BU theatre arts program earns accreditation

BU's theatre arts program has earned accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Earning the accreditation, which extends for five years, was a two-year process according to theatre program director Bruce Candlish, who noted that approximately 150 programs nationwide are accredited. In addition to reviewing the program's self-study, two reviewers for the association visited campus in spring 2007 following a consultant, who came in spring 2006.

"The reviewers saw our performance of 'Urinetown' and spent a lot of time with students," said Candlish. "They examined our curriculum very carefully, as well."

In addition to the quality of the student production, the reviewers also noted that the lease arrangement to use the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble's Alvina Krause Theatre on Center Street was a good temporary solution to the need for dedicated theatre space. The current renovation of Haas Center for the Arts is also helpful, said Candlish, as it will greatly expand the size of the scene and costume shops.

BU's theatre program has four full-time faculty and approximately 30 majors. Prominent graduates of the program include Jimmi Simpson, an actor who has appeared in several features including, "Loser" and "DEBS," and recently performed on Broadway as a lead in "The Farnsworth Invention." Other graduates include Laurie Churba, a costumer for "Saturday Night Live" and Michael Pizzi, a technician with "Cirque du Soleil."

For more information about BU's theatre program, call (570) 389-5108.