• Theatre Department

Edition 10, Issue 3 – November 2009

First Mainstage Show is a Success!
Cast Announced for Upcoming Children’s Show “A Year with Frog and Toad”
Directing Class One Acts Begin Again
New Music Director: Becky Seward
Future Recruiting Plans—The Iowa and Illinois Theatre Festivals
a href="qcatheatre"> Alumni Update!
Senior Spotlight: Jaci Entwisle
Freshman Focus—Tim V. Stompanato
Minutes from Theatre Department Call Board Meeting
Theatre in the QCA

First Mainstage Show is a Success!

"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," Galvin’s first show of the mainstage season, was a hit, bringing in big audiences and providing them with a night of entertainment and fun. Dianne Dye’s stunning and vastly numerous costumes added another level to the already enjoyable performances of 30 SAU students, who brought Shellee Frazee’s energetic dances to life on stage.

Mr. Jay Edelnant from the University of Northern Iowa, a respondent from Kennedy Center – American College Theatre Festival, attended Friday’s show, and chose senior Jaci Entwisle and freshman Stephanie Seward as this show’s Irene Ryan Acting nominees. These students, along with other SAU actors chosen from previous shows, will compete at the American College Theatre Festival in Overland Park, Kansas.

Congratulations on a successful start to the 2009-2010 season!

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Cast Announced for Upcoming Children’s Show "A Year with Frog and Toad"

"A Year with Frog and Toad," written by brothers Robert (music) and Willie Reale (book and lyrics), will be directed by SAU alum and new faculty member Daniel Rairdin-Hale. The successful children’s musical chronicles – you guessed it – a year with Frog and Toad. Follow Frog, Toad and all of their animal friends as they pass through the four seasons. The cast list of "A Year with Frog and Toad" is as follows:

Frog………………….Jonathan Ryan
Toad………….……..Daniel Hernandez
Snail………………….Andrew Benson
Mouse……………..Abby VanGerpen
Lizard………………..Nate Scheetz
Turtle………………..Jaci Entwisle
Man Bird…………..Tim Stompanato
Lady Bird #1.…….Steph Seward
Lady Bird #2………Valerie Zawada
Mole #1…………….Amanda Kochanny
Mole #2…………….Catie Osborn
Squirrel #1…….….Grant Legan
Squirrel #2…..……..Jonathan Smith

"A Year with Frog and Toad" will perform on Saturday, Dec. 5 and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for faculty/staff/alumni/seniors, $6 for non-SAU students, or FREE with a valid SAU student ID. On Saturday, Dec. 5, all SAU alumni and their children can get into the show for FREE. Alumni should call the Alumni Office to secure their free tickets at 563/333-6290.

Tickets can be reserved by calling the Galvin Fine Arts Center Box Office at 563/333-6251 or by visiting www.sau.edu/galvin.

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Directing Class One Acts Begin Again

As is SAU tradition, Dr. Corinne Johnson’s directing class will be ending the semester by directing a one-act play of their choice. These plays will be performed on December 14 and 15 at 7 pm in the Galvin Fine Arts Center Studio Theatre. Tickets are free and given out on a first come, first served basis. Get there early because only 50 seats are available!

The one-acts featured are:
"Savage/Love" by Sam Shepard and Joseph Chaikin. Directed by Catie Osborn.
A series of unique vignettes that cover the arc of a relationship between two people. Starring Abby VanGerpen and Andrew Benson.

"Rock Bottom" written by SAU Senior Catie Osborn. Directed by Tyler Reinert.
"Rock Bottom" is centered around the lives of a young couple (Valerie Zawada and Steve Andresen) after their home has surprisingly fallen into a sinkhole. Other actors include Katie McCormack and Stephanie Seward.

"Laundry and Bourbon" by James McLure. Directed by Andrew Benson.
A story about the lives of three women, following high school; and how they deal with the unexpected trials of life. Starring Abby VanGerpen, Grace Allen, and Jaci Entwisle.

"Who Made Robert DeNiro King of America?" by Jason Katims. Directed by Monique Vos.
Red and Maggie live together. She wrote a well received novel, but that was four years ago. He has been fired from his construction job and, using a manual on how to write and sell a screenplay in six weeks, is furiously typing away. He pitches his work to Maggie's agent and she loves it. The bidding gets hot and heavy-- DeNiro may be interested. But he isn't and the deal dies. Undeterred, Red begins another screenplay about aliens. Starring Nic Anderson, Val Zawada, and Jaci Entwisle.

The Theatre Newsletter would like to wish all of our student directors the best of luck in their directing efforts!

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New Music Director: Becky Seward

This year’s children show, "A Year with Frog and Toad," will feature guest music director Becky Seward, who is no stranger to either St. Ambrose or music. She graduated from St. Ambrose in 1978 and has been involved with music at SAU and around the Quad City area ever since.

Seward looks forward to another chance to be involved here at Ambrose. "It is such a great privilege, really great… I always enjoy working with the performers at St. Ambrose. They are so full of talent and enthusiasm." While she has worked with director Daniel Rairdin-Hale in the past, this experience will be slightly different. "While he was a student here, I had several chances to work with him as an actor while being accompanist for the musicals."

After graduating from Ambrose with a degree in Music Education, Seward didn’t stay away for too long. "I have been accompanying the musicals here on and off since the mid ‘90s. The SAU theater and music staff are incredible to work with. The students are so lucky to have people with their level of talent and experience."

Becky Seward’s previous experiences in musical theatre, while mainly consisting of her being the accompanist, also include two shows that she music directed. "In 2004 I was music director for Countryside Community Theatre’s production of "A Chorus Line," and in 2005, St. John Vianney Catholic Parish produced "Godspell" to commemorate their 40th anniversary." Outside of SAU, Seward has accompanied for the Quad City Music Guild, Bettendorf and Pleasant Valley High Schools, Center Stage Performing Arts Academy, Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse, and Countryside Community Theatre. “I always find it an enjoyable experience working with performers to bring out their own take on the characters musically."

When asked what we can expect from the upcoming children’s musical, Seward stated, "This show has a lot of really big characters. We have great songs being sung by a whole crew of colorful animals. There is a turtle, a snail… I don’t want to ruin the surprises. The show is definitely for the kids but will be enjoyed by all!"

We’re excited to have you with us once again! Good luck, Becky!

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Future Recruiting Plans—The Iowa and Illinois Theatre Festivals

In order to keep our department filled with talented students, the SAU Theatre Department must recruit high school students to come and join our ranks. There are two state theatre festivals in our future, in Iowa and Illinois.

The Iowa Thespian Festival is an opportunity for Iowa high school students to explore their college options and broaden their knowledge of theatre. This year, the festival will take place at Davenport North High School on November 13 and 14, and the St. Ambrose Theatre Department will have a booth set up with information about the theatre program, scholarships and the upcoming season. SAU professors will also audition potential students and attend technical portfolio reviews.

High School theatre troupes from all over Iowa attend the festival and are encouraged to attend the different workshops, which teach a variety of subjects from improv to technical elements, as well as audition for various colleges and scholarships and attend shows put on by other high school troupes.

The Illinois Theatre Festival is very similar in format to Iowa’s (although it’s attended by over 3500 students), and takes place January 7-10, 2010 at Illinois State University in Bloomington, Illinois. Newest addition to the SAU Theatre Department faculty, Daniel Rairdin-Hale, will be attending the festival along with two students. Rairdin-Hale says the recruiting experience is interesting because, “We get to meet our students before they’re actually our students.”

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Alumni Update!

The SAU Theatre Department has many successful and productive alums all across the country! Here’s what just a few of them have been up to.

Sean Tweedale, 2008 B.A. in Theatre
"I was cast in Des Moines’ Stage West Theatre production of the History Boys, by Alan Bennett, playing David Posner. That was a whole lot of fun, not only was it a great script but the cast was pretty phenomenal. The eight boys in the cast were from multiple Iowa universities: Iowa State University, Drake University, and Grand View University. That wrapped up at the end of June. I started to get bored so I moved out to L.A. where I've been finding quite a bit of work-- so much work that I've had to turn people down for the first time in my life. I've done a few spots for television but recently I've been tied up working at a haunted house. It's been a great experience because the only people working it are other actors. Next month I'm going to be heavily pursuing agents. I never realized how important they are! I've been approached by two different agencies so far, but once again, I turned them down.

"Ambrose had a HUGE influence on me. It opened up doors to me that I had never thought possible. I was able to go to Ireland, and England and see world class theatre that made me look at acting as a profession in a whole new light. Seeing the Royal Shakespeare Company perform Midsummer Night’s Dream gave me the chance to finally see actors who were almost as good as I am... I wish. Ambrose also presented the opportunity for me to work with Dell Arte International in their physical intensive [a month-long intensive based on the actor-training methodology of physical theatre]. Through all of these things as well as the classes that I was able to take at SAU I was able to create my own method of creating a character. This has helped me immensely, and has given me confidence to know that I have training that is as good as anyone out here. I was so lucky to be able to work with all of the staff as well as special guests (Kennedy, Cory, Kris, Dan, Donna, Lou, and some guy named Phil McKinley.) I found my style of acting as well as myself at SAU.

"I know that no matter what question I might have, Cory will either have an answer or a dancing pickle that can sing me a catchy tune. I know that no matter what my day has been like Dianne will always make me feel loved. And I know that whatever happens to me I will always have friends from SAU."

Matt Mercer, 2008 B.A. in Theatre
"Since graduation in 2008, I have held a couple different jobs and am now at Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. I am an Academic Advisor there and have been for a little over a year now. It can make being involved with theatre a little difficult at times due to the commute as well, but I make things work. As for my involvements in the theatre recently, after graduation I hung around Ambrose for another semester acting in Inherit the Wind and directing "The Lesson" in the Studio Theatre.

"Last spring I decided to just jump head first into local theatre. I saw that Riverbend Theatre Collective was doing 5 Women Wearing the Same Dress and they didn't have the one male in the show cast. I sent my head shot and resume their direction. Although I didn't get that part they sent my resume on to New Ground Theatre and I was cast as their spring show, Cowbird. It was a great experience, a big role, a resume builder, and it was even paid. But the best thing about it was the connections I made. Since Cowbird, I have been a part of Oedipus Rex at Harrison Hilltop, The Boys Next Door at The Village Theatre, and now this month I am in Of Mice and Men at the Harrison Hilltop. Some advice for anyone that wants to continue acting after college: Step one: Don't kid yourself. You may think that you can play any part and you very well may be able to, but you need to know your type. It was hard for me to come out of college where because of my size I always played age. When I had to actually act my own age it was something very new to me. Step two: Don't fear rejection. You will be said "no" to.....deal with it. Step three: Don't give up!"

Andrew Harvey, 2007 B.A. in Theatre and History
Since I left the SAU Alumni Office, I've moved to East Lansing, Michigan to get my MFA in Acting at Michigan State University. It has been a great experience so far--it's a lot of work but I'm enjoying expanding my horizons. I just finished a run of Trojan Women, performed as a fusion between Greek and Asian (kabuki, noh, and bunraku puppet theatre) styles. My professors are really challenging me and I love it. I also teach two 50-person classes and TA a 200-person lecture...it's hard to say if I enjoy being a student more than being a teacher, or vice-versa.

Marianna Caldwell, 2007 B.A. in Theatre
"I'm rehearsing for a production of Titus Andronicus that will open next spring Off-off Broadway and have started my first venture into playwriting, collaborating with two other actors on a play about Shakespeare; we did a workshop this summer at Abingdon Theatre in NYC and are hoping to take it to Edinburgh in the future. I'm traveling to Stratford-Upon-Avon in a few weeks to do research for it, which I'm really excited about. Other than that, I'm auditioning; one of the highlights of the summer was being one of five women called back to audition for Michael Kahn, the Artistic Director of The Shakespeare Theatre, and I am training privately with Nancy Opel (who was, among many other roles, the original Ms. Pennywise in Urinetown on Broadway).

"How has Ambrose influenced my current work? A lot of what Phil McKinley spoke about while he was there, particularly about the patience and persistence it takes, has really stuck with me, especially during those long days in the Actor's Equity lounge. Also, Cory's unyielding dedication to her students and her ability to see potential in people that others didn't, and the training I received from Shellee in movement."

The Theatre Newsletter would like to wish all Ambrose graduates the best of luck as they continue to pursue their dreams! If you are a graduate with a story you’d like to share, please email us.

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Senior Spotlight—Jaci Entwisle

Hometown: Lisle, IL
Previous Productions at SAU: A Year With Frog and Toad (Turtle), The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Angel), Seussical (Bird Girl), Rabbit Hole (Stage Manager), Stop Kiss (Scenic Designer), Sic (Props Master), Beauty Queen of Leenane (Scenic Designer), Creme de Coco (Asst. Stage Manager), Fortinbras (Stage Manager), Narnia (Mrs. Beaver), The Threepenny Opera (Jenny), Much Ado About Nothing(Stage Manager), Urinetown (Ms. Millennium)
Latest Project: Preparing for Irene Ryans and A Year With Frog and Toad
Why did you come to SAU?: Initially, I came for the communications department, but I stayed because of the great environment I found in the theatre. From the first day (when I was only going to do theatre occasionally and for fun), I was welcomed into the community and was appreciated for my abilities.
Favorite SAU Experience: There are many, but two of my favorites would be playing a beaver alongside Joe Feldman in Narnia and acting in a scene from Richard III with Ryan Westwood for Cory's acting class (which is what gave me the confidence to start auditioning outside of Ambrose!)
Dream Job: Currently, anything having to do with theatre or anything international.
Favorite Actor/Actress: Zach Braff/Joanne Woodward
Favorite Word/Phrase: I like to use words that aren't used in daily life, such as 'whilst' and 'oft'. It mixes things up.
Biggest Pet Peeve: When people say 'expecially', 'calvary', 'aks', 'excape', or 'irregardless', among many other words.
Advice for Incoming Freshmen: Network, network, network. The earlier you start making contacts, the sooner you'll start getting jobs or internships that you want. You never know when knowing a certain person will come in handy.
What will you miss most about SAU? Getting feedback about auditions. At big cattle call auditions, you're not able to ask what you could have done better or why you didn't get called back, but here, we can!
What are your plans after graduation? I'll be sticking around the area for at least a year, maybe longer, building my resume and working. After that, I hope to go abroad (ideally to study) and continue having unexpected adventures!

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Freshman Focus—Tim V. Stompanato

Hometown: Darien, Illinois
Major/Minor: Theatre/Philosophy
Previous Productions: The Outsiders, Into the Woods, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Rumors.
Most Recent Project: "A Year with Frog and Toad" and being elected this year’s freshman member of the SAU Theatre department call board.
Why did you come to SAU? I really liked my overnight stay here, and the theatre department seemed really rad.
Favorite SAU Experience: The rehearsal process for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and getting to know so many new people.
Favorite Actor/Actress: James Dean or Edward Norton
Favorite Word/Phrase: "Totes mah goats"
What do you hope to accomplish at SAU? Getting my double major in theatre/philosophy and having a great time doing so.

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Minutes from Theatre Department Call Board Meeting

The Theatre Newsletter is beginning a new tradition! We now intend to include the minutes from each Theatre Department Call Board Meeting. The Call Board is made up of four students (one from each class) voted in by their peers. They meet about four times a year and discuss issues with the Theatre Department faculty, including things such as future show choices, current show issues, unique opportunities within the department, etc. This year’s Call Board members are:

Senior—Dan Hernandez
Junior—Andrew Benson
Sophomore—Grace Allen
Freshman—Tim Stompanato
Faculty Members in attendance were: Dr. Corinne Johnson, Kristofer Eitrheim, and
Daniel Rairdin-Hale.
Others in attendance: Katie McCormack, Nic Anderson, and Steph Seward.

The minutes are as follows:
Study Abroad Opportunity—Theatre in London
1) Sign up in the study abroad office.
2) Deposit of $250 is due by December 1, 2009

Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
1) Leaving for Overland Park, Kansas on January 17, 2010
2) Opportunities at the festival: Irene Ryan acting competition, Stage Crew Showdown, designer showcase, playwriting, directing---AND MANY MORE!
3) All participants will be paid for. Non-participants wishing to attend the festival should talk to Cory Johnson, attendance is first come, first served.

Studio Theatre
Fat Pig
1) Is adding the extra show beneficial? Future directors should leave extra money in their budget just in case they need to add a show.
Directing Applications for 2010-11 School Year
1) Applications will be due on February 15th

Mainstage Shows
Scheduling
1) Is it appropriate to have a show homecoming weekend?
2) Should Keith Haan (music director) attend Call Board meetings when musical choice is discussed?
Best Little Whorehouse in Texas
1) Audition workshop was helpful, and the audition process was well organized
2) Music schedule was more organized than it had been in past years.
3) Tech week went smoothly: set done early, do we have enough manpower? sound issues- how can we remedy these in the future?
4) Actors should respect all technical elements of the play: set pieces, props, sound equipment, costumes, etc.
Glass Menagerie
1) Auditions are on December 3-4 from 4-6 pm in Allaert Auditorium.

Galvins
1) Scout out new locations for May dinner.

Next Season Possibilities
1) Orpheus, potentially directed by Phil McKinley. Waiting on grant approval.
2) Next Meeting will be in December—come with play suggestions!

Theatre in the QCA

Show: "A Year with Frog and Toad"
Producer: St. Ambrose University
Dates: December 5-6
Tickets: $8 for adults, $7 for faculty/staff/alumni/senior citizens, $6 for non-SAU students or free with your student ID. On Saturday, December 5, alumni and their children receive free admission. Call 563/333-6251 for reservations or stop by the Galvin Fine Arts Center Box Office.

Show: "Holly Jolly Christmas"
Producer: Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse
Dates: November 13-December 31
Tickets: Prices range from $27.07 to $46.28. Call the Circa Box Office at (309) 786-7733 or visit Circa’s web site at www.circa21.com.
Location: 1828 3rd Ave, Rock Island, IL; located in the District of Rock Island.

Show: "100 Saints You Should Know" by Kate Fodor
Producer: New Ground Theatre
Dates: November 27-December 13
Tickets: $15 for adults or $12 for students, Call (563) 326-7529 for reservations or visit newgroundtheatre.org
Location: The Village Theatre, 2113 E. 11th Street, Davenport, Iowa 52803

Show: "Of Mice and Men"
Producer: Harrison Hilltop Theatre
Dates: November 19-29
Tickets: $16 for adults or $10 with a student ID. For reservations call 309/235-1654.
Location: 1601 Harrison Street Davenport, IA 52803
SAU Alum Matt Mercer stars in this production of "Of Mice and Men."

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.
ComedySportz Players include SAU Students Catie Osborn and John Hannon.

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Our next issue will be published on December 7, 2009 and will feature articles on Irene Ryan Nominees, cast list for the Glass Menagerie, recap of “A Year With Frog and Toad,” and the upcoming directing class one-acts.

Visit the St. Ambrose University Theatre home page for more information about courses, degrees, events, and staff. For more information, contact theatre chair Dr. Corinne Johnson, 563/333-6427.

Department Chair/Faculty Advisor: Dr. Corinne Johnson, 563/333-6427
Newsletter Editor: Katie McCormack, SAU senior
Contributing Journalists: Stephanie Seward, SAU freshman