The Entertainers and Encore!

Richard T. Hanson

In 1979, Graduate Student Richard Hanson created a musical review group to provide a performance outlet for Department of Drama students interested in Musical Theatre. With a budget of $25.00, twelve students, who called themselves The Entertainers, trouped a modest, original revue to Tucson school sand organizations. The first year was a great success, for the Entertainers of 1979 was composed of talented and dedicated students who established a high standard of excellence that has become the hallmark of musical theatre at the University of Arizona.

With the creation of the B.F.A. Musical Theatre in 1987, the Entertainers became a production extension of the training program. Encore was created to serve the Freshman and Sophomore musical theatre students. Both groups provide a valuable platform on which young musical theatre artists can test themselves in preparation for professional careers in the theatre. The Entertainers and Encore function as ambassadors of the Department of Theatre Arts and the University of Arizona and provide important outreach to the community and state.

The students who have performed in The Entertainers and Encore for the last 17 years have generated the same level of commitment and purpose as the first group. The essence of the success of The Entertainers and Encore has always been the collective energy and passion of the students. Whether performing at a Senior Citizen Center or at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in sweats or in sequins The Entertainers and Encore have projected a sense of optimism and joy of performing that has continued from year to year. These young singers and dancers represent the future of the American Musical Theatre.