2004 Jun 18
For Immediate Release
MARICOPA COMMUNITY COLLEGES PRESENT "LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS"
Curtain rises on collaborative learning and performing experience
June 18, 2004 - For the first time, a number of the Maricopa Community Colleges are joining creative forces to produce a major Broadway musical under the sponsorship of the Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction (MCLI) in collaboration with the Mesa Community College (MCC) Music Department. The work of faculty and students in a number of departments from colleges across the Valley will converge in the presentation of "The Little Shop of Horrors," July 29, 2004 through August 7, 2004 at Phoenix Theatre.
Through a partnership with Phoenix Theatre, past and present community college students are receiving creative direction from director and choreographer Robert Harper, a resident artist at Phoenix Theatre. Harper has also enlisted the help of a "dream team" in professional theatre production that is providing an invaluable learning experience for the backstage teams and performers. They include Music Director Alan Ruch, Set Designers Gregory Jaye and T.J. Welzien, Light Designer Mike Eddy and Sound Designer Dave Temby, who together with Robert Harper, have won over 90 Zoni awards.
"We are thrilled for our students to have the opportunity to be part of this rich learning experience," said Gene Fazio, faculty at Mesa Community College. "Phoenix Theatre is helping us create a fantastic opportunity for students at the Maricopa Community Colleges who wish to learn about professional theatre, from set design and lighting to costuming and acting."
Students taking theater classes in the future could also benefit, as this project has resulted in the Maricopa Community Colleges and Phoenix Theatre looking at partnering on a future program that will have technical theater students in the community colleges doing internships at Phoenix Theatre.
The all-star cast members are past or present students of Mesa Community College and Glendale Community College. The executive producer, Sue Anne Lucius, is from Mesa Community College while the assistant director, Julie Holston, and stage manager Stan Williams, are from South Mountain Community College.
Cast members are available for short musical or theatrical performances on local broadcasts and can be booked through Lyn Milner at 480-234-0059. Theatre reviewers may receive a review pass by calling Gene Fazio 480-461-7604.
There will also be silent auctions at the performances to support the Maricopa Community Colleges' Literacy-Outreach programs. Each year, community college students tutor K-12 students who are struggling with reading and writing. Auction proceeds and donations will help expand these programs.
To foster student success, the Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction (MCLI) at the Maricopa Community Colleges, is dedicated to supporting and advancing teaching and learning by working collaboratively with faculty, administrators, and district-wide groups to provide quality services, programs, and resources.
The Maricopa County Community College District is one of the largest community college districts in the nation. It includes 10 colleges - Chandler-Gilbert Community College, Estrella Mountain Community College, GateWay Community College, Glendale Community College, Mesa Community College, Paradise Valley Community College, Phoenix College, Rio Salado College, Scottsdale Community College and South Mountain Community College. The District also includes the Maricopa Skill Center, Southwest Skill Center, several satellite campuses and business/industry, technical and customized training institutes and serves more than a quarter million students annually. For more information: 480-731-8333, 480-731-8000 or www.maricopa.edu District News: http://www.dist.maricopa.edu/marketing/nr