The Theatre Department Newsletter
Edition 9, Issue 5
February 2009

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• “Agnes of God” Auditions This Week!
• A Look at “Lettice and Lovage”
• St. Ambrose Represents at KCACTF
• The Success of “Seussical Jr!”
• Onstage Proposal at the Galvin Fine Arts Center!
• The Illinois Thespian Festival
• Senior Salute: Seth Kaltwasser
• Transfer Spotlight: Monique Vos
• Theatre in the QCA This Month

"Agnes of God" Auditions This Week!
Auditions for the next Studio Theatre production will take place this week. SAU Senior Seth Kaltwasser will be directing John Pielmeier’s play “Agnes of God," which centers on the mysterious pregnancy of a young nun. The play calls for three female actors and will run March 26-28.

Auditions will be held in the Studio Theatre on Feb. 5 from 7-9 p.m. and on Feb. 6 from 3-5 p.m. Monologues are recommended, but not required. Though the cast is small, all are encouraged to audition for these great roles.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Seth Kaltwasser or Stage Manager Stephanie DeLacy.

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A Look at "Lettice and Lovage"
With winter break just behind us and the theatre department celebrating a great year at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, it’s difficult to imagine the first mainstage show of 2009 is only weeks away. Despite icy winter weather, freezing temperatures indoors at Galvin, and a weeklong break in Kansas, the cast and crew of “Lettice and Lovage” are working diligently.

“Lettice and Lovage” by Peter Shaffer is a charming and hilarious British comedy about Lettice Douffet, an expert on medieval cuisine and weaponry. She is a tour guide of Fustian House, the most boring stately home in Britain - until she strays far from the facts to embellish her tours. Charlotte Schoen, sent by the Preservation Trust to investigate, is not amused and fires her. But Charlotte’s passion for history draws her to Lettice’s romantic worldview and the two women forge an unlikely friendship in the face of their dreary modern lives.

Directed by Dr. Corinne Johnson, “Lettice and Lovage” will be presented in a different stage arrangement than a typical show in Allaert Auditorium. The audience seating will be built on the stage and will surround three sides of the set and acting area. This provides a very different experience for actors.

“It’s a very interesting space to work in,” says SAU Senior Emily Kurash, who plays Charlotte Schoen. “The fact that several of the actors have worked in the Studio Theatre has helped immensely, since we have experience being closer to the audience. This stage is different, though. It’s really odd to have some of the audience sitting behind you, and to know that’s okay. I’m really enjoying this process with a small cast in a ‘new’ space!”

The cast for “Lettice and Lovage” include: Katie McCormack (SAU Junior) as Lettice Douffet, Emily Kurash (SAU Senior) as Charlotte Schoen, Grace Allen (SAU Freshman) as Miss Framer, Sean Tweedale (SAU Alum ’08) as The Surly Man, and Seth Kaltwasser (SAU Senior) as Mr. Bardolph. An ensemble of museum guests also will be part of the show. Also, SAU alum and adjunct faculty member David Bonde’s (SAU Alum ’93) cat Carl Bonde will be making his debut as Felina in the production.

Dates of the show are February 20-22 at the Galvin Fine Arts Center. Please call the Galvin Box Office at (563) 333-6251 or go online at www.sau.edu/galvin to reserve your tickets today. Keep in mind, the new stage configuration will hold less audience members that a normal mainstage production would, so don’t hesitate to order your tickets early. You don’t want to miss this entertaining and endearing comedy!

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St. Ambrose Represents at KCACTF

Twenty-eight members of the St. Ambrose University theatre department (students and staff) recently attended the Region V Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Lawrence, Kansas. Over 1,500 people participated in this festival where students had the opportunity to display their work, attend a variety of workshops, and view productions from other universities. This year, the SAU theatre department had an incredibly strong showing in all areas of the festival.

Certificate of Merit
The first night in Kansas consisted of an opening ceremony, in which pictures were shown of productions from universities around Region V. During this time, certificates of merit were announced for outstanding work on various productions.

It was then announced that Jovon Eberhart was awarded a certificate of merit for stage management for the SAU production of “Pippin.”Anyone who saw the technical elements of this production can attest that the award was well deserved. While at the festival, Eberhart, along with Matt Carney, presented the poster for “Stop Kiss” at the Regional Design Expo. There, they received feedback on the poster and the marketing campaign. Says Eberhart, “I’d encourage other Ambrose students to participate in the expo because, in addition to having your work reviewed, you have the opportunity to connect with other student designers.“

The Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Competition
Six actors from St. Ambrose were nominated to compete in the Irene Ryan Scholarship Competition. Emily Kurash, Seth Kaltwasser, Ryan Westwood, Jessica Denney, Dan Hernandez, and SAU alum Matt Mercer were nominated for their outstanding work in various SAU mainstage productions over the past year. Each nominee, along with their scene partner, prepared a six-minute audition to perform in three rounds for respondents who would decide if the nominees move onto the next round. This year, 309 students competed in the preliminary round before they cut the number to 64 semi-finalists. SAU Senior Jessica Denney and her scene partner, Sean Tweedale, were selected to move on to the semi-final round. Says Denney of the experience, “I really loved our scenes and was just ecstatic that we could go out there and have fun one more time. This competition gave me a lot more confidence in my abilities and the abilities of everyone at SAU.” Congratulations to all of the nominees and their partners for their hard work and congratulations to semi-finalist Jessica Denney!

Theatre Management Challenge
In addition to preparing for her Irene Ryan audition, SAU Senior Emily Kurash competed in a relatively new event for KCACTF: the Theatre Management Challenge. Prior to attending the festival, Kurash prepared a proposal for a production of “Rabbit Hole.” This included letters to sponsors, a budget breakdown, and publicity plans among everything else needed in preparation for a fully realized production. During the festival, Kurash was judged on her ability to house manage two productions of the one-act, “An Old Album.” She also completed an interview, which was a review of her proposal. During the final awards ceremony, Kurash was announced as the first runner up in the challenge.

Stage Crew Showdown
The KCACTF Stage Crew Showdown consists of four-person teams competing against each other in a variety of technical theatre tasks such as quick costume changes, hanging and focusing lights, setting and striking a set and props, and hanging curtains. Teams are judged on both speed and accuracy.

SAU’s team (named “Don’t Touch Me”) consisted of Matt Carney, Jaci Entwisle, Josh Tipsword, and Andrew Benson. After two days of preliminary rounds, it was announced that “Don’t Touch Me” would be moving forward to the final round. While being cheered on by the rest of the Ambrose department, Carney, Entwisle, Tipsword, and Benson performed wonderfully in the final round. It was later announced at the awards ceremony that “Don’t Touch Me” won the final round and would be taking home the coveted golden wrench trophy!

SSDC National Fellowship Scene Audition
Prior to attending the festival, SAU Senior Rachel Mayer prepared a scene to submit to the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers (SSDC) directing competition. Along with actors Jessica Denney, Mike Kline, and Seth Kaltwasser, Mayer staged a scene from Melanie Marnich’s “Quake.” At the beginning of the week in Kansas, the scene was performed along with nine other scenes in a closed performance for the preliminary round. Representatives of SSDC offered feedback for the scene and Mayer completed an interview with the representatives about her research, script analysis, and rehearsal process. That very night, it was announced that Mayer’s scene (along with five others) would be moving on to the final round! Mayer and her actors were given a block of rehearsal time to work in the performance space and incorporate feedback given during the preliminary round. At the end of the week, the scene was performed in a final round, this time open to the public. After the final performances, a feedback session occurred in which directors explained the choices they made and offered feedback to the other directors. At the final awards ceremony, Mayer was announced as the regional winner and will be attending the national KCACTF in Washington D.C. along with faculty mentor, Dr. Cory Johnson!

There were many more successes for Ambrose students at this year’s festival. Several students participated in the summer stock auditions, many receiving callbacks to popular theatre companies in the midwest. SAU Junior Catie Osborn participated in the design intensive, Project Costume Runway. Osborn and her partner had four hours to research, render, and construct a costume according to the theme, Victorian Robin Hood. The finished product remained on display throughout most of the week. On the entire KCACTF experience, Senior Seth Kaltwasser best summarizes with, “Every time I leave ACTF, I leave with an increased pride in our small (but mighty!) department and a new respect for my friends and their many talents.”

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The Success of "Seussical Jr!"
Each December, St. Ambrose’s Theatre Department puts on a show especially for children. This years children’s show was “Seussical Jr!”, under the direction of Shellee Frazee. The show allowed the minds of the children to wander into the land of Dr. Seuss, while bringing to life the popular and extravagant characters from his.

Senior Ryan Westwood is Horton the Elephant in SAU's winter production of "Seussical Jr!"

Some of the characters included The Cat in the Hat (played by SAU senior Sean Tweedale), Horton the Elephant (SAU senior Ryan Westwood), JoJo (SAU senior Jessica Denney), Gertrude McFuzz (SAU junior Allissa Klatt), and Lazy Mayzie, (Bettendorf High School senior Stephanie Seward). The show ran from Dec. 3-7. The cast performed eight shows and had the children on the edge of their seats each time the colorful and musical characters hit the stage.

The stage manager for “Seussical Jr!” was SAU senior, Stephanie DeLacy. “Seussical Jr!” was Stephanie’s first experience as a stage manager. Stephanie stated, “Stage Managing this production was definitely a life experience for me. It was great and I definitely would do it again because I learned so much!”

"Seussical Jr!” was filled with intensive choreography. The cast ranged from students who have been dancing their whole lives, to students who have never danced at all. DeLacy also stated, “I was amazed at how quickly it came together from beginning to end. Everyone gave it their all and it was great to see the cast working together. By the end, everyone looked completely confident in what they were doing!”

The time and effort of the cast, crew, and director definitely paid off. The show was a huge success. Over 6,000 children were brought in throughout the week, and were in awe of the wondrous world the cast had created. Although it was a children’s show, people of all ages came to see the spectacular work done by all. Congratulations to the cast and crew of “Seussical Jr!” The hard work put into the production paid off!

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On-Stage Proposal at Galvin Fine Arts Center!

SAU Alum Beth Curley and Eric Anderson return to their roots for an unforgettable engagement

WHAT IT WAS: It was on the same stage where they had met in the late 1990’s and where both had either acted, directed ,or worked tech in numerous productions---it was the Galvin Fine Arts Auditorium. And on Dec. 27, 2008 it was also the place where they got engaged! SAU theatre alums Eric Anderson (who graduated from SAU in 2000 with cum laude honors and a double major in Theatre and Philosophy) and Beth Curley (who graduated from SAU in 2003 with magna cum laude honors and majors in Fine Arts, Graphic Arts, and Theatre) were recently home over Christmas break to visit family in Peoria and Davenport. But this past Christmas vacation is bound to be one for the books! Having dated Beth for many years Eric decided that she was the one and it was time to pop the question. AND --what better place to do that than back at the place where it all started? Eric says “I first fell in love with Beth seeing her perform on the Galvin stage in Picasso at the Lapin Agile in 1998.”

HOW IT WAS PLANNED: In November of ’08 Eric called former professor Cory Johnson to see about the possibility of surprising Beth with an onstage proposal a couple of days after Christmas. Was the building going to be open? Would they disturb other events going on? Might there be a spot light or two that could help set the theatrical scene? Johnson answered with, “Eric, for you and Beth—name it and you got it!!” Costume Shop Manager and surrogate departmental mom, Dianne Dye joined the planning team and, together with current SAU students Josh Tipsword and Matt Carney running spot lights, helped to stage manage the event and made the day memorable.

Eric and Beth were supposedly stopping by campus to pick up Eric‘s mom (Kathy Anderson, who is the Assistant to the President here on campus) at her SAU office. They “arrived early” and to kill time Eric suggested they walk over to Galvin to see if Cory (Johnson) or Kris (Eitrheim) were in (after all, it was a full two days after Christmas—they should back at work for heaven’s sake). That ruse got Beth over to the theatre and onto the stage where, after a bit of assurance that they were not interrupting a dry tech, Eric Anderson fell to his knee down stage center on the Allaert stage and proposed marriage to Beth Curley!

HOW SHE ANSWERED: Well, this would be a pretty nasty article if she had said “No”!! Of course, she said “YES!!”

OUR WELL WISHES FOR BETH AND ERIC: All the SAU Theatre/Galvin faculty and staff are thrilled for the new couple and thoroughly touched that they decided to “come home to Galvin” to mark this momentous and wonderful event. Best wishes to Eric and Beth!

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The Illinois Thespian Festival

The Illinois Thespian Festival is an opportunity for Illinois high school students to participate in college auditions, workshops, and see many shows put on by other high schools. The festival was held at The University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana. Throughout the three days, the high school students gathered information about college theatre departments and broadened their knowledge of theatre.

St. Ambrose sent two student representatives, freshman Justine Petesch and junior Nathan Scheetz, to help recruit high school students. Professor Mike Kennedy also was present at the festival to sit in on the high school students’ auditions. The three representatives informed many students about St. Ambrose’s theatre department, as well as the great opportunities the school has to offer. Many students were interested in the theatre department and were ready to include St. Ambrose in their college search.

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Senior Salute: Seth Kaltwasser

Hometown: Osage, Iowa
Previous Productions at SAU: Acting – “Inherit the Wind” (E. K. Hornbeck), “Pippin” (Leading Player), “God’s Favorite” (Sidney Lipton), “[sic]” (Frank), “All My Sons” (George Deever), “Crème de Coco” (Guard), “Fortinbras” (Horatio), “The Threepenny Opera” (Mr. Peachum), “Dear Edwina” (Johnny), “Urinetown” (Robbie the Stockfish). Directing – “Something I’ll Tell You Tuesday.” Tech Work – “Rabbit Hole” (Props Master), “Seussical” (Light Board Operator), “Charlotte’s Web” (Spotlight Operator), “Narnia” (Spotlight Operator), “Three Days of Rain” (Backstage Crew).
Latest Project: Playing Mr. Bardolph in “Lettice and Lovage” and directing “Agnes of God” in The Studio Theatre.
Why did you come to SAU? I’d heard many great things about the theatre department and I loved the school’s size. Also, receiving the Michael Kennedy Scholarship definitely helped me make up my mind.
Favorite SAU Experience: Being in “Pippin” was so great because it was such an ensemble piece. The cast and the crew worked so well and so energetically from the very beginning. Being in “[sic]” was also great for the same reason.
Dream Job: I’m just not sure. Ambrose basically helped me achieve all of the goals I had. Now I need to find some more! (P.S. I think I deserve a space on either the web site or an Ambrose billboard for that one.)
Favorite Actor/Actress: I love Tom Wilkinson, Clive Owen, and Cate Blanchett.
Advice for Incoming Freshmen: I was so nervous when I started at Ambrose that I almost talked myself out of auditioning. Don’t do that! Jump in, get involved, and don’t let yourself miss out on the opportunity to work in this place with these people. Check your ego at the door and be ready to learn a lot, and you’re set.
What are your plans after graduation? I’ll be moving up to the Twin Cities this September, in hopes of getting some theatre work.

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Hometown: Morrison, Ill.
Major: Speech/Theatre Education
Past Productions: “High School Musical,” “Dracula,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Once Upon a Mattress,” “Footloose,” and many more.
Most Recent Projects: “Seussical Jr!” and KCACTF summer stock auditions.
Why did you choose SAU? They offered the Theatre Education program and I have two siblings who go to Ambrose and love it.
Favorite SAU experience: KCACTF was certainly a blast!
What do you hope to accomplish at SAU? I hope to make many new friends, be in as many productions as I can, and get my degree in the process!
Favorite Actor/Actress: Ewan McGregor and Idina Menzel
Favorite Word/Phrase: “Tell me about it!”

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Theatre in the QCA This Month
Show: “Lettice and Lovage”
Producer: St. Ambrose University
Dates: February 20-22, 2009; Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets: $10 for adults, $9 for faculty/staff/senior citizens, $8 for non-SAU students, and SAU students with current IDs are admitted free. To reserve tickets, visit the Galvin Box Office at www.sau.edu/galvin or call 563/333-6251.
Location: Allaert Auditorium, Galvin Fine Arts Center on the St. Ambrose campus

Show: “Ring of Fire: the Johnny Cash Musical”
Producer: Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: Now thru March 21, 2009; 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 $44.10; call (309) 786-7733 to reserve.
Location: 1818 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois; located in the District of Rock Island.

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 Avenue, Rock Island, Ill. located in the District of Rock Island, next to Circa ’21.

Show: “True West”
Producer: Harrison Hilltop Theatre
Dates: February 5-7, 2009. All shows run at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $15 standard ticket, $10 discount ticket (with a valid student/military ID). To reserve tickets, call (309) 235-1654 or send an email to info@harrisonhilltop.com.
Location: 1601 Harrison St., Davenport
Note: This production is directed by St. Ambrose Alum and adjunct faculty member Louis Hare and features St. Ambrose Alum Andrew Harvey (’07) in the role of Austin.

Show: “Snoopy”
Producer: Junior Theatre
Dates: Wednesday, February 18 at 3:30 p.m.; Friday, February 20 at 10 a.m.; Saturday, February 21 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, February 22 at 2 p.m.
Tickets: $5 for anyone 3 years and up. Call (563) 326-7862 for more information.
Location: 2816 Eastern Avenue, Davenport.
Note: The show is directed by SAU Senior Cynthia Smysor and stage managed by SAU Senior Samantha Akers. Also, SAU Alumni Aaron Randolph III will be working as music director for this production

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SAU Theatre Newsletter Next Issue
The March edition of the SAU Theatre Newsletter will be released on March 2, 2009 and will feature stories on the upcoming SAU productions of “Agnes of God” and “Sweeney Todd.”

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