Alumni Spotlight: Tobias Francis
BFA Theatre Design & Tech.
Presented by WVU’s School of Theatre & Dance, Anatomy of a Suicide runs in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre at the Canady Creative Arts Center through Oct. 1
Anatomy of a Suicide by Alice Birch explores the lives of three women within a family construct – grandmother, mother, and granddaughter. The play weaves a complex narrative around themes of depression, addiction, suicide, and the generational impact of trauma. Trapped in their specific cultural milieu of the 1970s, 2000s, and 2030s, the lives of these central characters play out simultaneously echoing their despair as parallel.
Danielle Krysa will present the Deem Distinguished Lecture in the West Virginia University School of Art and Design on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at the Canady Creative Arts Center.
Krysa is the writer behind the contemporary art site, The Jealous Curator, and has curated art shows all over North America. Danielle is also an artist herself, and her narrative mixed media work is held in private collections worldwide. She is the author of several art books, including “Creative Block”, “Your Inner Critic Is A Big Jerk”, “A Big Important Art Book - Now with Women”, and two children’s books; “How To Spot An Artist” and “Art and Joy.”
Representing West Virginia University and the entire Mountain State, “The Pride of West Virginia,” the Mountaineer Marching Band, will participate in the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, marking the second appearance for the band in the historic parade.
Macy’s Parade officials were in Morgantown Saturday (Sept. 16) to surprise band members with the news of their selection prior to the WVU football game. See video from the announcement.
Q: Can you tell me about your connection to WVU? Did you go to school here, what years, what activities were you involved in?
A: As a WV native, I have always felt a connection to WVU. I started taking clarinet lessons in Morgantown when I was 15. During high school, I attended Mountaineer Music camp two summers and had been a member of various All-State conferences that were held in Morgantown. Even after those positive experiences I thought I would attend a smaller school. But in the Spring of 1998 the Pride of WV sent a Keynotes CD to every high school in the state after receiving the Sudler Trophy, and I was hooked. I graduated from the College of Creative Arts in 2002 with a degree in Music Education. While at WVU I was a member of various instrumental ensembles including the Pride of WV, where I served as a drum major for three seasons. I also was a member of Mountain Honorary.
Masters of Fine Arts in Costume Design and Technology
Anthropology and Dance dual major; Art History minor
Technical Art History with a minor in Anthropology
Plays and musicals, artist lectures and exhibitions, ensemble concerts and solo performances will be featured as the West Virginia University College of Creative Arts once again presents The Curiosity Series.
“Providing experiences with a focus on artistic integrity is one of our most important contributions to the university and region,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini/Falbo Family Dean of WVU’s College of Creative Arts. “Whether the artists are faculty, students, or world renown guests, we in the College of Creative Arts are committed to sharing high quality art.