FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 12, 2004
CONTACT: John Wooten
Premiere Stages
(908) 737- 6397, ext. 4-4103
E-mail: jwooten@kean.edu
Kean University to Offer
Premiere Stages, a
NewProfessional Equity Theatre Program
Expanding the scope, accessibility and
prestige of the professional programming on campus
UNION, N.J. –– Kean University is proud to announce Premiere Stages, a new professional Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) theatre program. Actively engaging and enhancing the professional theatre academic programs at Kean, Premiere Stages will also serve a culturally diverse audience, children-at-risk, and a broad pool of artists.
“President Dawood Farahi has made the arts at Kean University a high priority and is committed to making the campus ‘the cultural hub for the region,’” said John Wooten, producing artistic director of Premiere Stages, who recently resigned from his post as artistic director of TheatreFest at Montclair State University to lead the new program at Kean. “The University features five theatre spaces that are ideal for the initiatives Premiere Stages will implement. I look forward to working with the administration, faculty, students, and staff at Kean University to support President Farahi’s inspired commitment to the arts experience.”
Premiere Stages features four uniquely conceived projects that will nurture
and encourage the work of students, introduce children to the arts, attract
high-profile artists to the institution and provide a forum for the development
of new plays. The Premiere Stages Play Festival will present the work
of emerging dramatists living in the greater metropolitan area through
readings, workshops, and fully produced world-premiere productions. The
remaining initiatives include Premiere Artists, featuring high-profile,
celebrity artists who will participate in a one-day residency on campus;
the Premiere Play Factory, which offers various school and summer initiatives
for children K-12; and the Premiere Intern Program, which will partner
Kean students with professional actors, writers, directors, and designers.
For the first time in Kean University’s history, students will have
full access to an AEA theatre program on campus. “The theatre faculty,
students, and I couldn’t be more delighted to welcome John Wooten
and Premiere Stages to Kean University,” said Holly Logue, chair
of the Department of Theatre. “John’s programming is precisely
what we have been wanting, and his clear, collaborative style offers wonderful
opportunities for the students in our Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of
Fine Arts programs.” Kean students will also benefit from the contacts
and partnerships Premiere Stages cultivates as a full member of the New
Jersey Theatre Alliance.
For more information on Premiere Stages at Kean University, or to get on the mailing list, please call (908) 737-6397, ext. 4-4103 or send an e-mail to jwooten@kean.edu.
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