The Theatre Department Newsletter
Edition 8, Issue 4
December 2007 |
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Auditions for Neil Simon Play
As the semester draws to a close and Christmas vacation gets closer and closer, Ambrose students are now starting to make plans for the 2008 spring semester. Auditions for next semester’s first mainstage show, a production of Neil Simon’s God’s Favorite directed by Michael Kennedy, are already upon us. God’s Favorite is Simon’s hysterical modern-day twist on The Book of Job. The play follows the unfortunate Joe Benjamin, a wealthy family man who soon finds himself in an adventure of biblical proportions when Sidney Lipton, a messenger from God (or somebody else), shows up and throws Joe’s ordinary life into a whirlwind..
God’s Favorite will be presented February 15-17, 2008 in Allaert Auditorium. There are roles for five men and three women. Auditions will be held on Monday, December 3rd from 4:00-6:00 pm and Tuesday, December 4th from 6:30-9:00 pm in Allaert Auditorium. Monologues are required for theatre majors, and suggested for non-majors.If you have any questions, contact the stage manager, Dan Hernandez, or call Michael Kennedy at (563) 333-6390.
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SAU Children’s Show Was Terrific!
Last week, hundreds of area school-aged children were pouring off their buses and into the seats of the Galvin Fine Arts Center for this year’s children’s show Charlotte’s Web, directed by SAU Senior Madeline Dudziak. She states, “Charlotte’s Web was a ‘terrific’ experience. The kids really enjoyed the show, and I was able to learn a great deal about directing.”
With five performances during the week for local schools, in addition to two performances over the weekend, SAU students really had to be on their toes. “The children’s show is always a fun experience for everyone involved. It’s hard to find a more enthusiastic and appreciative audience than a theatre full of kids!” states SAU Junior Emily Kurash, who plays Sheep. “I came to the children’s show when I was a kid, so it was fun to be a part of it now!” adds SAU Junior Jovon Eberhart, playing Martha Arable.
Countless hours of work have been spent on building Set Designer Kris Eitrheim’s barnyard scene in Allaert Auditorium. Ms. Dianna Dye again brought a wealth of costuming expertise to create charming farm animals, in addition to fitting all the human characters in the quaint garb of simpler days. Audiences were entertained visually, not to mention the excitement brought by seeing this favorite story performed right in front of them.
Thanks to all involved who brought another great show to over 5500 young theatre goers!!
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Irene Ryan Scholarship Nominees Prepare for American College Theatre Festival
Six Irene Ryan Nominees from shows throughout 2007 have been preparing diligently for the 40th Annual American College Theatre Festival that will take place in January ’08 in Omaha, Nebraska. Each nominee must prepare two timed scenes with a partner, in addition to a monologue. Here’s a glimpse at what we can look forward to seeing from these talented SAU students in the upcoming months!
Name: Ryan Westwood with partner Jaci Entwisle
Nominated For: All My Sons
Scenes: Richard III, “Stud and a Babe” from I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Monologue: Undecided
Why these scenes? “One scene [Richard III] was already memorized since Jaci and I had performed it for Advanced Acting, and it rocked Cory’s face off! It allows me to be a total creeper and it contrasts “Stud and a Babe” perfectly. I picked “Stud and a Babe” because it allows me to do a lot of acting while singing. There’s a contrast of character in the song, so it’s a very round character, as opposed to a flat character. There’s a definite objective in the scenes for both characters.”
Why this partner? “Jaci and I had worked on Richard III previously, so it was already rehearsed. Also, she’d change her hair color for me.”
Name: Jessica Stratton with partner Joe Feldman
Nominated For: Crème de Coco
Scenes: A Woman of No Importance, The Mercy Seat
Monologue: Undecided
Why these scenes? “It’s hard to choose scenes. It took me a long time. I chose A Woman of No Importance because it is really funny and witty. The Mercy Seat is a scene about a couple having an affair and is more dramatic of the two. My monologue will be along the classic dramatic line.”
Why this partner? “I was thinking very hard about who I wanted, and I knew I wanted to work with a male partner. After looking at scenes and finding out Joe was eligible, I decided to ask him since I enjoy his work.”
Name: Jovon Eberhart with partner Katie McCormack
Nominated For: All My Sons
Scenes: Henry V, Proof
Monologue: Happy Cruelty Day
Why these scenes? “I really liked the idea of performing a comedic scene in French, and Katie has been such a patient teacher (she’s a French major). The sibling fight scene from Proof is bitter, familiar territory for everyone – we all have moments when family brings out the best and the worst in us.”
Why this partner? “Katie is such a dedicated and fun individual. We’ve worked together on several production teams - and I’m not sure if this is unclassified information, but Katie is essentially a rockstar.”
Name: Andrew Harvey with partner Jacob Kendall
Nominated For: Crème de Coco
Scenes: Breast Men, Two Gentlemen of Verona
Monologue: Some Voices
Why these scenes? “These scenes (and monologue) contrast each other well. I'm a small guy and Jake is...not a small guy and so I wanted to select pieces where I could play around with our size differences (think: David and Goliath) and find moments where I could poke fun at the power struggle that comes from relationships.”
Why this partner? “Jacob did a great job of helping me get to the finals last year and so I thought I'd try my luck with him once more. He's got a great sense of timing and we play off of each other well. It doesn't hurt that we live together, either...we can run lines by shouting through our apartment bedroom walls.”
Name: Seth Kaltwasser with partner Emily Kurash
Nominated For: Fortinbras
Scenes: LUV, Lady Windemere’s Fan
Monologue: Burn This
Why these scenes? “Choosing pieces is always extremely difficult because of the time restraints. It takes a long time to find a stand-out scene that lasts only two or three minutes, has a beginning, middle, and end, and features fully developed, interesting characters. However, when I found the LUV scene, I knew it was just what I was looking for. It's has great three-dimensional characters and a lot of hilarious physical comedy. The Wilde scene is a really fun classic piece that should serve as a great contrast from the first scene. As for the Burn This monologue...I did a scene from that play for Cory's Advanced Acting class and the character of Pale is a ton of fun to play. He's certainly not ‘ordinary’ and manages to get a lot said in a very few words.”
Why this partner? “Once I had my scenes picked out, I knew Emily would be well cast in both of the female roles. Also, Emily is great to work with. She pours her heart into everything she does. I was excited for the opportunity to work with her and I know she won't disappoint.”
Name: Sean Tweedale with partner Dan Hernandez
Nominated For: Fortinbras
Scenes: A Skull in Connemara, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot
Monologue: Dalton’s Back
Why these scenes? “I chose Skull in Connemara because it was very funny! I'm a HUGE fan of Martin McDonagh and I had not yet read this play, but after reading it the scene was an obvious choice. The Last Days of Judas Iscariot is a very powerful piece and I have used it as a monologue before. I feel as though the character of Judas is a strong one that the audience will be able to connect to. I saw the Dalton's Back monologue last year when Tyson Danner performed it in Phil McKinley’s acting class. I thought that it was very moving and an interesting character to explore.”
Why this partner? “I chose Dan because I think that he is a very strong actor and makes bold decisions in his acting. After seeing him in All My Sons, the decision was easy.”
To see these pieces performed, please feel free to attend the final dress rehearsal in Allaert Auditorium on Friday, January 13th, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.
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Directing Class Prepares for One Act Showcase
As the 2008 Fall Semester draws to a close and finals are fast approaching, one class in particular is working around the clock. That class is Dr. Johnson’s Directing Class. For the seven students in this class, the final project consists of casting and directing their own one-act play that will be performed for the public during finals week. The plays will be performed on Monday, December 10th and Wednesdays, December 12th, both nights at 7:00 p.m. in the Studio Theatre.
These seven students got their first stab at directing at midterm when they were required to direct a ten minute scene to be performed for the class. The one-acts pose many new challenges for these directors, including pulling together the set, lights, sound, props, and costumes.
Just after the midterm break, the Directing Class held auditions for their plays. Actors were able to move to different locations around Galvin and audition for as many or as few plays as they wished. After the casts were set, the directors took on the challenge of rehearsing their own plays, while sharing actors and rehearsal spaces with each other.
The directors have been working diligently to provide the audience with two exciting nights in the theatre. There is a great variety of scripts and these are sure to be productions that you won’t want to miss. Remember, tickets are free, but there are only 50 seats available. To get a seat, be sure you are there when the house opens at 6:30 p.m.
The following one-acts will be performed in the Studio Theatre on Monday, December 10th at 7:00 p.m.
“Breast Men” by Bill Bozzone and Joe DiPetro
Directed by Jessica Stratton
Lloyd – Andrew Harvey
Stuart – Jacob Kendall
Gene – Jeremy Pack
“A Dead Man’s Apartment” by Edward Allan Baker
Directed by Colleen Winters
Lonnie – Bryan Woods
Al – Dan Hernandez
Nikkie – Emily Kurash
Valerie – Sam Akers
“WASP” by Steve Martin
Directed by Rachel Mayer
Dad – Bryan Woods
Mom – Katie McCormack
Son – Ryan Westwood
Sis – Ashley Damato
Premier – Jeremy Pack
Voice – Jaci Entwisle
The following one-acts will be performed in the Studio Theatre on Wednesday, December 12th at 7:00 p.m.
“Am I Blue” by Beth Henley
Directed by Stephanie DeLacy
John Polk – Adam Burnham
Ashbe – Ashley Damato
Hilda – Jaci Entwisle
“Women of Manhattan” by John Patrick Shanley
Directed by Cynthia Smysor
Billie – Amanda Bourn
Rhonda – Jovon Eberhart
Judy – Jaci Entwisle
“Something I’ll Tell You Tuesday” by John Guare
Directed by Seth Kaltwasser
Agnes – Emily Kurash
Andrew – Bryan Woods
Hildegarde – Katie McCormack
George – Drew Parks
Mrs. Hasselbach – Amanda Bourn
“Foreplay or: The Art of the Fugue” by David Ives
Directed by Matt Mercer
Amy – Abby VanGerpen
Chuck I – Andrew Harvey
Phyllis – Jovon Eberhart
Chuck II – Adam Burnham
Alma – Tori Kotche
Chuck III – Jacob Kendall
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[sic] is a Success!
A composer struggling to write a memorable theme song for a roller coaster. A book editor writing a history of the temper tantrums . An aspiring auctioneer. These are the unusual characters that inhabit the world of Melissa James Gibson’s play, [sic].
This play was recently performed in the St. Ambrose Studio Theatre and was directed by SAU Senior Sean Tweedale. The cast and crew had the difficult task of putting a very challenging script on the stage. Stage Manager Katie McCormack stated, “The script itself was probably the biggest challenge of the production. The word choices are unusual and can be interpreted many different ways.”
Despite the challenging script, [sic] was very well received upon its opening. On opening night, the audience was given the opportunity to participate in a talkback session with the show’s cast and director. It was a production worth seeing and was an extremely rewarding experience for all who were involved.
Congratulations to the cast and crew of [sic], especially to director Sean Tweedale!
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Updates on Former SAU Theatre Students!
Jack Kloppenborg (‘04-’06)
In the past few months, Jack has gotten involved with some really exciting theatrical opportunities. This past summer, Kloppenborg auditioned for a production of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at Riverside Theatre in Iowa City. Although he was not cast in that show, Riverside’s directors suggested he audition for the Stephen Sondheim Center, a new theatre opening in Fairfield, Iowa. As it turns out, he didn’t even have to audition; he was hired and cast in a show called Celebrate Sondheim after a quick email to the director, Randy West. Stephen Sondheim himself granted the ENCORE Players (the professional touring company with which Jack is now performing) the rights to all of his music to use in Celebrate Sondheim, a revue of Sondheim’s best music that will be touring throughout Iowa and Illinois this spring.
After getting on board with that show, Jack found himself receiving more and more offers from the Stephen Sondheim Center. Next month, he will be performing in the premier of A Little Sondheim Music, a huge new revue of Sondheim’s music that will feature such Broadway heavyweights as Len Cariou (who originated the role of Sweeney Todd on Broadway), Liz Callaway, Richard Kind, Pamela Meyers, Kristin Huffman, David Malis, and Donna Lynne Champlin. The show runs December 7, 8, and 9th and tickets are selling quickly. If you would like to order tickets and learn more about the show, you can visit the website by going to
www.fairfieldacc.com and clicking the Stephen Sondheim Center link.
Kloppenborg will also be performing in a January production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum for the same theatre.
Also on Jack’s radar is a production of Walking the Wire for Riverside Theatre in Iowa City. This is an evening of monologues about living in the Midwest that serves as a fundraiser for Riverside Theatre. The show will be presented in February of next year.
And finally, Jack is in talks to produce Fires in your Cities: the Charles Manson Story at a theatre in Iowa City. This show is a one-man show, written by Kyle Hall, author of School House Rock Live, and has only been performed one other time.
Ted Stephens (’04) and Eric Behnke (’04)
Ambrose alumni Ted Stephens and Eric Behnke are actually getting the chance to work together again, for the first time since college, this time in a professional setting, all the way down in Florida. The two are involved in a stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol at the Hippodrome Theatre, an equity theatre in Gainesville, Florida. This is the 30th anniversary production of the show at the Hippodrome. The show opened Friday, November 23 and is performing eight shows a week until its closing on December 23. Ted will be playing the role of Ghost of Christmas Present and Eric is working as the light board operator and master electrician for the show.
This is not Ted’s first production with the Hippodrome; he has also been involved with their productions of Night of the Living Dead, the regional premiere of The Great American Trailer Park Musical, and last year’s A Christmas Carol. When he heard there was a lighting apprenticeship position open at the theatre, he put the theatre’s resident lighting designer in touch with Eric, who just happened to be preparing for a move to Florida and was looking for a job.
Eric had been working as a stage manager in upstate New York and New Jersey before his girlfriend got a new job down in Florida. In addition to A Christmas Carol, Eric is also working on the Hippodrome’s production Tuna Christmas. Once his move to Florida is complete, he should be starting pre-production work on the theatre’s next shows.
Ted is in his last two weeks of classes before completing his M.F.A. in acting at the University of Florida. He is now looking to move to New York City in the first week of January, where he’ll be on internship in an Off-Broadway theatre, in order to fulfill degree requirements before his graduation in May. Once in New York, he will also start immediately auditioning for stage and film work.
We wish Ted and Eric luck with this production and any future endeavors! Together, we know they will be fine representatives of the Ambrose department.
Beth Curley (’03)
Beth Curley is currently working for a theatre company in Charleston, South Carolina called The Charleston Stage Company. It is one of the largest professional theatre companies in South Carolina and it performs out of one of the oldest theatres in the United States, the Dock Street Theatre. The company, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, produces ten plays each season, including musicals, dramas, and children’s theatre.
Curley has worked as the company’s Box Office Manager for the past two seasons. Her duties involve ticket sales, front of house operations, and marketing. But, she is also a local actor in town. She has been performing with Charleston Stage Company and other theatres in the Charleston area for the past four years. After graduating from St. Ambrose, Curley says she knew she wanted her job to be focused around theatre. “When I was hired for Charleston Stage, I was very excited to know I could make my living working for a theatre company and act, too!”
Beth just finished playing the role of Dorothy Heyward in an original work called Gershwin at Folly, which Charleston Stage produced. She is currently preparing for a one-woman show called Bad Dates, a quirky comedy by Theresa Rebeck that centers around a New York divorcee, who goes on a series of really bad dates, is obsessed over her collection of 600 shoes, and suspects that the Romanian mob is out to get her. This is her first one-woman show, but Beth is excited for the challenge and is looking forward to the process. Bad Dates will open in February of 2008.
About her time at St. Ambrose, Beth says, “I consider myself extremely lucky to have been educated at St. Ambrose University. The theatre and art departments definitely prepared me for the outside world, and gave me the knowledge which taught me the professionalism I needed to pursue my career in the arts.”
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Senior Salute: Jessica Stratton
Name: Jessica Stratton
Hometown: Bettendorf, IA
Major:Theatre
Previous Productions at SAU: Crème De Coco, Fortinbras, All My Sons, Dear Edwina, and Blithe Spirit.
Latest Project: I am a student director in the one-acts and I was also in Charlotte's Web.
Why did you come to SAU? I came here because they were the first ones to offer me a scholarship, and I really enjoyed Les Bell when I took a tour of the art department. Also, it was close to my family.
Favorite SAU Experience? I loved everything about Phil McKinley coming to Ambrose. The class, the production, just getting to talk with him was great and really encouraging.
Dream Job? I would love to teach theatre at a university, but I would also like to say that I was a professional actress at some point in my life.
Favorite Actor/Actress? I enjoy the performances of many people.
Favorite Word/Phrase? “You can get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.” and “You're safe in the light”.
Biggest Pet Peeve? Negativity and people who are constantly pessimistic.
Advice for Incoming Freshmen? Never stop auditioning! Do whatever you can for any show and READ PLAYS! Many times people don't realize that in theatre, scripts are our text books!
What will you miss most about SAU? The professors and faculty and the Studio Theatre.
What are your plans after graduation? I’m planning on going to grad school....ugh, scary!!
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Freshman Spotlight: Jessie Specht
Name: Jessie Specht
Hometown: Annawan, IL
Majors/Minors: Radio and Television Production
Previous Productions: Don’t Rock the Boat, Boogie Woogie Bugle Girls, Lagooned, and Go Fish.
Most Recent Project: Helping out with the costumes for SAU’s children’s show, Charlotte’s Web.
Why did you come to SAU? I really like the “small school atmosphere”. Plus, it’s close enough to home that I can take my laundry home on the weekends, but far enough that I won’t get any surprise visits from my parents!
Favorite SAU Experience? Trying out for the St. Ambrose Hip Hop Team. I didn’t make it, but I had a BLAST dancing for two and a half hours at tryouts and I learned a lot in the process. I can’t wait to try out again next year!
Dream Job? My dream job would be to work for Saturday Night Live, either acting, writing, filming, or producing.
Favorite Word/Phrase? “Anywho.” I probably use it a bajillion times a day.
Biggest Pet Peeve? When people “shing” their fork when they eat. By “shing”, I mean they make a “shinging” noise with their fork against their teeth every time they take a bite.
Advice for Incoming Freshmen? Get involved in more ways than one, get to know the upperclassmen, have more than one major, and have fun...it really will be over before you know it.
What do you hope to accomplish at SAU? I hope to gain the skills and experience I need to succeed at whatever career path I choose. I love trying new things, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for me next here at SAU! |
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Theatre in the QCA This Month
Show: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
Producer: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Now through January 5, 2008; 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 $38.48. Call (309) 788-7733 x2, or visit Circa's box office.
Location: Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse; 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL; located in the District of RI
Show: Three New Plays by Quad City Playwrights (Part of the New Ground Theatre Play Reading Series)
Producer: New Ground Theatre
Dates: December 13
Tickets: $3; call (563) 326-7529 to reserve.
Location: 2822 Easter Ave, Davenport, IA 52803
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
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SAU Theatre Newsletter Next Issue
Due to winter break, there will be no January edition. Our next issue will be released on February 4, 2008 and will include a story about the mainstage production of God’s Favorite and an update on the 2008 Kennedy Center/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: Emily Clifton, SAU senior / Emily Kurash, SAU senior / Catie Osborn, SAU freshman
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