Established and funded by National Starch and Chemical Company, as part of its commitment to support the communities it serves, the SEA program is the brainchild of former National Starch Chairman and CEO and current State Theatre Chairman, William H. Powell. Designed to expand the cultural and creative horizons of college students majoring in the sciences and technology, students attend three different State Theatre performances as guests of National Starch. Each performance is preceded by dinner and a lecture. Students attend all the events free of charge together with National Starch employees.
In its fifth year, SEA saw enrollment increase significantly. The series, which began with 12 students in the fall of 2003, has expanded to 285 for 2007-2008.
The National Starch foundation contributed $30,000 to this year's series.
"This is one of the most innovative programs in the country in opening up the performing arts to college science majors. I like to think of it as left brain meets right brain, and mind expansion results. The State Theatre is pleased that National Starch had the foresight to see these possibilities and work with us to develop such a terrific program. Who says the arts and sciences can't work together?!" commented State Theatre President and CEO Wesley O. Brustad.
"We are very gratified that Scientists Exploring the Arts is such a success. Many people think of the arts and sciences as separate and distinct disciplines, when actually they share many values: creative thinking, teamwork, problem solving, and collaboration among people of different cultural backgrounds. The partnership between the State Theatre and National Starch has created a unique program that unites science and the arts to broaden the experience of emerging scientists," added Martin Torbert, Chairman of the National Starch and Chemical Foundation.
Students participating in "Scientists Exploring the Arts" are from Rutgers University, Princeton University, Rider University, Kean University, Monmouth University, the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Fairleigh Dickinson University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, The College of New Jersey, and Stevens Institute of Technology. In addition to the college students, this year eight students from New Brunswick Health Sciences Technology High School participated in the program and another seven high school students worked as program volunteers.
Split into a fall and a spring series, this year's Scientists Exploring the Arts program included State Theatre performances of the Broadway musical Gypsy on October 26, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet on November 2, and the Kirov Orchestra on November 29 for the fall program; the sultry Paco Peña Flamenco Dance Company on January 31, The State Symphony Orchestra of Mexico on February 23, and dancer-illusionists MOMIX on March 27 for the spring program. -- www.statetheatrenj.org
