By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (COVPA) once again exemplifies “CommUniversity” by supporting the arts at a local high school.
“The loan aligns with the college’s educational mission for students in the arts. Theatre is a collaborative art, and we want students of all ages to understand and experience the arts in this way. CommUniversity is a philosophy that we fully embrace,” said Dr. Wendy Coleman, dean of the COVPA.
The department loaned 25 African costume pieces to the Carver High School theatre department to fit the motif for their production “The Gospel at Colonus.”
“The College usually leaves these types of loans to individual departments, but since this production is near and dear to us, I wanted the College to take the lead this time. Dr. (Tommie ‘Tonea’) Stewart directed ‘The Gospel at Colonus’ when I was a student here at ASU, and it was one of the most successful productions during her tenure (as dean of the College),” said Coleman.
Costumes serve three key functions: defining character, supporting the play’s theme and mood, and revealing information about a character’s circumstances and story. Specifically, costumes are a tool to help make the story more believable for the audience.
Coleman noted the school’s production staff has ties to ASU. All are ASU alumni: Michelle Summers-Hines, director; James McTier, choral director; and Dr. Henry Terry, musical director. “We were happy to support their efforts!” she said.
McTier expressed gratitude for COVPA’s generosity.
“Loans or donations of this caliber offer valuable resources for school productions. We were overjoyed to receive this support from our alma mater, Alabama State University,” said McTier. “The best part is the students who receive the costumes. Their faces are just priceless and that makes us so excited to push for more.”
Coleman is proud of COVPA’s connection to local high schools.
“The college is always looking for ways to extend CommUniversity, as well as recruit talented students.”