The Utah Valley University Theatre Arts department maintains an extensive roster of professional faculty and specialists dedicated to various disciplines including costume design, musical theater, and theatre history. The department's programming continues to utilize The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts as a hub for large-scale musical productions and orchestral performances.
Specialized Faculty Roster
The Theatre Arts department at Utah Valley University operates out of location NC-756. The faculty structure includes a variety of specialized roles ranging from full professors to adjunct instructors. La Beene serves as the Chair and an Associate Professor of Costume Design & Technology, while also acting as a producer for major departmental productions.
Other key faculty members include Amanda Crabb, an Associate Professor of Musical Theater, and Jen Delac, an Assistant Professor of Music Theatre. The department's instructional staff is rounded out by specialists such as Lisa Hall, a Full Professor focused on Theatre History and Dramaturty, and Laurie Harrop-Purser, who teaches Voice and Movement Theatre. The administrative support for the department is provided by Curtis Cluff.
Technical and Musical Support
The department's instructional capabilities extend to a wide array of technical and performance-based disciplines. The faculty includes John Newman, who serves as the Professor of Theatre for Youth and Director of the TYE Center, alongside Richard Lorig and Steven Rimke, both serving as Assistant Professors of Theatre. Music and movement are also central to the curriculum, with faculty members like Dr. Charlie Han providing expertise in musical performance.
Technical training is supported by a significant number of adjunct instructors and specialists. This includes professionals such as Haley Anderson, Charisse Baxter, Paul Cartwright, and Emily Flinders. The department also employs several specialists dedicated to theatrical arts accompaniment, including Benjamin Dunford, Mark Johnson, Paul Kohler, and Heidi Rodeback, ensuring that vocal and musical performances are supported by high-level musicianship.
Gershwin Musical Showcase
The Noorda Center for the Performing Arts serves as a primary venue for the School of the Arts, hosting productions that showcase both faculty and student talent. In a production titled 'Curtains Up: Cabaret, A Night of Gershwin,' which took place on January 24–25, 2024, the department presented an evening focused on the music of George and Ira Gershwin.
This specific performance featured arrangements created by students and alumni of the UVU Commercial Music Program. For example, current student Julianna Carlson created arrangements for 'Let's Call the Mus Whole Thing Off' and 'Little Jazz Bird,' while alumnus Isaac Lucero provided arrangements for 'But Not for Me,' 'Fidgety Feet,' and 'Hello Good Morning.' The production utilized a live, full orchestra, including the UVU Chamber Orchestra.
Production and Cast Details
The Gershwin cabaret production was led by a dedicated creative team, with Jennifer Delac serving as both Director and Choreographer. The production team also included La Beene as producer, Ele Rose as Production Stage Manager, Caleb Wallengren in lighting design, and Mya Odom as Assistant Director. Emily Porter contributed as the Associate Choreographer.
The cast for this 2024 performance featured a large ensemble of performers, including Abby Fillmore, Adam Moore, Chloe Henry, Delanie Foreman, Fiorella Pulido, Hayden Mecham, Hunter Hogan, Ian Morgan, Isabella Henao, Jennilene Ness Ward, Mackenzie Turner, Nathan Bowser, Rachel Naylor, Sasha Wilkinson, and Taylor Ann Jaeger. The production also relied on a technical crew that included light board operator Caleb Wallengren, A2 Katie Higbee, and deck crew members Douglas Wadley and Kennedie Young.
Performance Repertoire
The repertoire for the Gershwin showcase included a mix of well-known standards and lesser-known gems from the Gershwin songbook. Featured musical numbers included 'Fascinating Rhythm,' choreographed by Emily Porter and performed by Hayden Mecham and the company, as well as 'Let's Call the Whole Thing Off,' performed by Sasha Wilkinson and Nathan Bowser.
Other notable performances in the program included 'Funny Face' sung by Hunter Hogan, 'How Long Has This Been Going On' by Chloe Henry, and 'Hang On to Me' featuring Hayden Mecham and Abby Fillmore. The evening also highlighted solo works such as 'Little Jazz Bird' by Adam Moore and 'Embraceable You' featuring Mackenzie Turner and Adam Moore. The production concluded with ensemble pieces like 'Hello Good Morning' and 'Boy Wanted,' which featured Abby Fillmore and a female ensemble.
Mission and Vision
Courtney R. Davis, J.D., M.A., Dean of the School of the Arts, emphasized the transformative nature of the arts in a message to patrons. Davis noted that the mission of The Noorda Center is to produce and present artistic excellence through the support of donors and sponsors.
The department continues to integrate student work into professional-level performances, as evidenced by the involvement of students like Sami Gray, who serves as the Student Costume Vault Coordinator, and the use of arrangements composed specifically for the stage by members of the UVU Commercial Music Program.
