Theatre Newsletter: November 2001

November 20, 2001 edition 3 - 01. St. Ambrose University
Department Chair- Dr. Corinne Johnson- (563)333-6427
Theatre Department Web Page - http://web.sau.edu/theatre/
Newsletter Editor: Megan O'Connell  SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com

ATTENTION ALL THEATRE MAJORS AND MINORS

On Monday, DECEMBER 10, there will be a MANDATORY meeting at 6:30 in the Studio Theatre in Galvin. Information will be discussed and the reading list for majors and minors will be passed out.  This is a meeting that is crucial to the completion of your theatre degree. Afterwards, there will be a showing of the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship Nominees' scenes and monologues. If you cannot attend this mandatory meeting, please call Cory Johnson at 333-6427.

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"Winnie the Pooh" Sweetens the Stage

The adorable, honey loving, Winnie the Pooh will find a home on the Allaert Auditorium stage December 1st and 2nd.  Directed by Guest Director Tom Johnson, from the Old Creamery Theatre in the Amana Colonies, A.A. Milne's classic tale of Pooh and friends will come to life with an enthusiastic cast and crew. Performances of "Winnie the Pooh" are open to the public Saturday and Sunday, December 1st and 2nd, at 3:00. Tickets are free to SAU students
with a current ID, $6 Adults, $5 Faculty, Staff, Alumni, Senior Citizens, Students and Children.

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"Anton in Showbusiness" Shines in Studio Theatre

The Studio Theatre was packed with people November 9 - 11th, as audiences watched SAU's highly talked about production of Jane Martin's "Anton in Showbusiness."  Although the play focuses on the trials and tribulations of three very different actresses performing Anton Chekov's "Three Sisters," the production touched audiences related to theatre as well as newcomers to the art.

Director Cory Johnson always emphasizes the importance of the process in a college theatre setting. She enforces the idea that the learning and "getting there" part of the production is equal in importance to the actual performances. The cast, which consisted of 12 women, assistant director/stage manager Lou Hare, and assistant stage manager Aaron Randolph, enjoyed every aspect of this production's process immensely. Johnson added, "I was thrilled with the process and the final product.  Everyone was committed, I felt like I was directing professionals."

Senior, Jamie Johnson played Holly, the Hollywood television actress. She explains her enthusiasm for the process. "I loved the process.  Everyone involved in the show got to have input on the show as a whole. It was a great experience to work with women who were powerful and dedicated to the piece." Area adjuster Meghan Conner adds, "I thought it was a lot of fun to work with an all-women cast. It offered me a new outlook on theatre. The camaraderie of the cast and crew propelled the production."

The Theatre Department entered "Anton in Showbusiness" in the American College Theatre Festival's (ACTF) competition as a participating production. This is a highly competitive arena which encompasses the seven states of the region, and from which 4-6 plays are chosen out of 300 or more productions, to be performed at the conference in Lincoln, Nebraska in January. After the production, the department is notified if their play has been dismissed from the competition of plays, or if it has been held for further consideration by the committee. The Saturday afternoon performance of "Anton" shone with talent and enthusiasm.  Harry Parker, the head of the Midwest region who is the judge that decides what plays may be considered for performance, informed Cory Johnson that "Anton in Showbusiness" is being held for consideration. Johnson explains the significance of the decision. "It's like a call-back after auditions.  You aren't cast in the show yet, but you're good enough to be called back."  The Theatre Department will not find out if the production will advance to ACTF until December 13th. Until then, the set, costumes, and props are being held, as the wait continues.

````````````````````` Freshman Spotlight `````````````````````

Full Name: Susan Marie Brandt
Hometown: Iowa City, IA
Majors: Elementary Education & Theatre
Why did you come to SAU? Financial aid and the awesome Theatre Department appealed to me.
Favorite Previous Productions: "Twelfth Night" (Bessie, The Jester), "Bye Bye Birdie" (Ursula), and "The Music Man", (Mrs. Squires).
Favorite Experience at SAU: Meeting people through plays.
Latest Project: Sue is currently playing a rabbit in the upcoming "Winnie the Pooh".
Favorite Actor/Actress: Robin Williams and Julia Roberts/Sandra Bullock
Dream Job: My unlikely dream job is to be an actress on Broadway, my likely dream is to be a third grade teacher, and a high school drama director.
Favorite Random Thought: I love that cookie I stole from the cookie jar.

******************* Senior Salute *******************

Full Name: Louis Joseph Hare II
Birthdate: October 24, 1979
Hometown: Rock Island, IL
Majors: Theatre, Journalism, Radio & Television
Date of Graduation: May 2002
SAU Theatre Experience: "Rhythm Ranch" (Tulsa del Rio), "City of Angels" (Buddy), "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum" (Pseudelous),"Death and the Maiden" (Gerardo), and "WASP" (Dad) Dream Role: Yvan "Art", or Coleman or Valene Conner in "The Lonesome West"
Dream Job: Steadily working actor
Favorite actor: Keanu Reeves
Most embarrassing SAU Theatre Experience: In last year's musical "City of Angels" there was one scene when Lou was supposed to be wearing nothing but a robe, after he received a massage.  During one rehearsal, the robe was not pre-set. After the massage, Lou had to utilize a well placed sheet to cover himself during the rest of the scene.  The rest of the actors had a
tremendously difficult time not laughing onstage.  Thus, the scene of Lou's almost nakedness went down in the history of SAU theatre as one of the greatest and most embarrassing moments on the stage.
Latest Project: Lou has just finished assistant directing and stage managing "Anton in Showbusiness."

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Attention Improv Enthusiasts!

Improvisational comedy is one aspect of theatre that is occasionally overlooked.  Although ComedySportz in Rock Island performs in front of packed houses, the QCA doesn't offer a training area for performers interested in learning more about improvisational acting.  Freshmen, Ryan Wild is hoping to change that.  He states, "I've always been interested in improv.  I've idolized comedians like Belushi and others, and wanted to have the same training and background as they did.  I'm hoping to go to Second City (in Chicago) after I graduate, but I'm looking for some training now.  Sometimes in order to follow your dreams you have to follow the paths of others."

Wild is open to ideas, and is looking for input from anyone interested in forming a Improv Group.  When he hears from others who are interested he will set up a meeting time to begin the group.  You can contact Ryan Wild to express your interest at: 792-8437.

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"How I Learned to Drive" Auditions Approaching

Paula Vogel's Pulitzer Prize winning drama about a woman remembering her childhood, and lessons in driving and life from her Uncle Peck will be performed in the Allaert Auditorium February 22-24.  The play offers opportunities for two male roles, and three female roles.  Auditions are:
    Wednesday, December 5 from 3-5:00
    Thursday, December 6 from 5-7:00
    Friday, December 7 from 3-5:00 

* all auditions for "How I Learned to Drive" will take place in the Studio Theatre.

Cory Johnson explains what she is looking for from actors in auditions," I want people who can play multiple roles and ages. Definitely read the play before auditions, and don't be afraid of the comedy in the piece. I need actors who can play comedy as well as poignant drama"  She explains that this is a play that deals with misplaced love. She is looking for a male who can play Uncle Peck that can convincingly portray a man of an older generation, for the age difference is important. SAU students always have the first chance for roles, but if need be, she may cast from outside the university.

Johnson is enthusiastic about the project, "I am also eager to work with people who have the maturity and sound mind to explore the dark side of life without going there personally." Steve Tendall, SAU counselor, will be present at the auditions, and several rehearsals.  His presence will make sure that the characters and situations are portrayed honestly, and help ensure the emotional safety of the students is at the forefront. '00 Graduate Paula Jolly is serving as the dramaturgy as well as a community resource reference. If you have any questions about "How I Learned to Drive" or auditions, contact Cory Johnson at 333-6427.

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Dianne Dye: More than Meets the Eye!

She creates dazzling costumes, devises hairstyles perfect for each character, helps with costume changes, does the laundry, and helps keep the Theatre Department in running order. She is a surrogate mother, and consummate professional named Dianne Dye. Her work extends through several years as SAU's costume shop manager, and she is currently co-designing the costumes for the upcoming "Winnie the Pooh" with Cory Johnson. Yet, her background stretches far back.

Her experience with the theatre began when she was dancing in Chicago theatres at the age of five.  She went to cosmetology school when she was in high school, and became a cosmetologist. Yet, the theatre inevitably drew her back when her daughter became involved in Junior Theatre in Davenport when she was five years old. Dianne created costumes and hair designs for her daughter. She continued by designing costumes for Davenport North High School theatre productions.  She also kept herself busy by working on costumes and hair for the former Dance Studio 17, as well as styling wigs for visiting Broadway productions to the Adler Theatre.

Dye has been doing hair and creating costumes for twenty years.  Her favorite part of the job isn't the hairspray or sewing machines, but the people.  She lovingly adds, "I love working with the students. I love being a mother to all of them and showing others how to work with costumes."  As for the challenge of co-designing the costumes for "Winnie the Pooh", she explains, "It's a delight to work with Cory. It's one way we can spend more time together. I also love working with concept and being creative." The department dearly appreciates Dianne Dye's kindness as well as her creativity.

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Eye on Alumni: Kilby Watson

Alumni Kilby Watson graduated in 1995 with a Speech/Drama and Secondary Education major, minoring in English education and Psychology. Her favorite productions include playing the Cook in "Alice in Wonderland," Mercy Lewis in "The Crucible," and working spotlight for "Fiddler on the Roof."
How do you use your Theatre Major in your career? "I was a theater teacher for two years and a teacher in general for six years. Everyday I would use theater techniques and confidence I gained through working with Cory in my classes. Now, as a college recruiter I use my understanding of people/characters and speaking skills to entertain and entice students to visit our campus."
What advice would you offer to Theatre Majors? Listen carefully to people and you will learn to read them better. Keep reviewing and adding to your theater skills and knowledge. There are many resources available. Be patient and amazing things will happen, but you make them happen.  Don't think that now that you know it, it will fall in your lap. Work hard and you will succeed."
What do you wish you had known before you graduated from SAU? "I wish I had known what auditions elsewhere were like."

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"Three Viewings" Goes to L.A.!

In September, 2000, Cory Johnson, Bill Theisen, and SAU alumni Kim Kurtenbach, donated their time for a one week rehearsal period, and three performances of Jeffrey Hatcher's touching play "Three Viewings." Proceeds benefited the SAU Theatre Department. The play was a success, and captured the attention of audience members. Each monologue took place in a funeral home at a viewing. The play encompassed a range of emotions from the greatest despair of the death of a husband, or family member, to the joyful and humorous remembrances of the past.

Alums Kim Kurtenbach and Dan Furness opened a new theatre company entitled "The Curtainbox", located in Los Angeles, and were looking for such a play to be performed in their theatre. The newest production of "Three Viewings" will be performed for two weekends, either at the end of February, or later in the second semester, depending on Actor's Equity permission. '00 graduate, Erick Holloway also joins the production as an artistic consultant. Cory Johnson explains, "This is an opportunity for agents and directors to see the talent of young actors." She also adds, "It's only been a year, but I can't remember any of my lines!"  Although hard work lies ahead for the cast and crew, a production that originated at SAU and is being performed in L.A. is a celebration of SAU talent.

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SAU Theatre Department Wants Your Ideas!

The callboard and faculty are beginning to brainstorm for next year's productions!  Please keep in mind that we perform the following:
- One musical
- One children's show
- Two Straight Shows (usually one dramatic, one comedic)

We're looking for contemporary works, old favorites, and the classics.  Whatever you are interested in SAU performing, let us know! E-mail: SAUTheatreNews@hotmail.com to put in your two cents!

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The St. Ambrose University Theatre Department wants you to have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
 

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