August 27, 2009 – Madison, WI . . . The Madison Scouts are pleased to announce the appointment of James Mason as the Artistic Director and Operations Consultant for the corps. He will be providing creative production and instructional coordination services to the Scouts starting immediately.

Mr. Mason’s company, Mason Entertainment Group (M.E.G.), creates and produces innovative live spectacles and theatrical productions that entertain diverse audiences around the world. M.E.G.’s productions of BLAST! (winner of the 2001 Tony Award for Best Theatrical Event and 2001 Emmy Award for Best Choreography for a prime time television show), Shockwave, Cyberjam, and M.I.X. (Music-In-Xtreme) have enjoyed remarkable commercial success and widespread critical acclaim on Broadway, on London’s West End, and on domestic and foreign tours, as well as at Disney and Six Flags theme parks.

James Mason is an alumnus of the Madison Scouts and founding director and program coordinator of the Star of Indiana drum & bugle corps. Under Mason’s leadership, Star was a DCI World Class finalist during all 9 years of its existence and won the 1991 DCI World Championship.

“The opportunity to partner with Jim Mason is a historical moment for the Madison Scouts,” said Executive Director Chris Komnick. “Jim’s passion and creativity are reflected in the types of shows that he has produced. Teaming with Jim and M.E.G. provides us an incredible opportunity to recapture the Madison Scouts brand while simultaneously addressing our competitive direction.”

Regarding his return to the Scouts, Mason said, “I think it is time to give back to an organization that gave me a wonderful foundation for my career and personal life. I look forward to helping the Scouts reconnect with their past as they take a leap into the future.”

Another key component to the corps’ infrastructure is the addition of Donnie VanDoren as staff coordinator. VanDoren is widely regarded as one of the leading teachers and evaluators of talent in drum corps.

“Donnie’s recent work with Carolina Crown and Blue Stars has undoubtedly changed the course of those organizations,” said Komnick. “This is the kind of impact we need at the Scouts and I am confident he will bring a new level of instructional excellence to our organization.”

The Scouts will be announcing the 2010 design team shortly. Open auditions for membership in the 2010 corps will be in November. Audition slots can be reserved today at www.MadisonGear.com

ABOUT THE MADISON SCOUTS

For over 70 years the Madison Scouts has developed and shaped young men’s lives through musical enrichment and performance arts. Values such as honesty, integrity and accountability are taught and practiced through the activity that is modern day drum & bugle corps. A commitment to personal excellence and altruism serves as the foundation for the ultimate goal of teaching our members important life changing skills that will guide them now and in the future.Press and other inquiries should be directed to Madison Scouts Executive Director Chris Komnick at ckomnick@madisonscouts.org