Renowned Broadway and film composer Stephen Schwartz visited Wright State University on March 18 and 19, as part of the first program in the university’s new Distinguished Visiting Artist Series.
The visit included a sold-out performance by Schwartz, Tony Award winner Debbie Gravitte and award-winning vocalist Scott Coulter in the Creative Arts Center’s Festival Playhouse.
Schwartz conducted master classes with students March 19, while Gravitte and Coulter gave workshops for students on March 18.
The Distinguished Visiting Artist Series is sponsored by Wright State’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Education, Leadership and Innovation in the Arts. The series brings to campus artists for residencies featuring immersive interaction with Wright State and area arts students and professionals, as well as performances and exhibitions.
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- (L to R): Stephen Schwartz, Debbie Gravitte and Scott Coulter performing at the Festival Playhouse March 19.
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- Debbie Gravitte working with music major Kylene Griffith during a workshop.
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- Scott Coulter working with Stevin Crane, a music performance major.
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- Stephen Schwartz Musical Theatre Scholarship winners Carly Snider, a student at Centerville High School, and Andrew Quiett, a Wright State student, with Stephen Schwartz.
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- (L to R): Stephen Schwartz, Angelia Hopkins, Wright State President David R. Hopkins and Kevin Moore of the Human Race Theatre at a reception following the Stephen Schwartz & Friends performance March 19.
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- Debbie Gravitte giving a workshop with College of Liberal Arts students. Senior musical theatre student Ria Villaver sits at right.
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- Hank Dahlman, professor of music, director of choral studies and founding director of CELIA, Wright State’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Education, Leadership and Innovation in the Arts, presented Stephen Schwartz with the first Distinguished Visiting Artist award.
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- (L to R): Stephen Schwartz, Scott Coulter and Debbie Gravitte performing at the Festival Playhouse March 19.
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