High School Students Invited to 'Pursue Their Passion' with AU Music & Theatre

Ashland University Departments of Music and Theatre invite high school students to 'Pursue Their Passion' at an experiential opportunity on Saturday, November 11 beginning at 1 p.m. The event is free and open to any high school student interested in learning more about music and/or theatre at Ashland University.

Registration is due by Friday, November 3 with limited spaces available. Participants can register online at www.ashland.edu/PursueYourPassion.

At 'Pursue Your Passion,' high school students will spend an afternoon and evening with the faculty and students from the Music and Theatre Departments. Participants will explore music and/or theatre through breakout sessions led by Ashland faculty; attend a live stage performance of Euripides' classic Greek drama The Trojan Women; as well as socialize and dine with current students at AU's award-winning dining facility. Visitors can also have the total AU experience with an overnight stay in a residence hall.

Attendees can elect to participate in two of the following sessions led by AU music and theatre faculty including:

• AU Marching Band Performance: Enjoy the halftime show by the AU Marching Eagles at Jack Miller Stadium during the home football game against Saginaw Valley.
• How Does Blues Work? The twelve-bar blues or “blues progression” is one of the most common chord progressions in popular music. Come harness the blues as it applies to other musical genres! Bring your instrument or voice, or have a seat at one of our many pianos and we will consider the basic concept of the blues, and then play and improvise together. Any level of musicianship is welcome!
• PANIC - Auditioning and Interviewing for University Theatre Programs: So you want to major or minor in Theatre and the school wants you to prepare an audition or interview. In this workshop, we will explore what makes a great audition and interview; what materials need to be collected and prepared; and how to craft a professional theatrical resume. If you have a memorized monologue, we can coach you on making it stronger. 
• Act Before You Think: The Values of A First Rate Actor: Maybe your parents taught you to think before you act? Now, let’s act before we think! Explore the inspiring values of a first rate actor that give the beginning thespian a solid base from which to grow and develop his or her talent. These values will come alive through the experience of group exercises and simple scene work. 

For more information about the 'Pursue Your Passion' event, contact Dr. Teresa Durbin-Ames at tdurbin@ashland.edu or 419.289.5821.