Wright State Theatre called #1 underrated program in Midwest

Wright State Theatre’s production of “Peter Pan” last spring was a visual feast. (Photo by Will Jones)

Wright State University’s theatre program was named the top underrated program in the Midwest by OnStage, a prominent theater review website.

Wright State, OnStage said, has “everything you could want in theatre. Whether it’s a degree in acting, design/technology, dance, musical theatre or even motion pictures, they have it. They even offer programs to high school students.”

The site highlighted how “faculty members of Wright State’s acclaimed acting, musical theatre and dance programs offer weekly private lessons and group classes in voice, acting and dance throughout the school year.”

OnStage also called the program an “incredible value for the most underrated theatre programs in the country.” The Creative Arts Center’s Festival Playhouse, where most of the theatre program’s productions are performed, was described as a “top of the line theater.”

Wright State’s program was compared to other colleges in Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana. OnStage considered curriculum, facilities, productions, faculty, alumni and cost.

“OnStage reports what we have known all along — that our theatre program is the best!” said Kristin Sobolik, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “The program is well-rounded and produces fantastic actors, design techs, directors, costumers and dancers whose skills are highly sought in the profession. I rarely miss a show.”

Wright State Theatre produces six plays and musical a school year. The program’s 2015-16 schedule is:

• “The Great Gatsby”: Sept. 24–Oct. 4
• “Chicago”: Oct. 29–Nov. 15
• “Blood Wedding”: Nov. 20-Dec. 6
• “A Streetcar Named Desire”: Jan. 28-Feb. 7
• “Music Man”: March 17-April 3
• A world premiere musical by Christian Duhamel: April 22-24