INTO THE WOODS Tony Nominee Robert Westenberg Joins MSU Faculty

Missouri State's College of Arts and Letters announced today that Robert Westenberg, Tony nominee for Broadway's INTO THE WOODS, will join its faculty in the fall 2016 semester as musical theatre coordinator and associate professor in the theatre and dance department.

Westenberg comes to Missouri State from Drury University, where he was chair of the theatre program, assistant chair for the department of fine and performing arts, and associate professor.

"The level of professionalism and commitment to excellence is inspiring," Westenberg said about Missouri State. "The students are focused, talented and serious about their futures as theatre professionals. It will be a privilege to be a part of their growth."

He added: '"I want to provide our students a level of professional training that is second-to-none in the country, and then at the end of their student life, to serve as a liaison between their academic and professional worlds."

Westenberg has 25 years of success on and off-Broadway, on tour (in THE FULL MONTY), across the country on regional stages, and in television and film.

He received his Tony nomination, as well a Drama Desk Award, for his 1998 portrayal of 'The Wolf' and 'Cinderella's Prince' in the original Broadway cast of INTO THE WOODS. Among his other Broadway credits are ZORBA, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, 1776, COMPANY, ABE LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS, THE SECRET GARDEN and LES MISERABLES.

Westenberg, a graduate of California State University-Fresno, has a master's degree from Denver's National Theatre Conservatory and also studied at American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.