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Roger Thompson on The Art of Giving

Colleen Thompson (BS '62) perpetually wished she had taken her musical talents further. 

While she took piano lessons in childhood and sang beautifully, Colleen never had a cheerleader who helped her develop them.

When she married Roger Thompson (JD '67), who she’d met in high school, she decided “I am going to have a big family and they’re going to be able to play music,” her daughter, Jenny Corbett, explained.

The Thompsons achieved that goal. All seven of their children, and most of their 28 grandchildren, play at least one musical instrument. And music takes center stage in family traditions and events.

“It’s been a part of our lives, not necessarily on a professional level, but it’s been a part of our family,” said Roger.

This spring, Roger established the Colleen Kelly Thompson Endowed Music Scholarship to help young people pursue music at the U. It honors Colleen and her lifelong commitment to music and helping others.  When Colleen passed away in August 2020, she and Roger had recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary.

“It was her insistence that the kids had music. She was the one that drove them to lessons, encouraged them to practice...she was the backbone of our family. So, it was natural to create the endowment in her name,” said Roger. 

Colleen, or “the Little General” as she called herself, orchestrated the daily complexities of getting seven children to play musical instruments. But Roger was as committed behind-the-scenes.Roger and Colleen's grandchildren sing at her funeral service, August 2020

Roger studied history at Yale University and earned a law degree at the University of Utah, both on scholarship. After working briefly in law, he and lifelong friend Jim Michie built over 48 years a successful real estate partnership, now TM Equities. Along the way, Roger always made time for music.

His mother introduced Roger to music with piano lessons in elementary school. By junior high, he’d migrated to the clarinet and saxophone. Roger played in his first band – jazz - in junior high. He learned to love instrumental music while studying clarinet with Utah Symphony clarinetist and East High Orchestra Director Dow Young.

“You’re not really truly well-educated unless you have appreciation for the arts. They add so much to your life. We need the School of Music; we need artists; they add to our overall well-being as a society.”

At Yale, Roger sang in vocal ensembles for the first time. He got into its world-renowned all-men a cappella group, The Yale Alley Cats. Later, Roger was asked to join the exclusive, 14-member Whiffenpoofs. Singing gave Roger community at Yale.

“We’d practice and then go eat together, travel for gigs. It was like a fraternity; they were my friend group,” Roger said. Music opened up other opportunities. The “Whiffs” sang nationally and internationally, not to mention their weekly gigs at the notorious Yale Club, Mory’s.

It didn’t stop at Yale. When Thompson returned to Utah to study law at the U, he found time sing in a quartet. And later, he would sing in the world-famous Tabernacle Choir. Today, he directs music at his church. And, of course, he plays and sings in their family’s highly-anticipated annual Christmas concert.

A decade ago, Roger and Colleen joined the School of Music Advisory Board and expanded their support of young musicians. As major sponsors of the Camerata Awards Gala, they funded scholarships, instruments, and integrated learning opportunities.

In 2020, Roger and Colleen were honored with the 20th annual Camerata Award for their extraordinary generosity and service. A private celebration was held in the Thompson’s garden just days prior to Colleen passing.

Each fall, the University of Utah community buzzes with energy – students move in to dorms and fill the sidewalks with excited conversation, plans begin for upcoming performances and exhibitions, the beautiful mountain backdrop changes color, and fans anxiously await football’s opening day in Rice Eccles Stadium.

Perhaps this year, more than before (we missed it all so much!) being on campus feels special.

One building in particular is showing off a fresh new coat of paint: the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse. 

Originally opened in 1939, the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse has been central in the memories of U students, and acted as home for U athletes for decades. From 1939 to 1969, the Runnin’ Utes basketball team played there to adoring crowds. Students took physical education within its walls. It was even retrofitted to hold soldiers during WWII. Einar Nielsen Field House, Courtesy Marriott Library Digital Collections

Many will remember in 2015 when the rooftop of the Fieldhouse was first painted in proud block letters reading “UTAH,” the result of an enthusiastic crowdfunding campaign. Recently, the roof was repainted after major seismic renovations to the building.

In just a few short weeks, fans will enjoy these familiar rooftop letters as they cheer on the Utah Utes.  What is perhaps lesser-known is what is happening inside the historic structure.

A new space for the arts. 


The College of Fine Arts is hard at work regenerating the beloved Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse into a new, state-of-the-art, 375-seat theatre. Thanks to a landmark gift from the Meldrum Foundation, this long-awaited space will be home to both the Department of Theatre and Pioneer Theatre Company productions. Providing a much-needed proscenium performance venue for the Department of Theatre and a suitable space for Pioneer Theatre Company’s contemporary plays that require a more intimate audience, the project brings new life to a historic structure while meeting central needs.

As an added bonus, the theatre will encourage consistent collaboration between students and professional working artists.

So, as you make your way to a game, stroll through lower campus on your way to class, or wave as you drive by the old Fieldhouse, know that this long-standing landmark is newly thriving, ushering in a bright new chapter for the arts in Utah.  

Rendering, new theatre at the Einar Nielsen Fieldhouse

Those interested in touring the project or learning more can contact Devon Barnes at .

It's hard to believe that the year 2020 is coming to a close.

A year with more adaptation, collaboration, flexibility, and innovation than any of us can remember — this one will not soon be forgotten. 

At the College of Fine Arts, 2020 was a year of immense achievement in spite of rising challenges. Let's look back: at how we came together, the new discoveries we made, the milestones we crossed, and the highlights we shared. 

Department of Art & Art History 

• Student work was shared at the MFA Interim Show "Mixed Bag," Photo and Sculpture Clubs' group show "Things & Pictures of Things," the Valentine's Print Sale, BFA Show "Social Distance (online), Capstone Exhibitions (online), Interdisciplinary Capstone Exhbition (online), the Juried Student Art Exhibition 2020 (online), Contemporary Photography Projects Exhibition (online), Open Studio showings, and more. 
• The department hosted fantastic guest artists Bryan Czibesz, Tanja Softić, Anna Hansen, Brad Evan Taylor, John F. Simon Jr., Jeannette Ehlers, and Michelle Bowers. 
• Advanced Digital Imaging students, under the guidance of associate professor Ed Bateman, responded to current events in a "New Decameron," a collection of original photography. 
• In the fall, the department began offering a brand new illustration emphasis, and a new Illustration 1 course with Professor Michael Hirshon. 
• Students had the opportunity to learn from artist Kei Ito, Marva & John Warnock Artist-In-Residence. 
• Graduate student Bryce Billings, with a team of undergraduate students, created a 151' work in the Art & Art History building, titled "The Remains of a Dream." 

School of Dance 

• School of Dance faculty and students kept moving no matter what, adjusting to technique class via video, rehearsing outside, and learning choreography from guest artists over Zoom. 
• Students showcased their work in Spring Utah Ballet, Fall Utah Ballet, Performing Dance Company, the Gala performance, and in the student led concerts including the Modern Senior Concert, Graduate Thesis Concert, and Ballet Showcases. 
• The school hosted guest artists Heather Gray, Katlyn Addison, Melanie George, Darrel Grand Moultrie, and Penny Saunders. 
• The annual Utah Ballet Summer Intensive was held for the first time entirely online, bringing together world renowned faculty, including current artists, ballet masters, and Artistic Directors. 

Department of Film & Media Arts 

• Students started the Film Production Club who, in their first few months of meeting, hosted film discussions, script competitions, and screenwriting workshops!  
• MFA alumna Lee Isaac Chung swept top honors at Sundance with his film "Minari," which earned both the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. 
• Producer-in-Residence Emelie Mahdavian was awarded both a Peabody Award and an Emmy for her film "Midnight Traveler." 
• Assistant professors Miriam and Sonia Albert-Sobrino, started the "Alone Together" online film festival as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting cancellations that eliminated public screening opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
• Assistant professor Sarah Sinwell released a new book, "Indie Cinema Online," exploring emerging trends in indie cinema and streaming services.
• To accommodate social distance while still sharing student films, the department hosted its first ever drive-in F&MAD Fest, where viewers were able to enjoy films from the safety of their cars. 

School of Music 

• Dozens of recitals were livestreamed via Live at Libby, the School's YouTube channel, showcasing the work of undergraduate and graduate musicians. 
• The School of Music Student Success Initiative allowed special events for students focused on wellness, including panel discussions, Alexander Technique workshops, discussions on diversity, and masterclasses. 
• Celebrating the end of the academic year with an online watch party, the virtual 2020 Student Showcase highlighted student performances from each area. 
• The Michie Jazz Quintet recorded an exciting EP, capturing the unique blend the group had honed over years of practicing and performing together. 
• The Jed Moss Memorial Concert, not only celebrated the life of a beloved member of the Utah music community, it helped establish an endowed scholarship in collaborative piano. 
• The online Camerata Awards Gala, hosted by Kirsten Chavez, featured video performances from all of the School of Music ensembles and honored this year's award recipients, Roger H. and Colleen K. Thompson. 

Department of Theatre 

• The Department of Theatre delighted audiences with their live productions of "She Kills Monsters" and "Floyd Collins." 
• Students led "Self Isolation Shakespeare," a collaborative effort to read through Shakespeare's canon weekly on Zoom — and a way to stay connected when the pandemic hit. 
• Graduating students in the Actor Training Program visited with actor Jim Parsons on Zoom, gaining valuable career and life advice. 
• Youth Theatre wasted no time in creatively pivoting to accommodate summer theatre classes for K-12 students. As a result, they thrived all summer. 
• The department welcomed Sydney Cheek-O'Donnell as the new Interim Chair. 
• "Night Witches" triumphed as the first production designed specifically for digital streaming. The rave reviews rolled in!

College of Fine Arts

• When COVID-19 took hold just a few short months into the year, students, faculty & staff sprung into action to pivot our plans. We brushed up on online software to learn how to continue remote study, students adapted their living spaces to make space for Zoom class, our Academic Advisors and Create Success Interns offered their guidance and advice, and we leaned on our dedication to the arts to lift our spirits and fuel our persistence. 
• Our annual Arts Bash (Arts Pass 101, this year) and annual Gala celebration moved online, bringing us together from the safety of our own homes. 
• We solidified our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, with the first meetings of our official JEDI Committee. 
• We enlisted a group of bright and engaged alumni and arts supporters to advocate for the CFA locally and nationwide as the first cohort of Fine Arts Ambassadors. 
• Art educators in both the ArtsBridge and MAT-FA programs went the extra mile to ensure K-12 students continued to have access to the arts remotely.
• We consulted many alumni, now working professionally in the arts, for their advice in our Making Art Work and ArtsForce Asks series. 

Here's to celebrating where we have been, and looking forward to all that is sure to come.
From all of us at the CFA — Happy New Year, indeed! 

By Emeri Fetzer 

On July 17th, musicians from around the country will come together to create an online musical experience in honor of their colleague and friend, Jed Moss, commemorating the first anniversary of his untimely death.  

This endeavor is an apt tribute to a musician who collaborated so brilliantly with artists across a range of abilities and styles. He elevated the musicianship of everyone he worked with. Jed Moss with members of Air Supply

To honor Jed Moss through an evening of music is not only fitting, but profoundly healing in challenging times. “It reminds us, at a time when we have all lost work due to COVID-19 and are struggling, why we have chosen to make music in the first place,” said childhood friend and lifelong musical colleague, soprano Leslie Mauldin. 

Jed’s colleagues planned to establish an annual memorial concert in his honor long before the coronavirus pandemic. They wanted to not only celebrate his life and work, but to foster musical collaboration and raise funds for a collaborative piano endowed scholarship in his name. 

Then in early March, musicians quickly saw performances and gigs dry up for the foreseeable future due to social distancing measures. Often living paycheck to paycheck, they confronted the destruction of their livelihoods, while facing the inability to practice the artform they dearly love. 

They decided to move the Jed Moss Memorial Concert online to uplift both artists and audiences.

“It reminds us, at a time when we have all lost work due to COVID-19 and are struggling, why we have chosen to make music in the first place.”

For Mauldin, planning the concert has been cathartic, offering a chance to channel vivid memories through music. As he did in person, remembering Jed has allowed his friends to revisit why they love music. “Even in the midst of the worst, most trying rehearsals, he was always able to bring that innocence and freshness into a professional space,” explained Mauldin. 

Mauldin and her daughter, fellow soprano Micaela Gage Hulsey, will sing “Sull’aria… che soave zeffiretto” from Mozart’s "Le nozze di Figaro," a piece she and Jed have long loved. Paying this tribute to “Uncle Jed” has helped both of them grieve. “When we sing it feels like the heart of our family has Jed in it,” said Mauldin. “His music touched Micaela's life and touched her phrasing, and that never goes away.” 

Like so many of Moss’s collaborators, Mauldin is forever impacted by the soul of Moss’ musical ability. 

“Jed’s greatest legacy is the way he deeply understood a collaborative phrase. It’s his phrasing that I will always miss -- I reach for it. Having had it almost all my life, I feel like now I’ve had some kind of artistic amputation, something missing, a phantom phrase I can still hear and feel.” 

Friend and flutist Tina Castellanos said, “What Jed knew about music, and the kind of person he was, has made me a better person and musician. He made everyone feel like you were his best friend, like you were the only person in the room.” 
Jed Moss and Tina Castellanos performing "Deep Blue"

The concert includes footage of Castellanos and Moss performing Ian Clarke’s “Deep Blue”  in a 2018 recital. An ethereal and melodic composition, the piece was one of many the pair chose in an evening themed around the ocean. 

When Jared Oaks, Music Director of Ballet West, first heard Jed Moss in concert at BYU he thought, “Finally, someone who plays with the kind of tone and musicality I aspire to." When the two later connected through Salt Lake City musical circles, especially at Ballet West, they became good friends. 

“One of my fondest memories was working with [Jed] on Fritz Cohen's two-piano score to 'The Green Table,' an immensely powerful ballet by Kurt Jooss,” Oaks recalled. “Jed could melt into the music and into the ensemble, because his ego never stood in the way. I think that's one of the attributes that made his musical expression personal, powerful, and pure. Jed always seemed to be in a state of discovery.” 

For the memorial concert, Oaks decided to honor their common background with his arrangement of the hymn "All is Well." He was inspired by Utah music greats Grant Johannesen and Leroy Robertson. 

Violinist Will Hagen was in awe of Moss’s versatility, and also his humility. “He had a naturally eloquent way of playing that did not at all seem like a decision to try and sound a certain way -- so off the cuff and natural, but so polished at the same time.”  

In his many opportunities to collaborate and perform with Moss, Hagen remembers feeling deeply valued. They played together on an instrumental track for Air Supply, thanks to Moss’ recommendation.

“He never talked about this, but he was a literal rockstar,” Hagen said. “He had been to Myanmar, Burma, every country in South America...he was unbelievably well-traveled and yet he would ask me about my experiences and perspective. Even though he was older than me, much more experienced than me, he always made me feel so good about myself.” Will Hagen and Jed Moss

Hagen and his wife, violinist Andrea Ashdown, will honor Moss through a work for two violins by black composer Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges. Hagen respected Moss' unfailing championship of diverse composers, especially those who were lesser known or celebrated. Hagen knows his late friend and mentor would appreciate the selection. 

These voices represent the countless musical collaborators, friends, and family who miss Jed Moss deeply, and are eager to preserve and promote his passion for the craft, and his zest for life. 

As Mauldin explained, “Musicians can heal worlds in times like we are experiencing. It’s where we go. We write, we produce, we create. We rage against sadness with music.” 

The Jed Moss Memorial Concert will air online on the U School of Music’s YouTube channel at 7:00 PM on Friday, July 17th. While free of charge, gifts to the Jed Moss Collaborative Piano Scholarship are welcome and encouraged. The program will include archival footage alongside new performances. 

Once established, the Jed Moss Collaborative Piano Scholarship Endowment will be the only scholarship that specifically supports students studying collaborative piano at the University of Utah School of Music. To date, $14,000 of the $25,000 needed to establish the endowment has been raised. Jed’s colleagues hope to raise an additional $5,000 through this concert. 

By McKayla Wolf 

U Giving Day is next week! Get ready. 

On February 25 – 26, an 1,850-minute-long philanthropy celebration will take over the University of Utah campus, in honor of the University’s Founders Day. In only its 2nd year of existence, U Giving Day was created not only to raise money for the students of the University of Utah but to also educate our students and faculty on various philanthropy efforts.

Colleges campus-wide have been planning their Giving Day events for some time now, but there is also a small student group doing some behind-the-scenes work. I’ve had the opportunity over the last year to work alongside 7 individuals on this committee who I never would have met otherwise. Our student representatives come from different colleges on Campus, as well as student lead groups like ASUU and The Bennion Center.Our biggest project as a committee has been creating activities for our fellow students to participate in throughout the course of Giving Day. 

How can you get invoved? 

One of the activities I’m personally most excited about is the Philanthropy Fair. While brainstorming ideas last fall, I told the committee about CFA’s annual Arts Bash, which educates students on all the art focused programs on our campus. After further discussion as a committee, the Philanthropy Fair was born. Similar to Arts Bash, students will have the opportunity to walk through different booths where they will be educated about philanthropy efforts University-wide. Each station they visit will offer them a stamp confirming their visit.  After a certain number of stamps are acquired, students will be invited to visit our free treat buffet! 

Other University-wide Giving Day activities will include the annual Swoop Search ( a wild hunt for Swoop on campus) and the new Cash Cart that’ll be driving around campus with swag and free rides to class!

Surprisingly enough, there are quite a few ways students can support U Giving Day without spending more than a latte’s worth. One simple option is becoming a Champion for a project you’re passionate about.
Want to champion Fine Arts? Visit the CFA Giving Day homepage for more information!  

Another fun and easy way to get involved is simply by logging onto your social media over the 25th and 26th and sharing stories or posts made by projects you support. Your social media reach definitely makes its way past your close circle of friends, you never know who could see your post and be inclined to donate!

Dogs, Treats and Performance: Winning with CFA Giving Day

On Giving Day, the College of Fine Arts will provide free food, a pop-up performance by the Red Hots!, visits from therapy dogs and lots of photo opps!

Come say hi and learn even more about why a culture of giving is so important in keeping our college and community strong.

I’ll see you there!

Tuesday, February 25th
Marriott Center for Dance 
11-1 PM

Wednesday, February 26th
Lobby of the Gittins Gallery in the ART building
11-1 PM

Dean's Match 
The Dean's Office is matching all CFA Faculty and Staff gifts dollar for dollar. The school or deparment with the highest percentage of giving will DOUBLE THE MATCH! Encourage your area to give!  

*Author McKayla Wolf is a senior studying Instrumental Music Education in the School of Music. 

Living on campus at the U? Why not live amongst your fellow artists?

Every year, 12 undergraduate student artists (from across our five College of Fine Arts disciplines) live and learn together in the Emma Eccles Jones Fine Arts House. Fondly referred to as "The Arts House" by its residents, this on-campus housing opportunity fosters collaboration, new experiences, and lasting relationships with like-mided students. Students living in the Arts House make up some of the most vibrant living communities on campus.
 
The Emma Eccles Jones Fine Arts House includes: 

Single and double rooms
Common living spaces
Kitchen and a meal plan
Washer and dryer
Fine Arts House residents Students receive a scholarship and are expected to participate in mandatory arts leadership experiences.

Priority Deadline for Emma Eccles Jones Fine Arts House Scholarship: February 25, 2020
Emma Eccles  Jones Scholarship Fine Arts House Interviews: March 2 & 3, 2020

TO APPLY: 

When applying for housing through their own CIS page, students should select the Fine Arts House, the apply for the Emma Eccles Jones Fine Arts House Scholarship. 
All housing applications open Feburary 10th. 

WHAT STUDENTS ARE SAYING: 

“Living with other artists who have the same drive and determination that I do has been a rare opportunity. It has allowed me to network and collaborate with other residents to create fantastic projects and to open doors to work together in the future.”

“Being surrounded by a community of creative people, I have learned new things about art and how others create art. It has broadened my knowledge and has made me a more successful artists overall.”

“As artists, we can oftentimes catch negative comments about studying the arts, and then it is part of our schooling to have our work critiqued on a regular basis. Living in an arts community helps us to deal with those things because we all support each other. We brainstorm, we go to each other’s performances and exhibits, we create a supportive community where we all can thrive.”

“I love living in a community of like-minded people. I look forward to coming home to a bunch of unique, chaotic, and hard-at-work artistic minds every day.”

2019 is coming to a close! While we all look forward to a bright and promising beginning to 2020 (we see you, resolutions), let’s take a moment to reflect on the incredible accomplishments of this past semester. During 2019, each of our five academic units pushed boundaries, reached new heights, made new discoveries and had quite a bit of fun in the process. In short, we have plenty to celebrate.

Here are just a few highlights: 

College of Fine Arts 

• Our annual Arts Bash celebration filled the library plaza with bustling creative energy as students discovered campus arts organizations, explored non-major courses, screenprinted t-shirts with original designs and enjoyed live performances. 
• At the CFA Gala in Kingsbury Hall, we honored distinguished alumni Claybourne Elder, Tauna Hunter and Jonathan Hale. It was a night filled with intergenerational mingling, performances, reflections and dessert!
• The Arts-In-Health Innovation Lab hosted the 2019 Arts in Health Symposium at the Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts and Education complex. This exciting afternoon incorporated keynote addresses by nationally recognized art-in-health leaders Jill Sonke, Lora Gooding and Debra Burns. 
• FAF Grants were awarded to several student-led organizations and intitiatives including: Sculpture Club, Great Salt Lake Low Brass Society, Modern Dance Student Concert Committee, Animation Crew, CNAfME, Under Pressure, and more. 

Department of Art & Art History 

• Student work was publically exhibited in the Howard Clark Scholarship Exhibition, MFA open studios, Kathryn Wingard's "A Loving Struggle," the Holiday Art Sale, This Is Not A Furniture Show Pop-up, and Objects of Desire and Disgust. 
• Many of our faculty and alumni were featured artists in the inaugural Wasatch Studio Tour which showcased 100 registered artists over 20 mediums. 
• Students discovered contemporary works on paper at the Paperwest Exhibition and explored new techniques and innovative directions at the 5th Rocky Mountain Printmaking Alliance Symposium, "Transposing Attitudes." 
• The department hosted wonderful guest artists Erik Brandt, Carmen Winant, Shaye Remba, Ashley Eliza Williams, and Amy Irvine. 

School of Dance 

• Visiting artists Charles O. Anderson and Omar Carrum set choreography in collaboration with School of Dance students, presented in the fall concert of Performing Dance Company with works from Satu Hummasti and Daniel Clifton. 
• Student-led performances "MIDDLEGROUND," "Triumvirate" and the Modern Student Concert featured the voices of our student artists. 
• At the School of Music's Camerata Awards Gala, School of Dance students performed a flash mob as attendees entered the concert hall. 
• Repertory Dance Theatre's “Sounds Familiar” featured original choreography from department chair Luc Vanier,  assistant professor (Lecturer)Sara Pickett, faculty emeritus Stephen Koester, faculty emeritus Sharee Lane, assistant professor Molly Heller and several dance alumni.  

Department of Film & Media Arts 

• The College of Fine Arts welcomed Andrew Patrick Nelson, PhD as the new chair of the Department of Film & Media Arts. 
• In an exciting new report, College Factual ranked the Department of Film & Media Arts in the top 20 film programs nationwide, and 5th for value. 
• The annual F&MAD Fest at Tower Theatre featured ten handpicked student films for the public to enjoy. The jury awarded Stepp Chatterly for Winning Script, Summer Florence for Best Undergraduate Film, and Bethany Joy Burr for Best Graduate Film. 
•  Students enrolled in Producing and Directing (Capstone course) pitched their projects to an amazing panel of judges.  The Best Pitch - Jury Award went to Sam Raines and The Best Pitch - Peers Award  to Jacob Greene.
• Producer-in-Residence Emelie Mahdavian screened her award winning documentary "MIDNIGHT TRAVELER' on campus, followed by a Q&A with attendees. 

School of Music 

• Students from Wuhan University joined Utah Philaharmonia in a special evening of cross-cultural music traditions, directed by Robert Baldwin. 
• School of Music percussion students were featured at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) in Indianapolis, IN, performing a student composition. 
• "Composing Community in Late Medieval Music: Self-Reference, Pedagogy and Practice," a monograph by assistant professor of musicology, Jane Hatter was published by Cambridge University Press. 
• The annual Camerata Awards gala featured many student performances and honored Bruce W. Bastian and Loel T. Hepworth. 

Department of Theatre 

• The Department of Theatre kicked off the 2019-2020 season with three fabulous productions: "Dracula, The Musical," "Macbeth," and "The Odyssey."
• Students, faculty, and professionals from all over the state of Utah participated in the first statewide Intimacy Directing Workshop hosted by the University of Utah Department of Theatre. Through the guidance of Intimacy Directors International (IDI) instructors Jessica Steinrock and Rachel Flesher, the workshops explored choreography techniques and broad self-care strategies to introduce and integrate intimacy practice with an emphasis on consent in the rehearsal and performance space for all who participate.
• Students from all different disciplines collaborated to build original puppets for "She Kills Monsters," opening in January at Kingsbury Hall. 
• Alumni and broadway actor Claybourne Elder worked with students one-on-one in a special workshop.

From all of us at the CFA, we celebrate this fantastic semester and eagerly look toward the spring! Happy New Year! 

This is the University of Utah’s inaugural State of the Arts address, and it’s delivered by the inimitable John Scheib, who serves as both the associate vice president of the Arts at the U and the dean of the College of Fine Arts.
In less than three minutes, you can see how the arts are influencing student life, research, academic success and creative thinking across our entire campus.
So, watch this, and start thinking differently.