November 13, 2006 - Rider Presents High School Performing Arts Workshop

About 200 high school students interested in the performing arts will have the opportunity to experience Rider University’s highly-acclaimed theater program and Westminster Choir College’s choral music program on Friday, November 17, at The Yvonne Theater on the Lawrenceville campus.

Sponsored by the University and the Central New Jersey Education Foundation Partnership, the performing arts workshop will give students a behind-the-scenes look at the Rider fine arts department’s fall production of “Urinetown” and a chance to view the first act of the hilarious musical comedy in the morning.  Rider’s renowned Westminster Choir College will follow in the afternoon with a performance by Williamson Voices and a choral music workshop.

High schools expected to attend the workshop are Lawrence, Princeton, Trenton Central, Robbinsville, Allentown, West Windsor-Plainsboro, Upper Freehold and South Hunterdon.

Dr. Patrick Chmel, chair of the fine arts department, will offer an inside look at musical production with a discussion about choreography, pit orchestra, make-up, lighting, stage direction and acting.  The highlight will be the presentation of the first act of “Urinetown.”

Following lunch, Dr. James Jordan, noted conductor and innovator of choral music at Westminster, will present an interactive program on choral music.  He will conduct a performance by the Williamson Voices.  A Westminster student will also give a solo performance before the workshop concludes.