Music and Theatre Arts Faculty and Staff
Your Support System
The Music and Theatre Arts Department faculty and staff are dedicated to sharing their knowledge to give our Blugolds the support they need and the best education they can get. Our professors have a multitude of experiences onstage, offstage, and within their communities. Get connected with them to learn more about their capabilities and how it can benefit you.
105 Garfield Avenue, PO Box 4004
Eau Claire WI 54702-4004
Dr. John R. Stewart is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Concert Bands at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire where he conducts the Wind Symphony, teaches courses in conducting and repertoire, supervises student teachers, coordinates the concert band program, and serves as the Wind and Percussion Area Coordinator. Under his leadership, the Wind Symphony performed at the International Tuba Euphonium Conference, the CBDNA/NBA North Central Division Regional Conference, the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter Clinic, and his ensembles have performed across Europe and Southeast Asia. Dr. Stewart maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor and clinician across the United States.
Haas Fine Arts Center 173, Eau Claire
Elizabeth holds her M.F.A. in Acting/Performing Arts from Roosevelt University and her B.A. in Speech/Theatre from St. Olaf College. She studied Acting, Movement, Mask, Shakespeare, and Voice with Patsy Rodenburg at the Royal National Theatre in London, England. Her professional directing and acting have taken her all over the United States and abroad. Tanner served as an actor or director for productions at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, Colorado Shakespeare Festival, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bohemian Theatre Ensemble, Provision Theatre Company, Melvin Theatre, Majestic Theatre, NewBridge Theatre Company, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, St. Croix Off Broadway, and Porchlight Musical Theatre Company. Film credits include Edge of the Road (Indianapolis Film Festival Lead Actor award winner). Tanner toured with the St. Olaf Choir, was awarded a MRAC grant, and held the title of Artistic Director for NewBridge Theatre Company.
Frank A. Watkins is an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. Watkins joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in 2014. Watkins' research interests include the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in the music of African-American Women in the 21st century.
121 Water St
Eau Claire, WI 54703