Contact: Jack Bailey (304) 766-4109 jbaile19@wvstateu.edu INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University’s (WVSU) Creators Program will host a panel discussion entitled “Creating Musical Theater,” featuring a variety of well-known West Virginia musicians, on Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. at the WVSU Economic Development Center (EDC) in Charleston. Panelists include filmmaker Daniel Boyd, the EDC’s artist in residence, as well as “Mountain Stage” host Larry Groce and musicians Mark Scarpelli and Dan Kehde.
The panel will discuss creating original musical theater in West Virginia, including upcoming projects such as “Paradise Park – The Musical,” based on Boyd’s 1991 film, slated for a Theatre West Virginia production next summer. “Strangest Dreams – The Musical,” based on a 1990 film by Boyd, is also in development.
“More opportunities than ever are emerging for the creation of original musical theater productions here in West Virginia,” Boyd said. “At this panel discussion, novices like myself and Larry will learn from veterans like Mark and Dan as we share our process of diving in headfirst for the musical adaptations of these films.”
The panel will preview some of the music from Boyd’s forthcoming productions.
The Creators Program launched in 2012 as a series of community workshops focusing on skills and knowledge essential to creating for mass media and art. The EDC partners with WVSU Cultural Activities on the series. Workshops are designed for people of all skill levels, including students and others interested in expanding their creative endeavors.
The Creating Musical Theater panel discussion is free to attend. Space is limited, and registration is required. To register, visit or call (304) 720-1401.
The WVSU EDC is located at 1506 Kanawha Blvd. W. in Charleston.
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