Beth Turcotte

Additional Information
Teaching Areas: Acting, Musical Theatre

Biography
Beth Turcotte is an Associate Professor of Theatre and Dance Performance and received her MFA from Southern Methodist University. Before arriving at Ball State, many years ago, Beth worked as a professional actress in the Dallas and Los Angeles Theatres. She also worked as a commmercial agent in L.A. for Joseph and Helfond. Over the past twenty five years, Beth has been instrumental in developing the musical theatre, acting and acting for the camera courses. Company, Cabaret, and Jesus Christ Superstar were three of the Ball State Productions that Beth directed or co-directed that were selected for regional performances at the American Theatre Festival. Over the years, outside of the department, Beth has traveled and taught throughout China, Korea, and Japan. She was also one of the directors or co-founders of the UniverCity Projects, Earth Day, and Europe Year. As an actress, Beth has performed in over sevety productions, most recently, Mrs. Mears in Thoroughly Modern Millie for the Department of Theatre.

Professor Turcotte received leave from 1999 to 2003 to spearhead efforts for the Cornerstone Center for the Arts for the community. One of her passions has always been children, so with her efforts to raise thousands of dollars for scholarships, over five thousand children were able to study the arts that would other wise not have been able to. For these efforts, she received the VIVA Award and The Star Press Person of the Year for 1999. Beth will be directing the musical Little Women this fall.

Spring 2010, Beth and fifteen of her students were awarded a Virginia Ball Grant. The team will be writing a new musical that will be performed in Muncie and Chicago later that spring.