March 14, 2006 > Music Theatre studies at Cal State

by Diane Daniel

Music Theatre is a new study option for the current academic year within the Department of Theatre and Dance at California State University, East Bay.

The work of students in the Music Theatre program specialization had its debut with the recent campus production of Beehive, a 1960s musical review, in late February and early March.

"Music theatre has always been of great interest to students, and well-supported by audiences," says Thomas Hird, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance.

The new program is headed by Darryl V. Jones, with assistance from Marc Jacobs. Both Jones and Jacobs are assistant professors of theatre and dance. Jones has more than 10 years of university teaching experience, in addition to directing and acting experience with several Washington, D.C. stage companies. Jacobs trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and has performed in as well as directed plays, musicals, concerts and operas across this country and in Canada.

More information found online at www.csueastbay.edu/theatre