Celebrated musical theatre director and coach to teach public master class at the University of Maine
Cary Libkin, director and recently retired chair of musical theatre from Pennsylvania State University, will coach School of Performing Arts students in a master class April 28, from 1–3 p.m. in Minsky Recital Hall.
In the workshop, which is free and open to the public, Libkin will coach five UMaine students in acting the song techniques, and answer questions on the state of musical theatre today as it pertains to young professionals. Students slated to perform for the class are Isabella Etro of Eliot, Maine; Nathan William Reeves of Old Town, Maine; Julia Waldron of Brattleboro, Vermont; Zachary Fisher of Sabattus, Maine; and Noah Lovejoy of Turner, Maine.
For 25 years, Libkin headed the musical theatre degree programs at Penn State, where he was a professor of theatre. He retired in December.
Libkin also chaired Penn State’s musical theatre BFA program, and MFA programs in directing for the musical theatre stage, music directing and vocal pedagogy for musical theatre. His is a founder and past president of the Musical Theatre Educators Alliance — International, and has taught and consulted for programs in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands and the U.K.
Libkin is a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, and is an active freelance director. In addition to directing musicals, Libkin directs Shakespeare and contemporary works. Directing credits include work at Steppenwolf Theatre, Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, Music Theatre of Wichita and Pennsylvania Centre Stage. Libkin now resides in Maine and continues to work as a freelance director, teacher and master clinician, coach and musical theatre program consultant.