Overview highlights performing arts, media opportunities

By Haley Carter

Staff Writer

A segment of NorthWest Arkansas Community College’s Communication and Arts Division offered an overview of opportunities in performing arts, media and other programs on Sept. 7.

The overview event, hosted by faculty, advisers, and clubs, was held inside White Auditorium in Burns Hall. NWACC Theatre, Arts & Culture Festival, Music, the Eagle View newspaper, and E-Sports showcased their work.

As the host of the overview, Stephanie Freeman, theatre professor and coordinator of the college’s theatre program kicked off the evening. In addition to her work as a faculty member and program coordinator, Freeman also is the faculty adviser for the Theatre Club.

She introduced other speakers and representatives, noting that Dean Sharon Fox was in attendance and Marc Turner, chair of performing arts and communication, was playing bass guitar for the evening’s music. “We’ve got Professor Freda Goodman, who’s also one of our presenters tonight, and she helped plan this with me; and Professor (Jo) Schwader, planned it with the Music Club as well.” The two professors are co-advisers for the music club. Damien Dena, adjunct faculty member in theatre, was introduced as the director of the upcoming Shakespeare devised presentation.

Presenters for each category went into full detail on what each area has to offer. Freeman mentioned plans for a new spring musical production, “The Spitfire Grill,” which will be co-produced by NWACC Theater and NWACC Music. Goodman and Schwader, both gave an overview of ensembles that students can sign up for, as well as the Music Club at NWACC’s other activities, including an Animal Shelter Donation Drive, and past guest speakers.

Eagle View newspaper members shared information on the print edition, plans for increased digital content, and the courses connected to the award-winning, student-run newspaper. As a special guest speaker for the Eagle View, Stephanie McClain, who has served as a photographer and distributor for the newspaper, shared her experience as a member of the Eagle View newspaper team.

Jadzia Craft, a representative of the NWACC Libary, spoke on topics and events at the school relating to Hispanic Heritage Month for Arts and Culture. E-sports representatives took the stage as the last presenters of the night seeking to recruit new members and give an overview of their plans for their club including the upcoming spring semester.

Freeman said organizers hope to make such overviews a more common offering. “We just want everybody, Theater, Music, E-Sports, Arts and Culture, Diva Dance, everything, to have their calendar straight and to get together at the start of the year.”

Additional Information:

Division of Communication and Arts: https://www.nwacc.edu/academicdivisions/commart/

Clubs and Organizations: https://www.nwacc.edu/campuslife/registeredclubsorganizations/default.aspx