Television is a brave new world, and CMU alumni are helping to blaze the frontier. While networks crank out hit weekly shows, streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon are releasing full seasons to content-hungry viewers for “binge-watching.” Amazon Studios released several new pilots in June starring three Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama alumni. Two of the pilots are hour-long dramas. “The Interestings” stars Corey Cott and Jeffrey Omura,
17
Jul 2016
National award for CMU’s John Clay, III
“Carnegie Mellon University rising senior John Clay III recently took first place and a $12,000 prize at the National Society of Arts and Letters musical theater competition. In annoucing the winners from the contest in Phoenix, the organization that has supported young performers since 1944 wrote of Mr. Clay: “What he loves about theater is the storytelling aspect and how it draws people together under one roof. To be in
15
Jul 2016
Alumni Josh Groban, Denee Benton make Broadway Debuts in “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812”
Alumni Josh Groban and Denee Benton will both make their Broadway debuts in this fall’s premier of Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812. Groban has been eager to appear on Broadway for some time, but hadn’t found the right part until he encountered Pierre. Benton is making the transfer from the mounting of the production at Boston’s American Repertory Theatre. Groban tells Entertainment Weekly: “I didn’t want to
Just one year out of school and Will Gossett already has an Emmy. Gossett, a 2015 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Drama, was a member of the team that won the 2016 Emmy for Best Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special for his work on “Grease: Live.” The Creative Arts Emmys were announced Sept. 10 and 11. Fellow alumni, Ryan Tanker (A 2010) was also a member
A message from Peter Cooke, Head of the School of Drama: “The tragedy in Orlando early on Sunday morning was an appalling and senseless assault on peace loving people everywhere. In targeting a joyous LGBTQ gathering, it was an attack on all who choose to live peacefully in a diverse and inclusive world where care for, and the well being of others, is paramount. I know that the families and
Carnegie Mellon University congratulates CMU alumni Renée Elise Goldsberry and Leslie Odom, Jr., who received Tony Awards on Sunday night at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. These two winners increase the number of Tonys received by Carnegie Mellon alumni to 43. Goldsberry and Odom, Jr., received two of the 11 Tony Awards bestowed on the musical “Hamilton,” which was nominated for a record 16 Tonys. Goldsberry, a 1993
Two new faculty members were appointed to the School of Drama Acting and Music Theater faculty this spring. They will begin teaching in the fall of 2016. Gary Logan comes to us from his position as Director of the Washington Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting, (in association with George Washington University). He holds an MFA from American Conservatory Theatre. Logan has worked as an actor in many productions;
08
May 2016
Judith Light wins Outer Critics Circle Award
Judith Light (A 1970) won a 2016 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play for her role as Madame Raquin in last fall’s Thérèse Raquin. We congratulate her on this achievement. See the full list of nominees and winners here.
Daniella Topol (A 1996) has been named the new artistic director at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater in New York. Ms. Topol told the New York Times that her goals for Rattlestick include championing new, innovative plays, forging connections with theaters outside New York, and developing the theater’s educational programs. “Rattlestick can be a great place to continue to give opportunities to young diverse artists to get their hands dirty,” she said.
Seven Carnegie Mellon University alumni garnered Tony Award nominations this morning when they were announced from New York City via a webcast on TonyAwards.com and “CBS This Morning.”
