Department of Theatre marks a milestone
With 40 years behind it, the department continues to reach for the stars

In the fall of 1967, the doors of SUNY Brockport's Tower Fine Arts Center opened for the first time, ushering in a new era in arts education on the campus of SUNY College at Brockport. With that gesture, the doors were also opening on a newly organized Department of Theatre. In the 40 years that have passed, the department has experienced highs and lows that have helped increase its fortitude to stand tall amongst both other departments and theatrical tradition, according to college personnel.

On Saturday, February 24, the department will celebrate by hosting an event that includes dinner and entertainment by alumna Alana Miller and the Blue Avengers in the Seymour College Union Ballroom; a performance of the Festival of Ten, an evening of ten 10-minute plays, a pre-performance preview of Setting the Stage: The Art of Theatrical Design, an art exhibit featuring several Tony Award-winning designers, opening on February 28; and a post-performance reception. Tickets for this event are $20, and can be arranged by calling (585) 395-2496 or contacting department chair Frank Kuhn at fkuhn@brockport.edu.

Aside from the celebration, their 40th Anniversary has given the theatre department time to pause and reflect upon its achievements, its alumni and its thoughts for the future. Notable alumni include: Allyce Beasley, multiple Emmy Award nominee for "Moonlighting;" Christine Voelenger, the first woman accepted into IATSE Local 1 (Broadway stagehand's union); Paul Pape, actor, "Saturday Night Fever;" Jesse Goins, whose Hollywood career stretches from "Different Strokes" to "Boston Legal." Michelle Malavet, whose scenic designs have been seen at the prestigious Manhattan Theatre Club, amongst other regional theatres, feels that "at SUNY Brockport, students learn how to learn - a key element in creating a solid career in theatre … It is what every undergraduate program should be."

Other alumni have gone on to teach theatre at both the high school and collegiate levels, while some have found success behind the scenes, as directors, designers and arts administrators.

The Department of Theatre has recently been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). NAST is an association of approximately 135 schools of theatre, primarily at the collegiate level. The department has also been invited to present two of its recent productions, "Maggie Magalita" and "Stop Kiss," at the regional festival sponsored by the Kennedy Center's American College Theatre Festival.

February 11, 2007