Webster University and The Muny Announce Historic Partnership

Webster University and The Muny today announced the establishment of a new partnership that will blend the renowned Muny theatre with Webster's nationally acclaimed Conservatory of Theatre Arts.

The partnership is a sharing of resources and opportunities to develop and train performers and production staff for careers in American musical theatre. The end result will enhance both organizations and further promote St. Louis as a performing arts center.

"This partnership brings together two extraordinary organizations," said Webster President Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble. "I am thrilled to see this example of the power of partnership – one that will strengthen The Muny and provide opportunities for Webster students to excel. It is this kind of creative collaboration that transforms lives and enriches communities."
Webster Provost and Senior Vice President Julian Schuster said the partnership will elevate the academic experience for Webster's Conservatory students. "The unique partnership will allow our students to gain experience through internships alongside the most talented professionals in musical theatre. We believe that this outstanding opportunity will have a lifetime impact on our students."

Peter Sargent, dean of Webster's Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts added, "This is the first partnership of its kind between a conservatory and a professional musical theatre."

Through the partnership, Webster's musical theatre performance students will participate in master classes offered by Muny choreographers and directors and in workshop development projects for future seasons. They also will audition and be selected for Muny chorus opportunities.

"When I was named executive producer, I immediately reached out to Peter and Lara (Lara Teeter, head of Webster's musical theatre department)," said Mike Isaacson, The Muny's new executive producer. "I have such respect for the Conservatory and its students. It just seemed right that The Muny connect these talented students with our esteemed directors, choreographers and designers."

"We are excited to partner with Webster in this historic endeavor," said Muny president and CEO Dennis M. Reagan. "The partnership is an exciting collaboration between a great musical theatre training program and a great musical theatre."

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