91ֱ�� Music Theater Dives into the Upside Down for "Stranger Sings!"</h1> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Music Theater Dives into the Upside Down for "Stranger Sings!"</h1> <p>kviancou — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 13:55:50 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Music Theater Dives into the Upside Down for "Stranger Sings!"</span> <span><span>kviancou</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-04-06T09:55:50-04:00" title="Monday, April 6, 2026 - 09:55">Mon, 04/06/2026 - 09:55</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ��’s Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space is about to get a little…<em>stranger</em>. </p><p>Beginning April 23, 91ֱ�� Music Theater invites audiences to Hawkins, Indiana, circa 1983—a time when hair was bigger and unsupervised children were snatched by interdimensional creatures. The occasion is <a href="/events/jonathan-hogues-stranger-sings-parody-musical"><em>Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical</em></a>, an over-the-top take on the hit Netflix series in all its campy 1980s glory.</p><p>Created by Jonathan Hogue, the award-nominated musical follows Mike, Eleven, Lucas, and Dustin as they face dancing monsters, teenage drama, and a trip to the Upside Down—the name for Hawkins' dark alternate dimension—this time with plenty of laughs. Critics have called the show “screwy” and “non-stop fun,” praising its ability to capture the “glorious nostalgia of the 1980s.”</p><p>Directed by Assistant Professor of Music Theater <a href="/laura-welsh">Laura Welsh</a>, with musical direction by Sarah Nelson and choreography by second-year music theater major Valeria Flores, 91ֱ��’s production leans into the humor and heart of the original production. “I'm a huge sci-fi fan and a child of the ’80s," says Welsh, "and this production is designed to revisit highlights of the series and the decade that inspired it in a joyful and humorous way.”</p><p>That sense of play extends beyond the stage, and Welsh warns that viewers seated in the front rows should be ready to participate. “The first rows are our ‘audience interaction seats’—ticket buyers beware! If you sit there, you will hold props, give high-fives, wear costume pieces, and be incorporated as part of the set.” Viewers sitting further back can still expect a “fun romp through ’80s archetypes” without the expectation of being part of the show.</p><p>Behind the scenes, Welsh adds, students are enjoying the trial and error of comedy. “Comedy is fun, but it’s hard work. Jokes are like math equations—they have to be carefully balanced.” The collaborative process has been especially rewarding: “Our students bring in amazing ideas, and then we shape them together, moment by moment, scene by scene. We all laugh a lot along the way.”</p><hr><p><em><strong>Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical</strong></em><strong> runs April 23 through May 3, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. Welsh suggests arriving early for pre-show music bingo and prizes. </strong></p><hr><p><strong>CONTENT ADVISORY: </strong><em>Stranger Sings!</em> <em>The Parody Musical</em> contains mature themes and situations, including strong language, suggestive content, and gun violence (including gun shot sound effects). This production also uses strobe lighting, which may affect photosensitive viewers, and theatrical fog and haze throughout the performance.</p><p><em>Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical</em> has no relation to Netflix.<br><br><strong>TICKET INFORMATION: </strong>General admission tickets at $15 ($10 for students and seniors), available <a href="/events/jonathan-hogues-stranger-sings-parody-musical">online</a>, by phone (800-371-0178), or in person by visiting 91ֱ��'s Central Ticket Service (67 N. Main St., in the lobby of the Nord Performing Arts Complex) from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Award-nominated parody delivers "screwy...non-stop fun" revisiting the glorious nostalgia of the 1980s.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-04-06T12:00:00Z">Mon, 04/06/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4111">Music Theater</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=476332">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/laura-welsh" hreflang="und">Laura Welsh</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theater" hreflang="und">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>The Enduring Relevance of “Spring Awakening”</h1> <p>awillia2 — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:12:14 +0000</p> <span>The Enduring Relevance of “Spring Awakening”</span> <span><span>awillia2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-01-29T14:12:14-05:00" title="Thursday, January 29, 2026 - 14:12">Thu, 01/29/2026 - 14:12</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� Music Theater marks its inaugural collaboration with Beck Center for the Arts in February with the musical <em>Spring Awakening</em>, bringing a powerful, timely coming-of-age story to the stage. “The stories that we’re telling in this are, unfortunately, incredibly relevant,” says director and professor of music theater <a href="/victoria-bussert" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cf36b3f7-a94a-452f-a17d-cc66585aa6ac" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Victoria Bussert">Victoria Bussert</a>.</p><p>Though set in 19th-century Germany, the musical confronts issues that are contemporary and heavy, such as sexuality, abuse, abortion, and suicide. It follows a group of repressed teenagers whose frustration with the unfairness of society ultimately boils over, most notably in the Act II ensemble number “Totally F---ed.” In that moment, the cast storms the stage, leaving chairs scattered behind them. </p><p>Based on the play by Frank Wedekind, <em>Spring Awakening</em> features a book and lyrics by Steven Sater and a rock-influenced score by Duncan Sheik. Bussert leads the creative team alongside music director <a href="/matthew-webb" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8644a9ba-1288-4545-b080-c427e6ef9b0f" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Matthew Webb">Matthew Webb</a> and choreographer <a href="/lauren-marousek" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="7fb06a76-e51b-4d3f-8363-a7d1c64cf9c9" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Lauren Marousek">Lauren Marousek</a>, both 91ֱ�� faculty members.</p><p>Bussert has directed the show twice before, including at the height of the COVID pandemic, but says, “ This is easily the most intense because of what’s going on in society today.” For Bussert, a sobering moment of realization came when <em>Roe v. Wade</em> was overturned in 2022. “That very day, I said, ‘We need to do <em>Spring Awakening</em> again.’ We’re forgetting the result of women not having autonomy over their bodies.”</p><p>For the choreography, Marousek drew from the score’s alternative rock influences. “ So much of when they break into song is inner life coming out,” she says. “They move differently during the rock songs versus during the scenes as school kids.”</p><p>She added that rehearsing during 91ֱ��’s winter term—a four-week immersive, non-classroom learning period—has allowed the group to focus deeply with minimal distraction. “It’s been a true professional rehearsal process.”</p><p>Adding to the professionalism is the show’s venue, Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, which hosts the 14-performance run. “ It’s really important in students’ training that not all of their experiences be on campus,” Bussert says. Having the actors work with a prestigious theater “ helps bridge that gap between being a college student and entering the industry.”</p><p>Beck Center also helped bring in set designer and lighting designer Trad Burns, whose contribution Marousek describes as “epic.” Bussert agrees. “He went full-fledged German expressionism, creating a shattered world.”</p><p>The impressive central staircase is flanked by two lower staircases with platforms on the side. These spaces are home base for Anjanette Hall and Matthew Wright, the pair of actors and 91ֱ�� faculty who portray all the adult characters in the show. </p><p>Before audiences come to see it for themselves, they should know that <em>Spring Awakening </em>“is not going to be for everybody,” Bussert says. “It’s an intense piece of theater” — one with a difficult, but important message.</p><p>“One of the things I think is important to discuss with the students about our art form is its very wide audience reach,” she adds. “It is our duty, especially at 91ֱ��, to produce pieces that will inspire curiosity, conversation, and thought.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">91ֱ�� Music Theater stages the Tony Award–winning musical at Beck Center for the Arts from February 12 to March 1.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-29T12:00:00Z">Thu, 01/29/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Stephanie Manning ’23</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3878">Conservatory of Music</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4111">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/victoria-bussert" hreflang="und">Victoria Bussert</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/lauren-marousek" hreflang="und">Lauren Marousek</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/matthew-webb" hreflang="und">Matthew Webb</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theater" hreflang="und">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-47625" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <div class="basic-box basic-box--faint"><h2 class="h3">Event Details</h2><p><a href="https://calendar.oberlin.edu/event/oberlin-at-beck-center-for-the-arts-2026-spring-awakening" target="_blank">91ֱ�� at Beck Center for the Arts 2026: <em>Spring Awakening</em></a><br>February 13- March 1, 2026<br><a href="https://beckcenter.org/theater" target="_blank">Beck Center for the Arts</a><br>17801 Detroit Avenue<br>Lakewood, Ohio 44107</p><p>Tickets: $20 - $40</p><div style="background-color:#EFEEEC;padding:10px 20px;"><p><strong>Content Advisory</strong><br><em>Spring Awakening</em> contains mature themes and situations, including discussions of consent, sexuality, coming out, mental health, body autonomy, and mention of teenage suicide/gun violence. The production also includes depictions of sexual activity. Recommended for mature audiences.</p><p><em>Spring Awakening</em> is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. <a href="http://mtishows.com" target="_blank">mtishows.com</a></p></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-47626" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <hr><p><em><strong>Stephanie Manning ’23</strong> completed her bassoon performance degree at 91ֱ�� while finding her way into journalism as a classical music critic. She returned to Cleveland after finishing a graduate diploma in journalism at Concordia University in Montreal. A regular contributor to </em>ClevelandClassical.com<em>, she has also published articles with </em>Signal Cleveland, The Montreal Gazette, <em>and</em> Carnegie Hall.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>Jaron M. LeGrair Joins 91ֱ�� Conservatory Faculty as Assistant Professor of Music Theater in Voice</h1> <p>awillia2 — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:13:23 +0000</p> <span>Jaron M. LeGrair Joins 91ֱ�� Conservatory Faculty as Assistant Professor of Music Theater in Voice</span> <span><span>awillia2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2026-01-21T13:13:23-05:00" title="Wednesday, January 21, 2026 - 13:13">Wed, 01/21/2026 - 13:13</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Beginning in fall 2026, <a href="/jaron-legrair" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="6aa8b85a-5a75-4bb1-bd44-5fd7c76eab83" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Jaron M. LeGrair">Jaron M. LeGrair</a> will join the faculty of the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music full-time as assistant professor of music theater in voice. A nationally recognized voice teacher, performer, and researcher, LeGrair has served as a visiting assistant professor at 91ֱ�� since the fall of 2025.</p><p>Educated in music performance and pedagogy, LeGrair brings deep expertise in voice instruction to 91ֱ��. He has trained hundreds of singers, actors, and public speakers through his private voice studio, and his educational content engages more than 1.2 million followers worldwide on social media. Before coming to 91ֱ��, LeGrair held faculty appointments at Point Park University, Saint Mary’s College of California, Youngstown State University, and Indiana Wesleyan University. He was featured in <em>Ebony</em> magazine and was a contributing author to the<em> Vocal Athlete</em> and the <em>Choral Conductor’s Companion</em>.</p><p>“The entire 91ֱ�� music theater team is thrilled to have Jaron join us as a full-time member of our family,” says Director of Music Theater <a href="/victoria-bussert" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="cf36b3f7-a94a-452f-a17d-cc66585aa6ac" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Victoria Bussert">Victoria Bussert</a>. “Jaron combines his incredible teaching knowledge with a deep love for this art form and for his students.”</p><p><a href="/music-theater" target="_blank" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="56bebccd-e8e4-4ca0-bcb8-1802850ca7f2" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Music Theater">91ֱ��’s music theater program</a> represents a significant chapter in the conservatory’s long legacy of rigorous, professional training in the performing arts. Designed to prepare undergraduates for careers on Broadway and beyond, the curriculum integrates intensive study in voice, acting, and dance, with specialty courses in audition technique, on-camera acting, and a New York City showcase—all led by world-class faculty who are music theater experts and professionals working in the industry. </p><p>“Being part of 91ֱ�� has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life, so having the opportunity to continue that work in a permanent way is deeply meaningful,” LeGrair says. “From the very beginning, the music theater program felt like a place where collaboration, care, and artistic curiosity are truly valued, and that sense of alignment only deepened over time. There is a genuine sense of respect and community here that you can feel every day, and working with my voice students has become one of the highlights of my week.”</p><p>As a performer, LeGrair has collaborated with several of the nation’s most esteemed gospel choirs and performed operatic and classical repertoire with ensembles such as the Akron Symphony and Opera Columbus. An Estill Master Trainer, he has presented at conferences such as The Voice Foundation, the Pan-American Vocology Association, the National Association of Teachers of Singing, and Estill Voice International.</p><p>“Jaron is an extraordinary artist and teacher,” says Dean of the Conservatory William Quillen. “His work with our students thus far has been transformative, and we are honored and delighted beyond words to welcome him to the faculty on a continuing basis.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">The passionate pedagogue brings his multifaceted teaching style and experiences to his voice students.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-21T12:00:00Z">Wed, 01/21/2026 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Stephanie Manning ’23</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3341">Conservatory Faculty</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4111">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jaron-legrair" hreflang="en">Jaron M. LeGrair</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theater" hreflang="und">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Jaron M. LeGrair</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-47304" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <hr><p><em><strong>Stephanie Manning ’23</strong> completed her bassoon performance degree at 91ֱ�� while finding her way into journalism as a classical music critic. She returned to Cleveland after finishing a graduate diploma in journalism at Concordia University in Montreal. A regular contributor to </em>ClevelandClassical.com<em>, she has also published articles with </em>Signal Cleveland, The Montreal Gazette, <em>and</em> Carnegie Hall.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Conservatory and Great Lakes Theater Announce Academic Partnership</h1> <p>awillia2 — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 23:43:56 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Conservatory and Great Lakes Theater Announce Academic Partnership</span> <span><span>awillia2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-10-16T19:43:56-04:00" title="Thursday, October 16, 2025 - 19:43">Thu, 10/16/2025 - 19:43</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>“Great Lakes Theater’s new partnership with 91ֱ�� provides exciting opportunities to cast 91ֱ�� students in our productions and nurture the next generation of theater artists alongside our professional company,” says Sara Bruner, Producing Artistic Director of Great Lakes Theater. </p><p>Adds William Quillen, Dean of the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music: “We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Great Lakes Theater, which will provide our students unparalleled opportunities to practice their craft in a professional setting and gain invaluable experience as they prepare to enter the industry. Great Lakes is a storied institution, and we are honored and proud to have the opportunity to work together, and we greatly look forward to the work ahead.”</p><p>91ֱ��’s music theater program is led by veteran educator Victoria Bussert, a long-time Great Lakes Theater artist who has directed numerous productions for the company. Under her leadership, the new degree program integrates 91ֱ��’s rigorous conservatory curriculum with opportunities for students to rehearse and perform within Great Lakes Theater’s professional company.</p><p>“For more than three decades, Vicky has been a cornerstone of American musical theater training, shaping countless artists whose voices now define the field,” Bruner says. “Her connections, vision, and rigor have not only elevated our company but also the broader theater ecosystem. I look forward to our continued collaboration with Vicky and her team at 91ֱ�� as we work together to cultivate the future of musical theater.”</p><h2>Why this matters</h2><p>The partnership bridges conservatory study and professional practice, reinforcing a mentorship-based model of training in which emerging artists learn directly from experienced actors and directors. Students gain firsthand insight into professional rehearsal behavior and the expectations that define a career on stage.</p><p>“The experience students get on a college campus is not the same as what happens in a regional theater,” Bussert says. “You’re working alongside seasoned professionals. Before higher education, our industry was built on mentorship—experienced performers teaching young artists. This partnership brings that model back. We’re not only teaching in the classroom; this allows teaching outside the classroom.”</p><p>For example, Great Lakes Theater productions tour throughout the summer to sister stages at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival and the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, exposing students to the traveling Broadway model where actors perform the same show in multiple cities. </p><p>Talent manager Sarah Haber of New York’s Creative Talent Company, who will lead master classes at 91ֱ�� this year, praised the program’s blend of training and real-world experience and notes this gives students an advantage.</p><p>“The training these 91ֱ�� students get makes me more likely to want to represent them,” she says. “They arrive prepared, know how to hold themselves in the room, and have the thick skin this industry requires.”</p><p>“When you perform in a professional regional theater, you’re surrounded by people who’ve been performing for 20, 30, 40 years,” she continues. “You learn what an Equity contract is, how a rehearsal room works, and what’s expected of you. That’s an education in itself.” </p><h2>Early impact—students already onstage</h2><p>91ֱ�� students performed with Great Lakes Theater in its fall production of Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpiece <em>Sunday in the Park with George</em> at the Hanna Theatre in Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. With an age range from 18 to 68, the show vividly demonstrates the partnership’s value, where students shared the stage with long-tenured professionals. </p><p>91ֱ�� music theater majors will get more time on a professional stage when they appear at the Beck Center for the Arts in <em>Spring Awakening</em> at the Senney Theater, February 13–March 1, 2026; more information at <a href="http://beckcenter.org" target="_blank">BeckCenter.org</a>.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Collaboration will advance music theater training, prepare students for professional careers.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-17T12:00:00Z">Fri, 10/17/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music has forged an academic partnership with regional powerhouse Great Lakes Theater. Beginning this fall, students in the conservatory’s new music theater program have the opportunity to audition for and perform in Great Lakes musical productions.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4111">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theater" hreflang="und">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">A scene from “Sunday in the Park with George” at the Hanna Theater featuring 91ֱ�� music theater students and Great Lakes Theater company members.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Roger Mastroianni</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44957" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <hr><p><em><strong>About 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music</strong></em></p><p><em>Founded in 1865,</em> <a href="/node/478907" target="_blank"><em>91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music</em></a> <em>is renowned for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant performance opportunities. The conservatory offers more than 500 performances annually, many of which are free and open to the public. Its distinguished alumni include Pulitzer Prize-winning composers, Grammy Award-winning musicians, and leaders across the music industry.</em></p><p><em><strong>About Great Lakes Theater</strong></em></p><p><a href="https://www.greatlakestheater.org/" target="_blank"><em>Great Lakes Theater</em></a><em>, the first resident company of Playhouse Square, has brought the pleasure, power and relevance of live theater to the widest possible audience since 1962. Great Lakes Theater programming impacts more than 100,000 adults and students annually.</em></p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Conservatory Debuts New Space</h1> <p>eburnett — Mon, 06 Oct 2025 15:55:52 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Conservatory Debuts New Space</span> <span><span>eburnett</span></span> <span><time datetime="2025-10-06T11:55:52-04:00" title="Monday, October 6, 2025 - 11:55">Mon, 10/06/2025 - 11:55</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� Conservatory has expanded its footprint along with its curriculum this fall. The arrival of Conservatory East Studios, located on East College Street in downtown 91ֱ��, coincides with the launch of the conservatory’s <a href="/music-theater-program" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="e76cc764-d960-4233-bd6b-6ce70e7a11f8" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Music Theater">Music Theater program</a>, which shares the new space with <a href="/recording-arts" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="402c1e04-2ddd-46fe-b48c-9a69b81fa8fc" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Recording Arts and Production">Recording Arts and Production</a>.</p><p>The 8,600-square-foot space, situated next to the Hotel at 91ֱ�� on the ground floor of the Peter B. Lewis Gateway Center, is centrally located between the main conservatory complex and the college’s theater and dance facilities.</p><p>Designed by J. Kurtz Architects of Cleveland, Conservatory East features two multipurpose studios, a recording control room, and offices for faculty and staff. The space features floor-to-ceiling windows along its south-facing walls, including both studios and a seating area at the main entrance. It’s a deliberate move intended to emphasize the vital connection to the outside world.</p><p>“ So often on college campuses, the teaching and learning is hidden from public view,” says Dean of the Conservatory <a href="/william-quillen" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="ae2f8811-f23e-458f-87e3-6d455d557536" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="William Quillen">William Quillen</a>. “Our idea here was to place our artistic processes front and center.”</p><h2>A Space Built for Creativity</h2><p>Conservatory East’s multipurpose studios can be used as classrooms, rehearsal spaces, or dance studios. Both are outfitted with ballet barres, sprung floors, mirrors, and self-record audiovisual systems. In addition to housing core classes for Music Theater, they can be reserved by any faculty member or student in the conservatory.</p><p>Adjoining the two studios is a central recording control room used for Recording Arts and Production classes. This soundproofed listening environment allows students to mix, master, and edit audio in real time. From here, they can also deploy segmented curtain systems, which can be arranged in various ways to create a host of sound environments in the studios.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Conservatory East Studios houses programs in Music Theater and Recording Arts and Production.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-06T12:00:00Z">Mon, 10/06/2025 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Stephanie Manning ’23</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4111">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=184446">Recording Arts and Production</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=476332">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/victoria-bussert" hreflang="und">Victoria Bussert</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theater" hreflang="und">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Music Theater students participate in a dance class in one of Conservatory East's two multipurpose studios, each with clear views onto East College Street.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44519" class="paragraph paragraph--type--pb-el-bq paragraph--view-mode--default"> <blockquote class="blockquote--quotemark" data-text-color-red data-text-size-giant> <p>Walking into those beautiful studios with the sun’s first rays streaming through the windows is absolutely magical—all of us can feel it.” </p><p class="text-align-right"><em>—Professor of Music Theater Victoria Bussert</em></p> </blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44520" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>Throughout the construction process, acoustic isolation was a top priority to prevent noise transmission between Conservatory East and hotel guestrooms above. A technique called “box-in-box” construction—which calls for six layers of drywall between each room, among other reinforcements—ensures that no room touches another directly. The acoustically-rated glass that faces College Street is four layers thick, keeping sound transference to a minimum.</p><p>Conservatory East’s four practice rooms and 10 faculty and staff offices for Music Theater are also customized with sound-dampening measures.</p><p>A centrally-located lounge, featuring couches and modular furniture, connects the rooms and serves as a gathering space. Another seating area, with a countertop bar and stools situated at the expansive windows just inside the building’s main entrance, offers an unobstructed view of downtown 91ֱ��.</p><p>Two banks of lockers assigned to Music Theater students allow for convenient storage. (See photos of various Conservatory East spaces below.)</p> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44523" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-copy paragraph--view-mode--default o-flex--basic-copy basic-copy"> <p>Conservatory East features direct access to the <a href="/birenbaum" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="5cd310b4-86e1-4ce3-ba00-9a39352c8c70" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space">Birenbaum Innovation and Performance Space</a>, a sleek and intimate subterranean concert venue christened in 2016. Development of the new conservatory complex provided an opportunity to simultaneously update the Birenbaum with new stage lighting and rigging, acoustic treatments, and an upgraded control system. The Birenbaum will be a hub for Music Theater, which plans to use the venue for recitals, cabaret-style events, and other performances.</p><p>Conservatory East was an ambitious undertaking executed in a compressed timetable to accommodate the <a href="/news/oberlin-conservatory-launches-program-music-theater" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="fca6ef33-ab08-4a4e-9eda-7c13a5450a8d" data-entity-substitution="canonical" title="91ֱ�� Conservatory Launches Program in Music Theater">arrival of 91ֱ��’s new Music Theater program</a>. By late August, construction crews worked around the clock to ensure that the space was ready for students from Day 1 of classes.</p><p>“Walking into those beautiful studios with the sun’s first rays streaming through the windows is absolutely magical—all of us can feel it,” says Professor of Music Theater Victoria Bussert. “The creativity is truly running wild throughout the spaces from morning to night every single day.”</p><p>A few final touches are in store in the coming weeks: Exterior and interior signage, additional acoustic paneling, and more equipment for the recording control room will be added during fall semester.</p><p>Quillen expects the highly visible addition to campus to become a bustling hub of activity.</p><p>“ The space has been built to facilitate interaction between the students, between the faculty, and between the public,” he says. “The whole idea of the space is to foster togetherness and facilitate the kind of artistic magic that happens when creative people come together.”</p><hr><p><em><strong>Stephanie Manning is a freelance writer based in Cleveland. She studied bassoon performance, arts administration, and journalism at 91ֱ��.</strong></em></p> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44526" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Conservatory East Studios leans into its proximity to downtown 91ֱ��, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer clear views of College Street—and into the studios from outside.</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44527" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Conservatory East's multipurpose studios seamlessly transition to classroom space.</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44528" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Plentiful cubby spaces and lockers provide ample room for student storage.</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44529" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Areas for socializing and relaxing abound, including this central lounge next to the multipurpose rooms and teacher studios.</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44535" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> <figure> <figcaption> <div class="figure__caption"><p>Conservatory East's multipurpose rooms are fully equipped for a wide range of uses and can be reserved by any conservatory student or faculty member.</p></div> <div class="figure__credit"><p>Photo credit: Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</p></div> </figcaption> </figure> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div id="obj-44537" class="paragraph paragraph--type--para-el-figure paragraph--view-mode--default"> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> <article> <h1>91ֱ�� Conservatory Launches Program in Music Theater</h1> <p>azaleski — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 17:53:01 +0000</p> <span>91ֱ�� Conservatory Launches Program in Music Theater</span> <span><span>azaleski</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-08-15T13:53:01-04:00" title="Thursday, August 15, 2024 - 13:53">Thu, 08/15/2024 - 13:53</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Beginning in the fall of 2025, 91ֱ�� will launch a <a href="/music-theater" target="_blank">music theater program</a>, building on the storied legacy of our legendary graduates and training future music theater stars for decades to come.</p><p>The program is a natural next step for an institution that has operated at the forefront of pre-professional music training for more than 150 years.</p><p>“Music theater is one of America’s great artistic traditions,” says William Quillen, Dean of the Conservatory of Music. “It’s also a distinctive 91ֱ�� tradition, as evidenced by the numerous 91ֱ�� alumni over the years—conservatory and college alike—who have helped shape this art form while enjoying distinguished careers on Broadway and stages around the globe.”</p><p>It's impossible to imagine music theater in America, much less around the world, without the work of 91ֱ�� graduates such as John Kander and Julie Taymor. </p><p>Thanks to Kander’s timeless scores, generations of theatergoers have witnessed Roxie Hart razzle-dazzle her way out of a murder rap in <em>Chicago</em> and felt the desperation of Sally Bowles, entreating us to come to the <em>Cabaret</em>. Because of Taymor’s visionary direction, children on six continents have thrilled at the spectacle of life-size giraffes loping down the aisles in <em>The Lion King</em>.</p><p>Kander, Taymor, and other celebrated alums credit their 91ֱ�� experience for providing the creative spark that drove their history-making artistry. </p><p>“91ֱ�� is known throughout the world for its deep commitment to the arts, theater, and music,” says President Carmen Twillie Ambar. “It therefore seemed perfectly appropriate to add music theater to our repertoire of excellence.”</p><p>91ֱ��’s music theater program will be led by <a href="/victoria-bussert" target="_blank">Victoria Bussert</a>, an award-winning music theater artist who has devoted decades to building an international reputation for excellence as a director, helming productions from Boise to Brazil, and as a teacher at the leading-edge of music theater education in the United States. </p><h4>At 91ֱ��, music theater isn’t an afterthought—it’s an art form</h4><p>91ֱ��’s program will be at the vanguard of music theater training in higher education because it is being built from the ground up. The conservatory is hiring faculty and staff who are industry professionals and who specialize in training young artists for careers immediately after graduation.</p><p>At 91ֱ��:</p><ul><li>Students will pursue a Bachelor of Music degree in music theater, taking classes taught by music theater professionals who are active on regional and national stages and with deep connections to other professionals working in front of the curtain and behind it, including agents and casting directors.</li><li>The program will be housed in a newly created, fully customized facility designed specifically for music theater education, training, and performance. Music theater students will also utilize 91ֱ��’s wealth of versatile performance spaces.</li><li>Those studying music theater will benefit from being students in the conservatory, participating in the world-class artistic training it provides.</li><li>Music theater students will also benefit from being part of the intellectual ecosystem of one of the country’s preeminent liberal arts institutions.</li></ul><h4>About Victoria Bussert</h4><p>Bussert has long balanced her professional life as a director with her role as an innovative educator. She has directed more than 400 productions on three continents and is resident director of Cleveland’s Great Lakes Theater and its sister company, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. She taught as guest faculty at North Carolina School of the Arts and Northwestern University and served as director of music theater for more than two decades at Baldwin Wallace University. Among her many accolades, Bussert earned a Cleveland Arts Prize for theater and dance, with the jury praising her directing and teaching, and she was named one of the 10 Legendary Music Professors Teaching Today by college consultants Music School Central. </p><p>Bussert will initially be joined by a trio of talented colleagues: Artists and teachers with national and international credits and expertise in acting for music theater, music direction, and choreography. More hires will follow.</p><p>Says Dean Quillen: “We couldn’t be more delighted that an artist and educator of Vicky Bussert’s caliber will be the founding director of 91ֱ��’s music theater program, and we are thrilled to welcome Vicky, Laura Welsh, Matt Webb, and Lauren Marousek to the faculty. They are, quite simply, the best at what they do, with years of proven success preparing young artists for careers on Broadway and beyond. Under their leadership, and the leadership of faculty and staff who will join the program as it launches, 91ֱ�� will be home to the highest-quality music-theater training available in the country.”</p><p>Bussert is ready to begin her next act at 91ֱ��.</p><p>“91ֱ��’s investment in the space and specialized faculty for music theater is remarkable. To me, it demonstrates an unwavering commitment to both the field and the next generation of music theater professionals. I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of it.”</p><hr><p><em>For more information, visit the </em><a href="/music-theater" target="_blank"><em>91ֱ�� Music Theater website</em></a><em>. The application for new and transfer students to the 91ֱ�� Conservatory of Music is available now and due December 1.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Premiering in fall 2025, new major draws on 91ֱ��’s legacy of musical excellence and commitment to preparing students for outstanding 21st-century careers.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-08-19T12:00:00Z">Mon, 08/19/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2356">Conservatory</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4111">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=476332">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/victoria-bussert" hreflang="und">Victoria Bussert</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/conservatory/divisions/music-theater" hreflang="und">Music Theater</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Mike Crupi</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-article-header field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">0</div> </article> </main></body></html>