The BYU Arts 2015-16 season will feature a variety of performances and events, including concerts by the Department of Dance and the School of Music as well as guest performances by professionals from the Metropolitan Opera and Broadway. For these upcoming events patrons have the opportunity to reserve tickets in advance with the artsPASS, a custom season ticket package. Jeffrey Martin, producer of performing arts for the College of Fine Arts and Communications and presenter of the BRAVO! series, said the artsPASS saves time and effort while ensuring the best available seats. “Sometimes events sell out quickly and it is harder to get the seats if you wait,” Martin said. The artsPASS allows arts patrons to create a custom ticket package for the season in advance by choosing five or more performances from the BYU School of Music, Dept. of Dance, Dept. of Theatre and Media Arts, and BRAVO!: Professional Performing Arts. The artsPASS goes on sale July 13 at the BYU Ticket Office in the Harris Fine Arts Center or Marriott Center, by phone (801) 422-2981, or online at byuarts.com. Those who purchase the artsPASS receive their tickets before the individual performances go on sale, approximately one month before the event, giving them the best available seats. The price of the artsPASS depends on which performances are selected. Some performances for 2015-16 include The King’s Singers, eviDANCE, Celebration of Christmas, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and many more. Create a custom artPASS here.

Photo by Nathalie Van Empel Rory R. Scanlon, professor of theatre and media arts, has been appointed to serve a second term as associate dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, made the announcement last week and stated that Scanlon’s responsibilities will include Arts Production and Performing Arts Council. “Rory offers a unique opportunity in this college,” commented Adams. “I’ve got strength in Rory to test ideas of design so we don’t waste our time frittering away on impossible dreams–that we can make things happen and come at the issue in a way where we can actually see that something is deliverable. Scanlon received his MFA in costume design at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in 1984 and has been a member of the BYU faculty for 31 years. His area of focus is design technology. He is the past president of the Rocky Mountain Theatre Association, was the Utah representative to RMTA for four years, sat on the Provo City Arts Council for three years and is a regularly invited presenter for the Utah Theatre Association. His design work in costumes, sets and lights includes work with Disney, Hasbro and university/professional productions throughout the United States. Scanlon was professionally involved in a redesign of the 1500 costumes for the Hill Cumorah Pageant for six summers and has worked with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on several other historical costume recreation projects in Salt Lake City, Mesa and Far West. His first book with Costume Fashion Press in New York, “Costume Design Graphics,” was released in 2001. He has previously served as associate dean of Fine Arts and Communications from 2004-2010, as an associate dean of Undergraduate Studies and Director of the BYU Honors Program from 2010-2012, executive producer in the college and associate chair in the Department of Theatre and Media Arts. “What I am excited about in this new position,” said Scanlon, “is that I will be doing what I am already doing!” Scanlon replaces outgoing associate dean Randy Boothe who will continue his responsibilities as an associate professor in the Music, Dance, and Theatre program. Boothe is also the artistic director for the world-renowned Young Ambassadors. Many of his former students are now on Broadway and performing with national touring companies, at Disney World, and on various cruise lines.

The American Folk Dance Ensemble arrived in Croatia and met with members of the Zagreb LDS Branch to perform American dances. The group is headed to Karlovac, Croatia for a folk dance festival with dance groups from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia and Polynesia. The American Folk Dance Ensemble arrived safely in Zagreb, Croatia on July 3rd. After a pleasant day of sightseeing at historical sites, the Folk Dancers met that evening with members of the Zagreb LDS Branch. The Folk Dance Ensemble performed several American dances, after which they danced with the members, learning simple “pioneer” dances taught by Colleen West. One of the branch members brought a friend to the activity who had previously danced professionally with the “Lado” Croatian Dance Ensemble. He taught everyone Croatian dances, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The group is now headed to Karlovac, Croatia to participate in a folk dance festival with other dance groups from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia and Polynesia. The group is now headed to Karlovac, Croatia to participate in a folk dance festival with other dance groups from Bulgaria, Slovakia, Croatia, Macedonia and Polynesia. Source: Performing Arts Management

Contemporary Dance Theatre students spent a rewarding exchange with the Young Single Adults of the Prague and Brno LDS branches. Dances were performed by CDT and then taught to the Czech members. The group is excited for the festivities of The New Prague Dance Festival this week. Landing in the Czech Republic on Friday morning was an exciting moment for members of Contemporary Dance Theatre (CDT). It meant after all the practice and preparation, they had arrived in Europe at last! The group is eager to share their dancing and expertise. After a quick check-in to their Prague hotel and lunch, the group set out on a trip into the countryside. In a little town, Dobrichovice, surrounded by cherry trees and wheat fields, the group spent 90 minutes with a group of orphan children at Flight’s Children’s Home. Together they toured the facility, exchanged English and Czech sayings, and practiced cartwheels and handstands. Afterwards, the BYU dancers performed several dances for the children including American dance styles, Lindy Hop and tap dancing. Then the children joined the CDT dancers in learning a simple yet fun-filled line dance. Many hugs and well wishes were shared during the reluctant goodbyes. Many hugs and well wishes were shared during the reluctant goodbyes. Next the group traveled to and toured the Karlstejn Castle, one of the homes of the 14th Century Bohemian King and Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. The history lesson continued the next day as the group traveled to UNESCO sites in Kutna Hora to better understand medieval history. The Gothic cathedrals and bone church, Kostnice, reminded the students of the long and storied past of dedicated believers. Saturday evening, Contemporary Dance Theatre students spent a rewarding exchange with the Young Single Adults of the Prague and Brno LDS branches. Dances were performed by CDT and then taught to the Czech members. New friendships were begun that would be furthered the following morning as CDT joined the members of the Prague Branch in their Sunday services. The Branch extended themselves showing love and generosity towards the BYU performers by providing them a meal and attending their devotional that evening. The Mission President, James McConkie, conducted the devotional presented by the CDT dancers, which was well received. More reluctant goodbyes were had as the students left. President McConkie expressed gratitude and thanked the group for coming to visit the members in Prague. The group is excited for the festivities of The New Prague Dance Festival to commence on Monday. They look forward to sharing their talents and friendship with the other festival participants this coming week. Source: Performing Arts Management

Wade Hollingshaus, an associate professor in Theatre and Media Arts, has accepted the position as chair of the department beginning July 15, 2015. The three-year term opened up with the recent appointment of current chair Amy Jensen as associate dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Ed Adams, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communications, made the announcement July 1 during a special faculty meeting. “Wade is solutions oriented,” said Adams. “I appreciate Wade making the sacrifice and accepting the position.” Hollingshaus received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 2008 and has served in various area leadership positions. For the past three years Hollingshaus has led the assessment efforts of the department, where he worked to integrate the Aims of a BYU Education into TMA’s assessment measures and outcomes. He has also been integrally involved in the department's preparation for the NAST accreditation and site visit that will occur in 2017. Adams also praised Jensen for her leadership of the department. “I hold Amy in high regard,” added Adams. “Under Amy’s direction this department is well-respected at the university. Amy has been effective in creating a strong community and has increased faculty engagement.” During Jensen’s tenure, she directed the department's process for long-term strategic planning, collaboration and teamwork within TMA areas, intra/inter-departmental student mentored projects, retooling of curricular offerings, increased funding for student scholarships and internships, encouraged and supported faculty scholarship, and prepared for and successfully completed university reviews.

School of Communications faculty member Kevin John is one of the youngest professors here on campus and is teaching full time this coming fall semester. His collection of video game collectibles and consoles lining the walls of his office give testament of his youth.

Sharlene Wells Hawkes, alumna of the BYU School of Communications, will be honored July 2 during the Freedom Awards Gala as part of America’s Freedom Festival at Provo. According to festival organizers, Hawkes is among four recipients to be recognized for 'unique contributions to the cause of the freedoms guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution and the cherished America values of God, family, freedom, and country.' Photography by Mark A. Philbrick Link to bio on BYU Alumni site. >>>>

Three leading female soloists across three different fields of music – Renee Fleming, Kelli O’Hara and Nnenna Freelon – will headline the BYU Bravo! 2015-16 Performing Arts series.

The MOA’s new exhibit, “Moving Pictures: C.C.A. Christensen’s Mormon Panorama,” showcases a unique set of American folk paintings that occasionally show up in various LDS literature. Collectively, the works carry far more significance.

Greg Whiteley, TMA alumnus is director of Most Likely to Succeed, an education documentary that asks: Why has our education system stayed the same while our economy has drastically shifted with technology? The film kicks off with a brief history lesson of the U.S. education system, which was largely geared toward producing factory workers for the industrial revolution.

A post about tagging a favorite Comms professor/staff member on the The BYU School of Communications Facebook page has already reached more than 7000 viewers. How did one of these folks influence your life in a positive way? Tag your favorite professor or staff member and tell us about it. In August the BYU School of Communications faculty and staff gathered for a photograph. How did one of these folks...

Amy Petersen Jensen and Jeremy Grimshaw will replace Rodger Sorensen and Ed Carter as associate deans in the College of Fine Arts and Communications this summer. A third candidate, to replace Randy Boothe, will be selected later. Ed Adams, incoming CFAC dean, made the announcements this week to the faculty and staff of the CFAC. Jensen’s responsibilities, effective July 15, will revolve around faculty hiring, promotion, funding, professional development, arts education and research. “I look forward to serving the College of Fine Arts and Communications with Dean Ed Adams,” said Jensen. “He is a great leader whose practical vision for the CFAC will benefit us all. I am also very excited to serve the faculty of our college as they work to meet their scholarly and creative goals.” Grimshaw’s responsibilities, starting July 1, will include undergraduate/graduate student matters including curriculum, assessment, advisement, the college student association, as well as international programs and student funding. “I am very flattered and honored to serve in this capacity,' commented Grimshaw to a crowd of School of Music colleagues. “I’m grateful to have an opportunity to do it, to be able to work with Ed and Amy, and to be able to continue working with you.” Noting the service of Sorensen, Carter and Boothe–who will return to their departments/school–Adams praised them by saying that each has made significant contributions to the college during their tenures. “Their dedication and commitment have been exemplary and I express gratitude for the service they have given to the college and university in their assignments,” said Adams.