Past Outreach

A group of children pose at the 2022 Missoula Children's Theatre Drama Camp

Performing Arts Series Education Outreach History, 2000-01 through 2016-17


2016-2017

Missoula Children's Theatre CastMissoula Children's Theatre in Alice in Wonderland, August 8-12, Hall Auditorium

  • MCT facilitated a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students.
  • Each day, over 60 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of Alice in Wonderland and part in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami students.
  • This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.

Beth Stelling with theatre studentsBeth Stelling, September 17, Armstrong Student Center Wilks Theatre

  • Presented in collaboration with Late Night Miami and the Miami University Alumni Association for Homecoming Week.
  • Theatre majors participated in a Q&A with Beth about the professional life being a comedian and writer.
  • After the show the Miami University’s Alumni Association hosted a postshow meet & greet event uptown at the The Bow Tie Barber Club.

Reduced Shakespeare Company cast meeting audience membersReduced Shakespeare Company, The Complete History of America (abridged): Election Edition, October 22, Hall Auditorium

  • As a partnership with Miami University Libraries and the Walter Havighurst Special Collections, donors were invited to reception and special viewing of rare Shakespeare folios at King Library.
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting the cast and getting autographs.

Magic Camps final talent showSpencers Theatre of Illusion, Magic Camp, November 7-11, Oxford Community Arts Center

  • Kevin Spencer facilitated a weeklong drama camp from area k-12 students
  • Each day, 20 campus spend an afterschool program rehearsing and learning magic tricks that culminated in a talent show at the end of the week
  • Kevin Spencer also met with over 300 people ranging from pre-school aged to elderly talking about his Hocus Focus research which centers around an arts integrated approach to learning and healing
  • Miami University Classes/Groups

EDT 190, Intro to Education

ART 195, Intro to Art Education

MUS 275, Sophomore Practicum in Music

ART 389, Art Across the Curriculum

Student Council for Exceptional Children Student Organization

  • Talawanda School District

Talawanda Middle School Inclusion Room

Kramer Elementary Inclusion Room

Bogan Elementary Inclusion Room

  • Miami Connections Alternative High School
  • McGuffey Montessori School
  • Knolls of Oxford Memory Support Unit

American Chamber Players performanceAmerican Chamber Players, November 14, Oxford Community Arts Center

  • As a part of the Oxford Chamber Series, the American Chamber Players performed at the Oxford Community Arts Center.
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting the performers and indulge in fresh cider and cookies provided by sponsor, Moon Co-Op.

Final reveal with man speaking at a podium on stageDear World, December 8, Armstrong Student Center


Earl Reeder Visiting Artists

  • Presented in partnership with I AM MIAMI, Student Activities and Fraternity and Sorority Life, Associated Student Government, for a day long photo shoot and portrait reveal at the Armstrong Student Center.
  • A community building project in 3 acts, this live storytelling experience portrait shoot created an interactive opportunity for individuals to be heard, for strangers to become friends, and Miami to embrace differences across our campus and community.

VIP Photo Shoot: A broad variety of campus, student and community leaders came together to write their messages to the world on their skin. Portraits were shared immediately via social media to inspire participation.

Open Photo Shoot: peers assisted participants in determining and writing their messages and then their portraits were made.

Live Photo Reveal Event: Three Miamians shared their moving stories and portrait onstage, followed by a slide show of all the portraits taken.


It Gets Better cast members performing at Talawanda High SchoolIt Gets Better, February 20-25, Hall Auditorium

  • Miami University, the Associated Student Government and City of Oxford declared Feb. 20-25 It Gets Better Week at a Kick-off Dinner for the Steering Team and community leaders.
  • We brought people together to identify issues through series of cast-led facilitated dialogues and presentations with key constituencies:

Miami employees, hosted by Miami Human Resources and Academic Personnel

Miami Student Affairs professionals

Miami Residence Life professional staff

Miami LGBTQ+ students, hosted by Spectrum & Diversity Affairs Council

Members of the Oxford community Facilitated Dialogue hosted by United Way and Oxford PFLAG

Talawanda Middle & High School teachers

Talawanda High School students

  • All participants were invited to the World Café problem-solving process, posing questions about how to address the issues that had surfaced throughout the week with the goal of identifying actionable solutions.
  • Over 40 students, staff and community members formed the It Gets Better Community Chorus and performed with the cast in the show, serving as beacons of support for the community.
  • Late Night Miami hosted a piano cabaret/open mic with the cast at the Armstrong Student Center.
  • President & Dr. Crawford hosted a reception in their home prior to the show, inviting members of the LGBTQ+ campus community, allies, and Miami alumni via the 1809 LGBT Alumni Association, then attended the performance with their guests.
  • Post-show talk-back with cast, Miami president, community chorus director.

Art students attend a lecture on Peking Opera artChina National Peking Opera Company, February 4, Hall Auditorium

  • The China National Peking Opera Company performed at Miami as part of a Chinese New Year Gala
  • Stars Yu Kuizhi and Li Shengshu are among the most recognized Peking Opera singers in the world today 
  • Miami students enjoyed outreach and lectures, including a presentation on Peking Opera art.

Alexander Gavrylyuk working with Miami Symphony Orchestra studentsCincinnati Symphony Orchestra, March 10, Hall Auditorium

  • Conductor, Louis Langrée and pianist Alexander Gavrylyuk visited with Donors in a post-performance Meet N' Greet
  • Members of the CSO visited Miami later in April to host master classes with our students who are a part of Miami's Symphony Orchestra

The princesses with audience members in photo boothDisenchanted! The Hilarious Hit Music, April 5, Hall Auditorium

  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting the Princesses and getting selfies with them

Knolls of Oxford Residents with Judgment at Nuremberg castLA Theatre Works, Judgment at Nuremberg, April 13, Hall Auditorium

  • The life and legacy of John Dolibois '42 was honored at the show by recognizing all Miamians who have attended or taught at the Miami University Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg. We also recognized all Miamians who have received either the John E. Dolibois Alumni Award or Dolibois Faculty Award.
  • Members of the cast had lunch with The Knolls of Oxford residents, sharing stories about WWII and life on the road.
  • Miami history professor Erik Jensen joined the cast onstage for a lively post-show talk-back with the audience.

2015-2016

Missoula Children's Theatre CastMissoula Children's Theatre in The Little Mermaid, August 10-14, Hall Auditorium

  • MCT facilitated a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students.
  • Each day, over 60 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of The Little Mermaid and part in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami students.
  • This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.

Illogic, August 27, Armstrong Student Center Pavilion

  • Programmed in collaboration with the Department of Music and Late Night Miami as part of the Year of Creativity and Innovation.
  • Music Department Chair Bruce Murray identified Jawhar Glass, a.k.a. Illogic, as he has been cited as ‘one of the best rappers alive’ by the trade press, and is a technically tight musician and very talented writer.
  • Illogic gave the opening plenary for the Department of Music’s convocation series and met informally with students as well.

Second City doing improv with a University classThe Second City in Fully Loaded, September 18, Hall Auditorium

  • Programmed in collaboration with the Year of Creativity and Innovation and as a follow-up to The Second City’s Convocation keynote.
  • Second City cast gave 2 improv workshops for Theatre 131 Acting for Majors students.
  • Theatre majors participated in a Q&A about the professional life at Second City with Andy Eninger, Miami alum and head of their writing department.
  • As part of the Year of Creativity and Innovation, engineering students in MME-ECE 436 were given extra credit if they attended the show and wrote a response essay.
  • Andy rehearsed with Miami’s Sketched Out student improv troupe, and then incorporated those students into the finale of the main stage show.

Group poses with Black ViolinBlack Violin, September 26, Wilks Theatre, Armstrong Student Center

  • As a part of the University’s Late Night Miami initiative, Performing Arts partnered with Miami Activities and Programming and Late Night Miami for the performance at the Armstrong Student Center
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting the Band and getting autographs.

Collage of Hot SardinesHot Sardines, October 29, Hall Auditorium

  • Miami University Club of Fashion & Design hosted a photo booth at the show and encouraged the audience to wear their best Gatsby-era garb.
  • There was a Best Dressed contest and band member “Fast Eddy” judged the contest.
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting the Band and getting autographs.

Master Class with the Blakemore TrioBlakemore Trio, November 16, Holy Trinity Church

  • The Blakemore Trio is comprised of music professors from Vanderbilt University and taught two master classes with Miami students prior to their performance.
  • As a part of the Oxford Chamber Series, the Blakemore Trio performed at Holy Trinity Church in Oxford.

Contest winners Southern Gateway ChorusVocalosity, February 11, Hall Auditorium

  • Hosted a contest with Miami and local A Cappella groups to earn a chance to be the opening act for Vocalosity.
  • Eleven different organizations submitted videos and where voted for on social media.
  • The Southern Gateway Chorus of Cincinnati won the contest and performed 2 numbers prior to Vocalosity.
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting the cast and even broke out into song in the lobby!

globalFEST collageglobalFEST Creole Carnival, March 1, Armstrong Student Center Pavilion

  • Talawanda Middle School 6th grade music studies hosted Brushy One String for a Q&A session, Brushy One String also gave students a sneak peek of his performance.
  • Ms. McWilliams' 5th Grade Art Class at Kramer Elementary created interpretations of Carnival masks and headdresses that were on display at the performance.
  • Handmade Drum was presented to Brushy One String after the show, given to Brushy by an amateur musician who has found inspiration from Brushy One String.
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting Brushy One String, Casuarina and Emeline Michel

Jasper String Quartet, March 7, Oxford Community Arts Center

  • As a part of the Oxford Chamber Series, the Jasper String Quartet performed at the Oxford Community Arts Center.

Cirque Mechanics Pedal Punk, April 13, Millett Hall

Earl Reeder Visiting Artists
Knolls of Oxford Residents with Cirque Mechanics Cast

  • The cast visited Talawanda High School where High School Engineering students as well as Talawanda Middle School STEAM club students had a workshop with Cirque Mechanics learning about the Machines behind the Mechanics.
  • The cast also visited University courses while in Oxford. Teaching students about the history of Circus and Cirque, the business and inspiration behind the performance.
  • Miami students from Mechanical Engineering and Kinesiology were also invited to the workshops and performance.
  • As a partnership with the Oxford Kinetics Festival, several collaborative events happened with local elementary students, STEM club, the Oxford Lane Library, and a Youth home in Cincinnati.
  • After the show a group of residents from the Knolls of Oxford had an opportunity to meet the cast and speak with them about the performance.

Aaron Diehl shakes hands with audience membersAaron Diehl Jazz Trio, April 25, Oxford Community Arts Center

  • Prior to the performance, Aaron Diehl met with Miami student’s studying piano as well as local youth taking piano lessons and spoke to them about technique and pursuing their passion for piano.
  • As a part of the Oxford Chamber Series, the Aaron Diehl Jazz Trio performed at the Oxford Community Arts Center.
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting Aaron Diehl 

2014-2015

Group shot of children who participated in Spencer's Theatre of Illusion workshopSpencers Theatre of Illusion Magic Camp, August 4-8, Hall Auditorium

  • Illusionist Kevin Spencer facilitated and weeklong camp for almost 40 community youth age 8-15 yrs.
  • Kevin Spencer’s Hocus Focus™ activities combined education and imagination to help children improve their abilities in planning, sequencing, organizing tasks and movements, fine motor skills, gross motor function/coordination, concentration, memory skills, communication, social behaviors, and so much more!
  • During the camp, participants learned magic tricks, storytelling, music, theatre and creative movement and shared their skills on stage with a live talent show on the last day of the camp.

Children in costume performing RapunzelRapunzel, Missoula Children’s Theatre, August 11-15, Hall Auditorium

  • Missoula Children’s Theatre returned to the community in the summer to facilitate a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students. Each day, over 60 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of Rapunzel and participating in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami students. This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.

Escher String Quartet, September 15, Oxford Community Arts Center

  • As a part of the Oxford Chamber Series, the Escher String Quartet performed at the Oxford Community Arts Center.

People Get Ready, October 3, Hall Auditorium

  • As a part of Miami University’s celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer, various community and campus groups and individuals came together for the Freedom Summer Conference and performed artistic and interpretive pieces in commemoration of the movement. The event showcased many students and their respective talents, holding to the belief of student and youth inspired innovation that the Freedom Summer Movement was known for.

LA Theatre Works at the KnollsIn the Heat of the Night, L.A. Theatre Works, November 8, Hall Auditorium

  • L.A. Theatre Works returned to Oxford and Miami University community multiple day residency containing meet and greats, “Q and A” sessions, professional advising, and a performance of John Ball’s In the Heat of the Night.
  • Cast members went to The Knolls of Oxford and participated in a luncheon and discussion with the Knolls community about the performance and the history of the Civil Rights era.LA Theatre Works members giving audition feedback to class
  • Members of a Miami University acting class had the chance to be mentored by the L.A. Theatre Works cast participating in Q and A’s about the reality of an acting career and even having the chance to receive acting tips and tricks from the cast.
  • On Friday, Talawanda Middle School and community members attended And Justice for All, America and the Civil Rights Movement, a presentation on the historical context the performance portrays and represents.
  • L.A. Theatre Works performed In the Heat of the Night and afterward the cast held a “talk back” where audience members had the chance to discuss the performance and other topics relevant to the history.

Group Shot of the Classical counterparts group, plus friends. Classical Counterparts, November 17, Oxford Community Arts Center

  • Ricardo Morales, clarinet, Philadelphia Orchestra; Amy Oshiro-Morales, violin, Philadelphia Orchestra; Jaime Morales-Matos, trombone; Bruce Murray, piano.
  • A family of accomplished musicians was joined by Department of Music Chair Dr. Bruce Murray in the world premiere performance composed by Cincinnati-based composer Sonia Morales-Matos.

Autograph line after performance of Interalactic NemesisIntergalactic Nemesis: Target Earth, February 10, Hall Auditorium

Earl Reeder Visiting Artists

  • The cast of Intergalactic Nemesis taught Saffron Henke's Principles of Acting class how to become a variety of characters in their Art of Vocal Acting workshop.
  • After the show the audience enjoyed meeting the cast and getting autographs.

Cassandra Wilson: Coming Forth by Day, A Celebration of Billie Holiday, March 13, Hall Auditorium

  • Members of Miami’s Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority A’Kara Harris and Chanell Upshaw welcomed fellow sorority sister Cassandra Wilson with flowers and shared stories about their respective chapters.

2013-2014

group of students learning card tricksSpencers Theatre of Illusion Magic Camp, July, Hall Auditorium

  • Children from the community participated in Spencer’s Theatre of Illusion Magic Camp.

Students rehearsing for Snow WhiteSnow White, Missoula Children’s Theatre, August 16, Hall Auditorium

  • Missoula Children’s Theatre returned to the community in the summer to facilitate a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students. Each day, 64 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of Snow White and participating in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami students. This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.

Ray Chen, October 8, Hall Auditorium

  • Ray Chen giving a master class in violin

    Ray Chen gave a master class for Miami string students. Chen also did a meet and greet with PAS VIP Donors on stage, then met with fans in the lobby.

Susan Werner; The Hayseed Project, October 22, OCAC

  • Susan Werner Community gathering

    Susan Werner shopped at grocery story Moon Co-op to enjoy the fresh products that are locally grown. Werner also performed at the Oxford Community Arts Center, where Moon Co-op and other locals provided organic and homegrown samples.

IGB cast and studentsIt Gets Better, November 16, Hall Auditorium

  • Glee Club director Jeremy Long assembled and rehearsed a local community chorus, to perform a key song in the play.
  • Gender Studies Class Visit, Cast members discussed the It Gets Better movement and issues relating to sexuality and the Miami climate.
  • Miami Faculty Facilitated Dialogue, discussion focused on creating an expectation of open-mindedness to improve the LGBTQ educators’ community.
  • Steering Team Kick Off Dinner, mayoral proclamation of 'It Gets Better Week' presented by City Manager and the It Gets Better cast performed a show preview.
  • Experiencing Theater Class Visit, cast discussed process of turning a movement into a theatrical production and previewed songs/ shared stories
  • The It Gets Better Experience, cast shared personal stories, previewed songs and led Q&A about LGBTQ community and anti-bullying at Talawanda.
  • Talawanda District Facilitated Dialogue, faculty, staff and administration met with cast to discuss issues related to sexuality and bullying in schools.
  • Talawanda Video Workshop, the It Gets Better cast and production team worked with students to create a public service announcement about bullying.
  • Spectrum Panel Discussion, cast led discussion about LGBTQ issues and climate at Miami with the undergraduate gay-straight alliance organization.
  • Oxford Community Facilitated Dialogue, cast led conversation with local leaders and social service agencies about climate of LGBTQ community.People collaborating on the IGB Video project
  • World Café, Oxford community, Talawanda and Miami leaders discussed with the cast issues that had surfaced and possible solutions and resources.
  • Cabaret and Karaoke night, open mic night and piano bar social hour with It Gets Better pianist playing song requests for cast and audience to perform.
  • National Anthem at the Miami Hockey Game, cast performed National Anthem before televised match versus Wisconsin.
  • It Gets Better Show & Talk Back, funny, poignant and compelling performance followed by cast responding to stories and answering questions with audience.

The Tenors, February 20, Hall Auditorium

  • The Tenors did a meet and greet with PAS VIP Donors after show.

Calder Quartet, February 10, OCAC

  • The Calder Quartet taught a Master Class to Miami University strings students.

ETHEL and Kaki King, April 2, Hall Auditorium

Earl Reeder Visiting Artists

ETHEL Project in alumni hall rotunda

ETHEL performance in alumni hall atrium

  • In the House of ETHEL was a site-specific lecture/performance exploring the behavior of sound in space in Alumni Hall with ARC classes 414/514. Miami Architecture professor Mary Ben Bonham worked with ETHEL artistic director and violist, Ralph Farris, to prepare the students from Architecture 414/514 for the workshop. The students’ interpreted important architectural features of the Rotunda and Atrium spaces, translated them into "graphical notations," and shared with ETHEL. ETHEL made them into a musical score and performed it for students and invited guests. In effect, the students composed music and the musicians performed architecture.
members of Ethel pose with donors
  • ETHEL used some of the Miami students’ graphic notations when they worked with the Talawanda orchestra students, who then improvised music inspired by the notations.

2012-2013

Cinderella, Missoula Children’s Theatre, August 6-10, Hall Auditorium

  • MCT Dance practice

    Missoula Children’s Theatre returned to the community in the summer to facilitate a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students. Each day, 64 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of Cinderella, and participating in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami students. This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.MCT Students rehearsing a song

Under The Streetlamp, October 21, Hall Auditorium

Earl Reeder Visiting Artists

  • The cast of Under the Streetlamp, including Miami alum Michael Ingersoll, met with several of Miami's a cappella choirs and gave career advice prior and a performance coaching. The students joined Under the Streetlamp for the show’s encore, performing Hey Jude with them.

The Spencers Theatre of Illusion, November 12-13, Hall Auditorium

  • Teaching magic tricks to Miami Students

    Kevin Spencer and his staff spent two days conducting workshops with several groups on campus and in the community prior to their November 13 performance at Hall Auditorium:
    • Miami students studying Special Education got hands on experience on how incorporating magic into the classroom can help a wide array of special needs children.
    • Residents and caretakers at the Knolls of Oxford learned how magic could be a fun tool for physical therapy.
    • Students in the Miami/Talawanda Connections program learned some basic tricks and helped build self-esteem.
    • Kevin Spencer wtih young studentsThe special education students at Kramer Elementary had a fun morning being entertained and learning some tricks of their own that support their cognitive development.

African Children’s Choir, February 6-7, Hall Auditorium

  • African Children's Choir

    The African Children’s Choir, a collection of 7 to 9 year-old Ugandans, gave a special preview performance at The Knolls of Oxford, and was hosted for lunch by some of their residents. The choir also taught Miami music education students African drumming and dance.African Children's Choir members dining with Seniors at the Knolls

Bella Gaia: Beautiful Earth, February 11-12, Talawanda High School

  • Bella Gaia talkback with studentsKenji Williams, creator of Bella Gaia: Beautiful Earth, met with Talawanda High School science classes to discuss the political, social and economic issues surrounding pollution. He and Talawanda's district instructional leader, Jeff Winslow, then led a post-show Q&A with the audience.

2011-2012

The Jungle Book, Missoula Children’s Theatre, August, Hall Auditorium

  • Children rehearsing stage show, arms in the airMissoula Children’s Theatre returned to the community in the summer to facilitate a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students. Each day, 64 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of The Jungle Book, and participating in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami students. This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.

Menahem Pressler, piano, Oct. 21-22, Hall Auditorium
Earl Reeder Visiting Artists

Pressler teaching a master class
  • Legendary pianist Menahem Pressler gave a master class for Miami violin students and answered their questions about the music industry. Funded in part by the Reeder Visiting Artist Fund, Mr. Pressler also attended a special reception for guests of the School of Fine Arts and PAS VIP Donors, and gave a preview concert at the Miami Art Museum.Pressler teaching one-on-one

Doktor Kaboom!, Nov. 19, 2011, Bogan Elementary

  • Doktor Kaboom on stage with child audience memberMad Scientist Doktor Kaboom!, met with audience members after his public performance at Kramer Elementary School.

Avner the Eccentric, January 25-28, Gates-Abegglen Theatre, CPA

  • Avner teaching a Movement classAs a Cromer Flory Artist-in-residence artist, Avner the Eccentric spent several days in the community prior to his public performance on January 27. He met with over 300 students in classes ranging from theatre appreciation to dramatic literature to movement. He also met with theatre faculty and staff at a hosted reception, and had breakfast with other theatre students.

The Rivalry, L.A. Theatre Works, Feb. 6-7, Hall Auditorium

LA Theatre Works members giving a debate workshop
  • Members of the cast of The Rivalry, L.A. Theatre Works, met with and answered career advice questions for Miami theatre students before working with Miami’s award-winning debate team, coaching them on the art of presentation.

I Musici de Montreal, March 26-27, Hall Auditorium

  • I Musici de Montreal master classThis two-day residency saw chamber ensemble I Musici de Montreal give master classes for Miami music students and small ensembles, a conducting workshop, and a department colloquium in Presser Hall prior to their public performance on March 27 in Hall Auditorium.

Sacred Earth, Ragamala Dance, March 30-April 1, Hall Auditorium

  • Ragamala Dance troop teaching a workshop at the Knolls Senior CenterThe artistic director and dancers of Ragamala Dance visited several classes focused on the study of Hindi, and met with students to discuss the role of spirituality in the Indian culture before visiting residents for dinner and a dance workshop at The Knolls of Oxford. They also visited a Cincinnati radio program, hosted by Miami faculty member Dr. Satyal. Their three-day visit culminated with a public performance of Sacred Earth at Hall Auditorium on April 1.

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, April 20, Millett Hall

  • Victor Wooten master class in guitarFlecktones bass player Victor Wooten gave a master class for Miami music students prior to the Bela Fleck and the Flecktones public performance at Millett Hall, April 20. The group sat on the edge of the stage after the performance and did a meet and greet with audience members.Bela Fleck post-show meet and greet with audience

2010-2011

Robinson Crusoe, Missoula Children’s Theatre, August 9-13, Hall Auditorium

  • Missoula Children’s Theatre returned to the community in the summer to facilitate a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students. Each day, 64 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of Robinson Crusoe, and participating in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami students. This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.

N*W*C: The Race Show, Speak Theatre Arts, Oct. 4-6, 2010, Hall Auditorium

  • Talawanda High School diversity studies class visit to present their workshop, Ethnic Identity and Voice.
  • Ethnic Identity and Voice workshop at coffee house with Miami Honors students in Emerson Hall.
  • Presented Ethnic Identity and Voice workshop at Miami linguistics class with Professor John Jeep.
  • Attended Miami’s Experiencing Theatre class and presented Ethnic Identity and Voice to 330 students.
  • Miami’s Center for Black Culture and Learning hosted the cast in a coffee house

Sacred Music, Sacred Dance, in collaboration with His Holiness, The Dalai Lama of Tibet, Oct. 19, 2010, Hall Auditorium

The Improvised Shakespeare Company, Nov. 15-17, Hall Auditorium

  • The Improvised Shakespeare Company spent two days in residency before their performance in Hall Auditorium on Nov. 17. The group visited Talawanda’s 9th grade honors and AP English classes to discuss the language of Shakespeare and improvisation techniques. They also attended a reception hosted by Miami’s student improv group, Sketched Out, and conducted a master class for Miami theatre students.

Arnaldo Cohen, piano, with Miami University Symphony Orchestra, Nov. 29-30, Hall Auditorium

  • Pianist Arnaldo Cohen performed with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra November 30 at Hall Auditorium. He presented a department wide colloquium for Department of Music students, faculty and staff, and rehearsed several times with the student orchestra.

Naturally 7, Feb. 2, Hall Auditorium

  • Brought back by popular demand, Naturally 7 presented an interactive workshop to introduce Miami's a cappella groups to their unique techniques behind "Vocal Play." Students then got to join Naturally 7 on stage to perform the final piece on this unforgettable night.

Runt of the Litter, Bo Eason, Feb. 8-9, Hall Auditorium

  • Playwright and actor Bo Eason met with Talawanda High School drama students to discuss how he was tired of auditioning for roles he wasn't’t getting and decided to write and star in his own play. An accomplished motivational speaker, Bo Eason gave a school wide motivational speech to over 800 high school students prior to his Feb. 9 performance of his play, Runt of the Litter.

The American Spiritual Ensemble, Feb. 25, Hall Auditorium

  • Cromer/Flory Artists-in-Residence

The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies, New York Theatre Ballet, March 20, 2011, Hall Auditorium

  • Cast of New York Theatre Ballet attended a Mad Hatter Tea Party, spoke with and took pictures with audience members prior to their performance of The Alice-in-Wonderland Follies at Hall Auditorium.

Panfest 2011, April 8-9, Millett Hall

  • Miami faculty member Chris Tanner partnered with the Performing Arts Series to present this multi-day steel band clinic and performance. Mosaic Steel Band gave a school performance at Talawanda Middle School before participating, with other bands, in the clinics led by leading steel pan artists. The performance featured the Mosaic, Miami, Eastern Kentucky, and area high school steel bands.

2009-2010

The Pied Piper, Missoula Children’s Theatre, August, Hall Auditorium

  • Missoula Children’s Theatre returned to the community in the summer to facilitate a weeklong drama camp for area K-12 students. Each day, 50 campers spent part of the day rehearsing a production of The Pied Piper, and participating in workshops hosted by the Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals, as well as Miami Theatre Department students. This partnership activity gave the University students a real teaching experience, while the campers learned decision-making, teamwork and dramatic fundamentals through the process of developing a play.

Down in Mississippi, A Gospel Play, October, Gates-Abegglen Theatre

  • Down in Mississippi, A Gospel Play explored the heart of the Civil Rights Movement, as three college students––an African-American man, a white woman and a white man––travel to the dangerous world of Mississippi in 1964. Their journey begins at Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio and takes them from rural Mississippi to the national spotlight. Along the way, they discover that they have to change themselves in order to change the world.
    • The Department of Theatre and Center for American and World Cultures commissioned Guggenheim Fellow and award-winning playwright, Carlyle Brown, to commemorate the 45th anniversary of Freedom Summer, the volunteer orientation for SNCC that was held at in Oxford at Western College (now a part of Miami).
    • The play brought together theatre professionals, students, and Oxford community members, on stage and off. Many in the community have provided historical information for the project and the chorus provided a role for a community gospel choir.
    • A broad variety of associated programs for the community, campus, and area high schools, along with an extensive website, were developed with the goals of exploring race, identity, and the struggle for civil rights. The Freedom Summer Reunion Symposium brought to campus Freedom Summer participants, civil rights veterans and leaders during the play’s run.
      Laramie Project Epilogue: Ten Years Later, Tectonic Theatre Company, October, Hall Auditorium
  • Staged reading of the Tectonic Theatre Company’s Laramie Project Epilogue: Ten Years Later, performed by members of the Miami, Talawanda and Oxford community. A decade after piecing together the groundbreaking play about the 1998 murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard, the creators of the The Laramie Project returned to Wyoming to investigate the long-term cultural impact of the murder and the collective memory of the community a decade after the event. The reading was held simultaneously around the world in 140 locations, including Broadway on October 12, the 11th anniversary of Shepard’s murder, as a way to honor his memory and to bring together the community to educate, debate, and inspire Americans to consider the conditions which led to Shepard’s death and to raise our collective consciousness of civil rights, violence and bigotry.
  • Tectonic Theatre Company member and lead Laramie Project playwright Leigh Fondakowski was in residence for three days in September. The residency included:
    • Tectonic’s ‘moment-to-moment’ acting workshops for the cast, Miami theatre and Talawanda High drama students.
    • Met with faculty to discuss her scholarship and upcoming play on 19th century actress Charlotte Cushman.
    • Spectrum/Haven reception. Spectrum and Haven are Miami’s undergraduate and graduate support groups for the gay, lesbian, transgender, bisexual, queer communities.
    • Workshop with Miami’s Walking Theatre Project, a student organization that uses theater to address social issues.
    • Classroom visit to Talawanda High’s Diversity Affairs class. Students had pre-screened HBOs The Laramie Project, and Leigh led a discussion about the social issues of hate, tolerance and sexuality it raised.
    • After school Meet the Artist reception at Talawanda High School, attended by 20 students and 10 faculty.

Bicentennial Homecoming LegacyFest Concert, October, Millett Hall

  • The Bicentennial Homecoming LegacyFest Concert featured 900 Miami and Talawanda High/Jr. High performers, 5 commissions and 1 guest artist in a spectacular showcase of our talented students performing a program full of music written just for our birthday, as well as some familiar favorites. Talawanda High School marching band and choirs and the Talawanda Middle School band attended clinics given by Miami faculty and students in preparation for the performance. They performed with NEA Jazz Master and saxophonist Benny Golson, Miami’s marching band, wind ensemble, jazz ensemble and combined choirs in this cornerstone event celebrating Miami University’s 200th birthday.

Cashore Marionettes, November, Hall Auditorium

  • Immediately following the Cashore Marionettes presentation of Simple Gifts, the audience will be treated to an intimate demonstration of the fine art of marionette puppetry.
    Too Big to Fail, San Francisco Mime Troupe, January, Hall Auditorium
  • San Francisco Mime Troupe was the Cromer/Flory Artist-in-Residence. A company rooted in social commentary theatre, they provided a week of workshops for Miami students and performed their new work, Too Big to Fail,

Canadian Brass with Miami’s Collegiate Chorale, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Canadian Brass with Miami’s Collegiate Chorale. The Brass was in residency for two days, giving a lecture/demonstration and master classes for Miami and Talawanda students, and rehearsing with the Chorale in preparation for sharing the concert stage.

A Hailstork Celebration with Miami Chamber Singers, February, Hall Auditorium

  • A Hailstork Celebration featured award-winning classical composer Adolphus Hailstork’s music and the Miami Chamber Singers premier of a new work he wrote in honor of Miami’s Bicentennial. The composer was in residence for a week, coaching the ensembles and working with students, providing insight to his career path to becoming one of the most successful and prominent African-American classical composers.

Gleb Ivanov, piano, with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Russian pianist Gleb Ivanov performed Rachmaninoff’s fiery 3rd piano concerto with Miami University Symphony Orchestra.

Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, March, Millett Hall

  • Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra chatted informally with music students from as far away as Columbus, OH both before and after the performance.

It’s a Grand Night for Singing, April, Hall Auditorium

  • It’s a Grand Night for Singing was a review of some of the most beloved Broadway and Hollywood tunes performed by Miami alums faculty and students as well as artists from the community and Talawanda High School.

2008-2009

Bang on a Can All-Stars with Glenn Kotche, September, Hall Auditorium

  • The Bang on a Can All-Stars, known as one of the most powerful ambassadors for contemporary music in the world, provided a multiple day residency including a department of music-wide colloquium and luncheon for faculty and students, an open rehearsal for high school and University students, and special guest Glenn Kotche gave a presentation on his successful performance career to percussion students.

Naturally 7 with Miami’s a cappella choirs, November, Hall Auditorium

  • Naturally 7 presented an interactive workshop to introduce Talawanda High School students and Miami's a cappella groups to their unique techniques behind "Vocal Play." Students then got to join Naturally 7 on stage to perform the final piece on this unforgettable night.

James and the Giant Peach, Sign Stage on Tour, November, Kramer Elementary

  • Sign Stage on Tour performed Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach at Bogan Elementary School. Sign Stage on Tour is a specialist in Sign Language Theatre where deaf and hearing actors perform together on stage. Whenever a character speaks, the character speaking uses Sign Language but you’ll always hear the voice too

Peking Acrobats, February, Millett Hall

  • The Peking Acrobats from China gave a free school performance for 1600 area elementary schools the morning of their ticketed evening performance in Millett Hall.

Efe Baltacigil, cello, with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Cellist Efe Baltacigil performed with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra in Hall Auditorium. Mr. Baltacigil is a member of the European Concert Hall Association’s Rising Stars program and taught master classes and rehearsed with Miami students prior to the performance

Juan de Marcos and the Afro-Cuban All Stars, March, Hall Auditorium

  • The Afro-Cuban All Stars’ performance in Hall Auditorium supported the Center for American and World Cultures Unidiversity programming and offered a spotlight on the rich musical tradition of Cuba.

Philip Glass, piano, April Hall Auditorium

  • Philip Glass's solo performance and multi-media presentation "Creativity and Collaboration" was our capstone event in a new collaborative effort between the Miami Design Collaborative, the Armstrong Institute for Interactive Media Studies, the Humanities Center and the Performing Arts Series. We worked synergistically, weaving together Philip Glass' concert, the MiamiDesign200 creativity symposium and the dedication of the new Humanities Center into a series of engaging events titled Imagine: Celebrating the Arts & Humanities at Miami University. The design symposium allowed Miami students and invited guests to explore creativity in a variety of presentations by design leaders from IDEO, Proctor & Gamble, Interbrand and The Nielsen Company. Glass' presentation focused on the nature of creativity and collaboration as it has inspired and influenced his work as an artist of the course of his career. After his presentation, Glass was joined by Sandy Speicher from IDEO's Transformation Practice; Challis Hodge, Vice President of User Experience for The Nielsen Company; Rick Mariani, Senior Creative Director for Interbrand; and Shane Meeker, Associate Design Fellow at Procter & Gamble and fielded questions from the attendees that ranged from how to work with difficult team members to career advice.

2007-2008

US Army Chorus, Miami University Men's Glee Club, September 23, Millett Hall

  • The US Army Chorus performed with the Miami Men’s Glee Club in a free show, Sunday, September 23, 2007 in Millett Hall, in celebration of the Club’s 100th Anniversary.

David Kim, violin, with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, October 10, Hall Auditorium

  • Philadelphia Orchestra concertmaster David Kim performed with the MU Symphony Orchestra Wednesday, October 10, 2007 in Hall Auditorium. Mr. Kim taught master classes and rehearsed with Miami students prior to the performance.

Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers, L.A. Radio Theatre Works, October 24, Hall Auditorium

  • LA Radio Theatre Works in Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers performed Wednesday, October 24, 2007 in Hall Auditorium. The company gave theater, directing, and auditioning master classes for theater students, had dinner with Miami Theatre faculty and students, and gave an audience talkback on the historical issues dramatized in the play.

The African Children’s Choir, October, Hall Auditorium

  • The African Children's Choir from Uganda gave a free school performance for over 700 area elementary and pre-school children the following day; many of whom had studied Uganda prior to the performance.

Latin Dance Night with Tropicoso and Son del Caribe, January 31, Millett Hall

  • Latin Dance Night with Tropicoso and Son del Caribe, performed Thursday, January 31, 2008 in Millett Hall. The event included dance lessons and Caribbean.

The 5 Browns, February 25, Millett Hall

  • The 5 Browns, performed Monday, February 25, 2008 in Millett Hall. The second half of the performance was entitled A Conversation with The 5 Browns and featured each performer speaking about their family’s unusual history, passion for music and experiences being the first family to all attend Juilliard Music School at once.

Chicago City Limits, March 12, Hall Auditorium

  • Chicago City Limits, performed Wednesday, March 12, 2008 in Hall Auditorium. The troupe gave team-building workshops in collaboration with the Miami Employee Health & Well Being office as well as an improv workshop for students.

Watts Prophets, April, Hall Auditorium

  • The Watts Prophets were in residency for two weeks, working with Talawanda High School and Miami students, as well as community members ranging from disadvantaged teens to senior citizens all across the Butler County region. Their style of hip-hop poetry served to empower and focus on community building. They worked with the participants on original poetry, which was performed on stage at the public performance by the residency participants.

Ecstasy with the Pomegranate, Ilkhom Theatre, April, Gates-Abegglen Theatre

  • The week-long residency of Ilkhom Theatre from Uzbekistan and sold-out performance of Ecstasy with the Pomegranate was co-sponsored by three Miami departments: Theatre, the Havighurst Center for Russian and Post-Soviet Studies and the Center for American and World Cultures. This partnership resulted in the development of curricular activities, exhibitions and a symposium that fostered deep discussions about Islamic culture, sexuality, and the new and fresh art of this dissident company. The project served as a cornerstone to the Central Eurasian Studies Society programming and anchored their international symposium. An extensive curriculum guide was developed by Dr. Michael Rouland, professor of history, and posted on the web and provided to all professors and students participating the in the project which supported:
    • Specific semester-long courses which included Post-Soviet Russian Politics, Intercultural Relations, Fundamentals of Directing, Theater Appreciation, Theater Methods and Research, Drama and Performance Along the Silk Road and Introduction to Russian & Eurasian Studies;
    • Film screenings of movies about the area, including the documentary “End of an Era: Tashkent” which was written and directed by Mark Weil, the recently murdered founding director of Ilkhom Theatre;
    • Exhibitions; one of photographs portraying life in Uzbekistan and one of reproductions of Usto Mumin’s work, upon whom the play is based.
    • The professors for the courses that the Ilkhom cast visited had prepared their students with a solid understanding of the play’s historical, social, political, religious and artistic context. In addition to the curricular connections, the artists attended dinners with Miami’s Russian Language Club and attended screenings of films relevant to the subject matter of the play.

2006-2007

Chanticleer, October, Hall Auditorium

  • William Sauerland of Chanticleer coached Miami vocal students and also talked to music students about his successful career as a professional singer.

Woven Harmony, Robert & Rebecca Bluestone, November, Hall Auditorium

  • Robert and Rebecca Bluestone of Woven Harmony spent a week in our community, meeting with cancer survivors at McCullough-Hyde Hospital, students and community members at Miami’s Center for Community Engagement in Over-the-Rhine, a creativity workshop with Talawanda teachers, and classroom visits to the Physics of Music and Diverse Worlds of Music classes.

Ricky Skaggs Family Christmas, December, Millett Hall

  • Local expert, Tom Kopp, International Bluegrass Music Association and Miami education professor, gave an entertaining and enlightening presentation about bluegrass music at Bogan Elementary in preparation for the Ricky Skaggs Family Christmas performance.

Robin Hood, Missoula Children’s Theatre, December, Talawanda High School

  • Missoula Children’s Theatre rehearsed 60 K-12 children every evening to stage a production of Robin Hood. The professionals from Missoula also gave several drama workshops at the Talawanda Schools.

Polygraph Lounge, February, Hall Auditorium

  • The musically magnificent and zany members of Polygraph Lounge gave two school performances at the Talawanda Middle School, and taught everyone how to make sip-a-phones and play them.

Bigsmorgasbordwunderwerk, Squonk Opera, February, Hall Auditorium

  • The two artistic directors of Squonk Opera were in town for two days doing presentations and workshops across the campus and community on contemporary theatre.

Red Grammer, guitar, March, Hall Auditorium

  • Parent’s Choice Award winner, Red Grammer, gave two school performances at Talawanda elementary schools, and work with Miami Education majors.

Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio, March, Hall Auditorium

  • The Kalichstein-Laredo-Robinson Trio gave master classes in piano, violin and cello.

Golden Dragon Acrobats, April, Millett Hall

  • Over 500 area pre-K-5th grade students were bussed to Millett Hall for a free school performance of the Golden Dragon Acrobats. Then, the acrobats performed at Miami’s Silk Road on the Slant Walk Festival, giving demonstrations of their culture’s art form.

2005-2006

Imani Winds with Paquito D'Rivera, September 28, Hall Auditorium

  • Imani Winds visited local schools, giving a demonstration to elementary students and finished their stay with a public performance on September 28, 2005.

Emerson String Quartet, October 10, Hall Auditorium

  • The Emerson String Quartet conducted a violin master class to university string students prior to its performance on October 10, 2005.

Ensemble Kaboul, November 9, Hall Auditorium

  • Ensemble Kaboul exposed an appreciative crowd to the multi-ethnical music of Afghanistan on November 9, 2005.

Krystian Zimerman, piano, November 16, Hall Auditorium

  • World famous pianist Krystian Zimerman gave a moving performance and hosted a Q & A following his performance on November 16, 2005. Over half of the audience stayed for the post-performance Q & A.

The Princely Players, January 19, Hall Auditorium

  • The Princely Players gave school performances and spoke with several hundred 8th grade students about the road to freedom and the civil rights movement. They also met with university students, giving demonstrations and answering questions ranging from how the group got its start to how they played a role in the civil rights movement in Tennessee. Their residency culminated with a performance on January 19, 2006.

Masked Marvel, Michael Cooper, January 28, Hall Auditorium

  • Masked Marvel, Michael Cooper, hosted a mask-making workshop for local art educators and gave a performance, loved by young and old, on January 28, 2006

Tiempo Libre, February 3, Hall Auditorium

  • Tiempo Libre was in residency February 3, 2006 where they discussed and demonstrated Cuban and Afro-Cuban music at a Rumba Party before their performance.

Kevin Kling, storyteller, February 2, Millett Hall

  • Over several days, Kevin Kling worked with theater students in workshops focusing on the art of story telling, script analysis and the verbal mask. The residency culminated with a public performance on February 2, 2006.

Ballet NY, February 14, Hall Auditorium

  • Ballet NY held a master class for university dance students and also conducted a fitness class at the university recreational center prior to their performance on February 14, 2006.

Haik Kazazyan, violin, with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra, February 16, Hall Auditorium

  • Armenian violinist Haik Kazazyan rehearsed with the Miami University Symphony Orchestra and discussed technique and his career. The residency culminated February 16, 2006 in a performance featuring the orchestra with Haik Kazazyan as soloist.

Hamlet, Aquila Theatre Company, February 27 & 28, Hall Auditorium

  • The Aquila Theatre Company met with university theatre classes and Shakespeare classes over several days, discussing their production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. 350 local high school students attended a school performance and members of the company also gave pre-performance talks before each of their two performances on February 27 and 28, 2006.

Dave Brubeck Quartet, April 3, Millett Hall

  • Over 400 Miami students got the opportunity to work and perform with the Dave Brubeck Quartet on April 3, 2006. Mr. Brubeck spoke with students in the History of Jazz class about his extensive career and also met with a group of senior citizens from a local retirement community.

Wu Man, pipa, March 29, Hall Auditorium

  • Wu Man, pipa, visited local elementary schools, demonstrating the pipa and discussing the history and culture of China, directly tying into the students’ studies of the Silk Road. Her stay culminated with a public performance on March 29, 2006.

N*W*C, The Race Show, Speak Theater Arts, April 13, Hall Auditorium

  • Speak Theater Arts performers led six workshops and demonstrations over the week to university students, including visits to classes ranging from theatre to Latin and Asian cultures to linguistics. They also met with the Association of Latin and Asian Students. The residency culminated with a performance of N*W*C, The Race Show on April 13, 2006.

Mark O’Connor and the Appalachia Waltz Trio, April 18, Hall Auditorium

  • Mark O’Connor and the Appalachia Waltz Trio hosted a discussion on fiddle techniques to university and high school string students prior to its performance on April 18, 2006.

2004-2005

Bill Irwin, August, Hall Auditorium

  • Tony-award-winning actor Bill Irwin taught a master class to Theatre students and incorporated some students and the Chair of Theatre into the performance.

Itzhak Perlman, violin, with Rohan De Silva, piano, September, Millett Hall

  • Rohan De Silva, the pianist performing with Itzhak Perlman, provided a master class or Q&A time with Miami and area piano students.

Moscow Chamber Orchestra, September, Hall Auditorium

  • Moscow Chamber Orchestra was in residence with the Oxford Chamber Orchestra, and conducted instrument master classes for Miami and Talawanda string students. Both orchestras performed Beethoven’s first symphony together at the performance.

Jay Leno, comedian, October, Millett Hall

  • Comedian and host of NBC’s The Tonight Show Jay Leno met with Journalism students to chat about his career before his Parents Weekend performance.

The End of the Moon, Laurie Anderson, October, Hall Auditorium

  • Laurie Anderson’s performance of her new work, The End of the Moon, served as the keynote event for Miami’s Digital Media Conference for area professionals and Miami students.

Embedded, The Actor’s Gang, November, Hall Auditorium

  • The Actor’s Gang was in residence for three days, working with Miami Theatre students, then performed the play Embedded, a play written by Tim Robbins’ about the war in Iraq. Immediately following the performance, the audience was invited to remain for a talkback discussion examining both the topic of Embedded as well as theatrical elements. Dr. Adeed Dawisha, a national expert on Iraq, moderated the talkback panel.

Nego Gato Music & Dance Ensemble, November, Hall Auditorium

  • Nego Gato Music & Dance Ensemble spent a week working with Miami and Talawanda students, conducting capoeira workshops, an ethnomusicology workshop, pre-concert lecture and classroom visits. Those activities focused on the music, dance and culture of Brazil.

Red Grammer, guitar, January, Hall Auditorium

  • Red Grammer made classroom visits to Talawanda elementary schools during his one-day residency.

Canadian Brass with the Miami University Wind Ensemble, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Canadian Brass was in residence with the Miami University Wind Ensemble, and performed with the Miami Wind Ensemble on the Hall Series.

Cantus with the Miami University Men’s Glee Club, March, Hall Auditorium

  • Cantus was in residence with the Miami University Men’s Glee Club, and both ensembles performed a new work written especially for the combined ensembles. Beth Swailes and the Performing Arts Series commissioned the work.

2003-2004

Bela Fleck, banjo, and Edgar Meyer, bass, September, Hall Auditorium

  • Bassist Edgar Meyer taught a wonderful master class to over 80 Miami and Talawanda music students before his performance with Bela Fleck.

La Perichole, Miami University Opera, November, Hall Auditorium

  • Our collaboration with Miami Opera Theatre performance of Offenbach’s La Perichole gave 40 Miami students an opportunity to perform in front of 1,427 audience members over the three-day run.

Rennie Harris Puremovment, November, Hall Auditorium

  • Rennie Harris Puremovment dancers taught workshops and demonstrated hip hop dance moves to about 400 Miami and Talawanda students.

Dr. Thomas DeFrantz, hip-hop scholar, November

  • Dr. Thomas DeFrantz, renowned hip-hop scholar gave a multi-media presentation to nearly 100 Miami students about the history of hip hop.

Turtle Island String Quartet, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Turtle Island String Quartet gave jazz clinics at Talawanda High School, Talawanda Middle School and Miami) and performed Art of the Groove, an educational and informative program featured on the Family Series.

Flight Project, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Dayton Contemporary Dance Company performed a free school performance for 1500 Talawanda students as part of their Flight Project. The Flight Project was a series of dance works exploring flight, created by today’s leading choreographers. The works were commissioned in conjunction with the Ohio Bicentennial and Dayton’s celebration of the birth of powered flight.

2002-2003

Woven Harmony, Robert & Rebecca Bluestone, October, Hall Auditorium

  • Woven Harmony, a duo of classical guitarist Robert Bluestone and his wife, Rebecca, a fiber artist, were in residence for a week, working with a variety of groups ranging from cancer survivors to Miami students to Talawanda students to senior citizens.

Burhan Ocal, percussion, October, Hall Auditorium

  • Turkish percussionist Burhan Ocal worked with Global Rhythms students in a rehearsal.

Kronos Quartet, October, Hall Auditorium

  • Miami University commissioned Russian composer Vladimir Martynov to write a piece for Kronos Quartet, and brought Mr. Martynov to campus from Russian to help the quartet prepare the piece and be present for the premiere. Over 200 Miami University and Talawanda string students were able to experience the unique collaborative rehearsal of ensemble and composer preparing a premiere.

Moscow Circus, November, Millett Hall

  • Over 1500 McGuffy and Talawanda elementary school students attended a school performance of the Moscow Circus.

Amahl and the Night Visitors, James Sewell Ballet, November, Hall Auditorium

  • James Sewell Ballet visited the Knolls of Oxford and gave a lecture/demonstration to about 100 senior citizens. Additionally, seven local performers (2 seniors, 5 children) were featured in their ballet, Amahl and the Night Visitors.

Denyce Graves, mezzo-soprano, January, Hall Auditorium

  • Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves gave a master class for 150 Miami and Talawanda High School vocal students.

Celluloid Copeland, EOS Chamber Orchestra, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Talawanda orchestra students attended the EOS Chamber Orchestra performance as part of a class activity.

Cantus with Miami University Men’s Glee Club, March, Hall Auditorium

  • Cantus choral ensemble was in residence with Miami’s Glee Club. The Glee Club was featured in part of the performance.

2001-2002

The Tales of Hans Christian Anderson, Missoula Children’s Theater, September, Talawanda High School

  • Missoula Children’s Theater gave a theater workshop to Marshall elementary school students in addition to their one-week residency with over 60 children producing two performances of The Tales of Hans Christian Anderson.

Moscow Philharmonic, December 6, Hall Auditorium

  • Moscow Philharmonic performed on December 6, 2001. The performance was included as part of the coursework of the strings program at Talawanda School District and selected 5th-12th-grade students attended the performance.

Sweet Honey in the Rock, January, Hall Auditorium

  • Sweet Honey in the Rock. A lecture by Sweet Honey founding artistic director Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon was included as part of Miami’s Center for American and World Cultures lecture series. The ensemble gave a Q&A session after the Sunday Family Series performance.

Cinderella, Cincinnati Ballet, March, Millett Hall

  • Cincinnati Ballet performed Cinderella in a school performance for over 1,600 area pre-K—5th graders.

Meredith Monk and Ann Hamilton, July, Hall Auditorium

  • Meredith Monk and Ann Hamilton. Two workshops were held, one with vocal students and one with acting students, led by Theo Blackman and Katie Geissinger of the Monk Ensemble. Dr. Katie Johnson of Miami University gave a pre-concert lecture that provided insight into Ms. Monk’s body of work. Thirteen courses required their students to attend, preparing the students in advance and discussing it afterwards. These courses represented the following departments: Honors, Art, Architecture and Interior Design, Interdisciplinary Studies, Music and Theatre

Andre Watts, piano, February, Hall Auditorium

  • Andre Watts, piano, gave a pre-concert lecture.

Room, SITI Company, April, Hall Auditorium

  • The Theatre Department chose SITI as the Cromer/Flory Artists-in-Residence. They performed Room, a play based on the life and writings of Virginia Woolf. Artistic director Anne Bogart visited campus for two days prior to the company’s arrival, where she gave a public lecture on contemporary theatre, conducted a Viewpoints Acting workshop, a workshop with directing and design students, and a discussion with Theatre faculty. During the company’s residency, Ellen Lauren, the solo actor in Room, gave three Viewpoints workshops to over 60 students and conducted two post-performance Q&As for the audience. The technical staff of the SITI Company held a discussion with students about stage design. Courses in Theatre, Music, Art, Honors, the Western Program and English incorporated these performances into the curriculum.

Porgy & Bess, Gershwin, January, Hall Auditorium

  • The lead performers from Gershwin’s Porgy & Bess gave a musical theatre workshop to about 40 Talawanda High music and drama students.

San Antonio Vocal Arts Ensemble, September, Hall Auditorium

  • The presentation of Celebrating Sor Juana, the Phoenix of Mexico represented an extremely successful interdisciplinary collaboration and performance with the professional vocal ensemble, SAVAE, and the departments of Spanish and Portuguese, Music, Theatre, and Miami Dance Theatre.

Ulrich Schutte, bass-baritone, November, Hall Auditorium

  • German bass-baritone Ulrich Schutte’s performance of Schubert’s Winterreise was scheduled in support of Miami’s Romanticism scholarly conference.

Kitka, Kumler Chapel

  • In conjunction with the Havighurst Center, PAS presented Kitka, a traditional Russian vocal ensemble.

2000-2001

Richard Stoltzman, clarinet, w/Oxford Chamber Orchestra, September, Hall Auditorium

  • Clarinetist Richard Stoltzman with the Oxford Chamber Orchestra. As the Cromer-Flory Artist-in-Residence, Richard Stoltzman spent four days on campus providing both classical and jazz workshops with Miami and Talawanda High School students. The residency culminated in a Hall Series performance with the Oxford Chamber Orchestra.

Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, September, Hall Auditorium

  • Dayton Contemporary Dance Company performed dance master classes with Miami Dance Theatre students during their two days on campus.

Crossing Eight Mile, Mosaic Theater, October, Hall Auditorium

  • Mosaic Theater presented Crossing Eight Mile, an urban interpretation of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors, as well as a music concert and a children’s theater performance. During their two days on campus, they met with residents of Collins and McBride residence halls, the arts and diversity dorms respectively, to explore the idea of modern adaptations and the racial implications of this particular adaptation.

Dracula, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, November, Millett Hall

  • Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Dracula. The University planned a two-year cross-curricular thematic exploration called: Romanticism, the Roots of Modernity. This performance was included in that academic endeavor, with a campus Dracula scholar presenting a pre-concert talk; screenings of both the original and the recent movies of Dracula were presented, with Gothic scholars making presentations before and leading discussions afterward.

Kronos Quartet, January, Hall Auditorium

  • Kronos Quartet was in residency for two days, providing ensemble and instrument master classes, as well as convocation on contemporary music.

Robert Bluestone, guitar, March, Hall Auditorium

  • Robert Bluestone, guitar, was in residency for a week piloting a regional outreach collaboration effort for Miami University. He visited schools in Oxford, Hamilton and Middletown performing cross-curricular workshops. Robert was a featured guest on the Tuesdays at Trinity music series. He provided liturgical music at the Oxford United Methodist Church and spoke at the Celebrating Self Series at Hamilton’s Fitton Center for the Arts.

Diary of Anne Frank, Montana Rep., March, Hall Auditorium

  • Montana Rep’s Diary of Anne Frank. During this two-day residency, company members gave a professional theatre workshops with Miami Department of Theater students.