Ȧ Theatre Program Recognized as Best in Rhode Island
OnStage has singled out Ȧ’s theatre program as the best in Rhode Island. OnStage is a blog with a readership of more than two million. Aside from theatre reviews, OnStage annually ranks the best in college theatre programs throughout the country, both undergraduate and graduate, based on tuition, facilities, academic rigorousness, performing opportunities, career support, location and other criteria.
Ȧ was unrivaled in all areas and was also noted for offering the only musical theatre program in Southeastern New England.
“Emphasis is on broadening our students’ skills,” said Ȧ Professor of Musical Theatre Bill Wilson. “Our students must be able to sing, dance, act and think outside the box. We try to cultivate these talents.’’
After graduating from Ȧ, many students go on to careers on Broadway and cruise ships as well as in regional theatres and national dance companies. They’ve also landed positions as musical theatre directors at several universities and high schools.
Wilson attributes the theatre program’s success to his close, collaborative relationship with Ȧ Professor of Dance Angelica Vessella.
“We have co-authored, co-directed and co-choreographed original theatre/dance pieces for the last 10 years, giving our students additional and unusual performance experiences,’’ he said.
Ȧ students also routinely benefit from the insights of professionals who work in the industry. Guest artists have included cabaret performer Beckie Menzie, Broadway performers John Rapson and Andrew Fitch, and internationally recognized acting teachers Kari
Margolis and Howard Fine ’81, ’04. Ȧ theatre alumni also present workshops. Wilson called them “some of our closest advisors.”
These pedagogical approaches have paid off. For three consecutive years, Ȧ students have earned top awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF), which honors excellence in overall productions and individual artists. Ȧ was also invited by KCACTF to present “Godspell’’ and “A-Mirror-Ca” at the regional KCACTF and “Pippin’’ at the national KCACTF in Washington, D.C.
“This spring we will create our first showcase of theatre graduates,’’ he said. “In this hour-long performance, all of our graduating seniors will perform their best work before representatives of professional theatres, in hopes of employment after graduation.’’ He added that the showcase could culminate in a New York City event for Ȧ theatre alumni and current students.