Berea, Ohio is abuzz with excitement as Baldwin Wallace University has made a significant appointment. The university has named Jennifer Hemphill as the professor of music theatre and music theatre director. This move is seen as the first step in building a new leadership team to take the place of the former program director, Victoria Bussert.

Baldwin Wallace's New Music Theatre Leader Sets the Stage for Success

Jennifer Hemphill's Impressive Background

Jennifer Hemphill comes to Baldwin Wallace from Stephens College in Missouri. At Stephens College, she served as the dean of the Conservatory for the Performing Arts and previously chaired the music theatre department. Her professional journey includes performing on the prestigious Broadway stage, as well as in national and international touring productions and regional theaters. This diverse experience gives her a unique perspective and sets her apart. She knows the ins and outs of the industry and is eager to share her knowledge with the students.Her Broadway experience alone is a testament to her talent and skill. She has graced the same stage as some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. This exposure has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in professional theatre. Her work on national and international tours has exposed her to different cultures and audiences, further enriching her artistic sensibilities.In addition to her performing career, Hemphill has also shown a strong commitment to teaching and academic leadership. Her intentional desire to pursue these areas makes her ideally suited to prepare the students for successful careers in the professional theatre.

The Impact of Hemphill's Arrival

Hemphill, along with the incoming music director (yet to be named), will be a vital part of a collaborative team that will lead the program. This approach marks a significant shift from the current structure, which has been led by Bussert since 1995. In August, it was announced that Bussert, along with music director Matthew Webb and acting/directing professor Laura Welsh Berg, will be leaving BW for Oberlin College to establish its new Music Theater program starting in Fall 2025.The students were notably impressed by Hemphill during the national search and interview process. Her classroom presence is particularly compelling. Not only does she bring the required industry experience and connections, but she is also electric in the classroom. She has phenomenal energy and really connects with the students. Her skill in teaching acting through coaching is outstanding. She intends to reach out to the students right away to solidify those connections, even before she formally arrives on campus in August.This connection between Hemphill and the students is crucial. It will help create a supportive and inspiring learning environment. The students will benefit greatly from her guidance and expertise.

Baldwin Wallace's Renowned Music Theatre Program

Baldwin Wallace's music theatre program is recognized as one of the best in the industry. Backstage magazine recently named it one of the top musical theater programs in the nation, and The Hollywood Reporter put BW on its list of the 25 best drama schools in the world. This recognition is a testament to the program's excellence and the hard work of the faculty and students.Over the last 25 years, the program has sent nearly 100 performers to Broadway or on national and international touring productions. This is a remarkable achievement and shows the program's ability to produce talented performers.The current class will stage "Waitress: The Musical" at Beck Center of the Arts in February and "[title of show]", a one-act musical with music and lyrics by Jeff Bowen and a book by Hunter Bell, at Playhouse Square in April. These productions will give the students valuable stage experience and showcase their talent.Jeremy Beloate, a 2021 BWMT graduate, finished fifth in the season finale of NBC's "The Voice". This is another proud moment for the program and shows the potential of the students.In conclusion, Jennifer Hemphill's appointment is a significant step forward for Baldwin Wallace University's music theatre program. Her experience, expertise, and passion will help take the program to new heights and prepare the students for successful careers in the professional theatre.