WSU's College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts (CFPCA) Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance kicks of the 2016 holiday season by welcoming guest Sound Designer Beth Lake to the set of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol. The show opens December 2, 2016 at the Bonstelle Theatre and runs until Sunday, December 18.

Sound Designer Beth Lakes comes to Theatre and Dance at Wayne from New York City where she has spent the past five years as a freelance theatre practitioner. Lake's professional skillset has landed her on Broadway sets including The Great Comet starring Josh Groban and Denée Benton as part of the sound design team; Misery starring Bruce Willis as a sound programmer; as well as off Broadway productions with Freud's Last Session and other hit NYC shows including Strictly Dishonorable, The Fabulous Lipitones (an NYC Premiere), Tough Titty (NYC Premiere), Some Girls, Blue Window, Eurydice, Bring a Weasel and A Pint of Your Own Blood amongst many more.

"It's my job to make a sonic world for the play and support what is happening on stage," said Lake. "I work with all the designers to make sure that the play is cohesive and aesthetically pleasing to its audience members."

According to Lake, theatre students are at a unique advantage during their collegiate training. There are many similarities working on an academic set that parallel to on/off Broadway sets.

"Most of the elements to create a great show are the same, the items that differ are scale, timeline and budget. Once you receive the training academically you can certainly do it professionally."

As for words of wisdom to up and coming theatre professionals - at all roles - Lake encourages students to try every aspect of theatre. If you are an aspiring actor, try stepping off stage and into a role behind the scenes. If you are a part of the stage crew, audition for an acting role. Being opened-minded and stepping outside of your comfort zone is vital in understanding your colleagues' perspectives and the show as a whole.

"We are extremely fortunate to be able to collaborate with Beth. Typically, Theatre and Dance guest artists are directors and choreographers. The opportunity for a designer of Beth's ability to join us on set not only enhances the experience for all of the students, she enriches our production of A Christmas Carol as well," said CFPCA Theatre and Dance Chair John Wolf.

About Beth Lake

Since moving to NYC she has created a solid network of collaborators and creators. She also is often behind the tech table as an associate designer for the likes of Darron West (Tony winner 2012), John Gromada (Tony nom. 2013) and Jane Shaw (Lortel nom. 2013, 2009).

Beth is a graduate of the M.F.A. program in Sound Design at the University of California, Irvine."¯She spent three years in California under the instruction of Michael K. Hooker and Vincent Olivieri."¯ Prior to attending UCI, Beth attended University of Northern Colorado where she earned a B.A. in Theater Arts.

For more information about Beth Lake and her recent work on and off Broadway, visit www.bethlakesounddesign.com.

To purchase tickets to A Christmas Carol at the Bonstelle Theatre, visit www.theatreanddance.wayne.edu or call (313) 577-2960.

By: Da'Stanza Murphy, CFPCA Information Officer II

Email: az2370@wayne.edu