SFUAD will Host New Mexico State Thespian Festival Jan. 12–13
High school students from across the state to perform and compete for scholarship opportunities
12.21.2011
Media Contact:
Maria Alexandra Velez
1-505-473-6682
maria.velez@santafeuniversity.edu
Santa Fe, N.M.—December 21, 2011—Santa Fe University of Art and Design will host the New Mexico State Thespian Festival, the premiere event for the state’s high school theatre students, Jan. 12–13, 2012. The annual Thespian Festival showcases high school performances, provides learning opportunities for students and educators in workshops and master classes, and offers students the opportunity to audition for college admission and thespian scholarships.
“We are pleased we were selected by the New Mexico State Thespian Society for its 2012 Festival,” said John Weckesser, chair of the university’s Performing Arts Department. “It’s an honor to share our theatre facilities and campus to recognize the work of serious theatre students from all over New Mexico. We look forward to welcoming theatre students and teachers as they demonstrate their skills in individual events and workshops.”
More than 140 students and teachers from high schools across the state are registered to participate in this year’s festival. Santa Fe University will host the event and present workshops for students and teachers on subjects including acting, music theatre, dance, film and tech theatre. An open house and auditions for the university’s theatre program are also scheduled as part of the festival.
“We could not have chosen a more emblematic place to hold our festival this year,” said Richard Hogle, treasurer of the NM State Thespian Festival. “Santa Fe University is home to the Greer Garson Theatre, a place where students develop and showcase their talent for the benefit of Santa Fe and New Mexico, something really inspiring for our participants.”
A Distinguished Senior Award will be given to an outstanding senior participant who is nominated by his or her troupe director. Students who receive the highest rating will be eligible to perform at the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska in June 2012. For more information about the agenda, performances and other details of the international festival, please contact Richard Hogle at rhogle@aa.edu.
Santa Fe University’s Performing Arts Department offers programs in theatre, theatre design and performance. The program is based in the Greer Garson Theatre Center, a magnificent venue that offers complete facilities for the Performing Arts programs and professional theatrical productions. The venue was named for Greer Garson, Academy Award–winning actress and close friend of the school.
About Thespians
The International Thespian Society (ITS) has been honoring excellence in the work of theatre students since 1929. ITS troupes serve students in grades 9 through 12 and are currently active in more than 3,900 high schools and middle schools, mainly in the United States and Canada. ITS recently inducted its two millionth thespian. Each troupe is led by a troupe director (typically the school’s theatre teacher) who is a professional member of the Educational Theatre Association. Students earn an invitation to ITS membership based on their achievements in the school’s theatre program.
About Santa Fe University of Art and Design
Santa Fe University of Art and Design, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, provides a unique interdisciplinary curriculum that combines practical experience with core theory to prepare graduates to become well-rounded, creative problem-solving professionals. SFUAD offers a small-size class environment led by faculty members who are practicing artists, passionate about education and committed to involving students in meaningful projects beginning in their freshman year. The curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, passion and outstanding performance in contemporary music, creative writing, performing arts, art, graphic design, moving image arts (filmmaking and video production), and photography. With its diverse international student body and opportunities to study abroad, SFUAD encourages students to develop a global perspective on the arts. The city of Santa Fe also offers an international artistic experience as one of the world’s leading centers for art and design, home to thousands of artists working in all media. The university has recently launched Artists for Positive Social Change, a yearlong series of events, curricula, lectures and performances that explore one high-profile issue or genre; during the 2011–2012 academic year, the program focuses on hip hop as a major influence on today’s culture and social fabric. For more information, visit www.santafeuniversity.edu.
Santa Fe University of Art and Design (formerly the College of Santa Fe) is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association, www.ncahlc.org.
