Theatre Newsletter: February 2002

February 1, 2002 edition 4 - 02. St. Ambrose University
Department Chair- Dr. Corinne Johnson-   (563) 333-6427
Theatre Department Web Page - www.sau.edu/theatre
Newsletter Editor: Megan O'Connell - SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com

*********** Special ACTF Edition ***********

~~~~~ "Anton in Show Business" Shows Off At KC/ACTF ~~~~~

Great news!  After a wonderful run at the KC/ACTF Regional Festival in Lincoln, the cast and crew of "Anton in Show Business" have been asked to hold their set, costumes, and props, because they are being considered to be a production performed at the Kennedy Center National American College Theatre Festival in Washington, D.C., in April. To understand the excitement this offers one must look back to see the path the production has followed since being held for the KC/ACTF. Jane Martin's "Anton in Show Business" asks the question "Is theatre culturally important enough to be the subject of a play?" The St. Ambrose University Theatre Department answers with a resounding, "Yes!"  Early December brought the tidings from Regional Chair Harry Parker to director Dr. Corinne Johnson that SAU's "Anton in Show Business" was selected to be performed at Regional Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska.  

The Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival has 8 regions. Our region, Region V, is made up of seven states: Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.  From all of these states in the region more than 300 productions were put forth as participating production nominees. From those numbers only six plays were selected to be
performed at the Regional Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KC/ACTF). St. Ambrose University stood out among these six plays with a production that offered hysterical comedy and poignant dramatic moments.

"Anton in Show Business" was performed Friday, January 25, on the fourth day of the festival, in the Howell Theatre.  After several plays of a more dramatic and serious nature, many participants commented that they appreciated the humor that "Anton in Show Business" offered them. Cast member Tiffaney McCannon recalls a director from Colorado's comments, "She said it was the most cathartic play that she had seen in years. Some people would say to me that it was very funny yet moving... it rips your heart out in the end."

Monday, January 28, Director Johnson received an e-mail from regional chair Harry Parker informing her that "Anton in Show Business" was being held for consideration to be performed at the Kennedy Center National American College Theatre Festival. Much like being considered for the regional festival, this request does not guarantee that "Anton" will be asked to be performed at the National Festival, but it does increase the chances greatly. The cast and crew will be notified in early March if they are invited to attend the Festival or not. The National Festival is April 15-21 in Washington D.C.

(((((((((((( MacBeth Date Change! ))))))))))))

Due to the possibility that "Anton in Showbusiness" may perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Washington D.C. the same week that MacBeth was originally scheduled to be performed, MacBeth has been moved back one week to be performed.  Instead of being performed April 19-22, the Scottish Play will be performed April 11, 12, 13 (Thursday, Friday, & Saturday) at 7:30 p.m.  This allows for the possibility that "Anton in Showbusiness" may be placed in the Monday April 15th performance slot in Washington D.C.
Once more the dates and times of MacBeth, which will be performed in Allaert Auditorium are:
Thursday, April 11: 7:30
Friday, April 12:   7:30
Saturday, April 13: 7:30

*********** Irene Ryan Nominees Advance! ************

When a respondent from the American College Theatre Festival comes to respond to a play, Irene Ryan nominations are possible for two actors from the play. The Irene Ryan nominations go to the two actors who best portray their characters, this ranges from leading roles to walk-on roles.  Seven Irene Ryan Nominees came from St. Ambrose University: Jamie Johnson & Megan
O'Connell ("The Lady's Not for Burning"), Jill Schmits & Lou Hare ("City of Angels"), Trina Gillen & Marcia Svaleson ("Rhythm Ranch"), and Tiffaney McCannon ("Anton in Showbusiness"). The Irene Ryan audition has a five-minute time limit which must contain at least one scene and another scene, monologue, or song.

On Tuesday, January 22, the day of arrival, the Irene Ryan Nominees from SAU prepared for the evening's auditions. The Region V Festival of the American College Theatre Festival, in Lincoln, had over 300 Irene Ryan Nominees auditioning in the preliminary selections. From there, 30 semi-finalists were selected. After an arduous night of auditions, at 11:00 p.m. the announcements were made for the 30 semi-finalists. After hearing many names called from larger schools, St. Ambrose was thrilled to hear the name Jill Schmits as one of the semi-finalists. Shortly afterwards, the St. Ambrose delegation was even more excited when a second name, Megan O'Connell, was called as a semi-finalist.  Two semi-finalists from one school the size of St. Ambrose University is a fantastic achievement.

The next day Schmits and O'Connell performed their scenes with their respective partners, Heather Starns and Dan Hale.  Jill Schmits and Megan O'Connell each had a positive response with their comedic scenes and serious monologue.  Both Schmits and O'Connell were pleased with their performances, and delighted when Jill Schmits' name was read as one of the 16 finalists.

That evening, Jill Schmits performed on the largest stage, the Lied Center, with partner Heather Starns.  Auditioning with 15 of the region's best, Schmits made St. Ambrose University proud.  The total of SAU's Irene Ryan Nominees, including O'Connell and Schmits, demonstrated the strength of the Ambrose Theatre Department.

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FRESHMAN SPOTLIGHT:
Full Name: Allison Lee Costello
Hometown: Charlotte, IA
Major: Theatre
Why did you come to SAU? It is close to home for my first year away.  I graduated in a class of 48, so a small private school was closer to what I was used to.  I also love the people here!
Favorite Previous Productions: "Grease" (Rizzo), "Once Upon A Mattress" (Princess Winifred)
Favorite Experience at SAU: Being involved in "Winnie the Pooh." I've never done any show like that with so many children just watching you.  It was fun to work with Tom Johnson and other people from SAU.
Latest Project: Props Mistress for "How I Learned to Drive".  She is also performing at the Dewitt Opera House Theatre in, "The Amorous Ambassador." The farce is directed by Michael Parker, and Allison plays the daughter, Debbie.
Favorite Actor/Actress: Bruce Willis and Julia Roberts
Dream Job: To work with Matt Damon in a movie, with Bruce Willis as my father.  I want to be an actress on television, and opposite Matt Damon.
Favorite Quote: "Look happy even when you are down because you never know when someone is falling in love with your smile".

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SENIOR SALUTE!
Full Name: Jamie Em Johnson
Birthdate: 9/27/76
Hometown: Bettendorf, IA
Majors: Theatre, Psychology
Date of Graduation: May 2002
SAU Theatre Experience: "Agnes of God" (Agnes), "On Conversation" (the Test), "WASP" (Mom), "Antigone" (Antigone), "The Lady's Not for Burning" (Jennet Jourdemayne), "City of Angels" (Bobby/Gabby), "Three Viewings" (Assistant Stage Manager), "Anton in Show Business" (Holly Seabe)
Dream Role: Audrey, in "Little Shop of Horrors"
Dream Job: I would like to be a character in Springfield ("The Simpsons") or any job on that show.
Favorite actors: Kevin Spacey and Ed Norton
What will you miss most when you graduate? I will miss the faces and the nuggets.
Latest Project: Teenage Greek Chorus in "How I Learned to Drive"
Favorite Quote: "To be a star you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest."

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"Sylvan Slough" Auditions Approaching!

SAU Theatre Dept. alum Susan McDonald is directing SAU professor's play "Sylvan Slough." Scripts are available for checkout at the Galvin Box office.

Auditions will be held:
* Friday, February 8 @ 3:30 p.m.
* Saturday, February 9 @ 12:00 noon

The cast consists of 5 males and 2 females.
This includes two younger males that can pass for teens and can pass as Mexican Americans.  The script also calls for a middle aged white male and female. Everyone is encouraged to audition!  Ethnicity encouraged!

Director Susan McDonald explains the play, "It is about a number of issues.  To me it is about the importance of the decisions we make in each moment, whether to act or not to act on something.  We only have this moment now to live."

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Thoughts on the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival:

What was the highlight of the festival for you?

"Getting to know people in the theatre department you didn't know!  The festival was awesome!"
~ Sue Brandt

"It was a great experience to be involved in one of the performing productions.  It was also a great opportunity to get to know other people."   
 ~ Lacey Jacobs

"The best part was performing "Anton in Showbusiness".  I also loved being in "Anton" because all the girls in it were like one family."
~ Tiffaney Fleming

"One of my favorite parts of ACTF was having Jill and Megan go to the Semi-Finals and Jill to go to the final round, it was a top, top moment.  It also made me feel very proud to see how proud Cory was of "Anton in Showbusiness"."
~ Dianne Dye

"I liked spending time with friends and seeing our people moving on to semi-finals and finals."
~ Eric Behnke

I had two top moments.  One was the semi-finals announcement, which was a great moment, and the announcement of the finals was an ecstatic moment.  The second were the performances of "Anton in Showbusiness"... Friday was such a great day!"
~ Kristofer Eitrheim

"After watching my peers in the theatre department do so well it made me really proud to be attending St. Ambrose University."
~ Daniel Sheridan

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