Theatre Newsletter: October 2001

October 29, 2001 edition 2 - 01.
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

** Theatre Department Advisory Board Adds More Experience **

Too often in Theatre academic settings faculties and students forget what it may be like in the "real world." Department Chair, Dr. Corinne Johnson realized this, and with the help of faculty and friends of the community began SAU'sTheatre Department Advisory Board. Three members of the theatre community serve three-year terms as advisory board members. Their job is to meet once a year to discuss many issues that can offer improvement to the SAU Theatre Department. Their goal is to bring "outside experience" to SAU's academic setting.

The first members of the committee are Denny Hitchcock, owner and producer of Circa '21 Dinner Theatre Playhouse in Rock Island, IL, Don Wooten, founder and head of the Moline, Illinois Genesius Guild Theatre, and finally, SAU alum, and professional actor, Ken Kordick.

Denny Hitchcock began his involvement in the arts by teaching theatre at Augustana from 1969-1976, and serving as head of the Augustana Theatre department. After he left Augustana he opened Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse and began a long career of producing plays and musicals, as well as offering work to professional actors and technicians from across the nation and locally. When asked what he hopes the SAU Theatre Department Advisory Board will do for the
students he stated, "The students at St. Ambrose are fortunate because of how pragmatic the faculty is. Cory Johnson and Mike Kennedy have both worked as professional actors, and still do. They bring outside experience to the students as well. I hope that the Advisory Board can offer practical advice from the real world. We can offer diversity for the board, and between the
three of us on the board, and the faculty, we can help the students become better prepared when they graduate."

Don Wooten, works at Augustana's radio station WVIK, and has produced the Genesius Guild's Shakespeare in the Park for over forty years. Performing not only Shakespeare, but also re-writing Greek classics to appeal to modern audiences, Wooten has certainly brought the arts to the attention to the Quad City Area.

Ken Kordick graduated from SAU in 1989 with a Mass Communications degree and plans to become a reporter. As Kordick explains, "I kind of got sidetracked as I entered the real world."  He's been working professionally in the theatre since graduation. His favorite roles include Joseph in "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," Jinx in "Forever Plaid," George in "She Loves Me." and Billy in "Anything Goes." When asked what he would suggest to theatre majors he added, "Go see Theatre! Whether it be $70 for a Les Mis ticket or $5 for the local high school production, go see as much as you can. You get more and more information on acting, tech, direction, performances, and you always can learn something from each production you see. And keep your integrity; it is too small of a business. If you're a pleasant person backstage to work with, that will count for a lot the next time you get referred to another casting director. If you burn one bridge, other bridges will close."

The Theatre Department Advisory Board hopes to bring diverse expertise and suggestions to keep improving the Theatre Department and help majors and minors connect when they graduate. With the focus of practical application that is instructed at SAU, these members will add another dimension to SAU's Theatre Department.

 * * * * * Winnie the Pooh Cast * * * * *

Auditions were held October 23rd for guest director Tom Johnson's children's production of "Winnie the Pooh." The cast is as follows:

Christopher Robin............Kathy Finnegan
Winnie the Pooh..............Rusty Koll
Piglet..............................Dan Hale
Owl.................................Tony Seward
Eeyore.............................Allison Costello
Kanga.............................Heather Starns
Roo................................Kelly Beitzel
Rabbit/Voice...................Nick Bowers
Tigger.............................l...Matt Cox
Ensemble/Animal.............Victoria Blodget, Susan Brandt, Angie Hinchman, Sarah O'Haver. Matt Cox

The production will be performed for school audiences November 28-30, and for the public December 1st and 2nd at 3:00.

- - - - - - - - Eye on Alumni: Kim Kurtenbach - - - - - - -

Kim Kurtenbach graduated from SAU in 1996 majoring in Theatre & Mass Communication, with a minor in Theology. Although Kim is originally from Davenport, she has lived all over, from Chicago to Cincinnati, and currently resides in Los Angeles.
Favorite SAU Productions: "Streetcar Named Desire" (Blanche), "The Woolgatherers" (Rose), "Romeo and Juliet" (Juliet), "Into The Woods" (the Witch), "Slowdance on the Killing Ground" (Rosie).
Favorite Professional Shows: Chava and Frumah (Sarah) in "Fiddler on the Roof", and "Oklahoma" (Ado Annie).
What are the biggest challenges you face as a professional actress? "This industry is never consistent, you can have a run of work and then have nothing. And it is difficult to live in a city where there are thousands of people trying to do the same thing you are.  It's a gamble every way you look at it."
What is your favorite part of being a professional actress? "My favorite part is being paid to do something I love so much."
What would you suggest for graduating Theatre Majors? "Learn the business. It is great that you have good roles under your belt and you learn different techniques to acting, but the most important thing you can learn is how you can market yourself. This is a business just like any other business, you are the product and you have to be a great salesman, you are constantly pitching yourself to directors, agents, and casting people. Learn the business."
What do you wish you had known before you graduated from SAU? I wish I knew more about marketing myself when I left SAU. I have learned a lot just by trial and error out here. People out here will be very frank with you about your looks, your talent, and your ability to hang with business. I wish I had been more prepared for that."
Final Comments?
 "The biggest thing I have learned out here is that you have to create your own opportunities. If you just wait for someone to discover you, you could be waiting a long time. I took it upon myself to produce a show to showcase my abilities to casting directors, agents, and industry people. In the midst of this project, I decided to start a theatre company. With the help of David
Furness (SAU Grad) who directed our first production and Joe Jantz (SAU Grad), and three other friends of mine from L.A. we started the Curtainbox Theatre Company. We put up our first production with much success, and the theatre that we worked out of has just asked us to become the resident company. I am really enjoying producing and learning about the business of theatre as president of the company I look forward to many more projects and I always open the door to any SAU Grad. I know that anyone who has the good fortune to study under Cory
Johnson, Kris Eitrheim, and Mike Kennedy is a true asset to the theatre world. Erick Holloway (SAU Grad, '00) also helped out on our last production. There is incredible work ethic among SAU Theatre People."

~~~~~~~~~~ Rhythm Ranch Brings A Good Time to Audience ~~~~~~~~~~
 
"This is a western! This here's the plot: Will the Ranch be saved or not? You know it will, you know right now! But somethin' that you don't know yet... is how!" The opening lines of Hal Hackady and Fred Stark's musical "Rhythm Ranch" lets the audience know they're in for a night of entertainment, and knee slapping fun at the ranch. Allaert Auditorium came alive with this harmonizing musical October 18th-21st. 

Directed by Michael Kennedy, the production captured the audience's attention with great bits, great songs, and a great time. All the characters were brought to life with such energy that their caricatures of good guy/bad guy, and heroine/villainess surged with enthusiasm. Babe Blandish (played by sophomore Trina Gillen) is the heroine who doesn't want to have to sell the Shooting Star Ranch, but has no choice because of her little brother with a limp (the doctor who says he can fix Joey's leg charges $1,000). The hero, Sam Graybeal (junior, Phil Potter), vows to save the ranch, and eventually hatches a plan to do a radio show from the ranch and sell it to sponsors. Although that plan is foiled by the meddling villain, Tulsa Del Rio (played by senior, Lou Hare) and his mistress, Brandy (senior Marsha Svaleson) the good guys prevail with plenty of song and dance along the way.

The production was lit up by the rest of the cast's enthusiasm and crowd pleasing production numbers. Old flames, Lucy Calhoun (senior Heather Starns) and Cactus Hatch (sophomore Matt Erkel) added humor and touched the audience with their friendships with Babe and Sam, and their teasing of one another. Their song about love at a later age, "Fan the Flame", with the support of the cast and orchestra infected the audience with matching enthusiasm. Starns' "Faith" gave the piece a gospel feel, with a voice that soared to the top of the auditorium.

Supporting roles of the Weed Sisters: Ruby Sue, Opal Sue, and Pearl (played by freshman Jodi Leonard, senior Katie Spain, and freshmen Allison Costello) blended their voices to add to the harmony. Their counterparts, the Bunkhouse Boys: Denver, Dallas, and Boise (senior Lucas Anderson, freshmen Tony Seward,and sophomore Dan Hale) added humor and irresistible charm to the production. Their songs with Babe and Sam, especially, "That's What I Call A Gal" and "Now That's What I Call A Man" added to the sweet and playful romance of the show.

At the town bar, The Motherlode, Marsha Svaleson's Brandy called the shots with her sultry delivery of the song "I'm A One-Man Woman", with her Bar Girls (senior Cathi Goetz, and freshmen Angie Hinchman) while enthralling the audience and teasing the bar patrons. Lou Hare's bumbling, yet ravishing villain Tulsa Del Rio provided a great balance to the rest of the cast. His comical attempt at intimidation in "Nobody Crosses Del Rio" added to the production's humor and created a balance to Potter's hero.

The set design by Kris Eitrheim utilized a backdrop of the Nevada Desert, as well as two giant cowboy boots as false prosceniums. The sets of the house, the bunkhouse, The Motherlode, and the Nevada Express Train, all matched the colorful nature of the production. Costumes by Gregg Hiatt complemented the set, and added to each personality of the characters. From Brandy's alluring dresses, to the Weed Sisters' matching costumes, Hiatt's costumes highlighted the characters well.

SAU's production of "Rhythm Ranch" gleaned much applause and appreciation from audiences who welcomed a short escape into a world of delight, enthusiasm, and joy. Well done!


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

Full Name: Christel Ann Williams
Year: Freshman
Hometown: East Dubuque, IL
Major: Theatre
Why did you come to SAU? It was close to home, and had a friendly community.
Favorite Previous Productions: "My Fair Lady", and "Oliver"
Favorite Experience at SAU: Having fun with my friends here.
Latest Project: Running Crew of "Rhythm Ranch"
Favorite Actor/Actress: Sean Connery
Dream Technical Job: I'd like to be a techie associated with a touring company or a theater.
Hardest Technical Job You've Ever Had: Captain of the shift crew for "Oliver".
What show would you like to be involved in? Stage Manager for "Guys & Dolls".
Favorite Motto: Whatever doesn't kill you only makes you stronger.

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

Full Name: Joseph Thomas Goodall
Birthdate: November 15, 1979
Hometown: Eldridge, IA
Major: Theatre Education
Date of Graduation: December 2002
SAU Theatre Experience: City of Angels (stage manager), Lonely Planet (lighting designer), Oleanna (set designer), Anton in Showbusiness (set designer), James and the Giant Peach (Grasshopper).
Dream Role: Padraic in Martin McDonagh's "The Lieutenant of Inishmoor"
Dream Job: I'd love to be a sound technician for Ani DiFranco.
Favorite actor/actress: Phillip Seymore Hoffman & Susan Sarandon
Most embarrassing SAU Theatre Experience: 3 a.m. at ACTF two years ago, when the plumbing exploded on Kris Eitrheim and I in the hotel room.
Latest Project: Joe is currently the set designer for "Anton in Showbusiness"
Inspiring quotes for underclassmen: "Remember to breathe. Everything is going to be all right."

+ + + + "Anton in Showbusiness to have Guest Lighting Designer + + + +

When he found out that the studio theatre production "Anton in Showbusiness" was looking for a lighting designer Tim Kruse happily volunteered for the position. Kruse is a senior at University of Northern Iowa who is majoring Theatre with an emphasis on Design & Production. When asked what part of design he most enjoys Tim replies, "I like lighting more than set or any other aspect of design."

Kruse attended North Scott High School, and worked several times at SAU before going to college. "I enjoyed working here and there for SAU, and I also designed the lights for the dance performance last year at Galvin". Majoring in Theatre brings Kruse other opportunities for work. He currently has a job for "Sound Concepts" a lighting company in Cedar Rapids. He is also the operations director of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival that takes place every summer to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Tim says that he is looking forward to working with the SAU Theatre Department again, especially with long time friend and scenic designer, Joe Goodall. What excites Kruse the most about this project? "It will be fun to work with Cory Johnson and the possibility of going to the American College Theatre Festival is always in the back of our minds."

 * * * * * * Get Ready for "Anton in Showbusiness" * * * * * *

Director Cory Johnson's production of "Anton in Showbusiness" stars a cast of all women playing all men and women is a comical, yet poignant look at theatre shows to see this great play written by Jane Martin.

The shows are: Friday, November 9 at 7:30 p.m.
 Saturday, November 10 at 3:00 p.m. *
 and Sunday, November 11 at 7:30 p.m. *

* Please take note of the time changes of a Saturday matinee and a Sunday evening performance. Tickets are available at the Galvin Fine Arts ticket office and are $4 each.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

 ATTENTION THEATRE MAJORS AND MINORS!!!!
 MANDATORY MEETING!

There will be a mandatory meeting for a SAU Theatre Majors and Minors on Monday, December 10th at 6:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre. You will receive the play reading list and see the Irene Ryan Nominees perform their selected scenes and monologues that they will audition with at the American College Theatre Festival.

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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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