News and Events
Passing of former theatre arts chair mourned by Emerson community
06/23/09
William L. Sharp, 84, professor of acting, dramatic literature and theory and former chair of the Theatre Arts Department at Emerson, died May 29, 2009, at his home in Swampscott, Mass.
Born in Chicago, he completed both his B.A and his M.A. at the University of Chicago. He received his Ph.D. in theater and drama from Stanford University and went on to teach at the University of California at Riverside, where he was the chair and creator of the Drama Program from 1954-1964. He taught at Stanford University, where he also co-founded the Stanford Repertory Theater, and at Middlebury College and was director of the Theatre Program at the Breadloaf School of English from 1966-1976. He was a faculty member at Emerson from 1970-1994 and was ultimately named professor emeritus of the performing arts.
Sharp directed more than 50 productions in a variety of venues and earned critical praise as a professional actor. He published a 1970 book, Language as Drama,and wrote articles that appeared in a number of drama journals.
"Dr. Sharp was a passionate educator who inspired and influenced many students who are now successful writers, directors, actors, educators and performing arts professionals," said Emerson College President Jacqueline Liebergott. "His impact on the lives of his students was profound and he will be greatly missed."
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 25, at 2 p.m.at Semel Theater at Emerson College. Please send donations in lieu of flowers to Emerson College Performing Arts, c/o Robert Ashton, Emerson College, 120 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116-4624, noting that the donation is in memory of William Sharp.
Emerson faculty members win major state grants
07/02/09
Several Emerson faculty members are among the only 50 artists who have been awarded 2009 Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) grants for creating work of exceptional quality in a range of disciplines. At least five full- and part-time faculty won grants (in film, photography and music composition). They were selected from more than 1,200 applicants.
Click on a faculty member's name to learn more about their work, background and awards.
MCC's Artist Fellowships recognize the unique contribution made by artists to the cultural vitality of the Commonwealth, according to the Council. The fellowships provide direct assistance to Massachusetts artists to recognize excellence and creative ability, and to support further development of their talents. "Artists are the backbone of Massachusetts' creative economy," said MCC Executive Director Anita Walker. "These fellowships give talented individuals the freedom to develop work that will be shown, sold and performed all over the world."
Communication Studies chair voted president-elect of NCA
06/23/09
Communication Studies Chair Richard West has been elected to the office of 2nd vice president of the National Communication Association (NCA). The election means that West, immediate past director of NCA's educational policies board and a member of the executive committee, will progress to the rank of president of NCA in 2012.
"NCA is the largest and most prestigious organization of communication scholars and practitioners. Being elected to the presidency is a marker of accomplishment, peer respect, and discipline leadership," said Emerson's Dean of the School of Communication Janis Andersen. "Rich deserves huge congratulations and, from a more selfish perspective, I'm basking in the reflected glory that this brings to Emerson College. Past NCA presidents are an impressive group, all hailing from leading communications programs. I'm delighted that Emerson College is now on that list!"
Linda Moore, vice president for academic affairs, agreed. "We are all proud of Rich West's election. The election itself reflects not only on Rich's achievements but also the confidence the NCA membership has in his leadership," she said. "To have the opportunity to bring guidance to the largest communication association in the US is remarkable. While we congratulate Rich, we also wish him well as he begins the journey."
As 2nd vice president, his duties will include serving as chief program planner for the 2011 national convention in New Orleans. During his four-year term, he will serve on the executive committee, which oversees the association's 10 research journals as well as its online web magazine, Communication Currents. As president, he will undertake several executive initiatives, will oversee a $4 million budget, serve approximately 9,000 members, and initiate various initiatives and events. He will also co-chair NCA's centennial celebration.
Honored alumnus tosses first pitch at Fenway
06/23/09
Emerson alumnus and former Boston news reporter Glenn Jones, now Bermuda's press secretary to the Premier, threw the first pitch at a recent Red Sox game as part of "Bermuda Night." In his former life as a broadcast journalist, Jones was an Emmy Award winner for feature news reporting at WFXT-TV in Boston. The "Bermuda Night" event at Fenway Park was Friday June 19, 2009. The British island territory's Department of Tourism joined forces with the Sox for a marketing partnership to drive baseball fans to Bermuda and Jones was the spokesperson for the event.
When he was introduced on the mound, the announcer noted his Emerson pedigree. The game was broadcast on the New England Sports Network. The Boston Herald also ran an item about Jones in its Inside Track column, again mentioning his Emersonian status. Jones told the Herald, "I am so anxious. Fenway is a temple. I'm a little bit nervous about making sure I get it--if not right--respectable." Jones played baseball during his Emerson years.
Jones enjoyed watching the game with fellow alumni journalists David Wade (WBZ-TV Boston) and Bianca de la Garza (WCVB-TV Boston). He was also joined by Randy Price (WCVB-TV Boston), Tommy Lasorda (former Los Angeles Dodger coach), and Larry Lucchino (president and CEO, Boston Red Sox).
(Photo credit: Rob Loud for Bermuda Department of Tourism)
