James Lortz is the new assistant professor of musical theatre at Western. Originally from Deer Lodge, Montana, Lortz received his bachelor's in acting and directing from the University of Montana and also taught there. He acted in Seattle Bathhouse Theatre productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Peer Gynt and Twelfth Night, and toured for five seasons with the Montana Repertory Theatre, appearing in Crimes of the Heart, Deathtrap and The Rainmaker. His choreography and directing credits include A Chorus Line, Grease and Oklahoma! Lortz has taught courses in voice and diction, musical theatre and beginning acting at WWU, and is directing WWU's production of Baby, a contemporary musical comedy about parenthood slated for performances in March. He said what makes theatre people special is their willingness to get up in front of people and look silly. "That's how you touch people and reach them," he said.