Please join us in welcoming Erin Farrell Speer to the Department of Theatre as the new head of the Musical Theatre Program!
Most recently, Erin was an Assistant Professor at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she developed the new BFA musical theatre program with music director and arranger Dominick Amendum (Wicked, Prince of Egypt). In addition to her award-winning work at UNCG and decades of experience as a musical theatre educator, Erin is an experienced professional director and performer. Her career has taken her across the nation from Broadway to both coasts, where she has worked regionally with companies like Center Theatre Group/the Mark Taper Forum, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Sarasota Opera House.
Theatre Professor Sarah Shippobotham, who led the department’s search committee, was quick to express her enthusiasm. “I am excited to work with Erin because of the positive energy and warmth she brought to campus, as well as her humor and skill in the classroom. Erin comes unreservedly recommended by her references, particularly for her anti-racist pedagogy, her commitment to her students, her generosity as a collaborator, her patience, her active listening, and her ability to find the best way to work with each particular student,” said Sarah.
Erin echoed Sarah’s excitement, adding a few choice sentiments of her own: “During my visit to campus last month, I was very impressed with the passion and enthusiasm of the faculty, staff and students, the facilities (new, old, and in development), the professional partnerships, and the greater arts community in Salt Lake. Factor in the tremendous brand of the University of Utah and a fantastic location, and the possibilities are truly endless. I look forward to guiding the Musical Theatre Program into its next phase with my new colleagues, and I cannot wait to get started.”
We couldn't agree more—welcome, Erin!