The Theatre Department Newsletter
Edition 8, Issue 2
October 2007 |
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First Time Scholarship Opportunity!!
For the first time in SAU history scholarships have been secured for a summer/May interim study abroad trip. This year (and possibly- this year only) a $500 scholarship will be offered for each eligible student applying to go on the Theatre in London trip in May of 2008. This scholarship will be awarded only for students who are taking the trip for academic credit and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
So hop-to-it and take advantage of this GREAT opportunity! The first 20 eligible students will be considered for the scholarships. After that---they are gone!
You can apply online!
The deadline for applications is December 1, 2007. Spaces are limited and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, so please apply early. Upon your acceptance into the program, you will need to pay a $500 deposit to secure your slot.
QUESTIONS? Contact the Center for International Education at 563-333-6210 or contact Dr. Cory Johnson at 563-333-6427.
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First Mainstage Production Brings Lessons in Humanity
The first SAU Mainstage Production of the year, All My Sons, by Arthur Miller, is quickly approaching. As actors study lines, designers continue the design process, and everyone tries to balance a show with the world of academia it is easy to lose sight of the themes and lessons that the play itself can teach to actors, designers, technicians, and audience members alike.
“The relevance of this show is timeless because [Arthur] Miller was so Greek-like in his approach to theatre. This play is about the acceptance of responsibility—whether mistakes have been made with intent or not—we have to accept responsibility for what we do and say, or the consequences are catastrophic,” stated Michael Kennedy, director of All My Sons. The play takes place in the decade after WWII, and revolves around a factory owner’s decisions to send faulty parts to military planes, and what the consequences of that decision were. When asked if he was trying to make a wartime statement, Kennedy responded, “It’s during the war time, but I’m not making the statement about that. Miller’s great heroes have made flawed decisions, but they always have a moment in the time of the play of enlightenment—of what they have done wrong and what their responsibility is. As the Greeks and Miller knew, in all wars the need to accept responsibility is the same.”
In a world where blame always seems to be placed on another individual, the theme of acceptance of responsibility can be a fantastic learning experience in any time of war.
All My Sons runs from Friday October 12 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday October13 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday October 14 at 3:00 p.m. Reserve your tickets at the Galvin Box Office today at (563) 333-6251!
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Cast List Announced for Upcoming Studio Show
On September 11 and 12, auditions were held for this season’s second Studio Theatre production. The play, entitled [sic], is a new play written by Melissa James Gibson.
This unique play centers on the lives of three ambitious young neighbors living in an apartment complex in New York City. Each character has a dream all their own. Babette dreams of being a writer. Theo strives to make a living in the music business. Frank studies to become an auctioneer. While struggling to plan their future, these three characters become friends. Shifting flawlessly between moments that are hilarious, poignant, and insightful, [sic] is sure to be a production you won’t want to miss!
The cast is as follows:
Theo – Jacob Kendall
Babette – Colleen Winters
Frank – Seth Kaltwasser
Airshaft Woman – Sarah Ulloa
Airshaft Man – Shawn Simmons
Mrs. Jorgenson – Rachel Mayer
The production is being directed by SAU Junior Sean Tweedale, with SAU Sophomore Katie McCormack stage managing the production. [sic] will be performed November 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. each evening in the Studio Theatre. Tickets are $6 and can be reserved in the Galvin Box Office by calling (563) 333-6251.
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To Grad School or Not to Grad School…That is the Question!
As students approach their senior year of their undergraduate work a difficult decision looms in front of them: “Should I consider attending graduate school?” For some, the answer is more easily obtained due to career aspirations or specific fields in mind. However, for others, the process of deciding is long and tedious, and often involves months, if not years, of information gathering and preparation. To shed light on both sides of the decision several SAU Theatre Alums offered their advice on making the grad school decision.
For Grad School After Graduation
Mike Schafer: “I chose to go to graduate school in order to do two things. The first was to get a Master of Fine Arts and learn how to teach so I could teach at the university level and the second was so I could learn more about theatre and advance my knowledge that I had obtained while at SAU. Part of my Graduate School training was learning how to teach in different ways so that I could address each student’s needs as they learn. I do not feel I would have learned that part of my career while out in the workforce. On the other side of the coin, I feel graduate school basically crammed five years of professional work into three years of hard time-consuming labor. While, I do feel most of what I learned while in school would have been learned while working in the field, graduate school gave me a lab to learn them in without fear of screwing something major up. I could make a mistake here and there and not lose my job. I was also in an environment where everyone else around me was also learning, which forced me to keep that in mind when I was falling behind schedule. My advice? If you are interested in teaching, dive right in.”
Daniel Sheridan SAU ‘04: “Coming out of SAU I knew I had learned a lot. SAU provides a beautiful landscape of the world of theatre. You get the chance to dabble in everything, and really come to respect each field. This is vital for the actor or director or designer or box officer manager, etc. And for that I am grateful. Yet graduate school was something I was interested in because I knew there was a lot more about acting I didn’t know. Movement, voice, dance, and many different approaches to the form and genre I had not yet experienced. I felt like I was ready to continue my training in that field. It was a tough decision though, because I was also very interested in direction. But I knew that a lot of what I had learned about directing was study from reading and working with other directors. And what better way to work with many directors from the inside of a production as an actor? I feel like graduate school saved me some years of floundering. You’re put in extremely impossible situations here, and situations that force you to think about yourself and what you can handle. Graduate school was definitely necessary. Being here has expanded my understanding of the art and life, and made me ready to face anything. Also, having an MFA is like having a key that opens certain doors that would not otherwise open. I hope to spend sometime teaching at a university, and my MFA will help that. My advice about going to graduate school right away is don’t. Don’t unless you really want it; unless you’re burning to be there, and burning to learn and work beyond your limits. If you don’t go in with that expectation, you will burn out. No matter how exciting or great the program is, you will wonder if you are cut out for this.”
Louis Hare: “I had a desire to pursue a career in academic theatre. Since my goal is to be a theatre professor, a master’s degree is required. Grad-school taught me what makes a well-rounded educator and mentor. Consider why you want to go to grad school and try to find a program that will best serve that. Remember that this is a multi-year investment of your time and money. Choose wisely and good luck!”
Not For Grad School After Graduation
Jenny Stodd SAU ‘06: “College was a hard enough experience for me, so I knew that graduate school was definitely not in my plan. Is it still in the cards? Who really knows, my life plan changes every day. I would say that anyone wanting to go into an acting grad program needs to be INCREDIBLY dedicated and willing to work extremely hard, and put their acting and school work above EVERYTHING else. I am not saying that I’m not a hard worker....I just don’t have the desire to be exploring the method and doing physical training that these actors go through.”
Marianna Caldwell SAU ‘07: “For me it really helped that I was getting paid acting work right out of college. However, I have always been of the opinion that a person shouldn’t rush into grad school. I believe it’s better to get some experience first so you can decide what exactly you want to specialize in. Also, when you do decide to go to grad school, I believe it’s important to really research and interview teachers with whom who want to work, not the overall school. For example, Trinity Rep would be a great program for me because I want to work more with Thom Jones (vocal coach) and they have an Alexander teacher there as well. Another factor is what character type you are. Currently, I’m not very near the age of my type, so I probably won’t think about Grad school until I’m 26, because when I leave grad school, I want to be in the prime for being castable. Plus, I just need time to live and figure out what I really do want to do with my life. Overall, I believe it’s very important to not rush into grad school and when you do, be very certain about your decision…that’s my two cents.”
Graduate School is a difficult decision in the life of an actor, director, or technician. It should not be taken lightly, but through the experiences of out SAU predecessors, the decision might be a little easier.
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 SAU Studio Produces Beauty Queen of Leenane
The theatre department’s fall Studio Show, The Beauty Queen of Leenane by Martin McDonagh, was performed on September 7, 8, and 9th to nearly sell-out crowds. The show was directed by SAU alumna Andrew Harvey. This is the second fully-realized production Harvey has directed in St. Ambrose’s Studio Theatre. His directorial debut was Richard Dresser’s Wonderful World in November of 2005.
Beauty Queen is a dark comedy about a very dysfunctional mother and daughter relationship and is set in the small Irish village of Leenane. The production featured many talented performances by SAU actors of the past and present. The four-person cast featured SAU alumni (Jamie Em Johnson and Louis Hare), a current student (SAU Senior Sean Tweedale), and adjunct professors (Lou and Donna Hare). The cast had much to overcome. First, they had to master the Irish dialect. Then, they had to maneuver through the tricky atmosphere of the McDonagh play, which sometimes leaves the audience unsure of whether or not it is appropriate to laugh. And finally, they had to deal with the shortened rehearsal period that is characteristic of our year’s first Studio show.
When all was said and done, the production was an impressive and exciting start to our 2007-2008 season. It was a great opportunity for the Ambrose community to see some more seasoned performers and witness the intensity of a McDonagh play. Congratulations to the cast and we wish the best of luck to Harvey, as he moves on from Ambrose!
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SAU Students Break into the Film Business!
Shortly after starting classes this fall, a few SAU students had the amazing opportunity to work on a film shoot. An upcoming film (tentatively titled Sugar) was being filmed at John O’Donnell stadium during the second week of classes. Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse owner Denny Hitchcock was involved with the production and asked Dr. Cory Johnson if she had any students who could help out with the hundreds of extras they had coming in. As a result, SAU Seniors Jessica Stratton, Ashlee Gillen, and Madeline Dudziak and SAU Junior Seth Kaltwasser were sent out to assist. The students were paid, in addition to gaining some invaluable knowledge about the film business.
The students acted as “extra wranglers” and helped out with sign in, check out, supper (which was free for the extras), the extensive prize raffles, and anything else that needed attention. The hours were long; most days went from 3:30 p.m. until 2:30 a.m. However, the students really enjoyed and appreciated their unique experience. Madeline Dudziak says, “It was hard work. However, it was really interesting to see what really happens on a movie set.” Ashlee Gillen adds, “Working with Denny Hitchcock was an amazing experience. He is extremely professional, yet he is so fun to be around.”
Certainly, all students learned much (about the film process and the unique task of serving over 700 people at once), in addition to gaining a new respect for those people who spend their lives doing the work. Jessica Stratton says “it was an amazing experience to work on the set of a movie and see what happens behind the scenes to get that perfect shot.”
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SAU Senior Directs on Mainstage
This semester, the opportunity to direct Charlotte’s Web, this year’s annual children’s show, has been given to SAU Senior, Madeline Dudziak. The opportunity to direct on the mainstage is not often given to students, the exceptions being those who have already proven themselves to be capable directors.
Dudziak has previously directed in the Studio Theatre in her directing class, as well as last year’s fully realized Five Women Wearing the Same Dress. Dudziak is looking forward to the resources that will be available to her on the mainstage and working without the space restrictions of the Studio Theatre. She does, however, acknowledge some of the challenges that she will face on the mainstage. Allaert Auditorium is notorious for its areas with poor acoustics, a challenge that all directors in the space must deal with. Also, because the house is usually full during the children’s shows, extreme sightlines can provide visual difficulties. The children’s shows bring in the season’s largest crowd, so the expectations are high for the director. Dudziak explained, “In the Studio, it was much more of a learning process, where as now I’m expected to be there. Also, this will be my first shot at the wonderful world of music, which is terrifying and exciting all at the same time. Dr. Keith Haan, the music director, has my back, though. So, I’m not too worried.”
When asked what she hopes to take away from this experience, Dudziak stated, “I hope, just like every time I direct, I become a better director and gain more knowledge and experience about myself and my process, as well as a higher understanding about theatre in general.”
Dudziak will be graduating in December and has decided to apply for graduate school. She explained that Ambrose is a great theatre school because of the broad range of experiences she was given, but she now plans to focus solely on directing. She plans to apply in many places for her MFA in Directing. Says Dudziak, “My goal is to find the perfect graduate program for me. That does not necessarily mean the best program in the nation; I’m looking for my fit. A place to learn and grow and develop more art.”
We all wish Madeline Dudziak luck as she begins the directing process on the mainstage and all of her future endeavors.
Anyone wishing to audition for Charlotte’s Web should prepare 16 bars of a song that is fun and in your range. Theatre majors and minors are also required to have a one-minute monologue. Auditions are October 15th from 6-8 p.m. and October 16th from 3-5 p.m. This show requires a large cast, so don’t hesitate to come and audition! For more information, contact Madeline Dudziak.
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Dr. Johnson Accepts Elevated Position in Theatre Festival
This year, our very own Dr. Corinne Johnson was appointed to the Regional Advisory Board for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, which will take place this year in Omaha, Nebraska, January 20-25, 2008.
The Regional Advisory Board consists of thirteen college professors throughout the region, who coordinate the festival. Dr. Johnson’s position is to coordinate about 150 workshops throughout the week of the festival. All of the workshop leaders are professors and/or professional artists who volunteer their time as a professional courtesy. Dr. Johnson stated, “It’s very difficult to juggle workshop schedules within the artists’ schedules and to make sure that it’s not all acting or tech workshops happening at the same time.”
All students are encouraged to participate in the workshops, as there are many opportunities that may not be offered at a smaller university like St. Ambrose. According to Dr. Johnson, “It’s important to make contact with people beyond St. Ambrose, and KC/ACTF provides an opportunity to do so.”
We wish Dr. Johnson the best of luck and look forward to this year’s festival!
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Staying in Shape this Summer
Fall semester is now in full swing, with the first Studio show over and two more shows starting rehearsals. However, many Ambrose students and faculty members kept busy this summer, as well, finding various ways to keep their theatre skills in shape over their vacation.
Shellee Frazee
SAU choreographer and adjunct professor Shellee Frazee certainly made the most of her summer. She stayed busy all the while working on three different shows. First, she directed and choreographed a production of Godspell for St. John Vianney Catholic Church, at the request of the church’s music director (and SAU accompanist) Becky Seward. The production featured adult actors in the prologue and the finale and high school students for the rest of the show. SAU Senior Jacob Kendall played Judas for the production. “The people of the church were so appreciative of the show,” says Frazee. “We did two shows with over 500 people in attendance. We performed in the church. There were many unusual issues to deal with, including sound and lack of equipment, but it didn't take away from the heart of the show. It was fun and a feel good opportunity I would definitely do again.”
After Godspell, she started directing and choreographing a production of Seussical, the Musical for Countryside Community Theatre. This was exciting for Frazee, as she got the chance to work with some of her former students who were now on their way to working professionally. “It was wonderful to spend the summer with them and see how they have grown as performers,” says Frazee. “The cast had a great time. They ranged in age from 8 years old to 50-something.” The show was a huge success, selling out its second weekend. The production was also able to receive a Riverboat Grant, giving them the opportunity to provide hundreds of kids a free tickets and Dr. Seuss book. “It felt great to know that we brought some people into the theatre that had never experienced it before. They were so excited. Really, a feel good event.” Frazee also got to work with her daughter, who performed in the show and her husband, Brad Frazee, SAU’s Assistant Technical Director, who designed the show’s lights. To top it all off, Frazee herself started performing in the show after the first couple shows, as one of her dancers broke her foot the first weekend. “About 40 minutes before curtain, we received a call that she would not be able to perform. So, I got into make-up and costume and found myself on stage. It was really interesting as a director to get thrown into the production mid-way. I discovered some things they were dealing with that needed to be changed. Apparently, I was working with a cast that did their job and didn’t complain. It was an eye-opening experience.”
Shellee’s third project was organizing Seussical’s pre-show, which was performed by one of her studio’s musical theatre class. The show was called “After Ever After”, written by Jim Seward with music composed by Shellee’s son, Sean Statser. “The cast consisted of students ranging in age from 4 to 14. Most had very little stage experience. They learned a great deal and it was fun to have the opportunity to put students on stage for the first time and see them catch “the bug”. I know they will all do it again.”
Donna Hare
SAU adjunct professor Donna Hare performed the role of Rosaline in Genesius Guild’s production of As You Like It this summer. Hare had to memorize the enormous role in only two weeks and three days, in addition to working a day job! She really appreciated the chance to meet some of the area’s local actors and work with Augustana’s theatre director, Jeff Coussens. Hare takes much away from the experience. “I realized that I can do pretty much anything if I want it bad enough,” she says. “I also learned that there is a section of the community that really supports the Genesius Guild (and theatre, in general) and will come to see the classics. It’s so rare to get to perform Greek or Shakespeare (except in repertory companies). It’s nice to know that there are people out there who can appreciate classical material and enjoy the performances so much that they come to every show every year. It gives you hope that perhaps one day a repertory company could one day be supported in the area.”
Dr. Corinne Johnson
Theatre professor Dr. Johnson directed Don’t Dress for Dinner at Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island, IL this summer, after Denny Hitchcock (owner of Circa ’21 and member of the SAU Theatre Department’s Advisory Board) asked her if she would be willing to direct the show. Although she faced the difficult task of putting up a fully produced show in just one week, Johnson calls her cast, which included SAU alumna Kim Kurtenbach Furness, terrific. She was presented with a lot of opportunities, including staging a very physical and visual comedy, working with new actors from both coasts, working with Circa ‘21’s amazing design and production team, and serving a different audience than she is used to at Ambrose. Johnson says, “I learned that I can still, after all these years, misread a script. I highly underestimated the script of Don’t Dress for Dinner. While the title and basic storyline smack of trite sex farce, I didn’t see how witty and smart the dialogue was until I started my script analysis. This was reiterated when I heard the dialogue spoken by the actors. The script was far more intelligent and challenging than I had originally pegged it. This made the entire project much more fun.”
Rachel Mayer
SAU Junior Rachel Mayer spent her summer performing in the ensemble for a production of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas for the Timber Lake Playhouse in Mount Carroll, IL. After hearing that they were holding an open call to fill parts that weren’t covered by the resident company, Mayer showed up, was cast the following day, and started rehearsals the same week.
The company had only about a week and a half to rehearse before the show opened, and each day rehearsals ran about twelve hours. Including the time it took her to drive back and forth (as she did not live on the grounds), these turned out to be very long days.
Mayer calls the work a great experience, saying the show was fun and she got to hear the unique perspectives of college graduates who were now pursing their acting career. “I was so sad to leave the show after it closed,” says Mayer. “I would definitely love to work somewhere for a whole season next summer. I learned a lot about working very quickly in a very short time frame.”
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 Senior Salute: Madeline Dudziak
Name: Madeline Clarice Dudziak
Hometown: Burnsville, MN
Majors/Minors:Mass Communication and Theatre
Previous Productions at SAU: Essentially Participated in SOME way for 90% of the shows while I was here and directed Five Women Wearing the Same Dress.
Latest Project: Directing Charlotte's Web.
Why did you come to SAU? I chose Ambrose for many reasons; people seemed nice, the scholarships, and when I visited the tour guide said it was freezing while my Dad and I had our coats unzipped.
Favorite SAU Experience? It's hard to sum up all of the fabulous times I had. So top three: #3) Lamely, studying for the playreading test with Colleen Winters. #2) Singing the "Electricity" song or gushing over Lady Windemere's Fan with anyone who knows what I am talking about. #1) Telling Cory it would be cool to bring Phil McKinley back and then having it actually happen.
Favorite Actor/Actress? Hugh Grant is a little guilty pleasure for me. Only I don't feel guilty. So he's just a pleasure.
Favorite Word/Phrase? I think of all the words in the English language Bubble and Pumpernickel reign supreme...they never fail to make me smile.
Biggest Pet Peeve? People underestimating me.
Advice for Incoming Freshmen? Get involved. Don't get too full of yourself because you only acted in high school. 99% of the department only acted in high school. Try props, running crew, light board... etc. And audition even if you don't think you have a chance. Auditioning is where you learn the most.
What will you miss most about SAU? A department and school in general that supports me.
What are your plans after graduation? I shall be applying to grad school and attempting to make money.
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 Freshman Spotlight: Kelly Wren
Name: Kelly Ann Wren
Hometown: Lemont, IL (small town 20 min south of Chicago)
Majors/Minors: Theatre and English Secondary Education
Previous Productions: I have been on stage for eight musicals, five main stage plays, four children's plays and I have done backstage for three plays.
Most Recent Project: Performing in the musical 42nd street
Why did you come to SAU? Both of my sisters went here so I was very familiar with the campus and I felt very comfortable with the theatre professors
Dream Job? Performing for "Second City" (improv theatre group in Chicago) or performing anywhere, just as long as I can still perform I will be happy.
Favorite Actor/Actress? Johnny Depp and John Travolta/Reese Witherspoon and Kate Hudson
Biggest Pet Peeve? When people's clothing tags are sticking out!
What do you hope to accomplish at SAU? I would like to perfect my skills in acting and teaching while making some friends and great memories along the way.
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Theatre in the QCA This Month
Show: All My Sons
Producer: St. Ambrose University
Dates: October 12-13 at 7:30 p.m., October 14 at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets: Prices range from $9 to $12, free for SAU students with an ID; call (563) 333-6251 to reserve
Location: Allaert Auditorium, located in the Galvin Fine Arts Building on the SAU campus.
Show: Almost Heaven…Songs of John Denver
Producer: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Through November, Wednesday matinees at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7:45 p.m., Sunday evenings at 5:45 p.m.
Tickets: Prices range from $24.96 to $41.60; call (309) 786-7733 to reserve
Location: 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL; located in the District of RI
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
Location: 1818 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL. Downtown in the District, next to Circa '21
Show: California Suite
Producer: Richmond Hill Players
Dates: October 4-7, 11-14; Thursday through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 4:00 p.m.
Tickets: $8; Call (309) 944-2244 to reserve
Location: Barn Theatre, Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo, Illinois
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SAU Theatre Newsletter Next Issue
Our next issue will feature a recap of All My Sons, a cast list for Charlotte’s Web, and updates on our trip to the 2008 Kennedy Center / American College Theatre Festival. |
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Department Chair: Kristofer Eitrheim - 563/333-6255
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Corinne Johnson - 563/333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Seth Kaltwasser, SAU junior
Contributing Journalists: Rachel Mayer, SAU junior / Emily Kurash, SAU junior / Catie Osborn, SAU sophomore
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