Arts / Faith and Humanities

Recognition for Seattle U Performing Arts

Written by Karen L. Bystrom

January 8, 2018

Seattle U students rehearsing for a musical

“Students majoring in the Performing Arts areas experience the highest level of creativity working alongside faculty who are all professional artists working in their fields,” says department chair Ki Gottberg.

Seattle University’s Performing Arts and Arts Leadership has earned recognition for the theatre program and music faculty member Dr. Quinton Morris.

OnStage Blog named Seattle U as the best undergraduate theatre program in Washington state.  Using criteria consisting of tuition, facilities, academic rigor, performing opportunities, career support, and location for the best undergraduate programs recognizes one university/college program in each state. OnStage Blog called out the honors program as a highlight of the SU program.

Production of Mother Courage by Bertolt Brecht“Students majoring in the Performing Arts areas experience the highest level of creativity working alongside faculty who are all professional artists working in their fields,” says department chair Ki Gottberg. “Students perform in many settings: our Lee Theatre is one of the most flexible and up-to-date theatre venues in Seattle, and music students perform in a variety of venues on and off campus.  Many renowned national and international guest artists teach and perform at Seattle U, supported by our Pigott Family Endowment for the Arts.  Our students are consistently awarded internships across the flourishing Seattle Arts scene. The department provides students with opportunities to tour underserved areas; performing, creating designs, and bringing vibrant SU arts programming into the community.”

She continues, “Students also study all facets of production including stage-management and the practical elements of production such as hanging and focusing lights and running sound.  We pride ourselves that all our students come out of our program “nimble” and able to function well in more than one area of theatre.”

Dr. Quinton Morris, performing on the violinMusical America Worldwide has recognized Dr. Quinton Morris, Associate Professor, Violin and Director of Chamber and Instrumental Music at Seattle U as one of the top music professionals in their 30 Movers and Shapers.

Describing his teaching philosophy, Dr. Morris says, “As an educator I strive to connect students with the art of music-making and performance, giving them the tools and support they need in order to grow as artists. Throughout my lessons, I help cultivate a spirit of confidence and innovation that will serve students in both their creative and entrepreneurial pursuits. My passion for teaching shines through in my commitment to helping students achieve success on whichever educational voyage they choose in life”.

Dr. Morris is also the founder and director of Key to Change, a nonprofit organization that ignites positive change around the world through music and education. Key to Change strives to dispel the “starving artist” mentality and provide young artists with the educational tools and resources they need in order to grow and thrive as musicians and as individuals.

Learn more about Dr. Morris.

Production photo: Mother Courage and Her Children, 2017