Millikin University has received recognition as one of the "Top 10 BFA Musical Theatre Programs" in the country for 2016-17 according to a recent survey published by the online theatre news and review blog OnStage.
The survey, published on Aug. 24, ranks Millikin University as one of the best institutions in the country to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. According to OnStage, the rankings are based off tuition, curriculum, faculty and career support.
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"This recognition from OnStage affirms that Millikin's School of Theatre and Dance offers what we have long known to be excellent training and career preparation for aspiring Musical Theatre performers," says Laura Ledford, dean of the College of Fine Arts at Millikin. "It also places Millikin in the fine company of some of the most prestigious BFA programs in the country."
According to OnStage, "The end of August is usually a time where college seems to be on everyone's mind. Whether it's incoming freshmen getting ready to move into their residence halls or high school seniors preparing their applications, college is a constant discussion. For theatre students, where you attend can certainly have an impact on your career with the type of training you receive."
The OnStage profile of Millikin highlights the performance opportunities available to students beginning in their first semester. Additional performance opportunities may include Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre, Millikin's student-run theatre company, The Annual Children's Show and The New Musicals Workshop.
OnStage goes on to mention the success of Broadway performers from Millikin including Lavon Fisher-Wilson '95, Tim Shew '80, Jodi Benson '83, Ian Liberto '05 and Sierra Boggess '04.
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In August 2015, OnStage recognized Millikin's School of Theatre and Dance as one of the "10 Most Underrated Theatre Colleges in the Midwest." Millikin placed 2nd on the list which covered the states of Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana.
Based in New Haven, Conn., OnStage is a blog dedicated to Broadway and regional theatre show reviews as well as discussing famous stage directors, actors and technicians.
In August 2016, Millikin's Department of Theatre and Dance within the College of Fine Arts was renamed the School of Theatre and Dance. The name change not only highlights the national reputation of Theatre and Dance at Millikin but also asserts a new structure which will facilitate the continuing growth of the School of Theatre and Dance as it expands in terms of students, faculty, curriculum and degree programs.
In conjunction with the name change, the College of Fine Arts named Mary Black director of the School of Theatre and Dance effective August 2016.
"I am excited and proud to have the opportunity to lead an exceptional and committed faculty and staff in the School of Theatre and Dance into the future," said Black. "Over the coming years, I hope to see the new School of Theatre and Dance grow strategically, diversify both our population and our curriculum, and build upon the excellence in theatre and dance education for which we have become known."
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Sean Morrissey, artist in residence in the School of Theatre and Dance, says, "It is an exciting time for Theatre and Dance. The reputation and quality of our department has grown consistently over the last 15 years making Millikin's theatre program a major player in the education of emerging artists."
Millikin Theatre and Dance produces numerous performances in venues on and off-campus, including musicals, plays, operas, children's theatre and dance concerts, as well as productions through its student-run theatre company, Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre.
Millikin's School of Theatre and Dance is a nationally-recognized program, offering conservatory style training rooted in a liberal arts education. The School of Theatre and Dance's approach to education offers students valuable insight and hands-on experiences that will prepare them for professional success. Nationwide, Millikin's respected theatre alumni are routinely hired for projects in television, film and live theatre, including top Broadway shows. For more information, visit millikin.edu/theatre.