Strong character development and acting highlight upcoming six-show run of “The Glass Menagerie” at Tusculum University
GREENEVILLE – Experience the brilliant writing of Tennessee Williams and exceptional performances by four experienced local actors in an upcoming six-show run of “The Glass Menagerie” at Tusculum University.
Opening night for the Theatre-at-Tusculum production, which tells a story of a depression-era family in St. Louis in a dream-like and poetic manner, is Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 p.m. in Behan Arena Theatre. The cast will feature acting veteran Erin Hensley Schultz, who also serves as Tusculum’s costume director, as Amanda Wingfield. It also consists of Tusculum students Tristan Matthews as Tom Wingfield, Josie Norton as Laura Wingfield and Todd Wallin as Jim O’Connor (also known as the Gentleman Caller), all of whom have already developed impressive theater résumés.
Steve Schultz brings extensive theatrical experience to his new role as director of Tusculum University Arts Outreach
GREENEVILLE – Steve Schultz, a well-known local theatrical performer who has also accrued extensive experience in behind-the-scenes roles, such as director, script writer, house manager and box office manager, has been named Tusculum University’s new arts outreach director.
He is responsible for creating cost-effective arts programs and delivering them to East Tennessee residents on Tusculum’s behalf. His leadership will help the university build on its history of excellence in providing high-caliber programs that enrich personal lives and enhance the region’s quality of life.
“This selection was easy because Steve is integrated so deeply into the Tusculum arts program,” said Wayne Thomas, executive director of Tusculum Arts Outreach and dean of the College of Civic and Liberal Arts. “He understands our operations because he has been extensively involved in our theatrical performances, making this transition seamless for him and us. Steve also has impressive connections with local theater groups and facilities that will make collaboration achievable on multiple levels.”
Tusculum’s Center for the Arts holding painting workshop at the Doak House Museum in celebration of Mother’s Day
GREENEVILLE – Treat your favorite lady to a special outdoor painting event at Tusculum University in recognition of Mother’s Day.
As part of its Painting with the Masters series, the Center for the Arts will hold a painting workshop Thursday, May 11, at 6 p.m. on the Doak House Museum grounds. The event will be led by Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor of art and design and an accomplished local artist for 45 years.
No painting experience is required to participate.
The “5 X 10 Plays” return to Tusculum for a six-show run; distinguished national playwrights to attend opening weekend
GREENEVILLE – Diverse themes, talented acting and excellent writing will be on display in Behan Arena Theatre at Tusculum University for six upcoming performances of the “5 X 10 Plays.”
This year’s run is particularly meaningful to organizers because it is the 10th anniversary of this special production. To celebrate this milestone, Gary Garrison, an acclaimed playwright and former executive director of the Dramatists Guild of America, will hold a question-and-answer session on opening night, Friday, April 21.
That will be followed by a free reception. Every playwright who has penned a 5 X 10 play in previous years has been invited to return for the event. Other professional playwrights are finalizing plans to attend that night or be in town for the second show.
Tusculum University Community Band to hold pops concert in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre on campus
GREENEVILLE – Enjoy a fun night filled with many well-known songs as the Tusculum University Community Band performs a pops concert on campus.
The band will take the stage in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 7. Audience members will be tempted to sing along as the band plays six songs, half of which will be extended medleys.
The concert is free.
Tusculum Youth Actors Studio SHOWCASE, featuring more than 30 actors, to be held this weekend in the Behan Arena Theatre
GREENEVILLE — Enjoy the talent of local youth actors who will perform short plays this weekend at the Tusculum Youth Actors Studio SHOWCASE 2023 at Tusculum University.
Theatre-at-Tusculum is presenting the fun event Friday, Feb. 24, and Saturday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. as well as Sunday, Feb. 26, at 2 p.m. in the Behan Arena Theatre.
More than 30 local actors ages 8-18 will perform. In addition, Tusculum students Josie Norton, Todd Wallin and Gracie Weems, who have already demonstrated their theatrical skills on stage and behind the scenes, will make their directorial debuts.
Tusculum holding auditions for the “5 X 10 Plays”; actors 15 and older needed to fill a variety of roles
GREENEVILLE –Auditions for a wide array of roles in the “5 X 10 Plays,” a biennial tradition at Tusculum University for 10 years, are scheduled for the end of February.
Directors will hold auditions Sunday, Feb. 26, and Monday, Feb. 27, for those who are interested in performing in of the five, 10-minute plays. The auditions will take place at 7 p.m. each night in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. Aspirants are welcome, but not required, to attend both nights.
Experience in theater performances is a plus but not a must for the actors. The auditions will consist of cold readings, and no preparation is required. Directors are seeking people age 15 and older to fill the roles in the diverse plays.
Tusculum professor, an accomplished local artist for 45 years, to show his work at open house for art gallery’s new location
GREENEVILLE – Attendees at the open house for the new location of the Clem Allison Art Gallery at Tusculum University will not only be able to enjoy the new space but also experience the talent of a faculty member, who is an acclaimed regional artist.
The Center for the Arts will hold the open house from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the gallery, which has been moved to Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center in space close to the front entrance and the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre. During the event, Bill Bledsoe, assistant professor of art and design, who also has a robust private art portfolio, will have 16 pieces of his work on the walls for guests to examine and discuss with him.
All community members and the Tusculum family are invited to attend the open house, which is free. The Center for the Arts will hold a special ceremony at 6 p.m.
Tusculum reopening art gallery in new location, holding Couples Painting Night as Valentine’s Day fundraiser
GREENEVILLE – For decades, Tusculum University’s embrace of art has enthralled visitors and provided students with an excellent forum for active and experiential learning that equips them for their careers.
This proud tradition continues for Tusculum’s Center for the Arts and the university’s academic program with a new location for the Clem Allison Art Gallery. The gallery has moved to the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center, where it will add a different dimension to the cultural experience that resonates throughout the building.
The Center for the Arts will celebrate the reopening of the gallery with an open house Tuesday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m. for people to view the new setting. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Arts professional with extensive leadership experience selected as director of Tusculum’s Center for the Arts
GREENEVILLE – Rouja Green, a professional with 13 years of experience running a music and art school, has been selected as director of Tusculum University’s Center for the Arts.
In this leadership role, Green will ensure all fine arts programming presented by Tusculum is logistically sound. She will share and build on the strengths of these initiatives through fundraising, marketing, communication, presentation, design, teaching and advocacy in collaboration with others at the university.
“Rouja brings a wealth of experience in this field, which will enhance the quality of life in our region,” said Wayne Thomas, dean of the College of Civic and Liberal Arts and executive director of Tusculum Arts Outreach. “She brings boundless energy and positivity and is a staunch advocate for the arts. With her background and credentials, we’re truly blessed to have her.”
Tusculum University Community Choir to enhance the season with annual Christmas concert on campus
GREENEVILLE – Christmas favorites and other songs tied to the season will bring joy to the audience when the Tusculum University Community Choir performs them during its annual concert to mark this special time of year.
The choir will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center. Karen Miller will accompany the choir on piano throughout the concert, and special guest Jackie Love will accompany the group on “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” as well as play two short medleys, all on the viola.
Multiple Tony Award-winning “Company” coming to Tusculum University for a six-performance run
GREENEVILLE – The smash hit musical “Company,” which explores relationships and the struggles of sustaining them in urban America, is coming to Tusculum University for a six-performance run in November.
Opening night is Friday, Nov. 11, in the Marilyn duBrisk Theatre of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center, and the production runs for two weekends. The Tony Award-winning “Company” extends Theatre-at-Tusculum’s record of hosting stellar entertainment on campus for the region’s benefit.
“We are ecstatic to bring such a renowned production to Tusculum so the community can enjoy another first-class musical on our stage,” said Beth Schnura, the director of “Company” and director of Tusculum Arts Outreach. “The cast will showcase its exceptional talent and thoroughly entertain audiences while presenting them a storyline that has a great deal of depth. Seeing this musical in person will bring the messages to life in a vibrant way for our audiences.”