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First SMTD musical since 2019 opens this Friday

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This Friday, Feb. 18, the Boze Lyric Theatre will bring the first musical production to Byrum Hall since the beginning of the pandemic.  “Seussical” combines a charming collection of characters from the works of Dr. Seuss like “Cat in the Hat” and “Horton the Elephant” in a colorful and exciting story. JoJo, one of the main characters, is played by freshman musical theatre student Trenton Donk. The 18-year-old has worked with director Kenny Shepard as well as voice and movement … [Read more...]

Candles and Carols spreads Christmas cheer from the School of Music, Theatre and Dance

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Candles and Carols is a 57-year tradition that the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) puts on each December.  “It started when a group of people would gather in Park Place Church and sing carols together,” Dr. Jeffrey Wright, the dean of the SMTD said. “Gradually, we began to add components from the department.” According to Wright, it is an opportunity for the community to gather at the beginning of the holiday season and enjoy fellowship. “Through the show, we are reminded of … [Read more...]

Sidewalk Prophets return to the nest

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Just 20 years ago in Smith Hall, student Ben McDonald interrupted student Dave Frey’s “Mario” game to begin a journey neither of them could have predicted. When McDonald asked Frey to join a band he was starting, Frey put down his controller and the two began writing songs. They started writing in the Valley or their dorm rooms and recorded in their rooms with microphones hanging from the ceiling. “God just kept opening doors, kicking them down for me,” Frey explained. “It kind of all … [Read more...]

SOMTD to present “The Music of Georgia Stitt”

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On Friday, Oct. 1, the School of Music, Theatre and Dance will present a concert of composer and lyricist Georgia Stitt’s music.  “She’s an incredible artist and activist,” director David Coolidge said. “It’s a great opportunity for our students not only to work with a great level of material, but to receive direct feedback from Georgia.”  For the past month, the department has been working every day to perfect the show.  “Once we got into rehearsal, it has been pretty … [Read more...]

Upcoming Encore to include a Homecoming twist

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Every year, student talent is showcased and celebrated in Encore performances presented by the Avanti Boosters. Students have the opportunity to audition and perform for their peers in Reardon Auditorium with a full band. This year, the 30th Anniversary of Encore, will be extra special.  Past Encore concerts have included themes like “Soundtrack” and “British Takeover.” The first Encore of this year will be “Anything Goes” but with a twist: a limited number of alumni will have the opportunity … [Read more...]

SOMTD position filled by a familiar face

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The end of the unique school year parallels the retirement of two significant figures in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SOMTD): Dr. Richard Sowers and Dr. Fritz Robertson. Sowers, professor of music and director of AU Chorale, and Robertson, professor of music, voice area coordinator and director of Boze Lyric Theatre, retired at the end of this semester. Both worked diligently to ensure a smooth transition for everyone in the School of Music, Theatre and Dance. However, the … [Read more...]