NEWS

West Virginia University at Parkersburg 300 Campus Drive Parkersburg WV 26104 Phone:  304-424-8203 | Fax:  304-424-8315

---

 

WVU Parkersburg, Actors Guild of Parkersburg form cooperative artistic partnership.

CONTACT: Nancy Nanney, chair of Humanities Division, 304-424-8361.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg and the Actors Guild of Parkersburg are forming a cooperative partnership to create a resident theatre company at the college.

"Stage Too" is designed to broaden local performance opportunities and audience bases through the development of an artistic/educational alliance.

"We envision this collaboration will link the theatrical energies and expertise of the college and the Actors Guild for the benefit of both the college community and the public at large," noted WVU Parkersburg President Marie Foster Gnage.

Through facilitating joint efforts in the performing arts, the partnership is also expected to contribute to the educational aims of the college’s Humanities Division.

"This cooperative theatre venture can help expand the college’s own theatre program, generating increased interest among students in pursuing theatre courses and careers," explained Nancy Nanney, chair of the Humanities Division.

The heightened visibility of innovative theatre activity, including forums and workshops, will also enhance and stabilize theatre studies at WVU Parkersburg, she noted.

"Overall, this shared artistic exploration of our diverse humanity and talent can serve to stimulate critical thinking, dialogue, and creativity on campus," she added.

For the Actors Guild, the collaboration will provide an opportunity to stage smaller, inventive and contemporary productions designed to attract new audiences.

"This collaboration benefits both the college and the Actors Guild in a number of synergistic ways," said David Prather, Stage Too coordinator.

"It will make campus venues accessible to Stage Too for the purpose of workshops, rehearsals, pre- and post-show forums, and performances," he continued. "It will enhance theatre education at the college. And, it has the potential to attract new audiences and participants to theatre activities sponsored by WVU-P, the Actors Guild and its affiliate Stage Too as well."

As part of the cooperative venture, Stage Too will also contribute to the college’s instruction in the theatre arts through service learning opportunities.

A collaborative agreement has been signed by the college and Stage Too. A spring program is being planned.

cd111604