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Absurdist Comes to the Studio Although “The Lesson” is usually performed with one male professor and a female pupil, the director, Matt Mercer, has decided to take a different direction. He has split the role of the professor into three different roles in order to portray the different mindsets of the somewhat schizophrenic professor. Matt Mercer stated, “The professor’s lines seemed to be able to be broken down into beats, or different thought processes. So, I first thought of the professor as a schizophrenic, but instead I broke it out into separate people for clarity’s sake.” Eugene Ionesco’s use of language in this one-act is quite challenging, and at times can make no sense. Matt Mercer also stated, “I’m not sure if anyone knows what was going through Ionesco’s mind when he wrote “The Lesson.” All I did was try to make sense of all the random language used in the show. It sounded like more than one person or thought process, to say the least. I just want the audience to be able to follow the story a little better.” “The Lesson” will open in the Studio Theatre with a special late night showing on Friday, Nov. 7 at 10:30 p.m. and will continue with two performances on Saturday, Nov. 8, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets will be $6 and can be reserved and purchased at the Galvin Box Office at 563/333-6251. **Majors and minors are encouraged to attend the late night performance of “The Lesson” on Friday, Nov. 7. After all, it’s not unusual for you to be in Galvin past your bedtime.** |
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“Seussical Jr.” Cast List Announced The cast list is as follows: Wickersham Monkeys: Bird Girls: Ashley Damato, Kelly Hawkins, Justine Petesch, and Jaci Entwisle Whos/Hunters: Morgan Griffin, Mara Van Buer, Nicole Schmidt, and Jonathan Weeks Public performances are at 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7. Tickets can be purchased in the Galvin Fine Arts Center Box Office. For reservations, please call 563/333-6251. |
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Directing Class One-Acts The one-acts featured are: |
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Search Begins for a New Theatre Professor
With Kennedy’s retirement announced, arrangements were quickly made for the hiring process and a search committee was appointed. The search committee consists of theatre professors Dr. Corinne Johnson, Kristofer Eitrheim, and Michael Kennedy, and English professor Dr. Owen Rogal. Costume designer Dianne Dye and SAU senior Seth Kaltwasser are serving as non-voting members of the committee. The search is moving along rather quickly. The job posting was met with an enthusiastic response. Our search committee sifted through nearly 100 applications and narrowed it down to about 20 applicants who were interviewed by phone. After all the work narrowing it down, the committee is inviting four candidates to campus. Please join the committee in interviewing: This year and next are very important for the St. Ambrose Theatre Department and the decisions being made now will have a great influence on the next big chapter in the department’s history. For the time being, we will all enjoy this last year with Prof. Kennedy and look forward to some new life hitting Galvin in the next school year. |
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SAU Students Prepare for the 2009 KCACTF Festival Department Chair Kris Eitrheim will be participating in the festival as the Associate Coordinator for the Stage Crew Showdown. Throughout the week he will be assisting in the technical theatre competitions and evaluating the competing teams. Dr. Cory Johnson has also been participating on the Selection Committee, which will determine the plays performed at the Regional Festival. Prior to the festival week, she will have viewed and responded to 8 to 10 competing productions. An important part of the festival is the Irene Ryan Scholarship competition. Two actors from each SAU mainstage production are nominated to participate in the competition. The competition at the regional festival includes three rounds, the first two consisting of two contrasting scenes with a partner of their choice. For the final round, students present their first two scenes as well as a monologue or song. This year, Dr. Cory Johnson is serving as the Associate Irene Ryan Coordinator. Her responsibilities include approving the candidate’s selected pieces after being provided with proof of secured rights to perform them. The winner of the Region V festival will go on to compete in the National Festival, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. This year's nominees for the Irene Ryan Scholarship are Senior Seth Kaltwasser and Alumnus Matt Mercer (nominated for God's Favorite), Senior Ryan Westwood and Senior Emily Kurash (nominated for Pippin), Senior Jessica Denney and Junior Dan Hernandez (nominated for Inherit the Wind). These students are currently working diligently in selecting their pieces, as well their partners. We wish these actors the best of luck at the festival! The first showing on their work will be Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 6:30 p.m. on the Galvin Mainstage. All are welcome to attend and give these actors some tips and encouragement. This year’s Region V festival will take place Jan. 18-23, 2009 in Lawrence, Kan. Students actively participating in festival are paid for by the SAU Theatre Department. There are many ways to get involved in the festival; more information is available at www.kcactf.org. On this website, select Region V for more information on our region. Students who are not actively participating, but would still like to attend the festival, should contact Department Chair Kris Eitrheim at 563/333-6255 as soon as possible. Spots are available for a $60 fee. These spots are first offered to majors and minors on a first come, first served basis. |
The Iowa Thespian Festival
High School theatre troupes from all over Iowa attend the festival and are encouraged to attend the different workshop, which teach a variety of subjects from improve to technical elements, as well as audition for various college and scholarships and attend shows put on by other high school troupes. There is also an “All-State Show” for the students to audition for during the weekend. The show this year will be The Laramie Project. The weekend is packed with great opportunities for the high school students to use their creative talents! St. Ambrose will also be involved in the festival. |
SAU Alums Invade the Big Apple Joe Feldman '07 The city is such an exciting place. There is always an abundance of things to do, especially in the theatre world. Take my favorite theatre instance so far. I went and saw HAIR in Central Park. For FREE. And it was PHENOMENAL. I definitely miss my SAU family and friends! And hopefully I will be able to return for a visit soon!
Claire Richards '07
Ted Stephens III '01, '04 Keep up with Ted at his blog at www.tedstephens3.com. Jenny Stodd '06
Another hard thing about auditioning is that sometimes due to the amount of people, you don't even get to sing--a lot of times they do what is called "typing." They take you in a room 10-20 at a time, look at your headshot, look at you, and decide based on your look alone if you are what they want. If your look fits the bill, then you wait around some more to sing. If it doesn't, you go home. It saves you time in the long run, and at least you know you just weren't what they were looking for, but it's a bummer just the same. I recently was typed into a call for an off-broadway production of “Dear Edwina” where there were over 350 auditionees. My audition highlight thus far was at an audition for the national tour of "The Putnam County Spelling Bee." I was called back after singing 16 bars, and was taught a song. About 40 girls were called back, and after singing the song, they cut us down to about 12. All of us were given a scene to read, and then they cut it down to two, and it was at that point that I was cut. But just making it that far at a huge call was amazing and a great testament as to why I'm here! There are days when I absolutely love it out here, and days when I want to pack up my things and go. But I wouldn't trade the experience I'm having right now, and I will at least know I gave it a good go. My advice for anyone moving out here would be to save as much money as possible and move with someone you know. It's gonna be tough! |
Although he is most well-known as the music director for many of our mainstage musicals (he is currently working on this winter’s children’s musical, "Seussical, Jr."), he has also been a presence in many other areas of the department. He has attended the annual KC/ACTF convention and even dazzled audiences as an actor/singer/dancer in more than one Ambrose musical. Just last April, Dr. Haan nearly stole the show, as he embraced his maternal side and played the role of Bertha in Ambrose’s production of the Stephen Schwartz musical, "Pippin." He played the role of musical director for that show as well, and each night, he would wait patiently in the pit, directing the band in a purple dress and high heels, until he could hop on stage for his show-stopping number, "Just No Time At All." As the number ended, at he was carried offstage, audiences roared their approval and there was no denying it: this was the role he was born to play! However, this was not his only appearance in an Ambrose musical. You may remember him acting in Ambrose’s production, "Urinetown" from October 2005, in which he played Bobby Strong’s grandfather. That character met a tragic death, but at least he didn’t have to dance around in a corset and high heels! Whether or not his official title lists him as a member of the theatre department, there is doubt that Dr. Haan has forever ensured himself a place in the heart and memory of this department. It will be a very long time indeed before Allaert auditorium forgets the time he put in, the talent he shared, and the heels he wore. Who can guess what he’ll do next? |
Senior Salute: Rachel Mayer  Hometown: Dixon, Ill. Previous Productions at SAU: Directing—“Rabbit Hole,” “WASP”, “Inherit the Wind” (Assistant Director) Acting—“Stop Kiss” (Mrs. Winsley/Nurse), “[sic]” (Mrs. Jorgensen/Dr. Greenspan), “Narnia” (ensemble), “Wake-Up Call” (ensemble), “Much Ado About Nothing” (Balthasar), “Urinetown” (ensemble) Design—“Rabbit Hole” (sound design), “Pippin” (props), “All My Sons” (sound design), “Eastern Standard” (props), board operator and shift crew for other productions. Latest Project: Mrs. Mayor in “Seussical” and acting in the student-directed one-acts. Why did you come to SAU? Originally, I wanted to teach high school and this was one of very few schools that had a theatre education major. Eventually I realized that major wasn’t for me, but I’m glad I ended up here anyway! Favorite SAU Experience: It would have to be a tie between working on “Rabbit Hole” and going to London with the theatre department (if you get the chance to go—GO!). Dream Job: Honestly, I’d love to teach at a university one day. Until then, my dream job would be whatever makes me happy. Favorite Actor/Actress: Emma Thompson and William H. Macy Favorite Word/Phrase: The word “spelunking” always makes me smile. Biggest Pet Peeve: People who never learn to leave the drama onstage Advice for Incoming Freshmen: Don’t be afraid to change your plans. Even more than once. What will you miss most about SAU? The entire department What are your plans after graduation? Looking for opportunities to direct…wherever they happen to appear Back to Top |
Senior Salute: Steph DeLacy  Hometown: Camanche, Iowa Previous Productions at SAU: Acting – “Inherit the Wind” (Mrs. Loomis), “Rabbit Hole” (Izzy), “Stop Kiss” (Sara), “Eastern Standard” (Ellen) Choreography – “Charlotte’s Web” Latest Project: Stage Manager for “Seussical, Jr.” Why did you come to SAU? When I came for my visit, it felt like home. They also have a great physical therapy program, which was my original major…oops! Favorite SAU Experience: Working in the Studio Theatre. Not only did I grow as an actress in a huge way, but I met some of my best friends down there. Dream Job: Choreographing on Broadway and being a mom Favorite Actor/Actress: Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman Favorite Word/Phrase: "Do you wanna go to Starbucks...cuz I wanna go to Starbucks." Biggest Pet Peeve: When people don't text me back...grrr… Advice for Incoming Freshmen: Get involved with EVERYTHING and don't let anyone tell you not to audition for something. Do it all; you only have four years and they can be absolutely fantastic! Also, be silly…these people will be your family for the next part of your life. What will you miss most about SAU? My whole theatre family What are your plans after graduation? Moving to Chicago with Emily Kurash for a year to dance, then going to grad school for my MFA in Dance Theatre Back to Top |
| Freshman Spotlight: Melissa Ford Hometown: Mt. Vernon, Iowa Major/Minor: Business Previous Productions: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “The Matchmaker,” and “Guys and Dolls” Most recent project: ASM for “Inherit the Wind” Why did you come to SAU? I came because it’s in a good location, close to some family, and I liked the small campus. Favorite SAU experience: The floor spa night the RAs held. It was fun because everyone on the floor came and we got to meet so many people. Favorite Actor/Actress: Gerard Butler and Scarlett Johansson What do you hope to accomplish at SAU: To make a lot of new friends and do well academically Back to Top |
Freshman Spotlight: Morgan Griffin  Hometown: Danville, Iowa Major/Minor: Fine Arts and Theatre major, Art History minor Previous Productions: “The Sound of Music,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Hello, Dolly!”, “Cheaper by the Dozen,” “Death by Chocolate,” “The Man Who Came to Dinner,” and many, many more! Most recent project: Currently in “The Lesson” and “Seussical, Jr.” Why did you come to SAU? I felt the most comfortable here and I liked that it wasn’t overwhelmingly large! Favorite SAU experience: Getting to be a part of the theatre department. Favorite Actor/Actress: Heath Ledger and Audrey Hepburn Favorite Word/Phrase: “Oh, the thinks you can think!” What do you hope to accomplish at SAU: I hope to find out what I want to do with my life! Back to Top |
Theatre in the QCA This Month Show: “The Full Monty” Show: “It’s a Wonderful Life” Show: ComedySportz Quad Cities Show: “Anne of Green Gables” Show: “The Odd Couple” Show: “Angels in America, Part I: Millennium Approaches” |
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SAU Theatre Newsletter Next Issue
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
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I decided to move here when my boss at TD Ameritrade offered me a position in Jersey City, NJ. I had visited the city for about 6 hours with Claire (Richards) before moving here and loved it. I am currently working at TD Ameritrade in Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Wall Street. But don't worry, my company is doing great. I am doing Enterprise Support, and working on getting some certifications. I am not actively involved in the theatre world at this moment, but I am definitely looking to get back into it! The wonderful Claire Richards talked to me about possibly doing something for a show she is putting together, where I would be a computer nerd (I know, stretching the old acting skills right?!) There are endless other opportunities to get involved, even on the volunteer basis. 
Sam Michael '06 
I have been working with the New Haven [CT] Theater Company for the past year. It is a for-profit spontaneous theatre troupe. I have acted in various original productions (have helped write a few too) and I am part of the Improv troupe, Funny Stages. I am in the process of directing an original play (more a performance art piece really) called "Searching." If I can get half of the budget I need it will be amazing! I have also been working on a children's show called "The Legend of Pedro de Urdemals" --mask, dance and puppet fun! We just finished our big Hispanic Heritage Month run where we played at six Connecticut Public Schools. We will be playing more schools as the year progresses. In August I played Peter Quince (Mrs. Quince in our production) in Midsummer’s Night Dream at the Stratford Theatre Festival. This past Spring I was in the New Works New Haven festival at the Longwharf Theatre. I played Jocosta/Electra/Lysistrata in a Greek satire called "Bad News Bearers" (Cheesy title, smart play). My goal is to finish the script I am working on now to submit for this upcoming spring. It’s the goal, but we’ll see! As for the future, one of the very likely possibilities on my plate is going to Morocco and teaching in an orphanage for about three months after Sam graduates. I am also going to be auditioning for the Missoula Children’s Theatre in March. 
Things continue to move ‘onwards and upwards’ in Manhattan after moving to the city in January, following the completion of my MFA in acting at the University of Florida. After completing a summer run of the world premiere of COLLEGE: THE MUSICAL at the Hippodrome Theatre in Florida, I returned to the city and have been auditioning. Three commercials I filmed for Beall's Clothing were recently picked up from the specs I shot, so he'll be re-shooting those in this winter in Florida and they'll air over the course of the next year (yay for residuals). I also recently signed on with a talent agency, Andreadis Talent Agency, in New York City. And I’m crossing fingers for a few great auditions I’ve had recently that could even bring me to the Midwest for a few months this spring. In mid-November, I’m returning to the Quad Cities to induct my high school drama director into the Iowa State Thespian Hall of Fame, and to teach a few acting workshops at the State (Thespian) Festival.” 
Auditioning is so hard. Being non-equity, usually an audition starts with what is called an "unofficial" sign up sheet. If a call states that sign up will begin at 9 a.m., someone usually gets there at 6am and starts the list. Usually I try to get to a call by around 7:30 a.m., and depending on how large the call is, I am usually around the 100th person to be seen. It involves a lot of waiting around and very little actual audition time. There isn't anywhere to warm up, and you have to sit in a studio with hundreds of other actors. 
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