American Theatre magazine, a premiere, national publication for the industry, recognized Baldwin Wallace University's Music Theatre program in back-to-back articles in the new year. Maggie Gilroy's story singles out just four programs from around the country as examples of innovators in the field.
In an article titled "Musical Theatre Students Are Becoming Quadruple Threats" and topped with a photo from BW's groundbreaking 2011 production of "Rent," Gilroy writes, "Musical theatre artists are no longer just actors, writers, or singers, and schools are finding new ways to train them."
Gilroy notes the BW Conservatory of Music's distinctive approach and quotes BW music theatre director Victoria Bussert on the results. "Our students have advanced musical training that has served them very well in making their careers."
One of 13 Great Music Theatre Programs
A day later, American Theatre challenged readers with a question. "Think you have to study in the Big Apple to fulfill those Broadway dreams? Change that tune." The magazine went on to tout "13 Musical Theatre Programs Outside of Manhattan" that "have turned out some amazing success stories, offering unique coursework that can make a performer stand out from the chorus line."
Theatre partnerships are among the strengths cited by reporter Dejarelle Gaines who writes that BW "takes advantage of its proximity to Cleveland to partner with Cleveland Play House, Cleveland Public Theatre, and Dobama Theatre to offer educational and performing opportunities for students, including annual productions with PlayhouseSquare and Beck Center for the Arts."
The article closes by naming just a few of BW's Broadway success stories... a list that continues to grow!
