In this thought-provoking keynote, Dante King will explore the systemic nature of anti-Blackness in America, its psychological and sociocultural dimensions, and the ways it continues to shape our communities today.
Drawing on historical research, lived experiences, and contemporary examples, this keynote will challenge participants to confront uncomfortable truths while offering a vision for equity, justice, and collective healing.
DATE: 2/25/2026
TIME: 6:00pm – 8:00pm
PLACE: Main Dining Room (9215) Pagoda Union Building
Later this week, when the curtain rises on the Shoreline College production of Cabaret, audiences will see more than just a classic American musical. They’ll witness the collaboration that revived Shoreline’s musical theater program.
After the former musical theater director left during the Covid pandemic, the college stopped producing musicals. Without musicals, Shoreline theater began losing students and audiences. Theater professor Duygu Erdogan Monson was determined to bring these productions back to the college, but she knew the task was too large for one person.
“It’s complicated work,” she said. “The artistic decisions, the dances, the music…it’s impossible to do it alone.”
Undeterred by the complexity of the project, she approached Matt Jorgensen in Music Technology, who was interested, but realistic about the challenge of reviving the musical theater program.
“It requires a very unique skillset, which we didn’t have,” he said. “We don’t have someone who can do all of it.”
What they did have was a community of talent to draw from. With Duygu overseeing the actors and Matt managing the musicians, they enlisted the help of Anjali Chudasama to coach the vocal performances and John Nold to co-direct.
“Instead of having a jack-of-all-trades who does everything, you have four experts handling all the parts,” said Matt. “It’s the dedication of all these departments that got this program back on its feet.”
This collaborative model first came to life last year with 9 to 5, the college’s first musical since the pandemic, and its success was immediate. Along with the musical theater program, students and audiences returned.
“To see a full theater for a Shoreline production was incredibly rewarding,” said Matt. “I’d never seen that during my time here.”
Shoreline’s 2025 production of 9 to 5.
This quarter, the collaboration continues with Cabaret. And unlike the pre-pandemic musicals, which relied on professional musicians, this show is student powered.
“One of the goals when we restarted this program was figuring out, how can we feature and train as many students as possible,” said Matt. “So, in the orchestra, it’s almost all Shoreline students. The lighting design is being done by a student. The set designer is a student.”
Music students playing in the show’s orchestra pit not only have to learn the score (the piano book alone is 190 pages of music), but they also develop the discipline required of professional musicians. Theater students are also immersed in the full production process as they develop their craft, from auditioning and rehearsing, to learning how to take direction.
“It’s a complete professional experience,” said Duygu. “They’re building resumes while they’re learning.”
Set against a backdrop of social and political tensions, the thematic content of Cabaret is increasingly relevant. Choosing to tell this story at this time, “was really scary when we decided,” said Duygu. “But now it’s even more scary.”
“We decided a year ago to do this,” Matt added, “not knowing it would take on even more significance with current events.”
Duygu’s goal is to make the story feel real, so audiences can relate to the characters. She’s also being intentional about giving a fuller voice to the female characters, whose agency and activism are often downplayed in traditional productions.
And while Cabaret raises many difficult and complex issues, Duygu reminds her students that, rather than providing solutions, their job is to present the audience with honest questions.
“If [the audience] understands what we are questioning, then they can start trying to find answers. What is happening today? What is relevant from the past? What can we do? We can just start some gears, some questioning gears, so it pushes us to find answers.”
More than just a catalyst for reflection, this production of Cabaret is a testament to the power of collaboration. A singing and dancing example of people coming together to accomplish something greater than any of them could have achieved alone.
“We’ve been thinking about this since fall quarter,” said Matt. “It’s a lot of dedication from a lot of people. It couldn’t happen without everyone on the team.”
Shoreline’s production of Cabaret runs at 7:00pm on 2/26, 2/27, 2/28, 3/5, 3/6 and 3/7; or at 3:00pm on 3/1 and 3/8. Tickets are available now – $30 General Admission, $20 Seniors 60+ and Employees, and $10 Students.
We’re still looking for 29 generous donors to roll up their sleeves and donate blood at our Shoreline Community College blood drive on 2/24, and we’re calling on you to help make a life-saving impact. In February, you can show your community that you care by donating blood.
Donated blood is crucial for cancer treatment, surgeries, and trauma situations. Make a blood donation appointment with Bloodworks NW today. It only takes an hour to make a difference. If you’re eligible, will you commit to donating?
Join us at 10am on Saturday the 21st for a building tour of 7000 Campus Living, followed by a short presentation and light lunch! Learn about living on campus with our Housing Office staff! Free swag for all attendees.
Come cheer on our Women’s and Men’s Basketball Teams when they take on Skagit Valley. Let’s Pack the Stands and show your support for our student athletes!
Free for staff & students!
DATE: 2/18/2026
TIME: Men’s game at 5:00PM. Women’s game at 7:00PM
Close out our Lunar New Year week of celebrations at Lunar Fest, hosted by the International Student Leaders! Play trivia, try traditional paper cutting, and learn about your Chinese zodiac animal! Stick around for the lion dance at 4:00!
Celebrate Lunar New Year with us at the Lunar New Year Night Market!
This event is open to all students, staff, and community members who want to experience cultural performances, traditional games, food booths, and interactive activities from different Asian cultures.
Come enjoy music, performances, snacks, and a lively market atmosphere while learning about Lunar New Year traditions and connecting with the campus community.
Join Hong Kong Student Association, Taiwanese Student Association, and Mahjong Club for a Lunar New Year Mahjong Night! Enjoy activities and snacks that show off some of the traditional ways Lunar New Year is celebrated in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
In this ten-week program based in Miyazaki, Japan, you will join of a cohort group of up to 21 students from Community Colleges across the State. A four-night trip to Tokyo and a three-night trip to Osaka are included in the program.
To learn more, join us for this free info session:
Japan offers a rich environment of arts, culture, and history where centuries-old traditions exist in contrast with ultra-modern lifestyles. Miyazaki is known for its cultural heritage and natural splendor. The city’s historical sites, such as Miyazaki Jingu shrine, stand as testaments to Japan’s deep-rooted cultural legacy, inviting exploration into centuries-old customs and beliefs. In Tokyo, you will encounter sumo wrestling, Kabuki Theater, ancient castles, and temples dating back to the days of Samurai warriors. The modern side of Tokyo includes trendy and eccentric street fashions in the Harajuku district, the latest in high technology, electronics, and gadgetry, as well as anime in a city that never sleeps. Osaka is known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and incredible street food. It is home to Osaka Castle, a symbol of the city’s past, and the bustling Dotonbori district, famous for its neon lights, restaurants, and entertainment.
