Broadway star works with CU-Mansfield music students during master class series

Two-time Tony Award nominee and four-time Drama Desk Award nominee, Kate Baldwin, visited Commonwealth University-Mansfield in May to work with music students in a master class series.

Baldwin offered two master classes and a Q&A session for Mansfield music students during her day on campus at the Steadman Theatre, Butler Music Center.

"It was absolutely incredible working with Kate," said Justin Knarr, junior music education/performance major. "I'm really glad we got this opportunity. Kate is super knowledgeable and so encouraging. Getting to work with her was really motivating and watching her teach others was inspiring."

Baldwin has performed on Broadway, television and in concert across the county. She starred in the Broadway revival of "Finian's Rainbow" and as Irene Molloy, opposite Bette Midler in the Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!" She was seen on television in "The Gilded Age," "Just Beyond" and "Law & Order: SVU," and has sung with the NY Pops, the American Songbook Series at Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center Honors.

Baldwin said she was impressed by the professionalism, preparedness and diligence of the students during her visit. "Not only were the students thoroughly ready to receive my instruction, they were open, kind and supportive of one another," she said. "I frequently work with students who know their material well, but it is a special group which will encourage each other to take the next leap and explore the physical life of a song. These students were game, insightful and I'm honored to have had their trust and collaboration for our day-long session. Seeing and hearing their professors affirm what I was teaching was extremely gratifying for me as a 'guest star' in the academic world, too."

Baldwin's appearance was sponsored by the Mansfield Musical Theatre Organizations and funded by the Student Government Association.