Parents' Gift Helps UArts Push Musical Theater's Creative Boundaries

Suzanne and Doug Kreitzberg's daughter, Madeleine, is a University of the Arts junior majoring in Musical Theater. The couple recently made a $125,000 gift to support the position of artistic director of the University’s annual Polyphone Festival of new musicals.

We connected with Doug for a Q-and-A…

UArts: Why did Madeleine decide to enroll at University of the Arts?

Doug Kreitzberg: She had danced since she was 3 and wanted to do musical theater since seeing ‘Next to Normal’ when she was 11. She attended a UArts Pre-College program while in high school and was drawn to the sense of community, mutual support and creativity she found with the instructors.

UArts: What is the most positive thing about your daughter’s experience at UArts?

DK: Getting to see the process behind creating new works, and the culture of positive support despite a more competitive environment.

UArts: What is it about UArts that has surprised you the most from the time your daughter first started looking at the school to today?

DK: I think what has surprised me the most is the energy the University is bringing to foster change, in order to enhance the learning and creative experience.

UArts: How would you sum up UArts in one sentence?

DK: A University dedicated to the freedom of creative expression and collaboration.

UArts: In what ways have you been involved with the school, and why?

DK: I became involved through the Parent’s Council because I wanted both insight to and a voice in how the University is shaping my daughter and both current and future classes.

UArts: Why did you decide to support UArts through the naming of the Polyphone Festival position?

DK: I have an affinity for theater in general, and certainly with my daughter as a Musical Theater major, with Musical Theater specifically. My feeling is that a University such as UArts has a special opportunity to push the boundaries of an art form and to challenge the creator, the actor and the audience in doing so. The Polyphone Festival is a unique UArts event that does that and needs to be supported to carry on its mission.

UArts: Why do you think it’s important for people to support UArts?

DK: I think it’s important for people to support their passions. UArts not only provides the opportunity for students to explore their passions, it gives space for parents, community members and others to give expression to their own passions. UArts is small enough to make an impact, and open enough to allow you to explore and match your interests with its objectives in a way that benefits everyone.

UArts: What are a few developments in the past couple of years that have you most excited about UArts?

DK: I am really excited about the new student center, dance studio and student living arrangements. I really think it will help create a thriving creative UArts community.

UArts: How do you picture UArts in 10 years?

DK: I see UArts as a leader in creative expression and integration. Its programs and research will help us identify what it means to be human in a digital environment.

UArts: What advice would you give to parents of incoming freshmen?

DK: Take a breath!  This is a big step for both you and your child!  Then, without getting in your child’s way, feel free to explore what UArts is all about. You might find it wakes up creative stirrings for you, as well!