The College of Marin Drama Department Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary

 The Taming of the Shrew opens tonight, February 28th at the College of Marin Performing Arts Building. It is runs through March 14^th with evening and matinee performances. If you like Shakespeare, don't miss this wild west-style production directed by James Dunn.  This is a revival of a show James Dunn directed in 1971 that was invited to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland and won best production.  It's also part of a year-long 50^th Anniversary Celebration of the College of Marin Drama Department.

James Dunn who is well-known for directing the Mountain Play, an institution produced every summer on Mount Tam that has provided endless enjoyment to many people, founded the Drama Department at the College of Marin 50 years ago.  He served as the chairman of the department until 1994 and directed over 250 plays. When he arrived at the College of Marin there was no theater or drama department. He built the department and gained a national reputation for producing graduates such as Oscar-nominated actress Kathleen Quinlan, Emmy-nominated M*A*S*H starring David Ogden Stiers and Robin Williams.

There will be many special events and activities throughout 2014-2015 in honor of the 50^th anniversary including a College of Marin Drama Speaker Series starting in April showcasing former COM drama students.  Like all of the arts in education, funding is an ongoing challenge.  Lisa Morse, the new chair of the drama department and a Marin Modern client is taking full advantage of the 50^th anniversary celebration to remind us that to fund the next generation of artists the COM Drama Department needs your support.  She has created a program, "50 Years Inspiring Student Success" accepting donations for scholarships, upgraded equipment, costumes and to provide the caliber of performance experiences and opportunities the residents of Marin have come to expect from the College of Marin.

If you are thinking of moving to Marin, the College of Marin with a campus in Kentifeld and Novato, is one of the jewels in the crown for this County. Whether pursuing an academic degree, learning a vocational skill, honing your job skills, or taking advantage of the adult education program purely for the pleasure of learning, it is truly an asset to our community.

Janis Peterson, Realtor, 415-271-3109 or email [email protected].

Related Links

• James Dunn
• Open Homes in Marin