Aspiring musical theatre and drama students from area schools will perform alongside Temple College faculty members during the inaugural Temple College Musical Theatre and Drama Showcase at 5 p.m. Saturday, April 9 in the Jackson-Graeter Backstage Theatre located in the Mary Alice Marshall Performing Arts Center.

 

The event, which is free and open to the public, will feature Broadway songs and scenes, highlighting the talents of aspiring musical theatre students and faculty members as Temple College launches its new associate of arts degree programs in theatre (drama) and musical theatre. The new programs begin in the fall.

“These students have worked hard during their high school careers to develop their musical and theatre talents. This is our way to provide them another venue to share those talents and let them experience the look and feel of performing on a collegiate stage,” said Priscilla Santana, assistant professor of music and co-director of the musical theatre program. “We’re very excited to offer this opportunity to students, and we’re excited to share this with the community.”

Dr. Derek Mudd, assistant professor of speech and drama and director of the drama program, said the Showcase is an opportunity to debut the new programs.

“We are excited because this event helps kick off our new associate degree programs in drama and musical theatre that will start in the fall,” Mudd said. “Prospective students and the community will get a glimpse of the talent here at Temple College.”

  

Student performers include Madeline Clark (Belton High School senior); Matthew Fulmer (Homeschool senior), Eden Irom (Belton High School senior), DeLisa McClennon (Temple College freshman) and Aria Yauk (A&M Central Texas senior).

Temple College faculty performers include Dr. Sara Baker, Fine Arts Division director; D Kirkland, Drama and Dance Department chair; Priscilla Santana, assistant professor of music and co-director of the musical theatre program; Dr. Derek Mudd, director of the theatre program; Dr. Benjamin Irom, director of jazz studies; and LiPing Wu, piano accompanist.

“There are many high schools in Texas that have award-winning theatre programs, but there are only a handful of community colleges in the state that offer degrees in musical theatre. We’re proud to be one of those that offer these students a place to continue after high school,” said Dr. Sara Harris Baker, director of Temple College’s Fine Arts Division.

 

Temple College will be offering its new Associate of Arts in Musical Theatre & Drama starting 2022-2023. For more information, contact Priscilla.santana@templejc.edu.

ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE

Temple College is a comprehensive community college offering an array of educational opportunities. Founded in 1926, Temple College has enjoyed an excellent academic reputation for more than 90 years, and is nationally recognized for excellence in its programs from the visual and performing arts to competitive athletics, and has become one of the premiere institutions in the state for education and training of health care providers and advanced manufacturing and workforce development programs. The faculty and staff are committed to providing exceptional quality instruction.

Temple College is friendly, convenient and economical for students residing in Central Texas. Both day and evening classes are available at the campus in Temple and classes also are available in Hutto and Taylor. Online and hybrid classes provide students the opportunity to learn at any time or any place with a convenient schedule. The college experience is enhanced by a variety of student services ranging from open computer labs and online tutoring to the latest technology in the classroom and personal attention from faculty and staff. Other opportunities for enrichment are provided through student organizations and activities, cultural and athletic events, forums and workshops. For more information about Temple College or how to apply for a scholarship, visit the website or call 254-298-8282.