Over 10 hours of group and individual sessions, Bullock worked with students to refine their music, explore how each composition supports the story and develop a cohesive sound for the production.
Paul Hurley, a faculty coordinator for the project, said the experience provides opportunities for students to explore areas of professional composition not currently offered as dedicated areas of study within their programs.
"Many of the students are interested in composing for film, television, and video games," Hurley said. "This collaboration is providing students with a project that mirrors the process of future professional work they will encounter after graduation."
Students also experienced the exchange of ideas and constructive feedback that are essential to collaborative creative work.
During one group session, a discussion about creating a contemporary musical identity for "Romeo and Juliet" led to a memorable observation from faculty member Adam Roberts: "More pop, less classical." The phrase became a recurring theme as students worked to refine their compositions.
Hurley said Bullock quickly established a rapport with the students, connecting with their interests while sharing his professional expertise and providing supportive feedback.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
The project extends beyond music composition, bringing students and faculty together across multiple disciplines to create a fully realized theatrical production.
As the music develops, it is also helping shape other creative elements of the production, including the set, lighting and costume designs. Students are experiencing firsthand how their individual contributions influence the work of an entire creative team.
"It shows that there are different ways to approach a challenge and arrive at a solution," Hardin said.
The collaboration also offers a glimpse of future opportunities for interdisciplinary learning at Kent State. The School of Music, School of Theatre and Dance, and School of Media and Journalism are among the academic units that will come together in the new College of Design, Media, and the Arts on July 1, 2027.
Hardin sees the project as an example of the collaborative experiences that the new college can continue to foster.
"While we are currently searching for the inaugural Dean of the new college, the current leadership of the two colleges is looking forward to more collaborations like this going forward," Hardin said.
From the Classroom to the Stage
The collaboration will continue throughout the academic year, with additional rounds of revisions and feedback planned before rehearsals begin in February.
Bullock will also work with faculty and students in theatrical sound design and technology to adapt and implement the music for the production. As rehearsals progress, student composers will continue making adjustments to ensure their work supports the performers and the overall storytelling.
By opening night, more than 80 collaborators will have contributed to the production.
For Hurley, the opportunity for students to experience the entire creative process, from initial composition to final performance, is particularly meaningful.
"When ‘Romeo and Juliet’ opens in April of 2027, each student will have the opportunity to hear and see their work in the production, and how it helps tell the story of one of the most well-known plays in history," Hurley said.
Kent State's production of "Romeo and Juliet" runs April 15-25, 2027, in Wright-Curtis Theatre.
Learn more about Jeremy Bullock and the Thomas Schroth Visiting Artist Series.
