O’Connell & Company Productions now at

Erie Community College North Campus

BUFFALO, NY (June 5, 2009) - Erie Community College and O’Connell & Company Productions have announced an innovative arts partnership that will expand performing arts opportunities for both the Western New York community and the growing ECC community. In this arts partnership, Erie Community College welcomes O’Connell & Company Productions as the performing arts company in-residence at ECC’s North Campus in Williamsville.

The award-winning O’Connell & Company will produce a full season of plays, musicals and special events on campus. Additionally, they will have weekly performances of their on-going hit DIVA by DIVA: A Celebration of Women!

 “I would like to welcome Mary Kate O’Connell to our North Campus.  Having O’Connell & Company in residence is a unique and wonderful opportunity for ECC and will richly supplement our college community.” ECC President Jack Quinn said.

When the ECC and O’Connell & Company arts partnership is in place, ECC’s North will be an arts destination in Western New York — a hub of cultural activity with a profound, positive local economic impact, drawing residents and tourists to our area, attracting potential ECC students and providing a significant boost to local businesses.  “The value of live theater in our college community is immeasurable,” Quinn added.

“Our new residence at ECC North may be the most exciting event in our history," Mary Kate O’Connell, O’Connell & Company Executive/Artistic Director, said. “We are looking forward to reaching new audiences at our new theatre where we will produce an exciting variety of productions with professional actors, designers and directors.”

This partnership provides an exceptional range of participation in professional theatrical work. ECC students and staff will have the opportunity to audition for roles and will also be able to serve in technical, production, design, docent and intern positions for O'Connell & Company Productions.”

O'Connell & Company Productions is always interested in adding new members to their Company either in an acting or volunteering capacity. To learn more about O'Connell & Company Productions please go to: www.oconnellandcompany.com.

Erie Community College meets the needs of a diverse student body and contributes to regional economic vitality by providing excellent, flexible, affordable and accessible educational programs in a multi-campus environment committed to continuous improvement.

Contact:  Mary Kate O’Connell, O’Connell & Company  Productions (716) 848-0800
               Katharine McLaughlin, Erie Community College (716) 851-1685