Course Description

Instructor: Bill Nigut

As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we’ll look at iconic artists who reflected American values, aspirations and the country’s history. From the world of 20th Century music we’ll explore the life and music of Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copeland, Duke Ellington and George Gershwin. And we’ll look at giants of theater who helped us understand better who we are and where we came from: August Wilson, Arthur Miller, Edward Albee and Tennessee Williams.

Bio: Bill Nigut has been best known for his career as an Atlanta television and radio political analyst and reporter. But less known is that he studied acting and theater history at one of the most prestigious theater colleges in the country - the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago. He founded his own theater company in his hometown of Chicago, studied improvisation at Second City, and was a member of a Chicago improvisation troupe developed by improvisation guru Del Close. Bill saw his first Broadway musical - the original production of The Sound of Music starring Mary Martin - when he was 12 years old - and has been passionate about musicals and straight plays ever since.