Archives for October 2024

MSU Theatre and Dance collaborates with Springfield Symphony Orchestra in “Carousel”

October 31, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance joins the Springfield Symphony Orchestra to present “Carousel” 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, 2024, at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

As part of the Symphony’s “Lullaby of Broadway” program, the performance features a concert version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic and stars Josh Young, associate professor and coordinator of musical theatre at Missouri State.

The production includes a 55-member ensemble backed by a 60-plus piece symphony.

Springfield Symphony Maestro Kyle Pickett will conduct the entire event.

Tickets are available through the Hammons Hall box office and online at www.missouristatetix.com.

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Collaboration leads to “Carousel”

When Young joined MSU’s theatre and dance faculty in 2023, one of his first actions was to have lunch with Pickett to discuss collaboration opportunities.

“Kyle and I discussed several possibilities, including an evening of Rodgers and Hammerstein music,” Young said.

Originally, the plan was to give a performance featuring Young and his wife, Emily Padgett-Young. Both are Broadway veterans, and Young was nominated for a Tony® Award in 2012.

“However, ‘Carousel’ has always been one of my favorite musical scores,” Young said. “With the immense talent we have here at MSU, I thought, ‘Why just do a two-person evening of songs when we could create something even more special?’”

“The idea of bringing the full richness of ‘Carousel’ to life with our students, in collaboration with the Springfield Symphony, felt like the perfect way to elevate the experience for both the performers and the audience,” he added.

Since then, working with Pickett and the technical staff at Hammons Hall has been a delight, Young said. “Their professionalism and flexibility have made the collaboration seamless.”

Man singing in front of Steinway piano — Josh Young performs for the Missouri State Foundation Board of Trustees on Oct. 18, 2024, in the C. Minor Recital Hall. Photo credit: Jesse Scheve/Missouri State University.

Dovid Adler reaches semi-finals in APO NextGen competition

October 29, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University sophomore Dovid Adler, a BFA musical theatre major, has reached the semi-finals in the 2024 American Pops Orchestra (APO) NextGen competition. He will compete via live stream Dec. 1.

“When I learned I reached the semis, I genuinely jumped out of my seat with excitement,” Adler said. “It felt like a wave of reassurance for me and my artistry.”

For the semi-finals, Adler will perform “Misty,” a jazz standard made famous by Ella Fitzgerald. “I really love that song, and I think it showcases me as an artist very well,” he said.

Finalists will travel to New York City to perform at the Lincoln Center Jan. 19, 2025.

Competing adds to audition experience

Adler decided to compete not only to learn more about the audition process but also to get accustomed to potential rejection.

Dovid Adler. Photo credit: Luke Fontana.

“I decided to audition because, as a performer, you have to be willing to put yourself out there and not be afraid of rejection, even though it’s so common,” he said. “Because of all the rejection we face as artists, it’s hard not to get used to that feeling.”

Encouraged by MSU community

Adler’s success so far in the NextGen competition did not surprise Musical Theatre Coordinator Josh Young.

“I am excited to see Dovid’s talent being recognized on a national level,” Young said. “Despite only being with us for a few months as a transfer student, he has quickly showcased his exceptional talent and dedication.”

“We are proud of his accomplishments and look forward to his continued success,” Young added.

After graduating, Adler hopes to move to New York City to pursue an acting and singing career. In the meantime, he said he is enjoying the encouragement shown to him at Missouri State.

“Everyone here is so supportive, and I feel very loved and supported in my journey as an artist and specifically in this competition.”

Learn more about MSU’s musical theatre program

MSU students enjoy successful Wellness Week

October 28, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance recently celebrated its fourth annual Wellness Week with a variety of new speakers and events.

Woman standing at lectern making a presentation — Laura Foster, from MSU’s Counseling Center, presented a session on “Combating Social Anxiety.” Photo credit: Azaria Hogans.

Held Oct. 7-9 this year, the event included sessions ranging from “Tennis Ball Massage” and “Nutrition for Actors” to “Restorative Yoga,” “Managing Depression” and “Pet Therapy Social Hour.”

Several campus organizations also participated, including the Counseling Center, Disability Resource Center, the Mary Jean Price Walls Multicultural Resource Center and the Career Center.

Assistant Professor Azaria Hogans, Wellness Week committee chair, estimated around 200 people attended the three-day event.

Event organizers added prize giveaways from Laurel Spa and Lash Studio to this year’s lineup, something that students “have been particularly excited about,” Hogans said.

The Pet Therapy Social Hour was another popular event.

“We had lots of students come by to see Boris the cat and Paige the dog,” Hogans said.

Department of Theatre and Dance presents “The Moors” Oct. 24-28

October 21, 2024 by Lynn M. Lansdown

Missouri State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance continues its 2024-2025 season with its production of “The Moors.”

Assistant professor Nikki Ferry directs the Gothic dark comedy written by Jen Silverman.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 24-26 and 28 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 27.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for students/seniors. Special advance rates are available for students with an MSU ID.

All performances take place in the Craig Hall Balcony Theatre.

Get Tickets to “The Moors”

Seeking “Connection”

As Ferry explains, “The Moors” reflects this year’s theme of “Connection” through the universal concept of desire.

“Overall, the play captures the complexity of interpersonal interactions by highlighting the fine line that must be drawn between loneliness and the need for connection in a harsh and unwelcoming environment,” she said.

“Every character in ‘The Moors’ has deep desires, whether they are related to power, fantasy, love or validation,” Ferry said. Two of those characters are animals — The Mastiff and The Moor-hen.

“It’s been a lot of joy to learn about these two very different animals who are experiencing very real human feelings and interactions,” Ferry said.

MFAA now accepting applications for 2025 Academy

October 21, 2024 by Reynolds College

The next session of the Missouri Fine Arts Academy (MFAA) is scheduled for June 1-14, 2025 on the Springfield campus of Missouri State University.

Missouri high school students interested in attending can apply online starting Oct. 14, 2024. The application portal will be available through Jan. 31, 2025.

In addition, the Academy is accepting resident assistant and faculty applications.

2025 Academy theme is about the “Journey”

The Academy selected “Journey” as the 2025 theme.

“Let MFAA 2025 be a remarkable journey of self-discovery,” said Dr. Fatih Benzer, MFAA director and associate professor in MSU’s Department of Art and Design. “Join the journey by exploring various forms of art such as music, visual arts, creative writing, dance and theatre to express who you are.”

Benzer said the MFAA format continues to be interdisciplinary. Students can explore a wide range of artistic options.

MFAA students can also enjoy performances by acclaimed artists and musicians throughout the two-week program, he added.

Students will receive guidance and feedback from experienced faculty and staff, Benzer said. “Get ready to be challenged by our outstanding faculty to step outside of your comfort zone while earning college credits.”

About the MFAA application process

Current Missouri high school freshman, sophomores, juniors or seniors may apply to attend MFAA in the following areas of study:

Visual Arts/Mixed Media (painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography and digital art)
Theatre (acting)
Dance (modern, ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop)
Creative Writing (fiction, short story, poetry, playwriting and spoken word)
Music (vocal or instrumental performance, songwriting, composition and electronic music)

There is no application fee.

Application packets must include a 500-word personal essay describing how involvement in the arts impacts the applicant’s life, a student evaluation from school personnel and a digital portfolio or video performance. More information about specific application criteria and guidelines on how to prepare applications can be found on the MFAA website. [Read more…] about MFAA now accepting applications for 2025 Academy