DANBURY, CONN. — The Department of Theatre Arts at Western Connecticut State University has announced that actor, director and musical director Tim Howard has been named coordinator of the department’s Musical Theatre program. In a career that has spanned more than 30 years, Howard has been featured as Jake in the Broadway National Tour of “Showboat;” as J.N. Starnes in the Broadway National Tour of “Parade;” as a principal actor on “Law and Order: Criminal Intent;” as an actor on “Late Night with David Letterman,” “The Guiding Light” and “Loving;” and in countless off-Broadway and regional performances.

Among his regional theatre credits are roles in “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Floyd Collins,” “Footloose,” “1776,” “On the Street Where They Live,” “Carousel” and “Leachman and Howard: Together at Last!” (with Cloris Leachman). He’s also shared the stage with Ned Beatty, George Grizzard, Len Cariou, Carol Shelley, Dean Jones, Anita Gillette, John McMartin, Vincent D’Onofrio and Lisa Kron.

In addition to his acting credentials, Howard has served as director or musical director for more than 40 shows off-Broadway and regionally. A highlight, according to his website, was directing “Hair” in collaboration with the writers, Galt MacDermot, Gerome Ragni and James Rado, to present the 20th anniversary production of the musical.

A skilled pianist trained in classical voice at Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory and New England Conservatory, Howard also has coached a long list of Broadway clients in principal roles and recordings. He was selected in 2004 as one of New York’s Top Vocal Coaches in Voice Teachers and Coaches of New York: The One and Only Guide.”

Howard’s skill set will mesh well with Western’s Musical Theatre program, which aims to provide students with knowledge of and training in all aspects of musical theatre in order to compete for employment opportunities in the entertainment industry where musical theatre talent is utilized.

Western’s program includes training in acting, dance, private voice instruction, music theory, keyboard competency, auditioning techniques, voice and diction, theatre history and other courses related to the field. Howard possesses the unique combination of having worked successfully as an actor, director and musical director and his experience as a teacher, mentor and coach.

WCSU Department of Theatre Arts Chair Pam McDaniel said, “We feel very privileged to have Tim join our faculty. He brings to our growing program the depth of experience that sets us apart from other Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre.”

Prior to joining the WCSU faculty, Howard served as assistant professor/coordinator of Musical Theatre at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He also has taught at Marymount Manhattan College, Pace University and the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, while maintaining the Tim Howard Studio as a voice teacher/audition coach for the Broadway community.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England’s best small private universities.