Actress Karen Mason will be at Hardin-Simmons University to work with students studying in theatre arts during a February 18, 2013, master’s class.

Dean Nolen, assistant professor of theatre and HSU’s artistic director, co-starred with Mason in Broadway’s original cast of Abba’s Mamma Mia, where Mason originated the role of Tanya. Mason later earned a Drama Desk nomination as Best Actress for that role.

Invited to the event are theatre students from Abilene Christian University, McMurry University, Abilene High School, and Cooper High School. The master’s class will be in the Van Ellis Theatre on the HSU campus, Monday, February 18, 2013, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Last season, Mason starred on Broadway as the eccentric Queen of Hearts in Wonderland! This past December, she held a major role in the stage premier of A Christmas Story at The Chicago Theatre. Other Broadway credits include the conniving Velma von Tussle in Hairspray; and the lead role as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, performing to critical acclaim and standing ovations on Broadway and in Los Angeles for three years.

Other roles include Mazeppa in Jerome Robbins’ Broadway; Rosalie in Carnival (another Drama Desk nomination); plus featured roles in Broadway’s Torch Song Trilogy; and Play Me a Country Song.

Mason is a 10-time MAC Award winner, presented annually to honor achievements in cabaret, comedy, and jazz. She has headlined Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Feinstein’s at The Regency, Rainbow & Stars, the Algonquin, The Supper Club, and The Ballroom in NYC.

She has shared concert stages with Luciano Pavarotti, Rosemary Clooney, Liza Minnelli, Michael Feinstein, Jerry Herman, and John Kander & Fred Ebb, among others.

Her starring symphonic performances include The New York Pops with Skitch Henderson, The Oklahoma Philharmonic with Joel Levine, the premier performance of The Chicagoland Pops, The Indianapolis Philharmonic, and the St. Louis Symphony with John McDaniel.

www.karenmason.com .