On Friday, June 12, 2020, Richard Bryant, Exec Director of the Musco Center for the Arts at Chapman University so aptly introduced the first in a series of online conversations entitled  “Ever A Dancer” a wonderful look at the artists and stories presented “@ The Musco’s Online Series.”
 

In Bryant’s impassioned intro, he often recognized the strength and grace that is a dancer.  However, when asked …dancers often reply, “No, I used to be a dancer.” However Bryant’s retort…”Once a dancer, always a dancer.  Dance is unique.  It requires no words … it’s universal, and often reveals the feelings and issues of our time.”  This intro and an hour and 15 minutes of revelation was not only historically compelling with personal stories and videos, but communicated the passion and dedication the guests have for their art as they unfolded their individual experiences... READ MORE >>>

In a candid Zoom conference attended by students from Chapman University’s College of the Performing Arts and the members of the illustrious Juilliard String Quartet, professional and student musicians alike talked about how stay-at-home policies have affected their performances.
 

Relatable Quarantine Moments
 

When a student asked how the quartet’s routines had been affected, Juilliard String Quartet violinist Areta Zhulla chuckled.

“Just don’t ask us anything about practicing, okay?” Zhulla joked during the recent master class.  
 

Everyone laughed, knowing that even the Juilliard musicians they admired were forgetting to practice while in isolation. It made for a relatable moment among the students and was a way to preserve a sense of humor during a confusing time.
 

Adapting to stay-at-home policies has been tough for the performing arts world, where concerts have been canceled abruptly and instruction has moved online. Moving master class programming online was Musco Center’s way of continuing a three-year tradition of enhancing students’ education by providing access to world-class mentors. It was also a way to take parts of a canceled season from the stage into the digital realm... READ MORE >>>

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Long-lived professional dancers turned educators Sean Greene and Liz Maxwell discuss their personal lives, careers, and transitions. Join a real-time conversation about contemporary dance and the state of the movement arts from insiders informed by their extensive performance careers and creative pursuits.

Join an in-depth conversation with thought leader Kevin Spencer, who completed a one-week residency as part of Musco Center's 2019-20 Leap of Art series with Chapman University's Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences and the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). Spencer has dedicated his life to making a difference in communities around the world – both on and off the stage. He is a leader who addresses the inequality of individuals with disabilities with creativity, confidence, and courage.

Kevin Spencer is an award-winning performing artist who, for more than 25 years, toured the world with his wife and partner (Cindy) with one of the largest and most successful theatrical illusion productions in the U.S. They left behind a trail of accolades in their wake including 2009 International Illusionists of the Year, 2015 International Magicians of the Year, and six-time recipient of Performing Arts Entertainers of the Year.

At the pinnacle of his career, Spencer stepped away from the stage and into classrooms and hospitals. As an educator, artist, consultant, and cultural entrepreneur, he works to create inclusive communities where everyone experiences an authentic sense of belonging and no one – for any reason – is relegated to the margins.