Carnegie Mellon School of Drama

CMU Alumni in Holiday Movies | CMU Libraries

CMU Alumni in Holiday Movies | CMU Libraries This holiday season, look no further than some of Carnegie Mellon's fantastically talented alumni to help you get in the spirit of holiday cheer.

Oak Park Festival Theatre Announces New Artistic Director

We are over the moon for John Wells Directing Fellow Peter Andersen, who has been named Artistic Director of Oak Park Festival Theatre!

Oak Park Festival Theatre Announces New Artistic Director The Oak Park Festival Theatre, Oak Park's premiere Equity theatre and the oldest professional classical theatre in the Midwest, has announced that Peter G. Andersen will be joining the company as its new Artistic Director in January 2023. Andersen takes the artistic helm after a nationwide search an...

A look back at 20 years of Playground — our annual festival of independent student work.

Playground XX kicks off tonight! Click the link to learn more about Playground’s history and this year’s lineup!

https://www.drama.cmu.edu/2022/12/05/playground-2023/

📷: Louis Stein

20 Years of Playground at CMU Drama - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama

Senior dramaturgy student Julia Levine writes about 20 years of PLAYGROUND - CMU Drama's annual festival of independent student work, which is in full swing this week!

Check it out, and tomorrow through Thursday, come see what students are creating inside Purnell!

(Links at the bottom of the article will direct you to the schedule, descriptions of the pieces, our online box office, and the Playground Instagram account.)

20 Years of Playground at CMU Drama - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama The week of December 5-10, 2022 marks the twentieth anniversary of Playground, the School of Drama’s entirely student-run theater festival which takes place annually at the end of the fall semester.

Can-Do Spirit and Life Skills: Carnegie Mellon Visits a Houston Magnet School

We had a fabulous time with Roshunda Jones-Koumba and her G.W. Carver Magnet High School students last week in Houston!

Read American Theatre magazine's coverage of our time there, and learn how you can honor a theater teacher who made an impact in your life at: https://www.tonyawards.com/education-award/

cc: Tony Awards

Can-Do Spirit and Life Skills: Carnegie Mellon Visits a Houston Magnet School The drama program at Houston’s Carver School, led by Roshunda Jones-Koumba, recently enjoyed an inspiring, forward-looking master class with CMU faculty.

This Saturday, December 3 ET, join us for a virtual open house to learn more about our Video & Media Design MFA program! (CMU Video and Media Design)

We will show the facilities and host a discussion with current students and alumni about the program. We can also preview the plans for our exciting new 50,000 square foot production facility and collaborative curriculum, shared with the School of Art's ETB program!

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9sEKfYL1DbnAwfJrP9ouows93t3Yr27_-MlgDYUs-EAz68Q/viewform

CFA: School of Drama Head's Initiative Fund - Giving CMU Day

We know you have so many options for giving today. At CMU Drama, we are raising funds to support the highly specialized training of our extraordinary students. From costume materials and lighting equipment to video and media technology, the theatrical landscape is ever-evolving. Our goal is to provide students with everything they will need to be successful in their chosen field.

Contributions to the School of Drama Head's Initiative Fund will directly support the necessary technology, supplies, and experiences that give CMU drama students a competitive edge in the entertainment industry.

Thank you for being part of their educational journey!

CFA: School of Drama Head's Initiative Fund - Giving CMU Day The School of Drama Head's Initiative Fund supports the CMU drama community and the highly specialized training of drama students. From costume materials and lighting equipment to video and media technology, the theatrical landscape is ever-evolving. Our goal is to provide students with everythin...

Pittsburgh Native Billy Porter To Receive Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame | Pittsburgh Magazine

Congratulations to Billy Porter, who will receive his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on December 1!

Pittsburgh Native Billy Porter To Receive Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame | Pittsburgh Magazine The actor, singer, director, composer and playwright will be honored on Dec. 1.

Reminder: All undergraduate applications and MFA Directing applications are due ONE WEEK FROM TOMORROW!

Deadline: December 1, 2022

For information on undergraduate applications: https://www.drama.cmu.edu/admission/undergraduate/

For information on MFA Directing applications: https://www.drama.cmu.edu/admission/graduate/
(Scroll down to 'The John Wells Directing Fellowship')

A perfect night to cozy up in a cabin with your besties!

Join us for "this old haunt" – a brand new musical having its academic premiere at the School of Drama. Only three more chances to see!

Tonight - 11/22 @ 8pm
Tuesday, 11/29 @ 8pm
Wednesday, 11/30 @ 8pm

Tickets + more info: https://www.drama.cmu.edu/box-office/this-old-haunt/

📷: dsrphoto.com

Full company credits in the comments.

Alumni Profile: Sheldon Epps - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama

We are delighted to have School of Drama alumnus and celebrated director of stage and screen, Sheldon Epps, on campus this week to share his new book: "My Own Directions: A Black Man's Journey in the American Theatre."

Read about Sheldon's life before, during, and since his time as a student here at Carnegie Mellon University, and join us tomorrow (Thursday) from 2–4pm and Friday from 3–5pm in the lobby of the Purnell Center for the Arts for a book signing and meet-and-greet with Sheldon.

Alumni Profile: Sheldon Epps - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama Sheldon Epps found comfort in the theater from a young age. When he was 11, his family moved from an all-Black neighborhood in Los Angeles to a predominantly white and Jewish area of New Jersey – a culture shock to say the least.

Thanks to Classical WQED FM 89.3 for chatting with some of the creative team behind “this old haunt” which opens this Saturday!

Have a listen.

Tickets + more info: https://www.drama.cmu.edu/box-office/this-old-haunt/

The Carnegie Mellon School of Drama presents "this old haunt" November 19th through the 30th at the Philip Chosky Theater. Maggie Marie Rodgers, Rebecca Wahls and SMJ talk about the production in this Carnegie Museum of Art "Voice of the Arts" podcast:

https://www.wqed.org/fm/podcasts/voice-arts/rebecca-wahls-smj-and-maggie-marie-rodgers

What Is Your Favorite Technology, David Boevers? — AMT Lab @ CMU

A research center of Carnegie Mellon University’s Master of Arts Management Program, the Arts Management & Technology Laboratory serves as an exchange, a catalyst for innovative ideas, and a conduit for knowledge circulating at the intersection of arts, management, and technology.

Earlier this month, they spoke with David Boevers, Associate Professor of Production Technology & Management here in the School of Drama, about his favorite technology software.

Have a read!

What Is Your Favorite Technology, David Boevers? — AMT Lab @ CMU Need to automate your life? This interview with David Boevers might offer some insights into tools and tactics to make your information flows seamless.

Employment Opportunities - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama

School of Drama is hiring!

Professor of Scenic Design
(Deadline: Dec. 9)

Professor of Acting
(Deadline: Dec. 16)

Professor of Composition and Sound Design
(Deadline: Dec. 16)

More information about each of these positions at the link below.

Employment Opportunities - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama As a member of the faculty and staff of the School of Drama you will have the opportunity to collaborate with the country’s foremost experts in arts and entertainment education.

How Her Ancestors Reignited Her Return to Theater

Congratulations to CMU Drama alum Samora la Perdida, appearing in Quiara Alegría Hudes's "My Broken Language" at Signature Theatre Company now through November 27.

This feature details Hudes's return to theater, not only as a playwright, but this time also as director.

“Her rehearsal room feels like home,” said Samora la Perdida, who plays one of Hudes’ alter egos, describing “walls decorated with altars to our ancestors, tables with guava and cheese empanadas from her favorite spot in Washington Heights, a stereo blasting Frankie Ruiz.”

Read more below.

How Her Ancestors Reignited Her Return to Theater Quiara Alegría Hudes is back with a new work, an Off Broadway production of “My Broken Language,” adapted from her 2021 memoir.

TV Talk: Pittsburgh-filmed movie ‘Dear Zoe’ releases on demand, in theaters

Several CMU Drama faculty and alum worked on the new film "Dear Zoe," premiering this week!

Congratulations, Professor Melissa Martin (Screenplay), Professor Mindy Eshelman (Costume Designer), Professor Don Wadsworth (Dialect Coach), and alumnae Jessica Cronin (Costume PA) and Laurie Klatcher (Actor).

TV Talk: Pittsburgh-filmed movie ‘Dear Zoe’ releases on demand, in theaters Trib Total Media TV writer Rob Owen offers a viewing tip for the coming week. It’s difficult to imagine a more Pittsburgh-y movie than the indie feature “Dear Zoe.” With scenes filmed at Kennywood, on the North Shore, in the Strip District, in Squirrel Hill and Braddock; with a gli...

Alumni Profile: Gena Sims & the Autism Theater Project - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama

School of Drama alumna Gena Sims (2019) is doing impactful work through her organization, the Autism Theater Project. Read about what sparked this work, how her time at CMU supported her on this journey, and her organization's newest project, "The Voice Inside."

Alumni Profile: Gena Sims & the Autism Theater Project - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama For Gena Sims, training at Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama was about more than finding her own voice; it was an integral part of her life’s work to help and support young people with autism in finding their voices.

Two weeks from today! Join us for this year's Junior Cabaret – MUSIC EVERYWHERE: The Songbook of Kooman & Dimond.

Sunday, November 13 @ 7pm
Pittsburgh Opera Center | 2425 Liberty Ave.

TICKETS:
$5 / Students
$25 / General Admission
*Streaming option available!

Since 2010, Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama students have had the opportunity to perform with a noted Broadway composer during an annual Cabaret.

This year, the students and instructor Gary Kline are honored to welcome Emmy-nominated CMU alumni Michael Kooman (CFA 2006) and Chris Dimond (CFA 2007) to the Pittsburgh Opera Center. Michael and Chris are known for their work on Disney+ and Netflix, as well as their ever-popular cabaret material. The pair will accompany the CMU students and present some of their latest musical works.

Join us for limited in-person seating or in your own homes for a live-streamed performance. You won’t want to miss it!

Tickets and more information here: https://cmucommunity.force.com/customquickevents?id=a3p2S0000007pH4&custom=true&cd=1

Pictured: Sam Marzella and Jack Cherry waiting for the School of Drama website to load.*

The School of Drama website is currently down. We hope to have the issue resolved ASAP, but if you have immediate needs, the links below may be helpful. Apologies for any inconvenience. We hope to be up and running again very soon!

For admission information:

-CMU Common App:
https://www.cmu.edu/admission/admission

-School of Drama Pre-Screens:
https://app.getacceptd.com/cmudrama

For box office information:
https://cmudrama.universitytickets.com/

For general questions, please email us at:
[email protected].

Thank you!

*Actually, a photo from our recent production of "As You Like It" - photo by Louis Stein. When our website is back up and running, you can learn more about the full cast & creative team at drama.cmu.edu/box-office/as-you-like-it :)

Joseph & Beneatha Scene - A RAISIN IN THE SUN | The Public Theater

School of Drama alumnus John Clay III appears in The Public Theater's production of "A Raisin in the Sun" playing now through November 13.

Check out this sneak peek of the rehearsal process. Bravo, John!

Joseph & Beneatha Scene - A RAISIN IN THE SUN | The Public Theater Check out a sneak peek scene of A RAISIN IN THE SUN.Running September 27 - November 6, 2022A RAISIN IN THE SUNBy Lorraine Hansberry Directed by Robert O’Hara...

Congratulations to all who worked on this magical, musical production of "As You Like It" -- Happy Closing Night!

---

AS YOU LIKE IT
by William Shakespeare
music by Bandits On The Run

CREATIVE TEAM
Director: PETER ANDERSEN
Music Director: MICHAEL LOGUERCIO
Choreographer: JUDITH ANN CONTE
Scene Design: SAMANTHA POLLACK
Costume Design: MITCHELL JACOBS
Lighting Design: SASHA FINLEY
Sound Design: PETER BURNS
Media Design: JULIAN KELLEY
Dramaturg: CAROLINE HOLMES
Stage Manager: MADISON GOLD
Fight Choreography: CATHERINE MOORE
Intimacy Facilitator: JUDITH ANN CONTE

CAST
Rosalind: KEVIN TAPPAN JR.
Orlando: PHOEBE LLOYD
Celia: ABIOLA OBATOLU
Oliver: JACK CHERRY
Touchstone: BETSY MILLER
Corin/Charles/Audrey: SAM MARZELLA
Silvius: WESLEY MATHEWS
Phebe/Adam: STEVEN TAYLOR, JR.
Jaques: JULIO GUTIERREZ
Duke Senior/Duke Frederick: MICHAEL BAHSIL COOK
Amiens/Le Beau/Martex/William: BRYANNA FELIPE

BAND
Cello: VIVIANA ANTONIO
Upright/Electric Bass: ELI COHEN
Acoustic Guitar: JAMES O’MALLEY GORBEA
Drum Kit: CAMDEN JOHNSON
Electric Guitar: LEILA GOTTLIEB

PRODUCTION TEAM
Fight Captain: JACK CHERRY
Dance Captains: SAM MARZELLA & BETSY MILLER
Production Manager: KAYLIE CARPENTER
Project Managers: VANESSA MILLS & SAMMY WILLIAMS
Job Lead: VICTOR GUTIERREZ
Props Manager: TODD R. KULIK
Props Coordinator: KRISTIN WARD
Scenic Charge Artist: BETH ZAMBORSKY
Lead Scenic Artist: JANELLE MOSOVSKY
Craftsperson: NOELLE CREMER
Draper: MATTHEW TORBETT
First Hands: HUIXUE (DIANA) KANG & KATHERINE CHUNG
Wardrobe Supervisor: IZZY KITCH
Lighting Programmer: BRIDGET DOHERTY
Lighting Manager: DEAN THORDARSON
Lead Lighting Tech: PABLO ANTÓN
Sound Engineer: ERIK CEREGHINO
Mixer: EMILY BRUNNER
Media Engineer: KOLTON COTTON
Assistant Director: ALON MORADI
Assistant Fight Choreographer: JACK CHERRY
Assistant Production Manager: DANIELLE BERGMAN
Assistant Stage Manager: ALLIE BLAYLOCK
Assistant Dramaturg: ELIOT HERRON
Assistant Scenic Designer: MAGGIE QUIGLEY
Assistant Costume Designer: JEM TEPE
Assistant Lighting Designer: J.D. HOPPER
Associate Lighting Manager: BISHOP SFORZA
Assistant Sound Designer: EMILY BRUNNER
Assistant Sound Engineer: PAN-PAN GOU
Assistant Media Designer: BAHAAR ESFAHANI
Assistant Media Engineer: JIN OH

Crew: Sean Barnett, Abby Brunner, Sydney De Haan, B Hanser, Isha Kanodia, Annaliese Pfeiffer, Alex Reinard, Ursula Sturgeon, Jackson Underwood, Angie Zarrilli

More info + digital playbill: https://www.drama.cmu.edu/box-office/as-you-like-it/

Photos by Louis Stein (Louis Stein photography)

I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams — Resonance Works

This weekend, Resonance Works presents the Pittsburgh premiere of Jorge Sosa and Cerise Lim Jacobs’ evocative contemporary opera, "I am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams."

Scenic Design by School of Drama alumna Sasha Schwartz;
Costume Design by School of Drama alumnus Damian Dominguez;
Stage Managed by School of Drama professor Tina Shackleford;
Assistant Stage Managed by School of Drama third-year student Kyle Musgrove.

Catch it Friday, Oct. 14 @ 8pm and Sunday, Oct. 16 @ 3pm at Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall. Click the link for more info.

I Am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams — Resonance Works Friday, October 14, 2022, 8:00 pmSunday, October 16, 2022, 3:00 pmCarnegie Music HallCarnegie, PATickets: $12.50 - $50.00 Tickets Resonance Works opens its tenth anniversary season with the Pittsburgh premiere of Jorge Sosa and Cerise Lim Jacobs’ evocative contemporary opera, I am a Dreamer Who No...

Box Office - 'As You Like It'

Do you have your tickets for "As You Like It" yet?? You're not going to want to miss it!

October 12 – 15, 2022

Tickets and more information below.

Box Office - 'As You Like It' A gender-bending, rock-n-roll reimagining of one of Shakespeare’s greatest rom-coms. MFA Director Peter Andersen takes us into the forest of Arden for some rebellious young love set to new music by Bandits on the Run, a Brooklyn-based indie/folk/pop/americana band.

The many faces of the JPPs!

The shows for tonight and tomorrow are officially SOLD OUT but you can try your chances for the waitlist at the box office.

Thanks for all the support!!

Learn more about the shows and flip through our digital program:
https://www.drama.cmu.edu/box-office/jpp/

[Photos by Louis Stein.]

Box Office - Junior Performance Project

Junior Performance Project begins tomorrow!

The Junior Performance Project is a combined performance opportunity for acting and music theater majors in their third year of acting training, stage managers in their first CMU production assignments, and third year and first year graduate students in the Theatrical Lighting Design and Lighting Design Skills courses.

Join us for workshop productions of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" and "Your Boyfriend May Be Imaginary" - September 29, 30, and October 1. Tickets are free and can be reserved beginning at 12pm the day before each performance.

More details at the link below.

Box Office - Junior Performance Project School of Drama juniors make their CMU debuts in workshop productions of "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" & "Your Boyfriend May Be Imaginary"

Have you ever wanted to know what a day in the life of a CMU Drama student is like? Head over to our Instagram today to find out!

Leyla, a 3rd year acting student, and Gaby, a 3rd year stage & production management student, are answering questions and sharing their days on our stories. See you there!

Carnegie Mellon graduates invade the MCU on Disney+ 'She-Hulk' series

Big fans of "She-Hulk" on Disney+ over here! 💚

CMU Drama alumni include director & executive producer Kat Coiro, cast members Renée Elise Goldsberry, Griffin Matthews, Eddy Rioseco, Rhys Coiro, costume assistant Natalia Kian, and production safety manager April Klimko.

“As the director and executive producer, I was given free rein to cast the best actors, and because CMU is a hub of talented, hardworking, classically trained graduates, I often go back to the source,” [Coiro] said. “Casting CMU grads gave me the confidence that, no matter how much pressure there was on the day, my actors would deliver.” 🔥

We are !

Carnegie Mellon graduates invade the MCU on Disney+ 'She-Hulk' series CMU graduates Renee Elise Goldsberry and Griffin Matthews discuss their work on “She-Hulk.”

We were fortunate to have Stephen Schwartz and Michael McCorry Rose visit today for a Q&A and surprise performance for our students.

Last night, they performed a cabaret for The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and as Stephen said, "It just felt wrong to be in Pittsburgh and not come to Carnegie Mellon!" We are so glad he did!

He and Michael shared insights about cabaret performance with our music theater students, who will soon perform their own cabaret. Stephen also talked about the forthcoming Wicked movie, his writing process, and the importance of bringing your full, authentic self to every process.

Thank you, Stephen and Michael!

Employment Opportunities - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama

School of Drama is hiring!

Director of Recruitment & Enrollment

Production Manager

Learn more and apply!

Employment Opportunities - Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama As a member of the faculty and staff of the School of Drama you will have the opportunity to collaborate with the country’s foremost experts in arts and entertainment education.

VIDEO: Celebrate National Arts In Education Week with Tony-Winning Teacher, Roshunda Jones-Koumba

Continuing to celebrate National Arts in Education week with BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge and the wonderful Roshunda Jones-Koumba, winner of the 2022 Excellence in Theatre Education Tony Award. Watch their conversation on the importance of arts education below.

And be sure to submit your favorite K-12 theatre educator for the 2023 award!
🔗: https://tonys.secure-platform.com/a/

VIDEO: Celebrate National Arts In Education Week with Tony-Winning Teacher, Roshunda Jones-Koumba It’s National Arts In Education Week! To celebrate, BroadwayWorld's Richard Ridge is chatting with the 2022 Excellence in Theatre Education Award winner, Roshunda Jones-Koumba, whose acceptance speech earned a standing ovation on Tony night. Watch the full video interview!

Congratulations to our Primetime Emmy Awards winners: School of Drama alumnus, Noah Mitz and CMU honorary Doctor of Fine Arts recipient, Michael Keaton!

Read more about them, our nominees, and alumni who worked on the ceremony here: https://www.cmu.edu/news/stories/archives/2022/september/emmy-award-winners.html

Celebrate by honoring a theatre teacher who made a difference in your life! Submissions are now open for the 2023 Excellence in Theatre Education Award presented by Carnegie Mellon University, The Broadway League, and the American Theatre Wing each year at the Tony Awards.

Learn more: https://www.tonyawards.com/education-award/

Pictured: Roshunda Jones-Koumba, recipient of the 2022 Excellence in Theatre Education Award

This fall, we are bringing the drama. And the comedy. And the music. And the dance. Join us!

For tickets and more information on the 22/23 season, visit: https://www.drama.cmu.edu/box-office/

Our Acting I classes got to chat with alumnus Antwayn Hopper, who currently appears on Broadway as Thought 6 in the Tony Award-winning musical, A Strange Loop. Thank you, Antwayn! ❤️

Making Our Own Table: Defining Black Intimacy Practice

A terrific conversation with new professor, Kaja Dunn, on how she approaches her work.

At CMU, Kaja teaches Anti-Racist and Culturally Competent Theater Practices. We are thrilled to have her as part of our community.

Making Our Own Table: Defining Black Intimacy Practice A Conversation with Kaja Dunn|Ann James, KAJA DUNNAnn James interviews Kaja Dunn, who works both as an intimacy specialist and a scholar of race and choreography, about her decade-long path through the intimacy industry. They discuss the way to bring intimacy professionals into a production process,...

A very good first day of what's sure to be a very good year.
We are the Carnegie Mellon School of Drama. ✨


📷: Louis Stein

Faculty and staff kick off to the 22/23 school year. Cake. Wine. Manicures. We’re ready. 🍰🥂💅🏽

We have some exciting new additions to the School of Drama!

Meet our new faculty, guest artists, and staff. We can't wait to see what they have in store for our students and community.

https://www.drama.cmu.edu/2022/08/26/new-faces-at-sod/

Introducing the CMU School of Drama Class of 2026!

📷: Louis Stein