Events Archives - BYU College of Fine Arts and Communications

Q&A with Megan Sanborn Jones

Veronica Anderson — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 18:19:45 +0000

My go-to BYU Creamery ice cream flavor is… Pralines and Caramel. Three things that are always found in my refrigerator are… cheese, cheese and more cheese. The Joneses love cheese — fresh, aged, soft rind, semi-soft, blue — we love them all. One item on my bucket list is… to see the “Oberammergau Passion Play.” It only runs every 10 years and tells the entire story of Jesus’s life in a six-hour play. In German. Which I don’t speak. My family doesn’t speak it either, so it shows how much they love me that they are willing to come with me to see it! Read the full interview here.

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BYU Young Ambassadors Present “Thank You For The Music” Featuring Classic Hits

Capri Baker — Tue, 08 Feb 2022 16:54:02 +0000

Attributing a variety of classic artists, BYU Young Ambassadors share their talents along with music sung by many of the “greats” Celebrating the musical hits that have appeared on stage, screen and radio, the BYU Young Ambassadors present their upcoming production “Thank You For The Music.” This performance features a wide range of classics by such artists as Queen, ABBA and Whitney Houston, as well as songs from popular musicals “Guys and Dolls,” “Wicked” and “Newsies.” The group will also highlight music by contemporary artists such as Ed Sheeran, BTS, Disney and more. The BYU Young Ambassadors’ artistic director Nathan Balser emphasized the important role that music plays in our lives. He said, “Whether humming along in our car or screaming aloud in the shower, the songs of the radio, TV, movies and the Broadway stage have made us, in part, who we are.” The BYU Young Ambassadors have shared their talents across the globe and have performed everywhere from Brazil to South Africa to Cambodia. The ensemble has also performed for influential individuals, including the prime minister of India, the queen of Thailand and the king and queen of Jordan. The ensemble of 29 students has shared their talents across the globe, singing and dancing their way through 67 different nations. By means of dance, music and theatre, the BYU Young Ambassadors offer their unique view of American culture. With “Thank You For the Music,” Balser said, “The BYU Young Ambassadors present the songs by which we live our lives.” _____________________________________________________________________________ The performance will take place in the Harris Fine Arts Center de Jong Concert Hall. Tickets for this event may be purchased at https://byutickets.evenue.net/. Times and dates are as follows: Thursday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 26 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Following the recent rise in local and national COVID-19 cases, BYU will be requiring attendees of indoor public events on campus (athletics, performing arts, conferences and symposiums) to present proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to the event venue. All patrons are required to wear a mask while indoors at campus performance venues, regardless of vaccination status. For details about the updated COVID-19 policy, visit coronavirus.byu.edu.

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BYU Theatre Ballet Performance is On Pointe, Presenting “Ballet in Concert”

Capri Baker — Thu, 27 Jan 2022 18:21:32 +0000

Talent from BYU Theatre Ballet’s students and directors will not disappoint in the upcoming “Ballet in Concert” performance Pirouetting into the spotlight, BYU Theatre Ballet will present a repertory performance in their “Ballet in Concert.” Ballet lovers of all ages are invited to witness Theatre Ballet’s take on classic choreography through every leap. The performance will include one of George Balanchine‘s most famous works, “Serenade,” and “Confetti” by Gerald Arpino. In addition, the performance will feature Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s “Paquita Suite,” restaged by BYU Assistant Professor Ashley Parov. Associate Professor Shayla Bott’s new, original work “Salzburg Songs” will also be presented. Assistant Director for Theatre Ballet Hilary Wolfley explained the great deal of hard work that has been put in to learn the “Serenade” choreography accurately. Theatre Ballet worked with Viki Psihoyos, a répétiteur from the Balanchine Trust, to accurately learn the choreography and history of the piece. Wolfley noted that this work is one that the ballet company has been looking forward to performing for a few years. She said, “It is a great honor for our dancers to perform this iconic classic.” Wolfley said that Arpino’s “Confetti” is a work which has also proved an opportunity for the ballet students to exhibit their work ethic and improve their skills. “This exciting work features three pas de deux couples and really pushes the students to develop speed and stamina,” she said. Wolfley continued, “It is demanding and joyful from start to finish.” _____________________________________________________________________________ The performance will take place in the Harris Fine Arts Center de Jong Concert Hall. Dates and times are as follows: February 10-11 at 7:30 p.m. February 12 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Following the recent rise in local and national COVID-19 cases, BYU will be requiring attendees of indoor public events on campus (athletics, performing arts, conferences and symposiums) to present proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to the event venue. All patrons are required to wear a mask while indoors at campus performance venues, regardless of vaccination status. For details about the updated COVID-19 policy, visit https://www.byu.edu/.

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Contemporary Dance Theatre Brings Dreams to Life in Performance “Within Dreams”

Capri Baker — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 22:37:20 +0000

The Contemporary Dance Theatre performance will dance in and out of reality and find hope within it all Once known as The Dancers’ Company, Contemporary Dance Theatre has been dancing and performing across the globe since 1975. They have traveled to a variety of locations, including the United States, Puerto Rico, South America, East Asia, South Africa, Turkey, Australia and Israel. The group plays with various communication styles through both choreography and performance. On January 27–29, Contemporary Dance Theatre will present “Within Dreams,” exploring the space that lies between reality and escapism. Director Keely Song said that audience members can look forward to an exciting dreamscape in the performance. Song said, “‘Within Dreams’ follows the story of ‘Todd,’ who must face his family after losing his job.” She continued, “Navigating the dreamscape of his subconscious, we join him as he tries to settle his anxiety, build a new life, and learn to dream again.” The original dance script writer Benjamin Raymont was inspired by the numerous challenges individuals faced as a result of the global pandemic. Song’s hope for this concert is to have a positive impact on the audience, encouraging viewers to look forward to what lies ahead. Song said, “In a time of uncertainty and anxiety, it can be painful to think about a future. … We hope this concert leaves the audience feeling that even if the current moment doesn’t look like what we expected, we can dream and hope for a better future. It’s there, waiting for us.” The performance includes animations and designs created by students in the BYU Design and Illustration program, as well as ASL actors under the direction of Anne Fife. Additionally, the program will feature many internationally renowned choreographers and local artists. Song encourages all to witness the “power of dance that makes dreams become a physical reality” and to “dream again.” For ticket information, visit arts.byu.edu. ___________________________________________________________________________ “Within Dreams” Harris Fine Arts Center Pardoe Theatre January 27–28 at 7:30 p.m. January 29 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Following the recent rise in local and national COVID-19 cases, BYU will be requiring attendees of indoor public events on campus (athletics, performing arts, conferences and symposiums) to present proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to gain access to the event venue. All patrons are required to wear a mask while indoors at campus performance venues, regardless of vaccination status. For details about the updated COVID-19 policy, visit arts.byu.edu.

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Living Legends to Start Off the New Year with Vibrant Pre Tour Performance

Capri Baker — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 23:49:27 +0000

The Living Legends begin the year as its performers represent a variety of cultures, creating connection amidst the global pandemic Through costume, storytelling, dance and music Living Legends present their pre tour performance in a celebration of Polynesian, Native American and Latino American cultures and a debut of their new show “Storytellers.” Indigenous performers will share their talents as they present a sweeping view of heritage from North and South America and the South Pacific. The performance will take place in the Richards Building Dance Performance Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, January 14. For ticket information, visit arts.byu.edu. _____________________________________________________________________________ All patrons are required to wear a mask while indoors at campus performance venues, regardless of vaccination status.

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Theatre Ballet and Contemporary Dance Theatre to Perform in Latter-day Saints Arts Concert

Elena Castro — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 18:36:43 +0000

BYU Dance companies Theatre Ballet and Contemporary Dance Theatre to perform in Center for Latter-day Saint Arts Concert: VISION VISION: An Evening of Dance explores the moving body as a source of creation, revelation and imagination through a broad range of choreographic works brought to life on the stage. Originally slated for the 2020 Center for Latter-day Saint Arts Bicentennial Celebration of the First Vision in New York City, the VISION concert has been moved to a local venue: Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City. The Center for Latter-day Saint Arts is a non-profit organization based in New York that promotes understanding of Latter-day Saint art in the context of the broader art world. The concert will feature 11 works by LDS choreographers, each chosen from a national selection process. Four of said selected artists are from within the BYU Dance family: Rachel Barker, Shayla Bott, Adam Dyer and Keely Song Glenn. Two dance companies under Bott and Song, respectively, are set to perform in the concert. Song, director over Contemporary Dance Threatre, said that the dance department’s mission statement is to integrate body, mind and spirit. “As a company, we strive for this endeavor. It’s a great honor that we have the chance to be able to perform and converge this identity into our dances and be able to witness this in others,” she said. Theatre Ballet will be performing a work titled “Weaker.” Weaker is a contemporary ballet and although the ballet is abstract, there’s a thread running through the ballet concerning women’s work. “The piece is not about how women interface with society in our culture as they learn to wear many different hats, the abstract movement vocabulary was created with this purpose in mind and it, therefore, has a deeper meaning than just shapes and positions to those dancing the work,” said Bott. Marin Roper, the faculty member overseeing the concert, believes that this is a historic moment. “This is the first time a concert of choreographers identifying as [Latter-day Saints] has been produced at a professional level. This group of dynamic and accomplished dance artists are excited to present their work together for the first time on the same stage,” she said. Roper added, “We are thrilled that the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts is taking this figurative ‘leap’ to amplify voices and visions of Latter-day Saint choreographers. ‘VISION: An Evening of Dance,’ will showcase the myriad of ways dance artists move through the intersection of art and belief.” Altogether, the concert includes a cast of 70, with companies traveling from four different states to participate. The show will be on September 24 at 7:30 p.m at the Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $10 for students and seniors. Patrons can purchase tickets online here.

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New Joseph Smith Musical is a Testimony Through Song and Dance

Elena Castro — Fri, 06 Aug 2021 21:51:01 +0000

New York already has its eyes on new faith-based musical about the first leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Like pretty much everything else in its wake, the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 derailed an excited George Nelson and cast of his new play “1820: The Musical.” The sets were built, the costumes sewn and all that was left was “lights, camera, action.” But that would have to wait a while. “1820: The Musical” is a play directed by Nelson, a professor from the Theatre and Media Arts department. The story centers around the love story between Joseph and Emma Smith through the eyes of Emma. “It’s a very loosely connected story through music and dance,” said the director. “Our hope is that ‘1820’ will provide an alternative narrative about Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints than the one painted by the ‘Book of Mormon Musical.’” As Nelson completed the script in 2017, he set out to find composers for the show’s music. Two years after starting the search, he found his perfect composing leads in Doug Lowe, Kayliann Lowe Juarez and Kendra Lowe Holt, a team of sibling composers. “They wrote 20 songs in about 13 days of writing,” said Nelson of the musical trio. The play is not owned by the LDS Church, nor is the organization affiliated, but Nelson wanted it to paint the faith in a good light. Like its musical opposite, the “1820” show could have a potential future on the Broadway stages of the Big Apple. Nelson himself has already had conversations should the play do well on a local scale. Nelson said a producer in New York wrote to him about the play and said that this could be the “Mormon ‘Fiddler on the Roof.’” “He said, ‘The only thing I knew about your religion was “The Book of Mormon” musical and “Angels in America.” But when I read your play, it had this love story about these characters and their faith and their struggles. For me, it was a universal story,’” recounted Nelson. The director said the production doesn’t shy away from the Church’s history and includes the often controversial hot button topics like polygamy. The play’s cast is also multiracial and doesn’t conform to the all-white portrayals of the past. “The musical ends with our testimonies in the song ‘I’m Still Here,’ that we stand by what we know, regardless of the attacks that people have made on the character of Joseph Smith,” said Nelson. He continued to say that the purpose of the musical is twofold: first, to support those who know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and second, to offer a second look to those who are struggling and wondering about him. Members from the Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith Senior family have been invited and will attend a special showing of the play. Tickets are now on sale through the Covey Center and the show will run from August 6 to September 11.

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Class of 2021 Celebrated in College of Fine Arts and Communications Virtual Convocation

Noelle Barrus — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 22:40:52 +0000

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Janalee Emmer to Speak on Waxing and Waning in Faith and Creativity

Noelle Barrus — Wed, 03 Mar 2021 17:48:39 +0000

On Tuesday March 9 at 11 a.m., Museum of Art Associate Director JanaLee Emmer will be speaking at the BYU devotional Janalee Emmer is an expert in studying and appreciating art. After earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BYU, Emmer earned a doctorate from Pennsylvania State University with an emphasis on women artists in Paris during the nineteenth century. Emmer’s artistic endeavors continued at BYU in 2014 when she started working at the Museum of Art as a curator and the head of education and. She was appointed associate director of exhibitions and programming in August 2020. On March 9, Emmer will be sharing some of her professional and spiritual insights during the university devotional. “Both art and the gospel give us spaces to grow,” said Emmer. “The arts have so much to offer in terms of inspiring and uplifting us. I hope my devotional will help people give themselves space to let their faith wax and wane — without giving up.” Emmer sees art and creativity as important outlets for people from any academic discipline, because the arts provide new perspectives on life. For example, during her studies of nineteenth-century female artists, Emmer learned more about resilience. “We may not have personal experience with war or poverty or genocide, but when we look through another’s eyes, we can get those kinds of experiences,” said Emmer. “It’s critical to have art that can open our eyes to other perspectives. Art through centuries has told stories about how cultures lived, what they valued and how they survived difficult times.” Emmer will share her experiences combined with the experiences of renowned artists during her devotional on March 9 at 11 a.m. To watch her speak, visit byu.tv.org.

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Darius Gray Tells BYU Students “We Have So Much More Work To Do” Regarding Race In The Church

Emily Andersen — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 21:46:55 +0000

Gray’s lecture for BYU TMA students addressed the topics of racial bias and systemic racism The Department of Theatre and Media Arts hosted Darius Gray on November 12 as part of its BIPOC lecture series for students. Gray was a member of the original first presidency of the Genesis group of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has been a member of the Church since he was baptized in 1964. During the lecture, Gray told the story of his baptism. The day before he was to be baptized, his missionaries informed him that he would be unable to hold the priesthood. He said he fully intended to not show up to his baptism the next day. After a heartfelt prayer that night he felt the assurance from the Lord that this was the restored church and that he should be baptized. Since then, Gray has faced racism in and out of the Church. He spoke of his time at BYU, when he was one of two African American students on the entire campus. He recalled that he was able to learn a lot, but the biases towards him were sometimes too great to bear. “It was interesting. It was a good time because you found that there were good people and not-so-good people,” Gray said in the lecture. Gray encouraged students to recognize the biases that they hold and to look for ways to be unified across cultures. He said the current political division in the country and especially among members of the Church is greater than he’s ever seen. “Systemic racism. It’s like a cancer that has spread,” Gray said. “We’ve come a long way, but we have so much more work to do. And we’re losing people, Black and white and brown, because of the negative attitudes that are out there.” Gray ended his remarks by inviting students to look for ways to reach out to people of all ethnic backgrounds. He reminded students that everyone is a child of God and that even though the Church’s history isn’t perfect, we need to keep moving toward a better future.

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