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PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: March 6, 2017
Media: Sara Jayne White, 602.889.5285
Public: Phoenix Theatre, 602.254.2151
Phoenix, Ariz. – Phoenix Theatre and Arizona State University’s School of
Music announce a joint agreement to launch a groundbreaking new model of
comprehensive theatre training. The New American Musical Theatre Studio is
the culmination of a multi-year partnership between these two powerhouse
organizations.
Phoenix Theatre staff have served on the faculty in the ASU School of Music in
the Herberger Institute of Design and the Arts for five years. This agreement
represents a new level of commitment to the collaboration, expanding and
integrating teaching, training and apprenticeship opportunities for ASU
students within a professional theatre environment.
“We’re taking things to the next level,” said Michael Barnard, Phoenix Theatre’s
Producing Artistic Director. “The New American Musical Theater Studio will set
the standard for thoroughly immersive education. It will attract the finest student
talent from across the country with specialized advanced undergraduate and
master’s level programs. ASU students will train alongside theatre professionals in
artistic and administrative career skills, perform on our stages, serve the
community as part of our outreach programs, and earn points toward Equity
union membership. They will have unprecedented access to a variety of
theatrical spaces capable of supporting student showcases, workshops, and
new work development. We are excited to redefine theatre education and
prepare students to meet real world challenges.”
ASU is among the few professional opera and musical theatre training programs
in the southwest, and rated among the top graduate musical theatre programs
in the country. “We are fortunate to be located in the Phoenix metropolitan area
where we can partner with nationally-renowned professional arts organizations
like Phoenix Theatre and Arizona Opera,” said Brian DeMaris, Artistic Director of
Lyric Opera Theatre in the ASU School of Music. “We are excited to formalize our
ongoing partnership with Phoenix Theatre, which has included shared faculty
and co-productions in the past. Through the expansion of this partnership, all
of our students will be able to benefit from the opportunities for professional
immersion offered by Phoenix Theatre.”
A musical theatre showcase for ASU students will be held for the first time at
Phoenix Theatre this year, envisioned as an annual event that will display the
graduating talent coming out of ASU’s musical theatre program. The New
American Musical Theatre Studio will officially launch during Phoenix Theatre’s
2017-18 season, with two courses offered on the Phoenix Theatre campus.
Students will participate in practicums involving all aspects of theatre
production, work with professional artists from around the globe, and
participate in Phoenix Theatre’s new works submission process. Additionally,
all students will continue to have the opportunity to audition for and perform in
professional productions at Phoenix Theatre.
Phoenix Theatre is the largest professional producing Equity theatre in Arizona,
and will celebrate its centennial in 2020. With an expanding campus and strong
financial position, Phoenix Theatre is increasingly recognized for its artistic
excellence and commitment to developing new work. Its collective leadership
is widely regarded for their expertise, innovation, and an entrepreneurial
approach to the business of theatre.
ABOUT PHOENIX THEATRE
The largest producing regional theatre company in
Arizona, Phoenix Theatre offers more programs and
experiences than any other. With over 400 performances
on multiple stages and thriving outreach programs, we
inspire more than 100,000 citizens every year.
Inextricably woven into the fabric of Your City,
Phoenix Theatre is Your Theatre.
As a founding member of the Central Arts District,
Phoenix Theatre is committed to advancing the
performing arts in the Valley, and is recognized
nationally as a professional regional theatre of
exceptional quality. In this, our 97th season, we are
producing eight remarkable productions on the
Walton Stage of the Mainstage Theatre and in the
intimate setting of the Hormel Theatre. In May, we will
host our 19th Annual Festival of New Plays and Musicals
presented by Caleb Reese; two weeks that foster the
development of new and original work and contribute
to the American theatre canon.
Offstage, we strive to give back to our community. The
nationally recognized Pope Professional Apprenticeship
program provides valuable on-the-job training to future
arts leaders in areas of production. Our Partners That Heal
program provides comfort and entertainment to children
and families in healthcare and crisis facilities. Our
experiential summer programming nurtures the
performing artist inside each of us, promoting confidence
and providing interactive theatrical and dance
experiences for children, teens and adults.
Every show or service we provide is always measured
against our mission – to create exceptional theatrical
experiences by using the arts to articulate messages
that inspire hope and understanding.
Welcome to Phoenix Theatre.
100 E. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
PHOENIXTHEATRE.COM