McDaniel College has named Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Elizabeth van den Berg as producing artistic director of Theatre on the Hill, which will offer a full Summer 2007 season starting in mid-June.

“Theatre on the Hill is a vital part of the arts community in Carroll County and a vital part of what McDaniel does over the summer,” says van den Berg. “I’m honored to take on this role.”

The 2007 season’s theme is “Seen any good books lately?” Theatre on the Hill plans to include the Broadway musicals “Seussical,” opening June 15, and “Oliver,” which opens July 13. A new children’s version of  “The Jungle Book: Rudyard Kipling’s India” opens July 7. Late-night post-show revues include “Heard Any Good Books Lately?” with songs related to literature, opening June 22, and “Singing the Bard,” comprised of scenes and songs based on the works of William Shakespeare, opening July 20. All shows will be family friendly.

Auditions will be held in early 2007.

WMC Alumni Hall, home to Theatre on the Hill, was refurbished in Summer 2006 with new seats and carpeting.

Theatre on the Hill, established in 1982, is the only residential professional theatre in Carroll County. The company takes a traditional summer stock approach, drawing acting professionals nationwide. Rising stars from every aspect of theatre come to Theatre on the Hill to lend their talents to these performances. The compelling quality of these productions thrills audiences regularly, and clarifies the company's reputation as, “the springboard to Broadway.”

Theatre Arts Professor Ira Domser led Theatre on the Hill from 1982-2005. Van den Berg has served as an actor, director and voice coach in previous Theatre on the Hill productions.

“Elizabeth van den Berg is an ideal person to carry on the proud traditions of Theatre on the Hill,” says Provost and Dean of the Faculty Tom Falkner. “The community will be well served by her talent and creativity and by her extensive involvement in the professional theatre scene in Baltimore and D.C.”

Elizabeth van den Berg, a professor at the College since 1998, has been an actor, director and voice coach at theatres in New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C. and beyond. Earlier this year she received the Kennedy Center Gold Medallion, the highest honor bestowed by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, for her service to students. She earned her B.A. from San Francisco State University and her M.F.A. from New York University.

Elizabeth van den Berg can be reached for comment in her office at (410) 857-2591.
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