Case Western's Mark Alan Gordon to Relocate in Spring 2011

Mark Alan Gordon, associate director of the Case Western Reserve University-Cleveland Play House Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Acting Program, announced that he will leave Cleveland in May, after the conclusion of the Spring 2011 semester, to pursue opportunities in Vermont.
 
Since 1996, Cleveland Play House (CPH) has partnered with Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) to offer an MFA degree in Acting. In 2003, it became a conservatory program completely housed at Cleveland Play House. Gordon joined the artistic staff of CPH in March of 2004, serving as the primary liaison to CWRU on matters concerning the MFA Acting Program, in addition to directing MFA productions, assisting with curriculum planning, supervising and evaluating the training of the Graduate Ensemble, as well as serving as a master teacher and advisor.
 
"It was a difficult decision, and I am so proud of all the students," Gordon said. "I remain committed to all the graduates of this program, and this program will always have me as a passionate advocate." When speaking about his plans for the future once he relocates, Gordon remarks, "One thing I've learned is that I will always have to have contact with the student population. They are inspirational and motivating, and working with them has become the most rewarding aspect of my theatre career."
 
"For a number of years Mark Alan has played a significant role in the evolution and national success of the CWRU-CPH MFA Acting Program.  He has been a very positive force not only in the graduate program, but also the CWRU undergraduate theater program, and in the Cleveland theater community.  He will be missed," said Ron Wilson, director of the CWRU-CPH MFA Acting Program.
 
"We appreciate Mark Alan's dedication to the program and wish him the best," said CPH Artistic Director Michael Bloom. "Cleveland Play House is as committed as ever to this superb partnership with Case Western Reserve University."
 
An actor, teacher, and director, Gordon began his professional life as an intern with Great Lakes Theater Festival under the artistic leadership of Vincent Dowling and then Gerald Freedman. While there he created and performed with the "Shakespeare in the Schools Program." A founding member of NYC's famed Signature Theatre Co., he assisted Michael Kahn in the direction of the Obie-Award winning Sleep Deprivation Chamber by Adrienne Kennedy.  Gordon has taught and directed for CayMichael Patten Studios, NYU, the University of Vermont and the Hangar Theatre Lab and has done workshops for many other universities. From 1986 to 1989, he was the artistic director for the Champlain Shakespeare Festival, a festival that, at the time, had worked through the entire Shakespeare canon. Since joining CPH in 2004, he has directed MFA Acting Program productions of Angels in America: Millennium Approaches, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Big Love, and An Orchard.

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