The West Virginia University School of Theatre & Dance is excited to welcome Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre Jeremiah Downes to the faculty. He received a BFA from Univeristy of the Arts in Philidelphia and a Masters of Music from Oklahoma City University. He is also a member of the Actors’ Equity Association. Professor Downes has spent more than 15 years as a professional performer on stages alongside some of Broadway’s finest performers.

“I am thrilled that we were able to land a teacher-performer as versatile and experienced as Jeremiah Downes,” said College of Creative Arts Dean Keith Jackson. “As both a teacher and performer he has engaged in activities in large metropolitan and in rural cultural centers. As our music theatre program continues to develop into one of the leading programs in the region, his diversity of experiences will be a great benefit to our students.”

Pulitzer Prize nominated playwright, María Irene Fornés describes her play, “Mud”, as “an example of what is possible.” Mirroring the impoverished and lonely conditions in the human mind, the West Virginia University School of Theatre & Dance’s season opening production explores the struggle of climbing out of the situation we are born into. Come witness the telling of this incredible and chillingly close to home story Sept. 27-Oct. 6 at WVU’s Creative Arts Center.

“Mud”, first performed in 1983, tells the story of Mae, an impoverished young woman who is working hard to get out of her situation. She is constantly being brought down by her counterpart, Lloyd, a young man content to stay in his situation. Into their world steps Henry, a man whom Mae looks up to because of his knowledge and experience in the world (albeit only a slightly more learned that she). Henry comes to stay at Mae’s, but suddenly becomes one more tether tying her to her place in the mud.

West Virginia University students, faculty and professional artists from around the world will show off their talents as part of Curiosity Series , hosted by WVU’s College of Creative Arts.

In its second season, the Curiosity Series is a sampling of the hundreds of events presented yearly in the College of Creative Arts. According to Dean Keith Jackson, this year’s programming has something for everyone in the greater Morgantown community.

“Due to the unique nature of the arts, many of the similar services on campus, such as Career Services, are not relevant for setting up students for long time artistic success,” said Keith Jackson, Philip J. Faini and Falbo Family Dean. “This is a commitment from the university and the college to do everything in our power to help students build careers."

According to Jackson, Myers has a long history of successful students and going above and beyond in helping her students meet their goals.

Calling the Sycamores eccentric wouldn’t begin to explain them! An ice salesman who never left, a wrestling Russian ballet teacher and fireworks in the basement are just a few of the novelties thrust upon you in The West Virginia University School of Theatre and Dance’s production of “You Can’t Take It with You” April 5-14 at WVU’s Creative Arts Center.

Written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart in the late 1930’s, “You Can’t Take It with You” tells the story of Alice Sycamore juggling her affection for Tony Kirby, the son of a wealthy business owner, and the adoration of her off-the-wall family. More importantly, Kaufman and Hart tell a story about a family and their love for life and each other. The students in The School of Theatre & Dance have pieced together a joyous, yet uncouth experience any audience would enjoy.

Name: William Wrightstone

Class Rank: Senior