Theatre Arts Department Chair Dean Yohnk reports UW-Parkside graduates Mike Kaukl and Ayesu Lartey have been accepted to very prestigious master's degree programs. Mike, who graduated in May with a Theatre Arts degree and a concentration in theatrical design, is headed for Texas, while Ayesu, a 2008 Music degree recipient, is going to NYC.
"Mike applied to three highly regarding MFA theatre programs--Southern Methodist University, Ohio University, and the University of Alabama--and was accepted to all three with full tuition waivers and sizeable stipends for teaching assistantships," Dean said. "After visiting each school, he as selected SMU and will have free tuition and a renewable fellowship."
Mike's talent was prominently displayed during Parkside Theatre's production of "The Music Man." He co-designed the musical's multi-faceted set with Theatre Manager Keith Harris.
"Ayesu was one of 20 students accepted from an applicant pool of over 200 for New York University's MFA program in Musical Theatre Composition," Dean said, noting UW-Parkside graduate Brandon Anderson recently completed the same program. "This is the only MFA program in musical theatre composition in America and Ayesu received a full fellowship valued at $50,000/year for the two year program. This is an incredible accomplishment as NYU only fully funds five percent of MFA students; those are students they believe are extraordinary."
In addition to singing the national anthem at graduation ceremonies the past two years, Ayesu's jazz version of the university's Alma Mater is the definitive performance of that song.
Congratulations to Mike and Ayesu!Publish date: 6/9/2009
