BW partners with Near West Theatre to create exciting artistic pathways

As BW expands its partnership with Near West Theatre, fans of BW's acclaimed music theatre program can experience the exceptional "triple threat" talent of students while enjoying a vibrant historic arts space.

On Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 22-25, students of BW's nationally renowned music theatre program will take the stage at Near West's black box theatre to present "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."

According to Bryan Bowser, BW associate dean of theatre arts & entrepreneurship, this year's production is the latest collaboration in a long-standing relationship that unites BW and the Conservatory of Performing Arts with the visionary Gordon Square arts center.

Over the years, BW students have interned at the theatre. Other collaborations have included performers, musicians and designers.

Last year, the informal partnership was cemented into a more formal one. In a recent video, Bowser states that when BW began looking for a new producing partner, Near West was at the top of the list. Also beneficial to the collaboration is the connection of BW alumnus Brendan Reynolds '08, who serves as advancement director at Near West. Other BW alumni are also on the Near West team.

'Amazing sparks' of opportunity

"Near West does theatre in a really special way … a unique way that is not done elsewhere in Cleveland. They have a unique voice in how they create community while creating really exciting, vital and beautiful theatre experiences," said Bowser.

"We wanted our students to be part of that amazing community and amazing facility," added Bowser. "We wanted to be able to bring our professional young artists to Near West to connect with the young artists Near West is helping to grow and train in their space.

"Our partnership is just at its infancy … we're already seeing amazing sparks coming from it. We have students that have been discovered on the stage of Near West Theatre that are already enrolled as students at Baldwin Wallace because of the training, the experience and performance opportunity they had at Near West," he emphasized.

"We have amazing BW grads working on the team at Near West. We're looking to grow this partnership to provide wide opportunity for BW students to learn about performing, creating, designing, managing and leading an amazing community asset like Near West Theatre," stated Bowser.