the soundboard are often enrolled in the music recording technology program. Extra hands are always appreciated to move scenery during productions, build sets in the scene shop, or sew costumes.



Comments

Post a comment




Remember Me?

(you may use HTML tags for style)

Recent Entries

 

 

 

Syndicate this site (XML)