Webster Named Director of Center for Performing Arts
When it comes to theatre, Carol Webster has brought national attention to Roanoke County. Starting July 1, Webster will turn her artistic talents to the Specialty Center for Performing Arts at the Burton Center for Arts and Technology as the new director.
Webster has worked as the theatre arts department chair and instructor at William Byrd High School since 1991. During her time at William Byrd, Webster and her students earned National Theatre Status in 2008 and 2009, and she was named the director of the Best in Show at the National Performing Arts Festival in 2008.
In all, Webster has directed more than 100 plays and musicals. Some of her students have gone on to perform on Broadway, in commercials, television and films.
In her new role, Webster will oversee all aspects of the Specialty Center for Performing Arts, a four-year course of study, which will expose talented and interested students to performing arts. Students will study musical theatre and dance events. The goals of the center are:
- To provide in-depth training in Musical Theatre and Dance (Modern, Ballet, Jazz and Tap)
- To offer knowledge of artistic skills necessary for successful careers in the Arts
- To provide opportunities for students to be showcased in the community, throughout the State and in various key events where students can be critiqued and viewed by professionals in the field.
Webster will team up with Maggie Herchenrider (dance instructor) and Terry Haynie (voice instructor) to provide advanced performing arts instruction to students at the Center for Performing Arts.
“We’re so proud of Carol and all her accomplishments at William Byrd,” said Roanoke County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Lorraine Lange. “Now we look forward to the outstanding instruction Carol will bring to the Center for Performing Arts. I’m confident that together Carol, Maggie and Terry will take that program to a whole new level,” Lange added.