The announcement, which will be made at Empire State College Metropolitan Center SUNY, will feature a performance of Yip Harburg songs by Jonathan Hadley (Jersey Boys) and Jenifer Babiak (Fiddler on the Roof). Ernie Harburg, president of the Yip Harburg Foundation, will narrate film excerpts of the lyricist and his work.
"The collaboration between the college and the foundation will offer students of the Metropolitan Center an opportunity for unique undergraduate study in the arts and a personalized degree that reflects their interests in Musical Theater," press notes state. "Empire State College (ESC) is ideal for students who need maximum flexibility, including older students returning to college after a hiatus and those who are studying part time around work or family commitments. Such students profit from the college's flexible approach to learning and the opportunity to earn college credit through work and life experience. The college's three locations in New York City provide easy access to the vast cultural resources or our urban setting. This enhances the curriculum, since the City becomes a 'rich classroom,' providing an array of experiences and activities which can be utilized for credit as students work toward their degrees."
Students will receive ESC credit for workshops offered by the Yip Harburg Foundation and led by Broadway and entertainment professionals. The workshops currently include "Scenes to Songs" with director, musical director and vocal coach David Brunetti and "Theater Dance" with actress Stephanie Fitttro.
The college will provide applicants from the Foundation with advice on enrollment, including information sessions and other specific presentations, in addition to providing a modest scholarship and waiver of the college's orientation fee.
This partnership was developed in collaboration with Cynthia L. Ward, dean of the college’s Metropolitan Center, and Deena R. Harburg, executive vice president and artistic director of the foundation. Visit suny-empire.esc.edu/admissions or yipharburg.com for more information.
