CCPA launches 2011-12 season

Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts is preparing for another season of performances and showcases as the college's two divisions, the Music Conservatory and the Theatre Conservatory, roll out its 2011-12 schedules.

The Theatre Conservatory will open its season with a Fall Freshman Showcase running from Sept. 22 – 25. This will be followed by the musical, "The Cradle Will Rock," which will play from Sept. 30 – Oct. 2.

The book, music and lyrics of this opener are by Marc Blitzstein.

The department will also showcase adaptations of two widely familiar plays including "Rent" by Jonathan Larson and "A Streetcar Named Desire" by Tennessee Williams. The plays will run Nov. 17 – Nov. 20 and March 9 – March 11, respectively.

The Music Conservatory will also debut ensemble performances this season that include a jazz showcase, a first for the department, and a chamber music program that will have a guest ensemble with a master class.

Dean Linda Berna expressed excitement about the students playing in a historical Chicago jazz-club setting and the guest ensemble.

"This will be a great opportunity for our students to perform with professionals," she said.

The choir and orchestra will also play the Yizkor Requiem, an old piece and Jewish and Catholic requiem for the dead. Dean Berna said it is not a serious downer and described it as "uplifting" and "comfort for the living."

Berna shared more on the horizon for this upcoming season.

"'Our biggest concert is going to be a collaboration with between the music and theatre conservatory," Berna said. "The jazz ensemble will perform the first half and theatre the second half."

As the music conservatory prepares to roll out a new season, it is still celebrating a great success from last season when the choir was one of three choruses selected to perform at a national convention as part of a contest.

As art programs are increasingly eliminated at schools nationwide due to budget cuts, Berna said art programs are important and offer students practical value.

"Students with degrees in arts are valued as employees because they know how to work together, be responsible and problem solve," Berna said.

For a more in-depth glance at the upcoming season of both the Music Conservatory and Theatre Conservatory, visit the CCPA  webpage at www.roosevelt.edu/ccpa. Details on ticket prices, dates and show times are available through the box office hotline at 312-341-3831.