THE GLOBE THEATRE
Although Odessa is recognized as the center of oil exploration and production in Texas, the city has a number of attractions that have nothing at all to do with oil and gas. The most surprising of these are the replicas of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and Anne Hathaway's Cottage on the campus of Odessa College. Built in the 1960's, the Globe Theatre is a non-profit organization presenting classical and modern plays using an Elizabethan stage. Bringing a bit of British flair to the West Texas landscape is this replica of the original Globe Theatre, the home of William Shakespeare's acting company in England. The 410-seat octagonal theater was the brainchild of a local teacher and Shakespearean scholar, Mrs. Marjorie Morris, who wanted a proper showcase in which to present the Bard's Plays. The Globe hosts community theater performances, monthly country-western shows called The Brand New Opree, and other community activities. The Anne Hathaway Library next door, a replica of the cottage in which Shakespeare's wife lived, houses displays of special interest to Shakespeare fans.
Music Masters Series
Odessa College has been privileged to host several accomplished artists to perform, as well as offer students insight into the performance industry as part of their Masters class.
Recent series performers include:
Harolyn Blackwell is a leading soprano at the Metropolitan Opera with a career spanning opera, concert, and recital stages around the world. She is known for her expressive and exuberant performances on major national stages such as the Lyric Opera of Chicago to international stages for performances at the Aix-en-Provence Festival and Opera de Nice.
Katherine Olsen is one of the most famous and sought after opera coaches and accompanists in the world. She is also the co-founder of the talent agency Encompass Arts and has been involved with many teaching programs and master classes during her career.
Bobby Burns Jr. is a trumpet player in the legendary 70's pop band Earth, Wind & Fire. He has performed with the band on tour, at the Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl and for President Barack Obama at the White House. He tours the country for performances, private lessons and master classes.
The 2014 Music Masters Series May event will be the musical thriller Sweeney Todd by Stephen Sondheim. Gary Simpson, a seasoned Broadway performer, will join our OC music and theatre department students in this production. Mr. Simpson has performed Sweeney Todd, and many other productions on the Broadway stage. For information about the Music Masters Series, contact the OC Foundation Office at 432-335-6648.
All-Steinway School
Odessa College's music department, in conjunction with the OC Foundation, has embarked on an initiative to become an All-Steinway School as part of our Vision 2015 Campaign. With donations from the Morrow Family Foundation, Isabel Rea Charitable Trust, we are pleased to announce that we have purchased 16 Steinway pianos. But the music department is still in need of 7 larger performance pianos. As part of our effort to cultivate passion for the arts, quality instruments provide inspiration for students and faculty alike.