The Theatre Department Newsletter
Edition 7, Issue 4
December 2006 |
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Narnia Update
The SAU annual children's holiday show, Narnia, directed by Michael Kennedy, was a rousing success. Despite a Dec. 1 snowstorm that led to
canceling some of the shows.
Abby VanGerpen, a freshman at SAU who played Lucy Pevensie, the youngest of the four children who encounter the magical land of Narnia, called working with the diligent cast and crew of Narnia a "privilege" and said, "I'm really excited to be taking part in such a great show. Everyone is amazing and the show is coming together quite well." Andrew Parks, who played the legendary lion Aslan, is also a freshman. "It's amazing bringing such a famous character to life. I've tried really hard to do justice to my amazing make-up and costume!"
Dominic Ramirez, an SAU alum, worked with costumer Dianne Dye to bring the inhabitants of Narnia to life. Dye's creations were recently featured in a large photo spread in the November 22-29th edition of the River Cities' Reader, which helped raise awareness in a month filled with other opportunities for the arts.
Not only were the costumes and make-up of the fantastical nature, but the sets, lights, and sounds, helped transport the audience to the magical land of Narnia. Narnia's set designer, Kris Eitrheim, and lighting designer, Brad Frazee, worked to create falling snow, a magical wardrobe, and the evil White Witch's menacing sleigh, along with countless other magical masterpieces that had to be seen to be believed.
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SAU Students Stretch Their Legs
Three SAU Theatre students are sharing their talents with other theatres in the Quad Cities. Claire Richards, Jacob Kendall, and Jack Kloppenborg are all involved in Christmas-themed shows this season.
Kloppenborg, SAU Sophomore, is playing Scooter and the Ed Sullivan Announcer in Irving Berlin's White Christmas at Circa 21 Dinner Theatre in Rock Island, IL. Jack auditioned for the show when Dr. Cory Johnson informed him that Circa 21 was looking for male dancers with tap experience. A week prior to rehearsals starting, he received a phone call informing him he had been cast. Of the experience, Jack says "It's given me a good taste of professional theatre. I've met some great people and get [the opportunity] to work with an awesome production team...I've learned to catch on and hold on to what I learned for the show in a very short, but strenuous, rehearsal period."
Kendall and Richards, both SAU Seniors, will be performing in Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol at New Ground Theatre, directed by SAU Alum Dave Bonde. Jacob and Claire did not go through an audition process, but rather were called by Bonde due to their previous work in The Threepenny Opera that he had seen as an audience member. "I had heard such great things about Dave and his abilities as a director, so to work with him, for me, is a thrill," says Kendall. "It's been a great learning experience," adds Richards.
White Christmas will be playing at Circa 21 until January 6th with Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday performances. For more information check out the Circa 21 website at Circa 21.
A Christmas Carol performances are the weekends of December 7th through the 19th. Go to New Ground Theatre for additional information on performances and ticket purchasing.
Don't miss your chance to see these SAU theatre students put their hard work into action!
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ACTF Update!
Each year, college-aged performers are nominated to compete in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship for their superior performances on stages across the country. This year, eight Ambrose students have been nominated for their work on Galvin's stages. These students are Seniors Marianna Caldwell and Claire Richards for A Lie of the Mind, Senior Andrew Harvey and Junior Colleen Winters for Three Days of Rain, Graduate Scott Peake and Senior Joe Feldman for Much Ado About Nothing, and Sophomore Seth Kaltwasser and Freshman Abby VanGerpen for The Threepenny Opera.
After being nominated, students must choose three pieces to perform at the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Ames, IA, this coming January. Together, the three pieces (which are made up of two partner scenes and one solo performance) must remain under six minutes. Any of the scenes may contain music. The nominees will be performing their pieces in the Studio Theatre December 11 at 6:30 p.m. If you can't make it, a second showing will occur in Allaert Auditorium on Saturday, January 20th at 2:00 p.m., just before the festival.
Nominees have the responsibility of choosing their own material, though many do take suggestions from theatre faculty and students. This month, the newsletter staff was able to catch up with the nominees and discuss their selections. Some of the pieces are still undecided. The 2006 nominees and their partners and pieces are as follows:
Nominee: Marianna Caldwell
Show nominated from: A Lie of the Mind (playing Lorraine)
Scenes: Caldwell will be performing scenes from The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare and Boy Gets Girl by Rebecca Gilman and singing "You Don't Know This Man" by Jason Robert Brown from the musical Parade.
Partner: Tyson Danner, Senior
Why did you choose these pieces? I think ACTF should be more than two guys kissing (a reference for those who attended last year's finals at ACTF), so I picked pieces that I wanted to perform and that would give Tyson and me the opportunity to stretch ourselves as actors. In Taming of the Shrew, I'm playing with the idea of cross-gender casting and hope it will heighten the focus on the genders already in the scene. Boy Gets Girl is a haunting play that also focuses on gender but makes a good contrast with the Shrew scene. And Parade is just a well-written, well-composed musical.
Why did you choose your partner? He's hardworking, dedicated, and I enjoy working with him.
This is Caldwell's third KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination. She was also nominated for her performances in H.M.S. Pinafore and Blithe Spirit.
Nominee: Claire Richards
Show nominated from: A Lie of the Mind (playing Meg)
Scenes: Richards will be performing scenes from Miss Julie by August Strindberg, Misadventure by Donald Margulies and Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.
Partner: Jacob Kendall, Senior
Why did you choose these pieces? I chose the Cleopatra monologue because I have performed it before and feel comfortable with the character. The Strindberg scene is laden with awkward pauses and, if done right, inappropriate sexual innuendoes. Miss Julie is a great script and I am really glad to be able to do something from it. Misadventure was a piece that is just really fun and fits in perfectly with my sense of humor.
Why did you choose your partner? I have worked with Jake in the past and love his sense of comedic timing. He takes direction very well and I have always known him to use rehearsal time effectively and responsibly.
This is Richards' first KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination.
Nominee: Andrew Harvey
Show nominated from: Three Days of Rain (playing Walker and Ned)
Scenes: Harvey will be performing a scene from Melissa Joan Gibson's [sic] and is also looking at some Shakespearean scenes as well as some pieces by Frank McGuinness.
Partner: Jacob Kendall, Senior
Why did you choose these pieces? I chose the piece from [sic] because it deals with power trips and the neuroses and insecurities that they attempt to mask.
Why did you choose your partner? Jake and I have been friends (even roommates at one point) since our freshman year at St. Ambrose. I've had a chance to work with him in one form or another over the past three years and it's been a great experience to grow as an actor with him. Plus, I can trust him. That's probably the most important thing.
This is Harvey's second KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination. He was also nominated last year for Blithe Spirit.
Nominee: Colleen Winters
Show nominated from: Three Days of Rain (playing Nan and Lina)
Scenes: For her classical pieces, Winters is reading scenes from Shakespeare's Othello or A Midsummer Night's Dream. For her contemporary piece, she is looking at scenes from In the Boom Boom Room, in addition to other shows. She has not picked a monologue yet.
Partner: Jessica Stratton, Junior
Why did you choose your partner? She is awesome and dependable. We work really well together on stage because we're such good friends.
This is Winters' first KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination.
Nominee: Joe Feldman
Show nominated from: Much Ado About Nothing (playing Claudio)
Scenes: Feldman will be performing a scene from Richard Greenberg's Eastern Standard and a monologue from Jeff Goode's Prelude to Pizza. He is still undecided on his second scene.
Partner: Sean Tweedale, Junior
Why did you choose these pieces? I chose the Greenberg scene because the emotional content is so high and there doesn't have to be much movement. I have not yet chosen my comedic scene, but I'm looking for something fairly physical in nature and fairly slapstick to complement my serious scene.
Why did you choose your partner? I chose Sean because I feel that we can really play off of each other very well. Sean brings a certain energy to the stage that will hopefully knock the comedic piece out of the park and then shock people when it is all stripped away for the next piece.
This is Feldman's first KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination.
Nominee: Scott Peake
Show nominated from: Much Ado About Nothing (playing Benedick)
Scenes: Peake will be performing the children's book The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog by Mo Williams, a scene from Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune by Terrence McNally, and the song "I'm Not That Smart" from the musical The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee by William Finn.
Partner: Julie Arensdorf, Senior
Why did you choose these pieces? Well, Julie and I, quite frankly, kicked ass with Frankie and Johnny in an acting class a year and a half ago and we were looking to revive it. We had always hoped to do it again, so we thought this was our chance. The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog is a very funny children's book that, hopefully, will allow me to just cut loose on emotional range. And, as for the song, well...I'm not that smart!
Why did you choose your partner? She is a perfect foil for me, and I needed someone to be a cute little duck in the Pigeon selection. I figured she could do that!
This is Peake's second KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination. He was also nominated two years ago for HMS Pinafore.
Nominee: Seth Kaltwasser
Show nominated from: The Threepenny Opera (playing Mr. Peachum)
Scenes: Kaltwasser will be performing scenes from Moliere's one-act play The Precious Ladies and the Neil Labute play The Mercy Seat. He is still undecided on his third piece.
Partner: Jessica Stratton, Junior
Why did you choose these pieces? For my first scene, I wanted something really fun and off the wall and the Moliere scene certainly has the potential to be that. The second piece is a great cutting from The Mercy Seat that serves as a significant contrast from the first piece and features a wide range of emotions.
Why did you choose your partner? I have been very impressed with everything I've seen Jessica do in the theatre. I have never worked with her before, but I have complete trust in her talent, enthusiasm, and commitment.
This is Kaltwasser's first KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination.
Nominee: Abby VanGerpen
Show nominated from: The Threepenny Opera (playing Polly Peachum)
Scenes: VanGerpen will be performing a scene from Jerry Finnegan's Sister by Jack Neary and a monologue from Butterflies Are Free by Leonard Gershe. She is still undecided on her last scene.
Partner: Andrew Parks, Freshman
Why did you choose these pieces? I look pretty young and I needed pieces that would go along with that. Also, they're really fun to do.
Why did you choose your partner? I chose Andrew because of his acting capabilities and we do really well onstage together. Also, he's really great at memorizing lines fast!
This is VanGerpen's first KC/ACTF Irene Ryan Nomination.
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A New Face at Ambrose?
The St. Ambrose Theatre Department can expect a new professor for the spring semester, but he is no new face to Ambrose. Fresh out of grad school, alum Lou Hare will be a much needed addition to the hard-working theatre faculty. Hare got his undergrad from St. Ambrose before receiving his MFA in Acting at Western Illinois University. Now, he will be temporarily returning to Ambrose, this time assuming the role of professor. The following is an interview with our future professor himself.
What classes will you be teaching? Survey of Theatre and Beginning Acting for Non-Majors.
Why did you decide to be a professor? While I was at school I really loved theatre and I didn't know what to do with my life or my theatre major, but I liked the academic side of theatre. The best aspect of being a professor is that you always get to keep learning.
What do you think prepared you most for teaching? Studying under Cory. I had three different majors in college and lots of different professors. But Cory is a special breed. She's always prepared, full of enthusiasm, and has high standards. I've always tried to mold myself after her.
What are some tips for someone taking your class? Be on time, pay attention, take notes, and be an active participant in my class. It's easier to learn when the class is interactive and you don't have to listen to me talk the whole time. I don't even like to listen to myself talk for that long. Also, have an open mind. I may have learned and be teaching a different acting method than the one you're familiar with, so having an open mind is important.
If you could teach any class, what would it be? I'd love to teach a play analysis class. I love digging and seeing what's good or bad in a script and seeing the different ways people think about it.
What class would you be best at teaching? I feel I'm strongest in acting because that's what I have the most experience in. I know what works for me when I'm acting, and I've taught it before while I was at Western Illinois University.
Why did you choose to teach at Ambrose? I really like the faculty and the environment. When I was here for undergrad, I liked the smaller class size and the personal relationship that the professors formed with the students. It's also nice to work with professors that have high standards for me to uphold.
What's your favorite Ambrose memory? The production of City of Angels that was directed by Cory. Everything that could go wrong in the rehearsal process did go wrong, which brought us together as a cast. And the end result was really good - a great pay off.
Would you ultimately like to settle in the Quad Cities or get a job somewhere else? I'd like to get a job where I could teach full time, and it would be great if I could do that at Ambrose, but I'm keeping my options open.
What's your dream role? Matthew in Private Eyes and, when I'm old enough, Glengarry Glen Ross as any role.
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Cory's Journey to Ireland
Earlier this semester, St. Ambrose Theatre Professor Dr. Cory Johnson took a trip to St. Patrick's College, our sister school in Carlow, Ireland. Her three-day trip was actually in preparation for next semester, when she will teach and direct at the school for two months. This is not a sabbatical, but part of a new and exciting exchange program between the two schools. Dr. Johnson was asked to begin creating an acting program for the school, which has plans to build a new fine arts building. The school hopes that – with Cory's help – they will have a stronger basis for performance success when the new theatre opens in 2008.
Next semester, Dr. Johnson will be teaching two classes at St. Patrick's College, Theatre I and II, which will feature segments in acting, directing, and design. Also, she will be directing an evening of selected scenes by Oscar Wilde, calling the production "A Wilde Night." She will be in Ireland from January 16 through March 15, at which point she will return home and commence teaching classes at Ambrose.
Her trip this semester was all work and no play, as she spent her time traveling, auditioning, and preparing production and curriculum plans. Says Johnson, "There was an awful lot of flying and important work to be done – the fun will happen second semester." She did, however, have the chance to meet up with Andrew Harvey, an Ambrose senior who is actively involved in theatre and currently studying abroad in Carlow this semester. Of Harvey, Johnson says, "He seems to be behaving as only Andrew Harvey can."
St. Patrick's current performing area leaves a little too be desired. Dr. Johnson described the area as a large hall with a flat floor, an elevated platform that serves as the stage, six lights, and no speakers. Also, she will not be able to rehearse after 9 p.m. because the heating will be shut off. However, Johnson said she saw “much raw talent and eagerness” at the auditions this semester. She noted that many of the students were non-traditional and about 75% were male - a big change from Ambrose theatre!
Looking to the future, St. Ambrose hopes to be able to host one of St. Patrick's faculty members in years to come; however, no concrete plans have been made yet. We wish Cory the best of luck in Ireland and can't wait to have her back in March!!
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Studio Theatre Finishes its Semester
On November 10-12, six actors hit the stage to perform Eastern Standard, a serio-comedy by Richard Greenberg. This play was produced in the Studio Theatre and, like all studio shows, the project gave students a variety of designing opportunities, including directing, a spot filled this time around by SAU Senior Emily Clifton.
Eastern Standard was written during the late 1980's when HIV and AIDs were first coming to the public's attention. Therefore, these are some of the many issues that Greenberg addresses with this show.
Eastern Standard had two returning student designers: Madeline Dudziak on sound and Kristy Heithoff designing lights. One new designer had a big challenge. Rachel Mayer, propsmistress, had to whip up a variety of fresh and edible food each night. Katie Danalewich designed costumes for the first time.
Several of the actors commented on how much they enjoyed performing in a show that presented them with some tough acting challenges. The character of May Logan, played by Jovon Eberhart, had a mental disease. Jacob Kendall and Joe Feldman, playing Drew and Peter, had the obstacle of playing their first homosexual roles.
The play seemed to be well received by the audience, as well, getting laughs and applause each night.
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'Blessing' Us With His Presence
On November 3, 2006, a number of students and faculty gathered to hear Mr. Lee Blessing, playwright, speak of his experiences in the theatre. Blessing was in the Quad City area for the presentation of his play The Winning Streak at the New Ground Theatre.
After a brief delay in his arrival, Mr. Blessing began the discussion by smiling and simply stating "I'm a playwright," which was greeted by laughter. He then continued by briefly telling of his life and education. Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, he attended graduate school at the University of Iowa. After spending a short period of time as an actor he "decided others could do that more profitably," and turned to writing. Poetry was his first style of writing, but he soon found his niche in the world of playwriting. Mr. Blessing wrote mainly plays throughout the 1980's and early 90's, and in 1994 moved to Los Angeles to do more writing for television and film. He is now based in New York and teaches at Rutgers University. Of his career he jokes, "It's a really crappy living, but there it is, every year."
People in attendance were encouraged to ask questions, and Mr. Blessing very conversationally responded with "I write plays the way pioneers had children - I know I am going to bury some in the backyard." When questioned about his writing techniques he responded, "I honestly don't know where my ideas come from." He spoke of writing from real life, creating characters out of people he knew, researching plays, and "embracing" what he had encountered over his life. "I write a play so that it satisfies my brain and my sensibility." When asked about how he writes, he responded with "I am the most chaotic writer I know...I waste a lot of time." He also spoke of the change technology had brought to his writing, and how he accepted the changes. Although he started out writing with a legal pad and pen, when the IBM typewriter came along he used that, and with the introduction of the computer, he made that switch. The only really visible change was that his speeches for certain characters got longer with each new writing tool.
Mr. Blessing also spoke of the effects that changes in theatre, television, and film have had, and the demands people make in the different businesses. Towards the end of the afternoon, he discussed Fortinbras, his play that will be presented by the SAU Theatre Department in February. Students and faculty alike benefited greatly from this wonderful opportunity. Mr. Blessing's work will most definitely continue to inspire in the years to come.
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Alumni Reunion in NYC
Ambrose students have shared many fun and educational experiences during their undergraduate years. However, the memories don't stop there. This month, Cory received an email from Ambrose Graduate Ted Stephens III and, with his permission, we are sharing it with you. Enjoy!
"One of my classmates at the University of Florida, Robyn Berg, and I decided that we needed a little 'New York fix' to re-inspire us as we were beginning our second year of graduate school. We both have the goal of moving to NYC immediately following graduation, and over the past year or two have had many friends also in the business move to New York. So, we decided to fly out for 48 hours of theatre and networking, but most important, to catch up with good friends.
Because the trip was going to be so short, we decided to tell all our friends in NYC and the surrounding area to meet up in Midtown at one of our favorite pubs, and knowing that Sam Michael (2006 graduate now studying for his MFA in Technical Direction at Yale) and Eric Behnke (2004 graduate now employed as a professional stage manager) were in the area (and that I hadn't seen them in what seems like years), I invited them. They took the train in and although we have lost touch a bit, it didn't take more than five minutes to pick up where we left off, and to share our stories and experiences as theatre professionals. It is so rewarding, invigorating and inspiring to meet up with fellow St. Ambrose alums in NYC and to see how successful and HAPPY we are living this life not as actors, designers or stage managers, but really, as artists.
While we were in NYC, it was a lot like returning "home". We shared lots of laughs and memories from our days at SAU, and it was an opportunity to also realize how far each of us has come.
-Ted
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Senior Salute: Jacob Kendall
Name: Jacob Kendall
Hometown: Bettendorf, IA
Majors/Minors: Psychology major and Theatre minor
Previous Productions at SAU: Playing Drew in Emily Clifton's production of Eastern Standard.
Latest Project: I play multiple characters in Dave Bonde's production of Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol, which runs the second and third weekend in December.
Why did you come to SAU? Proximity to home. I also met with professors in the Psychology Department - and, of course Mike, Kris, and Cory - and found St. Ambrose to be a very welcoming place!
Favorite SAU Experience? How about top three? Jungle Book, Wonderful World, and My Favorite Year.
Dream Job? Clinical Psychologist - Family and Group Therapy
Favorite Actor/Actress? Geoffrey Rush
Favorite Word/Phrase? "Right on..." or "Gotcha"...Well if you know me you know the rest...
Biggest Pet Peeve? Being late!
Advice for Incoming Freshmen? Same advice Dan Sheridan gave me..."Don't Suck."
What will you miss most about SAU? The people that I have come to know and enjoy being around.
What are your plans after graduation? Grad school.
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Theatre in the QCA This Month
Show: Irving Berlin's White Christmas
Producer: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: November 10, 2006 thru January 6, 2007; Wednesday matinees at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 7:15 p.m., Sunday evenings at 5:15 p.m.
Tickets: Prices range from $24.96 to $41.60; call (309) 786-7733 to reserve
Location: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201
Note: SAU theatre student Jack Kloppenborg is a member of the cast.
Show: It's A Wonderful Life
Producer: Quad City Music Guild
Dates: November 30 thru December 3rd
Tickets: $15 for adults, $9 for children; call (309) 762-6610
Location: Prospect Park Auditorium, Moline IA
Show: ComedySportz Quad Cities
Producer: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8 prepaid, $10 at the door; call (309) 786-7733, ext #2 to reserve
Location: 1818 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL. Downtown in the District, next to Circa '21
Note: SAU students Andrew Harvey and Don Abbott are ComedySportz players. Check with them to catch them onstage.
Show: Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol
Producer: New Ground Theatre
Dates: December 7th thru December 17th
Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors; call (563) 326-7529
Location: Nighswander Theatre, 2822 Eastern Avenue, Davenport, IA
Note: Directed by SAU alum and faculty member Dave Bonde; cast includes SAU students Claire Richards and Jake Kendall.
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SAU Theatre Newsletter: Next Issue
There will be no January edition, due to winter break. The next issue, which will be released in February, will include a story about the mainstage production Fortinbras and an update on the 2007 American College Theatre Festival!
Please use our convenient signup page to manage your subscription to SAU e-newsletters.
Visit the St. Ambrose University Web site for more information about courses offered, degrees, events, and staff. And also check out the SAU Theatre Website for more information about the Theatre Department, or contact theatre chair Kristofer Eitrheim by email or by phone at 563/333-6255.
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Department Chair: Kristofer Eitrheim - 563/333-6255
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Corinne Johnson - 563/333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Seth Kaltwasser, SAU sophomore
Contributing Journalists: Kathryn Hale, SAU senior / Emily Clifton, SAU senior / Emily Kurash, SAU senior / Catie Osborn, SAU freshman
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