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IU drama professor wins Emmy Award for choreography of Blast on PBS
Sept. 25, 2001
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- George Pinney, professor of theatre and drama at Indiana University, recently received an Emmy Award for choreographing the Public Broadcasting Service production of Blast.
Pinney coordinates the IU musical theatre program and directs and teaches acting, movement and stage combat. The Emmy for Pinney, and collaborators Jon Vanderkolff and Jim Moore, was announced at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Creative Arts Award ceremony.
"I was quite surprised and really thrilled to receive the Emmy recognition," Pinney said.
Pinney described Blast as "music in motion" and a theatrical performance that is a "visual celebration of music." It features 32 brass musicians, 10 percussionists and a 14-member visual ensemble. The show recently concluded a run on Broadway, and a tour production is now traveling throughout the United States. A performance by the touring company is scheduled for Indianapolis on Nov. 6.
The show was presented last fall at the IU Auditorium. It originated in Bloomington as an outgrowth of the Cook Group-sponsored Star of Indiana drum and bugle corps that won an international championship several years ago.
Pinney, who has taught at IU for 14 years, also was nominated for a Tony Award for his choreography in the Broadway production. Although he did not win, the show won a Tony honor as a Special Theatrical Event.
The IU faculty member has been recognized locally and statewide for teaching excellence. He also has more than 100 productions to his credit in regional and educational theater.
(Richard Doty, 812-855-0084, rgdoty@indiana.edu)