The Theatre Department Newsletter
Edition 9, Issue 2
October 2008

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• Upcoming Auditions for “Seussical”!
• "Inherit the Wind" Recap!
• “The Lesson” Cast
• Getting to Know You – SAU Welcomes Mike King as New Technical Associate
• SAU Students and Faculty Participate in Summer Theatre in the Quad Cities
• New Movement for Actors Class
• Back at his Beginning – SAU Alum is New Performing Arts Coordinator for Davenport Parks and Recreation
• Alumni Updates! – Beth Curley and Jill Schmits
• Senior Salute: Sean Tweedale

  Mike Kennedy with Kenney scholars (l-r) Junior Catie Osborn, Senior Ryan Westwood, Senior Seth Kaltwasser, and Freshman Justine Petesch

• Senior Salute: Jovon Eberhart
• Freshman Spotlight: Grace Allen
• Theatre in the QCA This Month
• SAU Theatre Newsletter Next Issue

Upcoming Auditions for "Seussical"!
This year’s children show on the main stage will be “Seussical Jr”! “Seussical,” with music and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, is a magical and musical show bringing to life the characters from the ever-popular Dr. Seuss book. Some of the characters include The Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie, and the Whos of Whoville. The adventures and stories of these characters have been woven together to create a colorful and lively production for people of all ages!

“Seussical Jr.” will be directed by Shellee Frazee, with musical direction from Keith Haan. Auditions will be held on Oct. 14 from 6 to 8 p.m., as well as Oct. 15 from 3 to 5 p.m. All who wish to audition should prepare a 16-bar cut or a chorus from a song. An accompanist will be provided. Auditions will consist of a dance audition, as well as reading from the script.

The performance dates for “Seussical Jr.” are Dec. 3-7. If there are any questions about auditioning, feel free to contact Stage Manager Stephanie DeLacy at DeLacyStephanieL@sau.edu, or Musical Director Keith Haan at 563/333-6146.

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"Inherit the Wind" Recap!
As part of the campus-wide Darwin Project here at St. Ambrose University, the theatre department recently performed its production of "Inherit the Wind." "Inherit the Wind" is a fictionalized rendition of the Scope’s Monkey Trial, which took place in 1925. The fictional character, Bert Cates, played by SAU senior Sean Tweedale, is a representation of the historic figure, John Scopes, who was put on trial after teaching Darwin’s evolutionary theory. Henry Drummond, played by SAU senior John Hannon, portrayed the historical defendant attorney Clarence Darrow. Dan Hernandez, SAU junior, gave an excellent performance of Matthew Harrison Brady, depicting the historic figure and opponent to Darwinism, William Jennings Bryan. The production also featured SAU seniors Jessica Denney as Rachel Brown, Ryan Westwood as the Reverend Jeremiah Brown, Seth Kaltwasser as E.K.Hornbeck, as well as the department’s very own Prof. Michael Kennedy as the judge.

"Inherit the Wind" was directed by Dr. Corinne Johnson, with costumes designed by Dianne Dye and set design by Kris Eitrheim. Dr. Johnson stated, “As this was a fictionalized drama, inspired by a historical event, I spent much of the summer researching the Scopes Monkey Trial and McCarthyism to help provide a basis of understanding for the fictionalized play.”

After each performance, a discussion panel was held to address the issues of evolution and religion. St. Ambrose University faculty members Dr. Bill Hixon, Dr. Micah Kiel, Dr. Matt Halfhill, Dr. Rich Legg, and Dr. Corinne Winter, as well as SAU Alum Father Tom Hennen from Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Parish, sat in on the panel on different nights to provide answers to the questions and the issues that arose. They provided interesting feedback and helped tackle some of the issues with evolutionary theory compared to theology.

"Inherit the Wind" was a great success! It touched on many different aspects, but emphasized the fact that all people have the right to think. The actors did a phenomenal job of portraying the participants in one of the most important trials in American history. Two actors in particular, Dan Hernandez and Jessica Denney, were nominated for the Irene Ryan scholarship audition which will be held in Lawrence, Kan., in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Congratulations to Dan Hernandez and Jessica Denney for their excellent performances and accomplishments.

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“The Lesson” Cast
“The Lesson,” by Eugene Ionesco, is a one act, absurdist play about a professor, his pupil and an unfortunate tutoring session between the two. SAU Alum Matt Mercer will be directing, taking an interesting take on this well-known play.

The cast is as follows:
Professor 1……………….Sara Garvey
Professor 2……………….Nathan Scheetz
Professor 3……………….Sean Tweedale
Pupil……………………...Justine Petesch
Maid……………………...Morgan Griffin

Performances of “The Lesson” will be Saturday, Nov. 8 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and then again on Sunday, Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. Tickets can be purchased for $6 in the Galvin Fine Arts Center box office, 563/333-6251.

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Getting to Know You… SAU Welcomes Mike King as new Technical Associate
If you have wandered through the Galvin Fine Arts Center in the past couple months, chances are you have seen a new face hanging around the scene shop and stage area. That face belongs to Mike King, the new Assistant Technical Director for Galvin and the Theatre Department. Although Mike is no stranger to the theatre world, the technical side of theatre was not necessarily where he anticipated himself working.

Mike, a Quad Cities native, started his theatre career at age 8 with Junior Theatre. His first paying job came as a stagehand (at 13), as a result of him spending so much time backstage. Mike also spent a large portion of his time onstage. Of his stagehand and acting work Mike said, “I loved putting up shows for an audience, which led to a desire of keeping the show going whether I was on or off-stage.”

Mike attended Marycrest College for a short time, but did not finish his degree. Instead he moved to New York City and auditioned for the Circle in the Square theatre conservatory, where he was accepted. Until he moved to New York, his longest time between shows was 30 days. “I couldn’t have gone to New York or pursued theatre without family—it is so important to have a support network of people.” Mike also did some technical work while in New York, as he worked on contract jobs and did some work at Atlantic Studios in New Jersey.

After two years of classes at Circle in the Square (with classes taught by professionals and guest lecturers) Mike ended up returning to the Quad Cities (to help out relatives) with a desire to start a professional theatre company. At that time there were only four community theatre groups and Circa ‘21 Dinner Theatre in the area. He started the Ghostlight Theatre Company, which eventually dissipated, but Mike continued his desire to remain in the business. “I was stubborn about theatre,” he stated. “I wanted to get paid to do it. I didn’t want a different job, which meant I had to dig for opportunities to get paychecks in theatre—that meant tech work.” Mike said, “For me, it wasn’t ‘acting or nothing at all’ it was ‘theatre or nothing at all.’”

Welcome to the St. Ambrose Community, Mike! We look forward to working with you!

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SAU Students and Faculty Participate in Summer Theatre in the Quad Cities
Ryan Westwood
Ryan Westwood was in "john and jen" at The Green Room this summer. Tyson Danner, SAU Alum, directed Ryan as John, and Sarah Ulloa as Jen. Westwood said of the direction, “Many of the concepts he was working with – hope, the inevitability of change, moving forward, and acceptance – started as simple ideas and morphed into full blown philosophies.” Westwood was greatly affected by the production. “It changed the way I look at theatre, and the way I approach it.” River Cities Reader writer Mike Schulz said of the production, “It was thrilling watching these performers in action, and my only true complaint about the Green Room's 'john & jen' is that so few of you likely had the chance to see it for yourselves.”

Emily Kurash
This summer was full of theatre for Emily Kurash! She started off designing props/costumes for "john & jen" at The Green Room Theatre. In early June she was involved in Harrison Hilltop Theatre's debut performance, playing Claire in "Proof." Kurash stage managed The Curtainbox Theatre's midwest debut of "Three Viewings." She also costume designed "A Year With Frog and Toad" at the Green Room, and was producer for Countryside Community Theatre's two summer shows, "The Sound of Music" and "Children of Eden." Kurash said of her experiences, “It was very exciting to get to work with talented artists from all over the QC area, and I was thrilled to be a part of two theatre's debut seasons! I was very lucky to be able to do work in all areas of the theatre, and really learn what it takes to do different jobs one after another, and work with many new people on a regular basis.” Reviewer Briana Byrd said of Kurash in "Proof," her “older-sister Claire is maddeningly ‘perfect.’"

Dr. Corinne Johnson
Dr. Corinne Johnson, SAU Theatre Department faculty, performed in a show with SAU alums, actors Dave Bonde, Kim Kurtenbach Furness and directed by Daniel Sheridan. It was stage managed by Emily Kurash, and Matt Carney was on the running crew. The show was "Three Viewings," by Jeffrey Hatcher. This was a production by Kurtenbach Furness’ company, The Curtainbox. It is a professional company that she initially started with her husband, Dave Furness (also an SAU alum) in Los Angeles. Johnson said of the show, “['Three Viewings'] was comprised of three looooooonnnng monologues with intertwining story lines.” Quad Cities reviewer Ruby Nancy said of Johnson, “Only an actor as gifted and as bright as Johnson could play such a total dingbat with exactly the right self-conscious tone that is required to make this monologue work.”

Jaci Entwisle
Jaci acted in four shows with four different companies this summer, and she stage managed the SAU Studio Theater production of "Rabbit Hole." She acted in "Life's a Dream" with the Prenzie Players, and then moved to Kimberly Akimbo with Riverbend Theatre Collective. After that she acted in "Almost, Maine" with the brand new Harrison Hilltop Theatre, and just finished playing the lead in "Promises, Promises" at Playcrafter’s Barn Theatre. Entwisle learned something from her summer experiences. “Each one was clearly an immensly different experience, and I definitely learned a lot from all four. This summer I really found out that I do want to act, whereas for a couple of years I've been going back and forth between onstage and backstage work.” River Cities Reader critic Mike Schulz said of Entwisle’s performance, “the radiant, effortlessly touching Entwisle, who completely matches her co-star in stage charisma and winning comic pluck.”

Sarah Ulloa
Sarah Ulloa was involved in "john & jen," playing the part of Jen, at the Green Room Theatre this summer. Ryan Westwood played the role of John, and Tyson Danner, St. Ambrose Alum, directed the show. Ulloa said of the experience, “It was one of the most amazing shows that I have ever had the privilege of being a part. I learned a great deal there and was really able to become the character rather than just play the part.” Independent reviewer Ruby Nancy said of Ulloa, “Her vocals are simply the most beautiful thing I have heard in years, and her deeply real Jen is both genuine and complex.” Ulloa also participated in the Cabaret series at the Green Room Theatre. She performed many different musical scenes with Tyson Danner. Ulloa explains the cabaret, “The purpose of the cabaret series is really unique because those who are performing are playing more than one role, actually multiple roles, that are very different from each other.” The cabaret performed on the first Saturday of the month and did two shows, one at 7:30 p.m. and a 21-and-older show at 9 p.m.

Donna Hare
SAU Theatre Department adjunct professor Donna Hare performed as Catherine in The Harrison Hilltop Theatre’s debut production of "Proof," by David Auburn. According to Hare, Proof had many troubles getting to the stage. “This was not your typical experience. We were missing an actor for two weeks of the four weeks, had to rehearse in our basement (among other locations), push back the show a week, and the show was cancelled the Friday before we opened. Harrison Hilltop could not get their theatre, but The Green Room allowed us to use theirs. So by Saturday, we were back with the show.” When asked what she learned from this experience, Hare replied, “I learned that the Ambrose ethic will persevere through all trials and tribulations (I performed with current student: Emily Kurash and former students: Lou Hare and Aaron Randolph III)!” Reviewer Briana Byrd said of Hare, “Donna Hare stole the show with her performance as Catherine. She was natural and relaxed, almost as though we weren’t watching a play on stage – it seemed more like spending time with a friend who is going through a tough time.”

Lou Hare
This summer, SAU adjunct professor Lou Hare acted in a production of "Proof," playing the character of Hal. "Proof" was produced by the Harrison Hilltop Theatre. Then, Hare acted in "Assassins," playing the character of John Wilkes Booth, at The Green Room Theatre. Hare said of his summer experiences, “I particularly enjoyed working with my fellow Ambrosians in both productions.”

Congratulations to everyone on your positive reviews!

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New Movement for Actors Class
This fall, SAU Theater students have been given the opportunity to participate in the Movement for Actors class, taught by SAU alumnus Dan Rairdin-Hale ’04. Movement for Actors has previously been offered at St. Ambrose, taught by another SAU alum, Shellee Frazee. After graduating from St. Ambrose, Hale went on to receive his MFA in Acting from DePaul University. After returning to the area, Hale took over the class following Frazee’s departure to Chicago earlier this year.

The class consists of 12 students, ranging from freshmen to seniors, some of whom have previously taken Movement for Actors and are eager to learn more. Meeting twice a week, the class generally spends one day exploring new concepts and activities that promote an awareness of self and physicality. Day two is generally filled with a rigorous workout that keeps everyone on their feet. Many of the exercises given during class are based on ensemble work. “Tap into the group mind” is the phrase often heard as the students develop an awareness of others around them and learn to move and work as a group.

Performance is also a key aspect to the class. Within the first week of class, the students were given their first assignment to perform as an individual for the rest of the class. Since then, the students have also performed with partners and small groups. The supportive environment of the class offers students many creative opportunities to express themselves through performance.

This class provides training that no actor should be without. SAU Senior Jessica Denney explains, “This class is so important for an actor. I feel I’m getting more in touch with my body and can open my emotions through my body language.” All students agree that this is training that will be beneficial to them while performing in current and upcoming productions.

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Back at His Beginning – SAU Alum is New Performing Arts Coordinator for Davenport Parks and Recreation
When students at the undergraduate or graduate level near graduation, they are bombarded with possibilities and options for their future. For some, the answers are elusive and there is no definite answer to the “job” question and they feel their way towards a future career in a new and unknown location. Others are much more fortunate and find their place right away, and for one SAU Alum in particular, in a place very close to home. Daniel DP Sheridan '05, a QCA native and a 2008 graduate of The University of Connecticut, has recently returned to the Quad Cities as the Performing Arts Coordinator for Davenport Parks and Recreation, primarily with Junior Theatre, the 57 year old children’s theatre program, of which Sheridan himself is a product. The following is what Sheridan had to say regarding his new job and what led his return to the Quad Cities.

What brought you back to the QCA?
It was a really tough decision of what to do coming out of UConn. For the first time in my life, the world really felt like endless options. I was caught between the desire to move to NYC, to Minneapolis, or home. Ultimately, what drew me back was that I understood the impact I could make on the community and the lives of children. In New York, and somewhat in Minneapolis, you have to go and pound your way into the theatre community. In the Quad Cities I understood what I would be accomplishing. And contributing to the arts in this area, at this moment, seems so crucial. It's an exciting place to be.

Is this where you saw yourself while studying in undergraduate and graduate school?
You know, I always imagined myself heading up a theatre company. I came to St. Ambrose intending to solely study acting, but the program introduced me to so much more. I fell in love with absolutely every aspect of theatre, and St. Ambrose gave me that perspective. I decided to once again focus on Acting at UConn. At UConn I worked in the Management Office at the Connecticut Repertory Theatre, and I even fell in love with the administrative work of theatre. It's all so important. So yes, I guess I always have seen myself in this position one day. I just didn't know when, where, or how soon.

What have you enjoyed most since starting your position?
It's an extremely exhausting job, and I think what I have enjoyed the most is meeting or talking to people who grew up in the program. It is the people around me that amaze me every day, and when I get tired, something comes along that shakes me out of it.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced since starting as Performing Arts Coordinator?
Organization. Hands down. When you have an abundant amount of unmanaged resources, it's good and bad at the same time. The bulk of the work has been creating structure on all levels. But it is coming together, and laying the foundation is always the hardest part. By this time next year, I will have my files to refer to for guidance.

What are your hopes for your new job and for Junior Theatre?
My hope right now is to swing the Junior Theatre program around and make it a vital and cherished part of the community once again. The program has gone through a rough five years, and right now it is about getting back to the basics of what this 57-Year program has done so well: Educating and creating theatre for children, by children.

My long term goals are to create one of the strongest children's theatres in the nation, both in performance and education. As budgets get smaller in the schools, programs like Junior Theatre are even more necessary. Roger Book, former Junior Theatre student from the 1950's who is a professional painter, said to me on the phone the other day, "Without Junior Theatre in my life, I would not have had the perspective necessary to be an artist." That's pretty beautiful.

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Alumni Updates! – Beth Curley and Jill Schmits
Beth Curley '03
Graduate Theatre, Fine Arts, and Graphic Design Majors
Since graduating from Ambrose five years ago, Beth Curley has been making a splash in Charleston, S.C., where she has been working as a communications manager for a theatre company called Charleston Stage. She’s also done much work on stage, and she recently won an award for her performance in a production of "Enchanted April." Curley was honored with the award for Best Actress in a Play by a local critic who gave “Best of” awards to 10 theaters in the Charleston community for their work in the 2007-2008 season. She also recently starred in a production of the one-woman show, "Bad Dates."

Curley’s production of "Enchanted April" performed at the Village Playhouse in April and May of 2008. The play centers around four women in need of a holiday who come together from various parts of England and rent out a villa in Italy. For more information on Curley’s award and production, visit www.lowcountrystages.com and click on “2007-2008 Lowcountry Stages Award Winners.”

Everyone back at Ambrose congratulates Beth on her achievement and wishes her the best of luck in all future endeavors.

Jill Schmits '05
Graduate Elementary Education Major, Theatre Minor

After graduating from St. Ambrose in 2005, Jill Schmits was ready to hit the Chicago theatre scene. She had her headshots taken within three months of graduation and was ready to go audition. However, when a job opportunity presented itself, she took a break from theatre and worked in the education field for three years.

As of August 2007, Jill Schmits has made her triumphant return to the stage! Schmits starred in a performance of "Trust" with Open Eye Productions. The production ran for six weeks, from August 10 through September 14 of this year. This was the first professional production Schmits has ever been involved in. About her experience, she says, "I was intimidated going in at first. I felt out of practice, since I hadn’t been onstage in three years. But the people were great and the experience was fun. We spent a lot of time joking and laughing." She also said she learned a lot from her co-stars. "It was nice to work with people who have been doing this for a while now. By watching them, I could learn how to juggle working a day job and acting professionally. Also, it was great to see their process, and how much work they would do outside the theatre in between rehearsals.”

As of now, Schmits is looking for a steady job with a steady paycheck, but she is planning to continue auditioning in the future. She’s hoping to get involved in some readings and Open Eye Productions has already invited her to come back and audition for their next show. “Chicago is so small,” says Schmits. “Everybody knows everybody, and it’s been nice to kind of get my foot in the door.”

Schmits also had much to say about the education and experience she gained from attending Ambrose. “As intimidated as I was going into the production of "Trust," I realized how much training I got at Ambrose and how professionally they do things there. Even though I hadn’t been acting for three years, I knew that I had all the training I needed. I’ve always heard that from other people, but it was nice to really see it firsthand. Cory, Mike, Dianne, Kris, and everyone there should feel very proud of the work they do.”

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Senior Salute: Sean Tweedale
Hometown: Des Moines, IA
Previous Productions at SAU: Acting – "Rabbit Hole" (Jason), "Pippin" (Ensemble Member), "God’s Favorite" (Ben Benjamin), “Charlotte’s Web” (Announcer), "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" (Ray), "Crème de Coco" (Jean Cocteau), "The Real Thing" (Henry), "Fortinbras" (Osric), "The Threepenny Oper"a (Crookfinger Jake), “Dear Edwina” (Bobby), "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead" (Alfred). Directing – "[sic]," "The Happy Journey." Tech Work – "Five Women Wearing the Same Dress" (Costume Designer), "Much Ado About Nothing" (Light Board Operator), "Wonderful World" (Stage Manager), "The Children’s Hour" (Assistant Stage Manager).
Latest Project: Playing Bert Cates in "Inherit the Wind" and Professor #3 in “The Lesson”
Why did you come to SAU? I came to SAU because it was small, Catholic, close to home, and they gave me money! I didn't do very much research before I came here. I just got lucky that SAU was such a great school!
Favorite SAU Experience: My favorite SAU experience was going to Europe with the theatre department. My two trips were absolutely amazing!
Dream Job: My dream job is President Supreme Dictator of the World. But I would settle to be working full time on Broadway as the M.C. in "Cabaret"! What an awesome part!
Favorite Actor/Actress: My favorite actor is Laurence Olivier. He played Shakespeare like no other. Favorite Word/Phrase: My favorite word or phrase is "Sean is that you?" said by Cory in her bathroom, wondering if I'm in the stall next to hers.
Biggest Pet Peeve: Actors giving other actors notes!
Advice for Incoming Freshmen: My advice for incoming freshman is to talk with professors and audition and do everything. If they aren't cast, ask why and then ask what they can do off stage to help the performance onstage. Theatre is much more than just acting and SAU really teaches that. Also be prepared... for the love of God, be prepared for all of Cory's classes! She will haunt your dreams!
What are your plans after gradation? After graduation, I'm going to go out to Los Angeles and try to do that thing I've been learning here... acting.

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Theatre in the QCA This Month
Show: "Inherit the Wind"
Producer: St. Ambrose University
Dates: October 3-4 at 7:30 p.m., October 5 at 3 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: "The Full Monty"
Producer: Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Now through November 8. Wednesday matinees at 1 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., Sunday evenings at 5 p.m.
Tickets: Prices range from $24.96 to $44.20; call (309) 786-7733 to reserve
Location: 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL; located in the District of Rock Island
Included in "The Full Monty Cast" is SAU alumna, Kim Kurtenbach Furness

Show: ComedySportz Quad Cities
Producer: Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Every Friday and Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Tickets: $8 prepaid, $10 at the door
Location: 1818 3rd Ave., Rock Island, Ill. Downtown in the District, next to Circa ’21

Show: "The Merchant of Venice"
Producer: Prenzie Players
Dates: October 17-19 and 24-26 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: $8
Location: Village Theatre (formerly Turner Hall), 2113 E 11th Street, Davenport
Included in "The Merchant of Venice" cast is SAU Senior Jaci Entwisle

Show: "Angel Street"
Producer: Richmond Hill Players
Dates: October 9-11 at 7:30 p.m. and October 12 at 4 p.m.
Tickets: $8; Call (309) 944-2244 to reserve
Location: Barn Theatre, Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo, Ill.

Show: "Angels in America: Millennium Approaches"
Producer: The Green Room Theatre
Dates: October 31-November 2
Tickets: To reserve tickets, call (309) 786-5660.
Location: 1611 2nd Ave. in the District of Rock Island.

Show: The Woman in Black
Producer: Harrison Hilltop Theatre
Dates: October 9-18
Tickets: Visit their website at www.harrisonhilltop.com to reserve.
Location: 1601 Harrison Street, Davenport

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SAU Theatre Newsletter Next Issue
Our next issue will be released on Monday, Nov. 3 and will feature a cast list for "Seussical, Jr."

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.

Department Chair: Kristofer Eitrheim - 563/333-6255
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Corinne Johnson - 563/333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Seth Kaltwasser, SAU senior
Contributing Journalists: Emily Kurash/SAU senior, Rachel Mayer/SAU senior, Katie McCormack/SAU Junior, Justine Petesch/ SAU freshman