Honoring, recognizing and celebrating the University of the Arts' School of Theater Arts on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary.

WHEREAS, The University of the Arts is the nation’s only university devoted exclusively to education and professional training in design, visual, media and performing arts. Located in the heart of Philadelphia, the University of the Arts was founded in 1987 through the consolidation of two century-old institutions: the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and the Philadelphia College of Arts. Offering undergraduate and graduate degrees the University prepares its students to assume careers in traditional and emerging arts and related fields; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Walter Dallas founded the School of Theater Arts in 1983 as part of the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts. Dr. Dallas was followed by Paul Berman and Gene Terruso is the current director of the School; and

WHEREAS, The School of the Theatre Arts trains practitioners for the live theater, entertainment media, communication and production through its four highly focused programs of

Acting

,

Design and Technology

,

Musical Theatre

and

Theater Management and Production

. Through these programs, SOTA is committed to developing the skills and professionalism of its students, and preparing them for careers in the theater and related fields, or for advanced study in graduate or conservatory training; and

WHEREAS, Each degree program employs a professional approach to training and a highly rigorous standard for evaluation and retention. The season of subscription and studio productions serves as an important means of gauging a student’s growth in his/her respective program. Our efforts both in the classroom and onstage are enhanced by participation and involvement with the Philadelphia community through a range of outreach efforts. The school has produced dozens of recognized, highly successful artists, many of whom remain in Philadelphia to develop the artistic environment of the City; now therefore

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Honors, recognizes and celebrates the University of the Arts’ School of Theater Arts on the occasion of its 25th Anniversary.

FURTHER RESOLVED

,

That as evidence of the sincere sentiments of this legislative body, Engrossed copies of this resolution be presented to the University of the Arts.

End