University of Alaska Anchorage Revives Theatre Program Amidst Local Talent Shortage
Anchorage, AK – The Midnight Sun Theatre’s recent production of “The Merry Wives of Windsor” faced cancellation after a young actor fell seriously ill. Artistic director David Block struggled to find replacements, highlighting a dwindling pool of young performers in Alaska. Block noted, “There were no people that were that age” available for the show.
This cancellation marks Block’s first in 40 years of theater in Anchorage and emphasizes concerns about a local talent shortage, particularly among young actors. Since the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) cut its dance and theater degree programs in 2020, there has been a pressing need to cultivate local talent. However, UAA is stepping up by offering new courses this fall, including fundamentals of acting and theater appreciation.
Professor Dan Anteau oversees the Department of Theatre and Dance at UAA and aims to provide a pathway for young actors, saying, “I want to create opportunities for those graduating from high school arts programs.” The demand for new classes grew following a resurgence in dance interest at the university, where a minor has attracted significant student enrollment.
Additionally, Anteau developed a curriculum for event production that includes technical theater skills, addressing the need for trained professionals in local productions. As organizations struggle to find skilled performers, Anteau noted, “Many of my students work in every one of those productions.”
Block is optimistic that the new acting classes will help nurture talent and potentially stop the exodus of young performers from Alaska. “There’s a lot of interest in the community to support theater,” Anteau added. UAA’s efforts reflect a commitment to reinvigorating local arts as they prepare for the fall semester.
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