An Oscar, Emmy and 150 alumni
Theatre alumni reunite this weekend for Straw Hat 50th anniversary celebration
More than 150 Minnesota State University Moorhead theatre and Straw Hat alumni are reuniting this weekend for the celebration of Straw Hat’s 50th anniversary. The group attended the Straw Hat Players “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” Friday evening, and will attend the reunion celebration, which is taking place Saturday evening at the Ramada Plaza.
“The loyalty of our Theatre Arts alumni speaks to the quality of the educational experience they received while at MSUM,” said Dr. Tim Borchers, Dean of the College of Arts, Media and Communication at MSUM. “Our faculty create an environment where they can entertain the community while learning important skills.”
Alum Jim Erickson won an Oscar this year for his set direction for the film “Lincoln.” Erickson has worked on the set of many films, including “Water for Elephants,” “Little Women” and “The Last of the Mohicans.”
Alum Bill Hultstrom received an Emmy this year for Outstanding Achievement in Art Direction /Set Decoration/Scenic Design for a Drama Series for CBS’s daytime drama “The Young and the Restless,” which he is donating to the university. Hultstrom has worked on the set of “The Young and the Restless” for more than 30 years.
“We are honored that these former students have won such prestigious awards. But they are just two examples of the outstanding careers our alums have had or will have in the future. An education in the arts provides students with important skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving that serve them well no matter their profession,” Borchers said.
The Straw Hat Players continue their run of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” next week with shows at 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday at MSUM.
In addition, fifty years worth of Straw Hat Players memorabilia, including programs, set models, and photographs, are available for public viewing before each performance next week and during intermission.
For more information about MSUM Straw Hat, visit mnstate.edu/strawhat.