Tennessee Tech’s theater program will collaborate with Cumberland County Playhouse, providing resources for their fall production and creating opportunities for students.
Tech Music Professor Wendy Mullen said the program allows students to learn by working hands-on with a professional musical theater company. Mullen said the program is exciting for students and faculty alike.
“This is not done often where you have something set up in a program where you are guaranteed that you are going to be able to go up there and have a semester to really learn the craft,” Mullen said. “And work alongside with professionals.”
Mullen said Tech borrowed quality costumes and realistic props for the University’s production of “Into the Woods.” Mullen said Playhouse members will assist in production of the play.
“The school is able to borrow things which is very helpful for our program as well,” Mullen said “Because every program, theater programs go actually, there is a wonderful network of helping each other, and Cumberland County is being wonderful for us.”
Mullen said a student chosen for the role of Costume Design Liaison would work closely with Playhouse professionals. In the Spring, the Playhouse offers an internship opportunity.
“The internship is created in a way that it meets what the student is interested in,” Mullen said. “So they try to form something that’s going to be the most beneficial.”
Mullen said the internship can be tailored to the student. Mullen said all roles of theater would receive an opportunity to act in their roles.
Mullen said it is important to introduce students to people that are involved in the business to expand their network. Mullen said many of the actors hired at the Playhouse could live in New York, and networking is an important part of the theater business.
