Kyle Stapley has accepted the Media Arts Administrator position in the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Stapley has previously served as the Media Arts Coordinator and Internship Coordinator in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts. Stapley graduated from BYU in 2008 with a degree in Sociology before receiving a Master’s degree in Public Administration. In 2017, Stapley was awarded a Staff and Employee Recognition Award (SAERA) for demonstrating excellence in teamwork. Originally from Lake Stevens, Washington, Stapley has three children with his wife, Laura. Read the original announcement made by Wade Hollingshaus in the April 23 issue of The Sound and the Fury department newsletter.

The directors and chair were re-appointed with overwhelming support

Speakers focused on the transformative power of collaboration in the arts

Student speakers express gratitude for difficult paths and look forward to promising futures

As the students delivered their speeches, their artwork and projects were projected on a screen for the audience

Howie Burbidge’s senior project focuses on how dying isn’t losing

Graduating music performance major Kaden Larson may have never pursued a music career if he had not been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the age of two. “The diagnosis was a catalyst, but it’s not a leash,” said Larson. “We can be given a challenge or something that seems unfair or something that seems insurmountable, but that is often just our way into something else.” Read more about Larson’s experience studying music on BYU News.

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BYU alumna and founder of the International Folk Dance Ensemble Mary Bee Jensen passed away April 13, 2018. She was 100 years old. Mary Bee, as she was known to her family, friends and dancers, came to work at the College of Physical Education to teach square dancing before receiving her Master of Arts in Recreation Education at BYU in 1963. One of her most long-lasting and notable achievements was the formation of the International Folk Dancers in 1956. The program is the largest of its kind in the country due to Mary Bee’s willingness to fund the first international tours herself and her commitment to training the group both on and off the stage as ambassadors of the LDS Church, BYU and the United States. While under her leadership, the International Folk Dancers traveled outside of the U.S. over 20 times. In addition to international tours, Mary Bee’s students performed at the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center and in television performances seen in Bucharest, Moscow, Poland, Bulgaria and Hungary. Mary Bee also co-founded the National Folk Organization and served as its president after retiring from BYU in 1985. She was also a member of the Worldwide Association for the Performing Artists Board of Advisors and was the first American appointed to the World Congress as a delegate to the Council of International Organizations of Folklore Festivals (CIOFF®). She served in this position for fourteen years and received the CIOFF® Gold Award for Meritorious Service. Mary Bee’s impact on dance at BYU and the dancers she taught will not be forgotten. She leaves a legacy of dedication and love of dance through her BYU students and countless other individuals and organizations. More information about Mary Bee’s life and accomplishments can be found in BYU Magazine and on HFAC50. A memorial gathering will be held this Saturday, April 21 from 9-10:30 a.m. at Sunset Heights Stake Center in Orem located at 1260 South 400 West, followed by a funeral at 11 a.m.

Professor Chris Cutri shares “The Wrestle: Taking Art Beyond Enjoyment”

The Department of Dance, School of Music, Music Dance Theatre Program and Department of Theatre and Media Arts Convocation will take place at 11 a.m. on April 27. Talented actor and theatre education student Soren Barker will speak at the Department of Theatre and Media Arts Convocation in April.

The Department of Art and Department of Design Convocation will take place at 8 a.m. on April 27