A focus on the basics of being a theatre artist whether an actor, singer, dancer, designer or technician is our strong suite at West Virginia University. A diverse faculty and staff from different backgrounds of learning as well as professional credits and credentials defines our instructors. We reach to both coasts and beyond with guest artists, master classes and alumni outreach. Practical learning in shops and studios are at the forefront for the Mountaineers at WVU.
Practical learning with a dose of professional reality is a way to describe your education with the School of Theatre & Dance at West Virginia University. In all our areas, we strive to combine learning, growth and experience with practical use in production, auditioning, attendance at professional conferences, masterclasses, guest artists and beyond. Learn your process to create future product. Our faculty and staff come from diverse backgrounds and professional experiences. We share that with you as well as connect you to industry professionals, our colleagues and alumni in the fields of entertainment. Mountaineers go first!
Alumni
DAVID SELBY - Dark Shadows, Falcon Crest, Rich and Famous, and The Social Network, among many other television and film appearances in his nearly fifty-year career.
CHRIS SARANDON - Dog Day Afternoon, Fright Night, The Princess Bride, The Nightmare Before Christmas ...as well as television appearances on ER, Law & Order, The Good Wife, Orange Is the New Black.
DAWN DENOON - Producer and writer, known for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Crisis, Blue Bloods and The Blacklist.
JENNIFER WILEY-STOCKTON - Owner/Manager of JWS Entertainment, a bi-coastal management company. She manages the careers of actors whose base of operations are in NYC and/or LA in the mediums of film, television, and theatre; fostered the careers of various Oscar, Tony, and Emmy award nominated actors, and her clients’ television credits have included American Crime Story, Atlanta, The Get Down, Gotham, Person of Interest, The Office, Law and Order, Grey’s Anatomy, Supernatural, Mad Men, Damages, Nurse Jackie, Castle and The Good Wife.
SEAN CERCONE - CEO/President, Broadway Licensing; Prior to launching Broadway Licensing, Cercone served as CBO and Senior VP of Professional and International Licensing for Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW). At TRW, he he led efforts for the acquisition of marquee Broadway titles, including Jersey Boys and Million Dollar Quartet, and led the worldwide distribution of The Addams Family, Monty Python’s Spamalot, The Color Purple, Curtains, All Shook Up, and Memphis with productions in 69 different countries. Cercone co-wrote the newest adaptation of Saturday Night Fever seen throughout North America, South Africa, Italy, Brazil, and Peru; proud member of the Broadway League.
EMILY SHAFFER - Allegiance, Chicago Fire, Law & Order: SVU, NCIS: New Orleans, The Good Fight and FBI.
CODY LEROY WILSON - Off-Broadway debut, Handbagged, 59E59 Theatre; As You Like It, Folger Theatre, DC; Regional theatre credits in NY, Arkansas and Maryland.
MYA BROWN - Assistant Professor of Acting and Directing, University of North Carolina-Greensboro; Director for West Virginia Public Theatre.
BRIANNE TAYLOR - Assistant Professor of Voice, West Virginia University; Dialect Coach, Washington, DC area theatres and West Virginia Public Theatre.
MATTHEW GLEN CLARK - Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, West Virginia Public Theatre, Cumberland Theatre, Stageworks/Broadway Licensing, Great Plains Theatre.
PATRICK J. CLARKE - Pittsburgh Musical Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Apex Theatre Studio, Stage 62.
WILL STOUT - Daredevil, Blue Bloods.
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