Conservatory of Performing Arts

Conservatory News

  
5/17/2012 Cinema Students Honored as Finalists for Academy Awards
For the first time, a senior thesis film, Requited, was selected as a finalist for the 2012 Student Academy Awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
5/15/2012 Cinema Alumni Create Documentary for Cannes Film Festival
Pasquale Greco, a 2008 cinema and digital arts graduate, will have his short documentary, The Other Dave, presented as part of a collection of short documentaries that will screen at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday, May 18.
5/15/2012 Playhouse Jr. Offers a World of Opportunity for COPA Students
Beginning this May, Playhouse Jr. kicks off its 63rd season of high quality theatre for young people and families.
5/11/2012 Showcase season underway for Conservatory students, alumni
The showcases are an opportunity for some of the University’s top talents to perform and promote their work in front of industry professionals who can help them find a job after graduation.
5/10/2012 Jazz Dance World Congress comes to Point Park in Aug.
Point Park University and Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago present Jazz Dance World Congress Aug. 1-5 in Pittsburgh for dancers, teachers and choreographers from around the globe. The public is invited to festival performances each evening.
5/3/2012 Point Park film named as finalist for Student Academy Awards
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced U.S. finalists for the 39th Annual Student Academy Awards, and the short list includes a Point Park student film.
5/2/2012 Musical Theatre Grad Performs in Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret's 'Ruthless!'
Marlana Dunn, a 2007 graduate of Point Park University's musical theatre program, is performing in the Pittsburgh CLO Cabaret's production of Ruthless!
5/1/2012 Dance and communication majors connect to stage 'Perception'
Conservatory of Performing Arts and School of Communication students are holding a dance production at New Hazlett Theater. Proceeds benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
4/24/2012 Conservatory Dance Company Performs Impressive Lineup at Byham Theater
This year’s show featured the works Bow Out by Val Caniparoli, Heretic by Martha Graham, Sky by Kevin Iega Jeff and Minus 16 by Ohad Naharin.
4/23/2012 Spotlight on Africa film series continues this week
An afternoon with Melissa Fitzgerald will be held Sat., April 28, 2 p.m., JVH Auditorium Thayer Hall.
4/20/2012 Spotlight on Africa film series continues this weekend
The April 22 afternoon event includes a presentation by Kimi Takesue, director and cinematographer and screening of Where are you taking me?
4/13/2012 Dark of the Moon Rises on the Pittsburgh Playhouse Stage April 13 - 22
Dark of the Moon runs from April 13 – 22, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.
3/23/2012 Pittsburgh theater shows alum's film 'The Complex'
On Sat., March 24 the Hollywood Theater in Dormont is showing the film The Complex by Point Park alumnus Josh Spiegel.
3/22/2012 Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post note Point Park's selection for Martha Graham event
The Wall Street Journal and The Huffington Post this month noted Point Park University’s selection to perform under the auspices of the Martha Graham Center for Contemporary Dance in New York City.
3/13/2012 Dance students to perform Martha Graham work in New York City
Dance students perform 'Heretic' at Joyce Theater in New York this week. Martha Graham's iconic work is also the focus of notation project at Point Park and an upcoming Byham concert.
3/9/2012 Kiesha Lalama is featured choreographer in Dynamic Women of Dance
Point Park faculty member Kiesha Lalama is one of four choreographers featured in Dynamic Women of Dance at the August Wilson Center for African American Culture March 9-10
3/5/2012 Vote for A Day at the Pittsburgh Playhouse student video
Watch 'A Day at the Pittsburgh Playhouse' by Point Park technical theater/design students, and vote for Point Park to win the "Show Us Your ETC" competition.
3/1/2012 Conservatory Dance Company showcases students in faculty works
Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company presents the work of several accomplished dance faculty March 2-4 at the George Rowland White performance studio in the University’s Downtown dance complex.
2/24/2012 Conservatory Theatre stages world premiere of Marathon 33
Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre is staging the world premier of Marathon 33 (M33) with a student cast and crew, Feb. 24 - March 4 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
2/15/2012 Dance alum performs this week at Benedum in 'Shen Yun 2012'
Seongho Cha, 2006 dance grad, performs in Shen Yun 2012, the classical Chinese dance and musical experience, Feb. 15-16.
2/9/2012 The REP stages world premiere of 'Mid-Strut'
The REP, Point Park University’s professional theatre company, presents the world premiere of Mid-Strut at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Feb. 3 – 19.
1/25/2012 Alumni profile: Adam Meys, entertainment technician for Disney's Finding Nemo - The Musical
Adam Meys, a 2007 stage management graduate, is entertainment technician for Finding Nemo-The Musical at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
1/18/2012 'Fat Beckett' named a top 10 production in Pittsburgh
Fat Beckett, written by 2011 M.F.A. in acting graduates Gab Cody and Rita Reis, has been named one of the top 10 plays in 2011 by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
1/10/2012 Financial workshop to be held for dance, theatre students
A free workshop discussing the financial basics performing artists need to know will be held Jan. 30 in the University Center.
1/4/2012 Cinema Showcase to be topic on WQED program
The Jan. 7 episode of Filmmakers Corner on WQED will focus on the Point Park University Cinema Showcase.
12/20/2011 Hamlisch shares personal insight, stories during workshop
Marvin Hamlisch, Point Park's 2011 distinguished master artist in residence, provided personal insight into his work, creative process and career success during his Dec. 13 workshop The Works and Imagination of Marvin Hamlisch at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
12/16/2011 Dance students perform alongside swing band in twist on Christmas classic
Student dancers describe the experience of dancing in Doug Bentz's The Jazz Nutcracker, which ran Dec. 9–11 and Dec. 16–18.
12/15/2011 Students get unique opportunity to perform Shakespeare two ways
During the fall 2011 semester, the Conservatory Theatre Company performed Illyria, a musical based on Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, which was then staged a few weeks later.
12/12/2011 Dance faculty member brings her outside experiences to classroom
Kiesha Lalama, assistant professor of dance in the Conservatory of Performing Arts, recently choreographed works for Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago, August Wilson Center Dance Ensemble, and the movie, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
12/5/2011 Hamlisch to discuss his work, creative process during workshop
Marvin Hamlisch, Point Park's distinguished master artist in residence, will provide personal insight into his work and creative process during his Dec. 13 workshop, "The Works and Imagination of Marvin Hamlisch."
12/1/2011 Quantum Theatre staging world premiere of play by two M.F.A. graduates
Gab Cody and Rita Reis, 2011 graduates of Point Park University’s Master of Fine Arts in Acting program, are world premiering their play Fat Beckett Dec. 1-18.
11/29/2011 'The Jazz Nutcracker' returns to Pittsburgh Playhouse
Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company presents The Jazz Nutcracker Dec. 9–11 and Dec. 16–18 in the Rockwell Theatre at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
11/27/2011 Conservatory Theatre Company to stage 'Twelfth Night'
Show presented by Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company Dec. 9 – 18 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
11/11/2011 Auditions, interviews to be held in Atlanta on Dec. 4
The Conservatory of Performing Arts will be holding an off-campus audition and interview session in Atlanta for prospective cinema, dance and theatre students on Dec. 4.
11/11/2011 Conservatory Theatre Company presents 'Illyria'
Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company presents Illyria at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Nov. 11-20 .
11/10/2011 Conservatory Dance Company presents four premieres
Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company presents Contemporary Choreographers Nov. 11-13 and Nov. 18-20.
11/8/2011 Alumni Profile: Jordan Grubb, B.F.A. in musical theatre
Jordan Grubb, a 2008 graduate, currently lives and works in New York City. He is currently in the national tour of Mary Poppins and has performed in the New York Musical Theatre Festival and has appeared in several productions of 42nd Street.
11/1/2011 Meet Garfield Lemonius, assistant professor of dance
Garfield Lemonius joined the conservatory's full-time faculty as an assistant professor of dance after serving as a guest artist. Lemonius was a principal dancer with the Dallas Black Dance Theatre and is a sought-after master teacher.
10/28/2011 Students audition for Hamlisch during workshop
Musical theatre seniors Elle DeMaria, Leah Fox, Jaron Frand and Connor Russell were selected by the conservatory faculty to perform in front of Marvin Hamlisch during his “The Art of the Audition” workshop, which was held Oct. 19 in the George Rowland White Performance Studio on campus.
10/21/2011 Original cast member directs production of 'Chorus Line'
The Point Park University Conservatory Theatre Company kicks off its season with a production of 'A Chorus Line,' directed by Danny Herman. More than 30 conservatory students are performing in the show.
10/19/2011 Documentary screening, Q&A with director set for Oct. 25
On Tuesday, Oct. 25 in the GRW Theater at 7:30 p.m. the Cinema & Digital Arts Department is hosting Julien Nitzberg and his documentary The Wild & Wonderful Whites of West Virginia.
10/17/2011 Conservatory Theatre opens season with 'A Chorus Line'
Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company opens its 2011-12 season with "A Chorus Line" at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Oct. 21 through Oct. 30. A preview performance is open to the public on Thursday, Oct. 20
9/22/2011 Dance majors to showcase original choreography
Point Park's Conservatory Dance Company opens its season with Student Choreography Project, a showcase of original student choreography.
9/22/2011 Students make connections on set of 'Dark Knight Rises'
More than 50 Point Park students and alumni worked on the set of Christopher Nolan's "The Dark Knight Rises," parts of which were filmed in Pittsburgh.
9/15/2011 Point Park to host production assistant training seminar
The production assistant training seminar will be held Sept. 24 and 25 in the Lawrence Hall Ballroom on the Point Park campus. The seminar is open to all Point Park students.
9/2/2011 Class projects exhibited at global conference in Prague
A set model by Lindsey B. Mayer, a technical theatre major specializing in scenic design, was chosen for the student exhibit at the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design and Space. A model by Richard Preffer was also on display at the event.
7/11/2011 Hamlisch to be Distinguished Master Artist in Residence
Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts welcomes Marvin Hamlisch as Distinguished Master Artist in Residence in the fall of 2011. Hamlisch will give three workshops for Point Park students at the University.
7/5/2011 McKenna named chair of theatre department
Sheila McKenna, assistant professor and Point Park alumna, was named chair of the theatre department in the Conservatory of Performing Arts.
6/22/2011 Hollywood veteran brings 30 years of industry experience
Steve Cuden, assistant professor of screenwriting, is co-creator of the musical "Jekyll & Hyde" and has many years of experience in the entertainment industry.
5/10/2011 Point Park alum nominated for two Tony Awards
Rob Ashford, a 1983 graduate of the Conservatory of Performing Arts, has earned Tony nominations for Best Direction of a Musical and Best Choreography, both for How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.
5/2/2011 Technical theatre students connect with companies, get jobs
James Ogden II, a student in the stage management program at Point Park, received five job offers at the Southeastern Theatre Conference's annual convention, which was held in Atlanta in 2011.
4/27/2011 COPA dean teaches at film school in Prague
Fredrick Johnson, acting dean of the Conservatory, was a guest teacher at Film and Television Academy of the Performing Arts in Prague.
4/14/2011 Shirley Jones Scholarship recipient meets star
Point Park musical theatre major Kristen Smith met Shirley Jones after receiving a scholarship named in her honor.
4/8/2011 Point Park dancers compete on international stage, earn top 12 placement
A Point Park University dance ensemble was named one of the top 12 dance ensembles at the Youth America Grand Prix International Student Ballet and Contemporary Dance Scholarship Competition (YAGP) in New York City.
4/5/2011 Alumni network pays dividends for actress Ashley Archambeau
Access to alumni network helped COPA alumna Ashley Archambeau land lead role in film.
3/11/2011 Conservatory dance concert receives critical acclaim
Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company performed its annual signature concert at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh’s Cultural District Feb. 24–26 to critical acclaim. The show featured signature works by dance luminaries George Balanchine, Bill T. Jones, Trey McIntyre and Toru Shimazaki.
3/9/2011 Conservatory Theatre stages 'Evita' with unique casting
Evita, the stunning Tim Rice-Andrew Lloyd Webber musical, is the final show of the Conservatory Theatre Company’s 2010–2011 season. Director John Shepard, theatre department chair, faculty member and performer, has included a unique twist in this particular production that will surprise audiences and provide greater insight into the musical’s leading lady.
3/9/2011 Former acting student lands major role in feature film
Former acting major and Pittsburgh-area native Gino Anthony Pesi is gearing up for the March 11 worldwide release of his latest and most notable feature film, Battle: Los Angeles.
2/17/2011 Conservatory faculty and students collaborate on compelling documentary
Conservatory of Performing Arts alumni, students and faculty collaborate to produce "What Does Trouble Mean, Nate Smith's Revolution," a documentary about the Pittsburgh African American labor rights activist Nate Smith. It premieres Friday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. and airs again on Feb. 27 at 12 p.m. on WPXI-TV, Pittsburgh.
2/10/2011 Alums with 'Mary Poppins' national tour teach master class
Conservatory of Performing Arts alumni Case Dillard, 27, Shua Potter, 28, and Eric Hatch, 29, all part of the national tour of 'Mary Poppins,' recently returned to campus to teach students “Step in Time” and a second number from the Broadway show.
2/9/2011 'Mary Poppins' alumni Q&A draws students from across Point Park
Three COPA alumni who are in the cast of the national tour of "Mary Poppins" offered a master class to COPA students and a Q&A open to all Point Park students.
1/29/2011 Acclaimed screenwriter shares his craft with cinema students
Rick Hawkins brings 30 years as a highly successful and Emmy-winning TV screenwriter to Point Park as an artist-in-residence with the Department of Cinema and Digital Arts.
1/25/2011 Conservatory Dance Company performs impressive lineup at the Byham Theatre
Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company will perform their annual concert at the Byham Theater in the Cultural District Feb. 24 - 26. The concert will feature signature works choreographed by dance luminaries George Balanchine, Bill T. Jones, Trey McIntyre and Toru Shimazaki.
1/11/2011 An inside look: Technical theatre/design & stage management
A world of opportunity awaits students who are interested in working to make the artistic vision of theatre and dance productions a reality through Point Park's technical theatre/design and stage management programs.
1/5/2011 Conservatory Theatre Company presents The Time of Your Life
Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company presents William Saroyan's award-winning drama The Time of Your Life at the Pittsburgh Playhouse Jan. 28 through Feb. 6.
11/23/2010 Conservatory Theatre brings 'Camino Real' to Playhouse
The Conservatory Theatre Company is bringing 'Camino Real,' one of Tennessee Williams' lesser-known works and his most experimental play, to the stage at the Pittsburgh Playhouse as part of the 2010-11 season.
11/15/2010 Cinema program offering new major in digital arts for fall 2011
Starting the fall of 2011, Point Park will begin offering a new Bachelor of Arts degree in digital arts through the Department of Cinema and Digital Arts. The degree has two concentrations: animation or visual effects.
11/12/2010 Local film festival showcases cinema and digital arts talent
The work of Point Park students, faculty and alumni are featured heavily at the 2010 Pittsburgh Film Festival. Works that are featured at this year's festival include Mr. Pleasant and Silent City.
11/2/2010 Conservatory Theatre stages 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'
Point Park's Conservatory Theatre Company is opening its 2010-2011 season with the classic musical "Thoroughly Modern Millie."
10/27/2010 Theatre showcases create great opportunities for students
Point Park's theatre showcases take the Conservatory's top acting and musical theatre seniors to New York City and Los Angeles to perform for casting directors, talent agents, managers and other industry professionals to help the students launch their careers.
10/19/2010 Student Choreography Project showcases artistic prowess
Each year the Conservatory Dance Company kicks off its season with the highly anticipated Student Choreography Project, a showcase of the artistic ability of some of the Conservatory’s most creative and driven students.
10/12/2010 The REP’s 'La Ronde' offers M.F.A. students chance to shine
La Ronde offers several of this year’s graduating class of M.F.A. in acting students an opportunity to grow and develop as performing artists.
9/9/2010 Dance graduate wins prestigious Pittsburgh CLO award
Point Park University graduate Ahmad Simmons (COPA 2010) in July received Pittsburgh CLO’s prestigious “Julia Deberson Award” in recognition of his professional skill, work ethic, optimistic attitude, ability to work well with others and passion for his work.
9/6/2010 Dance professor conducts teaching residency in Uganda
As one of the first artists selected for Teach and Tour Sojourners, dance Professor Doug Bentz blazed the trail for future dancers participating in the international program. Bentz traveled to Kampala, Uganda this summer and conducted a two-week teaching residency in American contemporary jazz dance for dancers ranging from 17 to 25 years old.
7/23/2010 Dance major to compete for Miss America crown
Point Park dance major Madison Tabet won the Miss New Mexico pageant competition and will compete for the Miss America crown in January 2011 in Las Vegas.
6/28/2010 Alumni Profile: Irene Kent, choreographer / performer / teacher
Irene Kent, a dance alumna, is a choreographer, performer and teacher.
5/28/2010 The REP stages world premiere of 'Confluence of Dreaming'
Point Park University’s professional theatre company, The REP, closes its 2009-2010 season with a world premiere, A Confluence of Dreaming, written by Tammy Ryan and directed by John Amplas, from May 28–June 13, 2010.
4/25/2010 Showcase 2010 takes students to New York, Los Angeles
Each spring, a select group of Point Park musical theatre and acting seniors are selected to participate in a showcase in both New York and Los Angeles.
4/15/2010 Cinema grad assisting producer on 'Transformers 3'
Katie Woolridge, a member of the Cinema and Digital Arts Class of 2008, is currently working as producer Ian Bryce’s assistant for Transformers 3.
4/12/2010 Dance professor embraces engaging artistic collaboration
Dance Professor Doug Bentz presented his 61st original work, Allegro Gypioso, as part of the 2010 spring concert Dance With Me.
4/12/2010 Oscar winner Estelle Parsons visits Point Park
Conservatory of Performing Arts students and faculty had the honor to talk with Estelle Parsons, the Academy Award-winning actress who was in Pittsburgh in April playing the female lead in August: Osage County at the Benedum Center.
4/1/2010 Musical theatre alum on tour with 'Grease'
Musical theatre alumna Christina Sivrich is appearing in the national Equity tour of the musical "Grease."
3/23/2010 Conservatory Theatre stages musical 'Light in the Piazza'
The Conservatory Theatre Company is proud to end the season with the contemporary musical, The Light in the Piazza.
3/5/2010 Cinema faculty film gets screening in Beverly Hills
Milk Crate, a short film by Point Park University cinema and digital arts teaching artist John Rice, will screen on Saturday, March 13 at the 2010 Beverly Hills Hi-Def Film Festival in Beverly Hills, Calif.
3/5/2010 Producer, writer offers career insights to cinema students
Two-time Emmy- and Grammy Award-winner Scott Goldstein spoke to cinema and digital arts students about lessons he’s learned throughout his illustrious career.
2/25/2010 Conservatory Theatre opens world premiere musical
Point Park's Conservatory Theatre Company is staging the world premiere of Time After Time, under the direction of Gabriel Barre.
2/25/2010 Musical theatre freshman looks toward Broadway
Jenny Wine is enjoying her freshman year as a musical theatre major at Point Park after winning the 2009 Jimmy Award for Best Performance by an Actress.
2/17/2010 Cinema alum producing, directing documentary for ESPN writer
Kevin Kauffman, class of 2009, is the director and producer for Todd vs. High School, a documentary and book about Todd Gallagher's second time through his senior year, this time at Trinity Christian High School in the Pittsburgh suburb of Forest Hills. Gallagher is a 33-year-old ESPN writer and author of the book Andy Roddick Beat Me With A Frying Pan.
2/16/2010 Concert features signature works by dance masters
Point Park University’s Conservatory Dance Company will perform its annual concert at the historic Byham Theater in the Cultural District Feb. 11-13. The concert will feature signature works choreographed by dance masters.
1/27/2010 Students expand theatre repertoire with 'Room Service'
The Conservatory Theatre Company presents the screwball comedy 'Room Service.'
1/21/2010 Cinema grad works on major motion picture 'Unstoppable'
Cinema and Digital Arts graduate Dave Thomas worked on the production of the major motion picture "Unstoppable."
1/7/2010 Musical theatre grad named PG Performer of the Year
Robin Abramson, a 2003 musical theatre graduate of Point Park University's Conservatory of Performing Arts, was named Post-Gazette Performer of the Year for her roles in City Theatre's productions of Mary's Wedding by Stephen Massicotte and Blackbird by David Harrower.
12/11/2009 'Child's Christmas' uses unique approach to casting students
Based on the poem by Dylan Thomas, A Child's Christmas in Wales is a re-telling of Christmas memories, complete with everything from throwing snowballs at cats, to discussing Christmas presents, to caroling and singing "King Wenceslaus."
12/10/2009 Conservatory Dance Company premieres multimedia dance work
Point Park's Conservatory Dance Company is staging the world premiere of The Bench, by dance faculty member Kiesha Lalama-White.
12/9/2009 Dance student balances studies, career as Rockette
Point Park senior dance major Erin Harold is performing for the second year with the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes on a leave of absence from her studies.
11/9/2009 Production 3 course gives cinema students invaluable experience
Known as one of the most competitive, grueling and intense courses in the program, the 40 cinema and digital arts students in Production 3 will celebrate the culmination of their hard work at a screening of their films on Friday, Dec. 11.
11/6/2009 Conservatory Theatre presents 'Carousel'
Point Park University's Conservatory Theatre Company presents the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, Carousel, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.
10/26/2009 Alum Rob Ashford wins Emmy
Alumnus Rob Ashford receives an Emmy Award.
10/21/2009 'Antigone' opens Conservatory Theatre season
Point Park University’s Conservatory Theatre Company kicks off the 2009-2010 season with Antigone, adapted by Lewis Galantiere from the play by Jean Anouilh.
10/15/2009 Student film draws buzz at festivals
The short film "The Heart of a Bee," a film created by Point Park University students, is being shown at the Rogue and Midwest 3-Minute film festivals.
10/2/2009 Reinking to choreograph 'Time After Time'
Broadway legend Ann Reinking will choreograph the world premiere of Time After Time, which will run at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse from Feb. 26 through March 14, 2010.
9/22/2009 Point Park students stage flash mob peace demonstration
Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts staged a flash mob peace demonstration on Monday, Sept. 19 when 300 dancers hit the streets for a spontaneous dance performance to welcome the world for the G-20 Summit.
8/3/2009 Cinema and digital arts alumna gives student first big break
Beverly Cole, a 2007 graduate of the cinema and digital arts program, has made it to the big time and is taking Ally Weeks, currently a sophomore in the program, along with her.
8/3/2009 Dance faculty member having great year
Kiesha Lalama-White was featured in Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch," is set to stage the world premiere of her new work The Bench, and choreographed several pieces.
8/3/2009 Four alumni perform at Tony Awards
Four Point Park University alumni performed at the 2009 Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall.

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