Undergraduate Admission
Emerson College
Undergraduate Faculty: Stephen Terrell
http://admission.emerson.edu/admission/undergraduate/faculty/Stephen-Terrell.cfm
Stephen Terrell

 Stephen Terrell

"It was a show that people didn't know well. It caught them off-guard." That was exactly the response Stephen Terrell, the director of Emerson's spring musical, was hoping for — from both audiences and especially his young cast and crew.

When he announced that "Working" would be the "big Spring musical," student reaction was swift and strong. How, they questioned, could there be value in staging a show that closed on Broadway after 24 performances nearly 30 years ago? OK, it was Stephen Schwartz but still.

Professor Terrell, who is also director of the Musical Theatre program, knew that "Working," based on Studs Terkel's best-selling book of interviews with workers, still had legs today.

"'Working,' unlike many musicals, poses significant social questions," he says. "'Do we make assumptions about people because of their jobs?' Students quickly got into the spirit of the show. 'Do I make those assumptions?' — which quickly turned into curiosity and empathy. 'Who is this person serving me or working on this bridge? What is their life like outside of this job?'"

Professor Terrell's keen production instincts have evolved from a lifetime in theatre as performer, choreographer, and director. He has worked on and off Broadway, throughout the country, and around the world.

He approaches the spring musical as he does other shows and showcases throughout the year — like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. But with the spring show comes one huge change in backdrop: it is staged at the Cutler Majestic Theatre, our own century-old, meticulously-restored proscenium stage.

"I consider all the pieces," Professor Terrell says. "What are the strengths of our students, especially those nearing graduation. I knew that 'Working' gave a lot of students many ways to shine. We were able to showcase many and the show was meaningful."

Audiences, critics, and students agreed. The average American work-a-day life — Emerson style, was a great — if unexpected — success. Studs Terkel and Stephen Schwartz would be proud.

Stephen Terrell's Links