Mountain State University is introducing new degree and course opportunities in the field of performing arts, and will offer a Bachelor of Arts in theater performance this fall.

Dr. Pam Chabora, adjunct theater faculty member at MSU, acting teacher for Theatre West Virginia’s Professional Training Academy, and leading lady in several of TWV’s current productions, said one paramount aspect of the new degree is “a collaboration between the two entities. Students will train with the company, audition for roles in their theater productions, and apply for internships and other positions.”

Last year, she said, MSU piloted an internship program in which students worked with the theater company and resided in campus housing. “It was extremely successful; this summer there are 10 interns being trained and performing in four shows,” she said.

“To kick off this collaboration and the theater performance degree, a casting director from New York City, who has cast shows like ‘The Lion King’ and ‘Aida,’ will work with the interns,” she said.

He will run a master class at Tamarack on Saturday, Aug. 21, offering tips on interpreting song lyrics, suggesting what to wear to an audition, and giving advice on portfolios and head shots.

Chabora said this workshop, followed by an open public showcase at 3 p.m., “will allow people to see how an actual audition in New York works.”

Theater students from area high schools may contact Chabora to observe the master class.

“This collaborative internship program,” she said, “will bring in and produce higher caliber student performers.”

According to a press release, Dr. Vincent Beach, dean of the School of Arts and Science, said the new degree program will offer several levels of new courses. Acting, the business of acting, voice and movement, dance, musical theater, theater history and dramatic literature will be new additions, he confirmed.

This fall, Chabora will teach voice and movement and introduction to acting. She pointed out that “a lot of courses I am teaching go beyond theater performance and are about presentation. I teach students to use their voice to articulate and project while holding themselves in a confident and expressive way. This type of education equips the person with a strong sense of self-presentation and is important for individuals in politics, business, teaching, leadership and many other fields.”

Those interested in observing the open audition at Tamarack must contact Chabora at pchabora@mountainstate.edu or 304-256-6800 before the event.

Chabora is now starring in “The Belle of Amherst” for TWV’s Educational Touring Season. The one-woman show is about the life and times of poet Emily Dickinson. To book this production, contact TWV at 1-800-666-9142 or via e-mail at theatreWV@ suddenlinkmail.com.

— E-mail: splummer@register-herald.com