The Michael and Andrea Stone Visiting Artist Series presents Susan Stroman at the Townsend Center for Performing Arts Black Box, on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m.
In conversation with UWG Professor of Theatre Shelly Elman, Stroman will discuss her career as the director and choreographer of award-winning plays and musicals both On- and Off-Broadway, as well as for television, film and such institutions as the Metropolitan Opera, New York City Ballet and Martha Graham Dance Company.
Among her many credits are “The Producers,” winner of 12 Tony Awards, including Best Direction and Best Choreography for Stroman; and “The Scottsboro Boys,” nominated for Tony Awards for Best Direction and Best Choreography of a Musical. In addition, she conceived, directed and choreographed “Contact,” for which she won the Tony Award for Best Choreography.
“Stroman was one of the few women, who broke through the ‘glass ceiling’ of women directing on Broadway,” said Elman. “She is generous enough to share her experiences with the next generation of theatre artists by coming to universities like UWG.”
Hosting a talent like Stroman on campus is desirable to community members as well as multiple colleges and programs, a fact not lost on Dr. Bradford Yates, dean of the School of Communication, Film and Media, whose students and faculty will also interact with the Broadway maven.
“Though Stroman’s success can be measured through work in New York this is not necessarily the only template for success in Theatre,” he said. “I hope her visit will inspire students to understand the ‘business’ of theatre, from what a director and choreographer expects from actors/dancers/singers in rehearsals, to what it takes in terms of drive and ambition to ‘make it’.”
Stroman’s visit is made possible by the generosity of Michael and Andrea Stone, who established their visiting artist series ten years ago, which continues to inspire, entertain and most of all edify the University of West Georgia, Carrollton and indeed the entirety of our region. Tickets are complimentary through the Townsend Center Box Office.
