encorenews from OSU theatre

Guest Equity Actor and OSU Theatre Alumnus Glenn Peters performs the role of the Stage Manager in Our Town.

Approximately 30 The department The department plays students, faculty and continues its relation- host to a two-week staff travel to Prague, ship with the Columbus residency with nearly Czech Republic for the Association of Perform- 100 Daily Show staffers department of theatre International Theatre ing Arts (CAPA) and and Jon Stewart Prague Quadrennial. produces Hair at the himself. college of the arts Southern Theatre. Dear Friends of OSU Theatre:

Although my letter to you appears as the first page of this impressive publication, it is in fact the last item written just before the work goes to press. I get to write it during a time where I am simultaneously editing all the rest of the content of encore and gearing the department up for the next season by publishing calendars, meeting agendas, teaching schedules and issuing contracts for guest artist residencies. This is a unique time where I get to relish the memories of all the guests, productions, student achievements, faculty and staff accomplishments from last year and anticipate even greater opportunities for the next. Most of all I get to reflect on the impact that our teaching, research, creative activity, and service mission has on the lives of the students who we have the pleasure to teach.

Certainly our 2006-07 academic year began with a bang with our hosting of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in the fall. While it was an honor for the Roy Bowen Theatre to serve as the “World Headquarters of the Midwest Midterm Midtacular,” the more important aspect of The Daily Show’s visit was their impact on our students and the many ways in which the over 100 individuals in residence with us graciously shared their time and talents.

Our year ended with a group of students, staff, and faculty traveling to the Prague Quadrennial to join with theatre colleagues from around the globe in a celebration of theatrical design and architecture. While there, our students partnered with Czech and Australian students to develop a daily presentation inspired by Aristophanes’ The Birds as part of the companion Scenofest. The trip and exhibits were wonderful, but the impact on our students was at the forefront.

In between these major national and international events, we produced several fine Mark on the set of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart productions, extended our reach into the community through a variety of outreach and engagement projects, hosted a major graduate student conference entitled Disciplining Interdisciplinarity, returned to CAPA’s Southern Theatre for a triumphant run of the musical Hair, and taught hundreds of students in our classrooms and in one-on-one tutorials. Our Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, Master of Fine Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy programs remain strong and are recognized throughout the country for their excellence.

I celebrate daily the opportunity to serve the students of The Ohio State University and the remarkable faculty and staff of The Department of Theatre. I also celebrate the accomplishments of our numerous alumni who maintain contact with us. So please take a few minutes to savor the memories that we share here of our 2006-07 year and look forward with all of us to the impact that we will have on our students this next year and they, in turn, will have on the world for years to come.

Enjoy this issue of encore and let us know what you have been up to since graduation. You are an important part of the OSU family and we want to celebrate your life and art as well.

Please be in touch,

Mark Shanda Chair/Professor p a g e 22006–07 Season in Review 4Guest Artists and Scholars OSU Theatre 2007-2008 Season 6Outreach and Engagement Womb-Words, Thirsting 7TRI Report by Lenelle Moise 10 Spotlight on Students September 28 15 Regional Campus Reports Emergence-See! by Daniel Beaty 16 Tom Postlewait Retirement October 5 17 Faculty and Staff Updates The Trojan Women 2.0 20 Alumni and Friends by Charles Mee November 1-17 26 InterACT 26 Undergrad Performance in Hair Medea by Christopher Durang and 27 The Daily Show Goes Scarlet and Gray Wendy Wasserstein English Therapy 28 Graduate Acting Program Grows Up by Nancy Gall-Clayton 29 Prague Quadrennial, 2007 Vendetta Chrome by Sally Oswald 30 New Faces November 8-19 31 Partnership With Actors’ Theatre of Columbus The Three Bully Goats Griff 32 Dr. Esther Merle Jackson by Patrick Rainville Dorn February 1-3 32 Disciplining Interdisciplinarity

The Labyrinth of Desire 33 New York Theatre Experiment by Caridad Svich February 14-March 1 Much Ado About Nothing encore by William Shakespeare is the annual newsletter of February 21-March 1 The Ohio State University Department of Theatre Wild Stages: Kabarett MFA 1089 Drake Center by the MFA Acting Class of 2009 1849 Cannon Drive and John Giffin Columbus, Ohio 43210-1208 May 1-17 Office: 614-292-5821 Fax: 614-292-3222 Working the Musical Book adaptation by Editor-in-Chief: Written and researched by the Faculty, Mark Shanda Staff and Students of the Department Stephen Schwartz and Nina Faso of Theatre. Adapted from Studs Terkel’s Editor: Working Damian Bowerman All Alumni and Friends information is collected from Alumni, Friends, and Music by Stephen Schwartz, Contributors: Akil Babb, Caehlin Bell, other readers; gathered and pro- James Taylor, Micki Grant, Joe Brandesky, Raymond Caldwell, Nena Couch, cessed at the Department of Theatre; Craig Carnelia, and Mary Rodgers Nicholas Dekker, Joseph Fahey, Rebecca researched, edited, and placed either Kallemeyn, Kristine Kearney, Brittany Kiefer, in our encore publication or the Alumni Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, Katie Kimmel, Virginia Logan, Valerie Lucas, page of encore on our website: Micki Grant, Craig Carnelia, Eric Mayer, Julie Ann McMillan, Jennifer James Taylor, Susan Birkenhead, Schlueter, and David Williams theatre.osu.edu Matt Landers and Graciela Daniele Design/Layout: May 15-23 Greg Bonnell

encore 2007 1 2006–2007 season in review The Festival: The Children’s Hour A Series of 10-Minute Plays by Lillian Hellman. Roy Bowen Theatre. by Nicholas Dekker, Gibson Cima, Martin Directed by Lesley Ferris. Scenic Design by Casella, Catherine Filloux, Brian Rotman, Sarah Sugarbaker. Costume Design by Katie Okla Eliot, and Mary Gallagher. Mount Hall Kimmel. Lighting Design by Gregory Owen. Studio Theatre. Directed by Caehlin Bell, Sound Design by Jim Knapp and Chris Jason Bush, Bora “Max” Koknar, Matthew Zinkon. Stage Manager Lindsay Beery. D. McCarren, Kal Poole, Cole Simon, and May 3-19, 2007 James Smith. Scenic Coordinator: Chad Mahn. Costume Coordinator: Jan Woods. Mary Stuart Lighting Coordinator: Madeleine Sobota. by Friedrich Schiller. Thurber Theatre; Schil- Sound Coordinator: Jim Knapp. Stage Man- ler Park. Directed by John S. Kuhn. Scenic agers: Becky Hitt, Laura Hum, and Liz Tufts. Design by Elinore Loomis. Costume Design 1 Nov. 2-17, 2006 by Mary Elizabeth Yaw. Lighting Design by Jordan Kardasz. Sound Design by Katie Hair Phillips. Stage Manager Sarah Helgesen. by Gerome Ragni, James Rado, Galt May 17-20 Thurber Theatre. May 24-27, MacDermot. Southern Theatre. Directing June 7-17, 2007 Schiller Park. Concept by Mandy Fox. Directed by Steven C. Anderson. Scenic Design by Dan Gray. Costume Design by Kristine A. Kearney. Being Alive in the World: Lighting Design by Jason Banks. Sound Public Discourse on the Death Penalty Design by Eric M. Slezak. Stage Manager By Rebecca Kallemeyn (M.A. Student) Eric H. Mayer. On March 2nd, 2007, students, faculty, and Nov. 16-22, 2006 members of the Columbus community gathered in the Thurber Theatre for a panel Our Town discussion on the death penalty. The panel by Thornton Wilder. Roy Bowen Theatre. complemented OSU Theatre’s winter quarter Directed by Jimmy Bohr. Scenic Design by production, Dead Man Walking, which Corinne Porter. Costume Design by Lindsay recounts the experiences of Sister Helen Pre- Simon. Lighting Design by Jordan Kardasz. jean as she counseled two death row inmates. Sound Design by Dan Nash. Stage Man- Tim Robbins, writer and director of the film 4 ager Mandalyn Stevens. of the same name, also authored the play as Feb. 8-24, 2007 part of the Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project, a program that releases production Dead Man Walking rights to schools committed to increasing by Tim Robbins. Thurber Theatre. Di- community dialogue on capital punishment. rected by Maureen Ryan. Scenic Design by This year the following individuals shared Gregory Owen. Costume Design by Crystal The panel, moderated by department chair their knowledge and insights at our Herman. Lighting Design by Matthew D. Mark Shanda, had a multi-disciplinary discus- post-performance discussions. McCarren. Sound Design by Katie Phillips. sion of the issue. Maureen Ryan, director of Stage Manager Kristen Blazek. OSU’s production, discussed the implications Our Town Feb. 22-Mar. 3, 2007 of creating a work of art based on a hot- Robin Brenneman, Retired Hilliard High button political issue. Professor David Jacobs, School English and Theatre Teacher The Three Bully Goats Griff of OSU Sociology, explained his own research Dead Man Walking by Patrick Rainville Dorn. Mount Hall on the death penalty, extending to issues of Rebecca Kallemeyn, MA Theatre Student Studio Theatre School Tour. Directed by race and social class. Moritz College of Law Greg Varner. Scenic Design by Lindsay professor Joshua Dressler then introduced The Children’s Hour Beery. Costume Design by Lydia Fleck. the basic legal system under which capital Debra Moddelmog, Associate Dean, Lighting Design by Anthony Pellecchia. punishment operates. Judge John Bender College of Humanities Sound Design by Jim Knapp. Stage of the Franklin County Court of Common Terry Moore, Assistant Professor, Manager Laura Jack. Pleas distinguished between presiding over Department of Women’s Studies Feb. 2-4, 2007 ordinary trials and capital cases, which differ significantly. Rex Zent, retired prison warden, Mary Stuart complemented each of these perspectives Mark Evans Bryan, Assistant Professor of with his own occupational experiences. Theatre, Denison University 2 encore 2007 2 3

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PHOTOS 1 The Festival: A Series of 10-Minute Plays 5 The Three Bully Goats Griff 2 Hair 6 The Children’s Hour 3 Our Town 7 Mary Stuart 4 Dead Man Walking encore 2007 3 Guest Artist Jose Torres Tama in a scene from his solo piece The Cone of Uncertainty: New Orleans after Katrina. By Caehlin Bell (M.A. Student)

Performance Artist Jose Torres Tama Alumna Madeleine Sobota (M.F.A. 1988) started off the year with his solo piece The joined the Department of Theatre in Fall 2006 Cone of Uncertainty: New Orleans after Ka- as guest instructor and light design supervi- trina, performed September 29-30, 2006, in sor. She was co-designer of the USA National the Roy Bowen Theatre. In conjunction with Exhibit at the Prague Quadrennial 2007. his performance, Jose gave a lecture on his experience as a performance artist and did a Phoenix Theatre founder and artistic director workshop with the M.F.A. Acting students. Steven C. Anderson was guest director of Mark Shanda gets up close and per- OSU Theatre and CAPA’s joint production Hair sonal with Oscar Puppeteer Caroll Spinney, better known at the Southern Theater in November. the Grouch and as Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird on PBS’s Caroll Spinney. Sesame Street, participated in a Q&A session Dennis Kennedy, the Samuel Beckett with faculty and students on September 29, Professor of Drama at Trinity College Dublin, 2006. He is the author of The Wisdom of visited the department and presented his Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the lecture “Memory, Performance, and the Idea Grouch): Lessons from a Life in Feathers. of Museum” in November.

Playwright Mrinalini Kamath attended Guest lecturer Freddie Rokem author of Alan Woods’ Introduction to Theatre: Making the award-winning book Performing History: History class, where the students read her Theatrical Representation of the Past in comedy, Celestial Motions. Contemporary Theatre and faculty member of Playwright Mrinalini Kamath with student director the Department of Theatre and Performance Kalifa Li and the cast for a reading of her play, Celes- Geralyn Horton visited Alan Woods’ Studies at Tel Aviv University gave a talk in tial Motions. Kamath, a member of the International Introduction to Theatre: Making History class November titled “Performance and Philosophy Center for Women Playwrights, has participated in the writing retreat held each summer at OSU for for a reading of her play, Boston’s Brothers in in Dialogue.” members of ICWP by the Lawrence and Lee Theatre Liberty--a piece that explores the Boston Mas- Research Institute. sacre of 1770. She has made available on her Emily Mann, Broadway playwright and website a podcast of an interview conducted director, visited OSU as part of “Beyond the Dennis Kennedy present- by student Brad Bartels during her visit, see Borscht Belt: A Jewish Theatre Celebration” ing his lecture “Memory, Performance, and the Idea http://glhorton.podomatic.com. in November. Her visit was made possible by of Museum.” The Ohio State University Theatre Research While Professor Mary Tarantino was on Institute (TRI), the Department of Theatre, sabbatical this year, M.F.A. Lighting stu- the OSU Hillel Foundation, and the Columbus dents enjoyed the expertise of three visiting Jewish Foundation, with funding from the lecturers: T.J. Gerckens, Kris Jones, and Leventhal Fund. In addition to presenting a Paul Vincent. T.J. Gerckens is the produc- reading of her play Meshugah, Emily took tion manager for CATCO and a free-lance time to discuss her experiences with OSU lighting designer. He received the Jefferson Theatre students in an informal talk. She is Ruth Tompsett presented Award for The Odyssey (Chicago), and won currently the Artistic Director of McCarter a talk entitled “From the awards in Chicago, L.A., New York, and San Theater at Princeton University. Periphery to the Center: Francisco for Metamorphoses. Alumnus Kris Carnival in the Global City.” Jones (M.F.A. 2002) is the Assistant Manager Director of Communications for the Colleges of Entertainment and Resident Theatrical of the Arts and Sciences, and OSU Theatre Lighting Designer at Six Flags Great America. alumna, Lori Robishaw took time in the Paul Vincent is President of Vincent Lighting winter quarter of 2007 to teach a course on Systems based in Cleveland. The company theater management. sells lighting supplies, and designs and installs entertainment lighting. Ruth Tompsett came to OSU in January 2007, to present her lecture “From the Periph- ery to the Center: Carnival in the Global City.” SITI Company member Barney O’Hanlon (standing Tompsett is the leading authority on London’s far right) demonstrates the practice of sustained Notting Hill Carnival. movement to members of the Suzuki master class.

4 encore 2007 Janine Lewis teaches a master class to the Anne Bogart’s SITI Company came to Pulitzer Prize winning critic Margo Jef- M.F.A. Acting students on the methods of the OSU as part of the Wexner Center for the ferson gave a lecture of her new book On Artaud and acrobatics. Arts creative residency program. While on Michael Jackson in March 2007, at the campus, company members Barney O’Hanlon Wexner Center for the Arts. A former critic for and Akiko Aizawa led master classes in the The New York Times, Jefferson now teaches department. at Columbia University and Eugene Lang Col- lege at The New School. Janine Lewis of Tshwane University of Technology in Pretoria shared a two week Alumna Carmen Mitzi Sinnott (B.A. 1993) residency as part of the department’s con- returned to present her one woman show tinued exchange program with Tshwane Snapshot in the Roy Bowen Theatre and at University. She held master classes with the the Hale Center. Mitzi has received critical M.F.A. Acting students. acclaim for Snapshot, including recognition Guest Equity Actor and alumnus Glenn Peters talks from the Stage for the 2005 performance at with students about being a professional actor in Cast members of the national tour of All the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. New York. Shook Up Wally Dunn and Beth Glover stopped by the department during their run in Alumnus Chris Jones (Ph.D. 1989) gave the Columbus to speak with students about the Annual Lawrence and Lee TRI Lecture this demands of touring and strategies for work- year entitled “Every Night in the Dark: A Critic ing in the industry. Debunks the Pervasive Myths Surrounding Contemporary American Theatre.” Chris is the Sister Maureen Fenlon visited for several principle theatre critic for the Chicago Tribune days in February in her role as the national and teaches at DePaul University. coordinator for the Dead Man Walking School A staged reading of Thurber House Playwright-in- Theatre Project. The Columbus Association for the Residence Sally Oswald’s newest work Pony. Performing Arts (CAPA) was recognized Alumnus Glenn Peters (M.F.A. 1999) for its work with the College of the Arts and Pulitzer Prize winning returned to OSU to perform the role of the presented with the “Award for Excellence in critic Margo Jefferson Stage Manager in the winter production of Community Partnership Building” at OSU’s giving a lecture on her Our Town. He also took some time to talk with annual Celebration of Excellence in Commu- new book On Michael Jackson. students about being a professional Equity nity Service and Scholarship. actor.

Sally Oswald, Thurber House playwright- in-residence during winter quarter 2007, presented her newest work Pony on March 8, 2007, and taught a course on playwriting. Oswald holds an M.F.A. from Brown University Alumnus Chris Jones presents his lecture and a B.A. from Barnard College. “Every Night in the Dark: A Critic Debunks the Pervasive Myths Sur- rounding Contemporary American Theatre.”

Left to right: Cast members of the national tour of Carmen Mitzi Sinnott in a scene from her one Students warming up for a dress rehearsal for All Shook Up Wally Dunn and Beth Glover speak woman show, Snapshot. OSU Theatre’s production of Hair at CAPA’s with faculty member Jimmy Bohr, B.A. Student Cole Simon and other theatre students. beautiful Southern Theatre. encore 2007 5 InterACT, DramaTies and Alpha Psi Omega Reach Out By Julie Ann McMillan (M.F.A. Acting Student) and Valerie Kaneko Lucas, Director of Outreach

InterACT Tri-State Diversity Conference Koknar, Nick Trouw, Ashlee Mundy, Meg OSU’s Education and Outreach program grew The department created an original, issue- Green and M.F.A. student Virginia Logan notably this year with the success of InterACT, based drama commissioned by OSU Exten- taught weekly workshops in reader’s theater, led by Robin Post. Robin taught InterACT sion to serve its conference themes. For the movement, voice, improvisation and basic as a five credit undergraduate course with past two years, the focus has been on the acting. about 15 students in the class each quarter. relationship of food and diversity. In January, The department now receives requests from Ph.D. student Christopher Matsos directed Verbatim Drama Project other university and off-campus organiza- and transported a group of undergraduate For the third year, the students of Theatre tions to bring InterACT in for conferences and actors to perform original sketches for the H367.01, an Honors course on Asian Ameri- meetings. When InterACT receives a specific Tri-State Diversity Conference. While nutrition can Theatre, created a verbatim drama, What request—for example, a department’s request professionals from Ohio, Kentucky and Indi- Do We Do Now?. Verbatim drama crafts the for scenes addressing minorities in the ana gathered, they were also entertained and actual words spoken and written by intervie- workplace—Robin starts her students off with inspired by the serious and lighthearted “Food wees into a play. This verbatim project was some research, and then—through discus- for Thought” pieces, sketches addressed the partnered with OSU’s Multicultural Center and sion, improvisation in character and script challenges of promoting healthy eating. Asian American Studies. Students chose the refinement—a scene is born that provides po- theme of 9/11 and its impact upon citizens tent inspiration for discussion and critique of Student-Led Community Initiatives now, particularly those of West Asian heritage. the situations presented. Feedback has been OSU Theatre students have also created their They undertook research at the Kirwan Insti- overwhelmingly positive about the program own theatre in the community initiatives. tute, fieldwork in the Asian American com- and the program received a 2007 Multicul- Ph.D. student and puppeteer Jennifer Stoess- munities of Central Ohio and interviews with tural Center Diversity Award. ner taught puppetry workshops at Indianola Americans of differing political persuasions. Alternative Elementary School in the Univer- DramaTies: Drama for Community sity District. Additionally, she and Christina All of our various community partnerships Education Ritter led Acting Shakespeare, Puppetry and afford a unique opportunity to create theatre This year’s DramaTies focused on youth and Playwriting workshops at Central Crossing which considers the possibilities for social youth leaders. Led by Dr. Valerie Kaneko Lu- High School. Building upon their internships change and raises issues for reflection and cas, DramaTies offers intensive workshops to last year with DramaTies, members of the debate through lively, accessible art. introduce key drama skills that enable people OSU chapter of Alpha Psi Omega (the national to create theatre with and for themselves. theatre honorary society) created an outreach During DramaTies at Camp Ohio, counselors project with Daniel Wright Elementary school learned improv, narrative and puppetry; while in the Dublin School district. In autumn and DramaTies in Dayton’s Adventure Central winter quarters, undergraduates Bora ‘Max’ provided drama training for the specific needs to after-school club leaders. A new partner- ship with Columbus Public Schools (CPS) Gifted and Talented Program—DramaTies Day at the Drake— was created by P.J. Abell, Faye Caner and Nancy Eucker (of CPS). The partnership treated 50 seventh- graders to workshops on mime, comedy improv, character, a special awards cer- emony and a memo- rable introduction to APO members lead a workshop with students from Daniel Wright Elementary Alpha Psi Omega outreach project with Daniel the OSU campus. school in the Dublin district. Wright Elementary school in the Dublin district.

6 encore 2007 The Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute Report By Nena Couch, Professor Curator, Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute

The Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee established his collection documenting his Theatre Research Institute’s 2006-2007 year work in the field, as has Providence, R.I. critic has been outstanding in terms of acquisitions, Bill Gale. Clara Hieronymus, great lady of the- teaching, and programs. atre criticism, long-time critic for the Nashville The cast and crew of The Bully Goats Griff at Tennessean, and founding member of ATCA, Highland Elementary School. Artist Tammra Sigler has contributed a has begun her collection at TRI. wonderfully evocative painting of Hollis School Tour Alpert, author of The Life and Times of Porgy Dance critic and scholar Marcia Siegel, who By Caehlin Bell (M.A. Student) with Jayson and Bess researched at the Institute. Chair spent much time doing research at TRI, has Morrison (M.A. 2007) emeritus Firman H. (“Bo”) Brown donated made a generous gift of her papers related to the original scene designs by Leo Kerz for the her new book, Howling Near Heaven: Twyla The Department of Theatre presented The Broadway production of Ionesco’s Rhinoceros. Tharp and the Reinvention of Modern Dance. Three Bully Goats Griff, an adaptation of Dr. Glenda Gill, theatre professor and scholar, Also on the dance front, through the good the tale of The Three Billy Goats Gruff, by has established her collection of research ma- work of Senta Driver in New York and Lucy Patrick Rainville Dorn as this year’s school terials which deals with the dynamics of race, Venable and Sheila Marion here, the board of tour. After a weekend of performances on gender, and class, and how they intersect the Dance Notation Bureau completed the gift campus in the Mount Hall Studio Theatre, with African-Americans in the performing agreement for the Labanotated scores in the the cast of nine along with the tour man- arts. Karen Goodheil donated a number of DNB collection here, and cataloging and re- ager, stage manager, and assistant stage rare magazines and materials on magic. Mary housing work has begun. Ken Rinker, dancer manager toured for five weeks through- Allen Johnson gave the Lew A. Wallace Gone with Twyla Tharp in the 1970s has contrib- out February and March and performed With the Wind materials that her uncle, Mr. uted his collection of programs, reviews, press at eight elementary schools around the Wallace, had collected. Walter O’Neal donated clippings and other materials documenting Columbus area. Over 2,000 kindergarten a wonderful scrapbook of Columbus-born the work of the company. through 6th graders saw this show about actor Elsie Janis on her work from 1904-1907. the effects of bullying. Many schools incor- Ben Rader donated photographs, programs, Many thanks go out to donors who have porated the show into their curriculum and correspondence, and clippings documenting already established collections: Twyla Tharp, anti-bullying initiatives. vaudeville appearances of The Ohio State Bebe Miller, Tish Dace, Grayce Burian, University Band, managed by Clark Rader, Catherine Filloux, Caridad Svich, Jeffrey Eric As violence in school intensifies, it be- in the 1920s. Michael Brittain sent tapes of Je- Jenkins, Charles McCaghy, Michele LaRue comes increasingly important to address rome Lawrence interviewing the great Bette (East Lynne Theater Company), and M. Glen bullying as a precursor to more aggressive Davis. Long-time TRI supporter Paul Stiga Wilson. International Center for Women and disruptive behavior. Prevention starts donated materials of costume historian Millia Playwrights members Diane Grant, Sandra in the elementary schools where students Davenport, author of The Book of Costume, Hosking, Tami Canaday, Shirley King, Sandra can learn early how to discuss and address including her copy of the two-volume work Dempsey, Nancy Gall-Clayton, Margaret T. bullying. Along with the performance, with annotations, an original costume render- McSweeney, Vicki Cheatwood, Mrinalini teachers received a study guide, with ing, and two scrapbooks. Kamath, Kristen Lazarian, Diane Howes, Mary classroom activities about tolerance and Steelsmith, Maureen Brady Johnson, Diane communication and a list of resources on Professional association archives continue to Howie, and Jewel Seehaus-Fisher have added how to deal with bullying in their class- grow. The Columbus Puppetry Guild, originally to, or established, collections of their plays. room. chartered in 1940, has established its archives Sara Kahan added a wonderful collection of at TRI, as has the Mt. Holyoke College Sum- 19th- and early 20th-century acting editions, mer Theatre whose records were donated sheet music, photographs, souvenir programs, and beautifully organized by founder James and theatre cigarette cards. Cavanaugh. Established collections increased with additional contributions of records of the A new collection of playscripts, documenting American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) the work of members of the African-American and the American Theatre Critics Associa- Playwrights Exchange established through tion (ATCA). Randy Gener, senior editor for the efforts of Jaz Dorsey, has been estab- American Theatre and member of ATCA, has lished with initial donations from playwrights

encore 2007 7 The Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute Report (continued)

George P. Brome, Peter Lawson Jones, Sean of Theatre, the OSU Hillel Foundation, and The International Center for Women Play- O’Leary, and Judy Juanita. Many donors have the Columbus Jewish Foundation, with wrights Third Annual Retreat was held in kept us up to date with programs, books, vid- funding from the Leventhal Fund, which August with 10 playwrights in attendance, eos, and other materials including Tom Bay, culminated in a November staged reading and volunteer readers. The retreat ended Heidi Nielsen, Marvin Carlson, Sheila Marion, of Emily Mann’s Meshugah, adapted from splendidly with the staged reading of ’Til the Lesley Ferris, Harold and Anita Eisenstein, Isaac Bashevis Singer’s novel. Other read- Fat Lady Sings by Carolyn Gage and Andrea Harvey Rubin, Jennifer Stoessner, Bonnie ings sponsored by TRI this year include Higgins, both of whom were in attendance, Vorenberg, the Stratford Festival of Canada, When Something Wonderful Ends by Sherry directed by WOSU-FM producer Christopher Valerie Lucas, Enid Weaver (POG), Beth Kat- Kramer, given by longtime volunteer Barbara Purdy and with standout operatic singing by telman, Lucy Lee, Mrs. William B. Emmons, Butler in June; Levels of Living, by Nancy Tamara Regensburger and Crystal Stabinow. Jr., and Charles Moulton. Gall-Clayton, Louisville playwright and ICWP member, in December. Another play reading The annual presentation of the Margo Jones marked International Women’s Day in March: Medal was a particular joy this year, as it was Shirley Barrie’s Audience, Vicki Cheatwood’s presented posthumously to Jerome Lawrence The Last Time Cooper Took Midge Fishing, and Robert E. Lee for their lifelong encourage- Gerry Sanseviero’s Matinee Lunch, Elaine ment of young writers through teaching, or- Jarvik’s Dead Right, and Katherine Burkman’s ganizations (including creating the American Geraldine and Jacob.

In the early fall, Beth Kattelman finished up her obligations as Coordinator of Theatre 100 in order to accept the position of As- sociate Curator. Nena was pleased to work with students from Professor Steven Conn’s History 489 class who did archival projects in the Jarka Burian collection (on Prague Spring and the Warsaw Pact), the Ella Gerber Kasakoff collection (identifying photographs of the Robert Breen production of Porgy and Bess), and the Sidney Kingsley collec- At the presentation of the Margo Jones Award in Los Angeles on September 28th, 2006 are (left to tion (in preparation for an online exhibition right) standing: Alan Woods, Jenny Lee, Neila Lee, on the playwright’s work). Several graduate Jonathan Lee, Lucy Lee, Karen Bell, Nena Couch; McCarthy Poster from the Curtiss Show Print students have done archival independent seated: Deborah Robison, Janet Waldo Lee, Joshua Collection. Robison. studies: Melanie House on the Mt. Holyoke Donated by Nyle and Helen Stateler, the re- College Summer Theatre, Emily Layne Fargo cently received Curtiss Show Print collection on the Charles H. McCaghy Collection of is a remarkable compilation documenting the Exotic Dance and on New Burlesque, and beautiful letterpress work done by the com- Rebecca Kallemeyn on the First All Children’s pany for their show business clients. The col- Theatre founded and directed by alumna lection contains wonderful materials printed Meridee Stein. Students in the Czech theatre by Curtiss Show Print (such as posters, win- and culture course taught by OSU Lima dow cards, heralds, tickets, ads, letterhead professor Joe Brandesky have made great stationery, and other materials), and also use of the Jarka Burian collection and other work orders and more than 1200 printing Czech holdings at the Institute. Otterbein blocks. We are grateful to Bob Tauber of the College Theatre and Dance faculty member Logan Elm Press and OSU Libraries Center for Rob Johnson brought a class of his student From the presentation of the Margo Jones Award the Book Arts, and to Harry Campbell, OSU designers for an introduction to the Institute’s in Los Angeles on September 28th, 2006; John Cauble, of the University of California, Los Angeles; Libraries Conservator, for their invaluable sup- wonderful scene and costume designs, and Fay Kanin, writer (most notably of Rashoman, port in working with this collection. OSU Theatre faculty member Dan Gray and Friendly Fire, and Heartsounds), and Alan Woods his graduate designers came to examine the are Fellows of the College of the American Theatre Alan Woods helped to establish “Beyond (which is based at the Kennedy Center in Wash- exquisite scene design models by Broadway ington). Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, who the Borscht Belt: A Jewish Theatre Celebra- and regional theatre designer Tony Straiges. received the Jones Award posthumously, were also tion” jointly created by TRI, the Department Fellows.

8 encore 2007 Playwrights Theatre), and active mentoring. It was a delight to present the medals to Jerry’s niece and nephew, Deborah and Joshua Barb and Joy were debut panelists for the American Theatre Associa- Robison, and to Janet Waldo Lee, Jonathan tion in 1980 (above). Barb is now Lee, and Lucy Lee, Bob’s widow and children, Professor of English and Theatre, in Los Angeles in September at a star-studded and Chair of the Department of English at the University of Mis- event, which included an exciting reading of souri–St. Louis. Alan Woods was the courtroom confrontation from Act II of her advisor, and Joy’s co-advisee. Inherit the Wind, read by Ed Asner and David Selby, and directed by Gordon Hunt. Dean Joy Reilly and Barbara Kachur in St. Louis. Karen Bell hosted the evening.

Mrs. Irwin Spector and her family visited campus on May 30 for a performance of The The 2006-2007 Jerome Lawrence and Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote Me and Greatest American, one of Irwin Spector’s Robert E. Lee Theatre Research Institute Juliet. Isabel had given her papers docu- compositions, by the School of Music’s Wind Lecture was given this year by OSU alum and menting her career to the Institute, and she Symphony. In Dr. Spector’s memory, she has nationally known theatre critic Chris Jones, and husband Lawrence Barnett funded two established an endowed fund that will sup- who began his career in theatre criticism by endowments which support the Arts Policy port the Dalcroze collections at the Theatre doing reviews for Joy Reilly on WOSU-AM. and Administration program at Ohio State. Research Institute which include Spector’s For a number of years, Chris was a stringer Late in the spring we were saddened to hear own collection of research materials for the for Variety and is now theatre critic for the that Romanian designer/director Mircea definitive biography he wrote on Dalcroze, as Chicago Tribune. Marosin had died at his home in England. well as records of the Dalcroze School of Mu- His wife Joan Faroughy had given Marosin’s sic, and papers of Dalcroze practitioners Hilda We were very sad to say farewell to the gra- almost one hundred scene and costume Schuster, John Colman, and Frances Aronoff. cious, beautiful, and talented Isabel Bigley designs to the Institute, and later we com- Barnett who was Laurey in the London cast missioned Marosin to design King Lear to of Oklahoma!, created the role of Sarah add to the collection. Brown in Guys and Dolls, and for whom

Members of the Irwin Spector family with Beth Kattelman and Nena Couch

Orville Martin continues to supervise the reading room and is head of the website, Kathleen Kopp continues her work with the TRI’s art holdings, while both Anca Galron and Joan Wells are here several days a week as cataloguers, joined by Nataliya Chrisman. We are always grateful to our wonderful volun- teers: Barbara Butler, Chuck Moulton, and Joey Thomas who has recently “retired” after having worked with several collections includ- ing the Grandparents Living Theatre collection and the Earl Wilson celebrity photographs. Regretfully, Sidonia Marowitz, who worked for several years as a volunteer, died this year. Isabel Bigley Barnett as “Laurey” in Oklahoma! Costume design by Mircea Marosin

encore 2007 9 By Damian Bowerman, Graduate Studies and Publicity Coordinator, and Eric Mayer, Undergraduate Studies Coordinator and Webmaster

Autumn between author/writer Anne Morrow Lind- The department also works with non-The- bergh (wife to aviator Charles) and Antoine atre majors to provide internship opportuni- Following the Autumn Quarter Departmental de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince ties throughout the entertainment industry. Meeting, Lindsay Beery, Brittany Kiefer, and the man whom she felt best understood Steven Paul, a first year Pre-Architecture Meredith Lark, Ashlee Mundy, and her work” (Schlueter, Jennifer). Text by Jen- student, was able to work with the Athletic Adrianne Varwig (B.A. Theatre Students) nifer Schlueter. Starring Christina Ritter Video Department, learning and performing were elected to serve as the Undergradu- (Ph.D. 2007), Christopher M. Roche various roles such as replay operator, cam- ate Student Advisory Committee (USAC). (M.F.A. 2006), and Brandon Firla. Design by era operator, director and technical director. USAC meets regularly with the Director of Brad Steinmetz (M.F.A. 2003). Undergraduate Studies and quarterly with Reel Buckeye Productions’ movie 3 Easy the Department Chair to share the ideas and Payments by Scott Sutton played to over concerns. 250 cast, crew, and family members in Winter OSU’s Sullivant Hall Dance Theatre as a Brittany Futrell, Katherine Kimmel private premiere. Weeks later, on January and Joel Searls (B.A. Theatre Students) Jason Banks received an Excellence in 11, 2007, it premiered to the public at the each received scholarships from the autumn Technical Design award for his lighting Drexel Gateway Theater. The movie ran 2006 Undergraduate design for Hair at the through the holiday weekend, playing to Research in the Arts Theatre Roundtable over 400 viewers. Over 100 students have competition. of Central Ohio and worked on this truly collaborative project. The Central Ohio Patrick Stengle Theatre Critics’ Lindsay Beery (B.A. student) and Laura (B.A. student) ap- Circle Annual Theatre Hum (B.A. Student) served as assistant peared as Roger in Awards Event. stage managers for the School of Music’s the Croswell Opera production of Elixir of Love. House’s August Damon Trammell production of Grease. (B.A. Student, Minor) Andrew Martin (B.A. student) spent both The Croswell Opera appeared as Lymon winter and spring quarters as vocal director House is a semi- in the Contemporary for Dublin Scioto High School’s productions professional summer American Theatre of Disney’s High School Musical and the Company’s (CATCO) theatre located in Joel Searls presents Exploring Social Issues Through classic Singing in the Rain. Adrian, Michigan. a Western, his research for his play entitled Antioch production of August at the Denman Undergraduate Research Forum. Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize Emily Fargo (M.A. winning The Piano Student) received Lesson. Spring The Literary Manag- ers and Dramaturgs Karen Mozingo Meredith Lark (B.A. student) performed of the Americas’ (Ph.D. Student) and in the Club Theatre production of Songs for (LMDA) Student Kal Poole (M.F.A. a New World (April 12-28). Club Theatre, Dramaturgy Award at Acting Student) were located above the Club Diversity martini bar The Kennedy Center nominated for the in German Village, was founded by alumnus American College 2007 Graduate Asso- Ryan Scarlata (B.A. 2006) with support Theater Festival. ciate Teaching Award from alumna Allison Walker (B.A. 2006). (GATA). Jennifer Schlueter Jennifer Kramer (B.A. Student) received (Ph.D. 2007) con- Brittany Futrell presents Antioch: Communicating Adam Kling (B.A. a certificate of Special Commendation by My Directorial Vision at the Denman Undergradu- 2007) held an intern- the 2007 Kennedy Center American College tributed to the new ate Research Forum. book, Angels in the ship at Glenbard Theatre Festival National Selection Team for American Theatre: North High School in her property design of Sinclair Community Patrons, Patronage, and Philanthropy, edited Carol Stream, Illinois, where he had the op- Colleges’ production of Footfalls. by Robert A. Schanke. portunity to work hand-in-hand with faculty in the instruction of students for a production At the department’s End of the Year Celebra- Jennifer also presented North, her new play of Peter Pan and the school’s Winter Arts tion, Mandy Fox swore in the elected officers “that tells the story of a charged meeting Festival Show. of Alpha Psi Omega: President – Bora

10 encore 2007 “Max” Koknar, incumbent; Vice President Current Student Activity – Marysha Sarris and Business Manager – Updates by Area: Janice Wessner, incumbent (B.A. Theatre Students). History, Literature and Criticism:

Joy Reilly presented awards to the follow- Christina Sidebottom (M.A. 2007) ing individuals honored with Undergraduate completed a M.A. thesis on the Egyptian Student Excellence in recognition of earning playwright Tawfiq al-Hakim, whose play Fate the Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with Distinc- of a Cockroach the department staged three tion and for their participation in the Denman years ago. Undergraduate Research Forum. Katherine Kimmel – Secrets and Sexual Scandal: Gibson Cima (M.A. 2007) has completed Costuming The Children’s Hour, Andrew a M.A. thesis on the playwright Athol Fugard Cronacher – Undercooked, Joëlle Joseph and was admitted to the doctoral program – The Encounter of Three Worlds, and Brit- at University of Washington, with a teaching tany Futrell – Antioch: Communicating my assistantship. Katherine Kimmel presents Secrets and Sexual Scandal: Costuming The Children’s Hour at the Directorial Vision (Brittany also received 1st Denman Undergraduate Research Forum. place in Art and Architecture at the Den- Gina DiSalvo (M.A. 2007) has completed a man Undergraduate Research Forum.) Joel M.A. thesis on representations of virgin mar- Searls – Exploring Social Issues through a tyrs on the Jacobean stage and was admitted Western. Katherine Thornton was recog- into the doctoral program at Northwestern nized with Undergraduate Student Excellence University on a full fellowship. for her participation in the Denman Under- graduate Research Forum presenting her Monica White Ndounou (Ph.D. 2007) has research for Reconstructing The Bacchae of accepted a tenure track position of Assis- Euripides at Smith College 1934. tant Professor in the Department of Drama and Dance at Tufts University which begins Awards for Service in recognition of their on September 1, 2007. Monica presented work for The Syndicate and their Disciplin- the findings of her work in progress at The ing Interdisciplinarity Conference were Comparative Drama Conference, the African presented to Jason Bush (M.A. Student), Literature Association Conference, the Mid- Nick Dekker (Ph.D. 2007) Gina DiSalvo America Theatre Conference, the American (M.A. 2007) and Jennifer Schlueter (Ph.D. Society for Theatre Research Conference, the Katherine Thornton presents Reconstructing The 2007). August Wilson Conference at the University of Bacchae of Euripides at Smith College 1934 at the Maryland, and the Conference on Conscious- Denman Undergraduate Research Forum.

Andrew Cronacher presents Undercooked at the Gibson Cima surveys the beginning of his drama- Gina DiSalvo works on her dramaturgical display for Denman Undergraduate Research Forum. turgical display for Our Town. Mary Stuart.

encore 2007 11 ness, Theatre, Literature and the Arts in the Jason Bush (Ph.D. Student) was the document the Peninsula Players, a theatre United Kingdom. recipient of the Pat Mullen Prize for Gradu- company active under the apartheid regime in ate Student Excellence in Folklore, awarded South Africa in the 1950’s. Nicholas Dekker (Ph.D. 2007) successfully annually for the best graduate student paper defended his dissertation on the ways that or project submitted during the academic year Ritter, Christina (M.A. 2004, Ph.D. 2007) German theatre and culture influenced and to the Center for Folklore Studies. His winning Christina is completing her dissertation on shaped the development of British theatre in paper centers on his research for his disserta- the significance of location for the Royal the early modern age, tion and is entitled: Shakespeare Company and Shakespeare’s 1890 to 1918 and Danza de la Raza: Globe. She has written an investigation of graduated in June. The Folklorization of the importance of place for the development, the Peruvian Scis- history, identity, and mission of two theatre Terry Schoone- sors Dance. Jason’s companies: the Royal Shakespeare Company, Jongen (Ph.D. paper proposal to the which is located in Stratford-upon-Avon, the 2007) graduated in American Society birthplace and final resting place for Shake- March with a Ph.D. for Theatre Research speare, and Shakespeare’s Globe company, in Theatre and was has been accepted which performs in the newly built Globe accepted into law for the plenary ses- theatre. In addition, Christina acted in Ghost school at George sions at the Novem- Light, the Contemporary American Theatre Washington Univer- Jennifer Stoessner, Bora “Max” Koknar, Julia Hypes, Company’s (CATCO) shorts festival. and Nick Trouw building masks in Valerie Lucas’ ber ASTR conference sity, with a full fellow- mask class. in Phoenix. Jason’s ship. Also, he is now paper entitled Jennifer Schlueter (Ph.D. 2007) received completing the last “Scissors Dancing a Presidential Fellowship in December and stages of his book en- and the Intellectual began January 1, 2007. She accepted a job titled Shakespeare’s Gaze” offers a study offer from University of Oregon. She will have Companies: Wil- of the Peruvian her second child this autumn, and then begin liam Shakespeare’s danza de las tijeras, the job in autumn 2008. Early Career and the which is an acrobatic Acting Companies, ritual dance from Jennifer Stoessner (Ph.D. Student) is writ- 1577-1594 to be pub- the Chanka region ing her dissertation on the impact of the Jim lished by Ashgate. of Peru in the central Henson Foundation on American puppetry. This is the most Andes. She has recently had an article published in comprehensive study Puppetry International entitled, “The Shoebox of the ‘lost years’ of Stephanie Spiker celebrates earning her B.A. in Melanie House World of Robert Anton.” This essay develops Theatre. Shakespeare in terms (Ph.D. Student) out of her M.A. thesis, ‘Infecting the In- of the acting compa- passed her Compre- animate: Puppet Theatre Responds to AIDS.’ nies he might have acted with after leaving hensive Oral Examination and now moves Jennifer has done a great deal of work with Stratford-upon-Avon and before settling in onto her dissertation work which involves the Wexner Center, presenting workshops in London with the Lord Chamberlain’s Men. archival research in Toronto as she starts to conjunction with their Jim Henson Film Series

Joel Searls (center) and the cast of his play, Antioch, answer questions after a Damon Trammell (right) as Lymon and Alan Bomar Jones (left) as Doaker in performance. CATCO’s production of The Piano Lesson.

12 encore 2007 End of Year Celebration Awards

Mandy Fox presented awards for Outstanding leadership and dedication to Reel Buckeye in March and in elementary schools follow- Contributions to the Department of Theatre’s Productions and Video. Carrie Jones (B.A. ing a puppetry performance from Denmark 2006-2007 Production Season to the follow- Student) for Outstanding Contribution to in May. She attended the Puppeteers of ing B.A. Theatre students: Video Productions in recognition of her lead- ership with the 2006-2007 Reel Buckeye 10 America National Festival in St. Paul and performance : Hair – Akil Babb, Liam Minute Shorts presented a paper at the ATHE Conference in Cronin, Meredith Lark; The 10 Minute Play New Orleans in July. Jennifer performed her Festival - Ashley Mundy, Matt Proctor; •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• solo performance of her new work, Bravado, Our Town – Cole Simon, Angela Hender- Mark Shanda presented the Chairs Award for son; Dead Man Walking – Dammon Tram- in the New Works Lab of the Drake in April. Academic Achievement: mel; The Children’s Hour – Sarah Katz, Pamela Sanchez, Elizabeth Yerian; Mary The Ohio State University Department of The- Karen Mozingo (Ph.D. Student) was the Stuart - Cole Simon atre Honors the following graduate students recipient of The Presidential Fellowship, with the Chair’s Award for Academic Achieve- which recognizes the outstanding scholarly l e a d e r s h i p : The 10 Minute Play Festival - ment for maintaining a 4.0 cumulative grade Bora “Max” Koknar, Cole Simon; Dead accomplishments and potential of graduate point average: Bethany Banister (Ph.D. Man Walking - Bora “Max” Koknar; The students entering the final phase of their dis- Student) Gibson Cima (M.A. 2007) Gina Children’s Hour - Lindsay Beery, Brittany DiSalvo (M.A. Student) Emily Fargo (M.A. sertation research or terminal degree project. Kiefer; Mary Stuart - Sarah Helgesen Karen performed Witch Dance in April 12 at Student) Virginia Logan (M.F.A. Acting d e s i g n : The Three Bully Goats Griff - Lind- Student) Christopher Matsos (Ph.D. Stu- the Sullivant Theatre. Based on choreogra- say Beery; The Three Bully Goats Griff dent) Julie Ann McMillan (M.F.A. Acting phy and costume by Mary Wigman (c. 1926) - Lydia Fleck; The Children’s Hour - Kather- Student) Karen Mozingo (Ph.D. Student) Recreated by Bonnie Oda Homsey with first ine Kimmel Andrew “Kal” Poole (M.F.A. Acting Stu- performance in 1996. Original score by Hanns •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• detn) Christina Ritter (Ph.D. 2007) Terry Hasting Hexentanz from Frauentanze (1934). Schoone-Jongen (Ph.D. 2007) Matthew Score realized by Alan Terricciano using the The Ohio State University Lima Campus hon- Yde (Ph.D. Student) ored the following students: Gassman Electronic Music Studio, UC Irvine. The Ohio State University Department of m a r t h a f a r m e r t h e at r e scholarship Theatre Honors the following undergraduate Acting: r e c i p i e n t s : Bethany Small, Nellie Smith, students with the Chair’s Award for Aca- Jeanine Meyer; demic Achievement for maintaining a 3.85 Both Virginia Logan (M.F.A. Acting Student) a r t s d i v i s i o n w i n n e r s : Brandi High, Jea- or higher cumulative grade point average: and Dwayne Blackaller (M.F.A. Acting Stu- nine Meyer Andi Barnett, Sara Bonilla-Larsen, dent) were accepted to participate in the SITI Maria Borgerding, Katherine Bowman, •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• four-week Summer Intensive Program. SITI Liam Cronin, Kathryn Dysard, Margue- receives hundreds of applications from around Tom Postlewait presented awards for Gradu- rite Gross, Angela Henderson, Anna ate Student Excellence: the world for 40 participation slots with a Hoptry, Julia Hypes, Katherine Kimmel, dedication to maintaining an international rep- s e r v i c e a n d r e s e a r c h : Virginia Logan Sarah Lammon, Meredith Lark, Eric Melton, Barbara Papalios, David Porta- resentation among the participants. (M.F.A. Acting Student) Jayson Morrison (M.A. Student) latin, Eric Slezak, Elizabeth Yerian.

Design: s e r v i c e a n d t e a c h i n g : Raymond Mandy Fox recognized Undergraduate Gradu- Caldwell (M.F.A. Acting Student) Karen ates. Summer Quarter 2006: Emily Beis- Mary Yaw (M.F.A. Design 2007) completed Mozingo (Ph.D. Student) ner, Jonathan Nawn, Ryan Scarlata, Davina Ware, Elizabeth Wilson. Autumn her thesis for her costume design of Mary t e a c h i n g a n d c r e a t i v e a c t i v i t y : Mary Quarter 2006: Elizabeth Blockinger, Stuart. She plans to work as a freelance cos- Yaw (M.F.A. Design Student) Jolene Bolinger, Curtis “Nitz” Brown, tume designer in the Columbus area and got •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Jonathon Leonard, Daniel Nash. married in summer 2007. Janet Parrott presented awards for Outstand- Megan Simcox, Richard Smith. Winter ing Contributions in the area of Video Produc- Quarter 2007: Nicholas Hanneman, Ken tion: Hathaway, Elena Mcintosh, Mandalyn Stevens, Linda Torres. Spring Quarter Kenny Hathaway (B.A. Student) for Out- 2007: Wade Corder, Andrew Cronacher, standing Contribution to Video Production in Megan Fitzpatrick, Rebecca Ford, Brit- recognition of his leadership and dedication tany Futrell, Kristina Gainey, Cristin to Buckeye TV and The Daily Show with Jon Gerleman, Kristin Green, Evan Gregg, Stewart. Kristina Hall (B.A. Student) for Ryan Herron, Frank Houst, Amanda Outstanding Contribution to Video Produc- Ireton, Joëlle Joseph, Brittany Kiefer, tion in recognition of her leadership and fiscal Katherine Kimmel, Adam Kling, Sarah management for Reel Buckeye Productions Lammon, Adam Peal, Darrio Pope, Lane and Video Lab Assistance. Amira Soliman Scarberry, Joel Searls, Cole Simon, Mark Shanda and Mary Yaw present the (B.A. Student) for Outstanding Contribution Katherine Sutter, Katherine Thornton, “Where is the love in theatre award.” to Video Production in recognition of her Sara Ziglar.

encore 2007 13 Mandy Fox recognized Undergraduate Schol- arship Recipients: End of Year Celebration Awards The Gerald R. Black Scholarship Fund for Rec- ognition of Excellence in Theatre was estab- lished in 1974 in memory of Gerald R. Black, a 1924 graduate of The Ohio State University. The scholarship is intended for undergraduate students within the Department of Theatre in- terested in the area of playwriting. Recipients: Barbara Papalios, Bora “Max” Koknar, Samantha Bowling.

The Michael Swink Fund for Talent in Theatre Katharine Phillips and Marysha Sarris receive a Left to Right: Mark Shanda presents Awards for Ser- Technology was established in 1980 in scholarship from the Michael Swink Fund for Talent vice in recognition of their work for The Syndicate memory of Michael Swink, (B.A. 1975) and in Theatre Technology. to Nick Dekker, Jason Bush, Jennifer Schlueter and provides funding for undergraduate students Gina Disalvo. who have demonstrated exceptional talent and ability in theatre in the area of design and technology. Recipients: David Portalatin, Katharine Phillips, Marysha Sarris. The Robert Eugene Johnson Memorial Schol- arship was established in 1983 with gifts from the estate of Robert Eugene Johnson, (M.A. 1950) to provide one or more scholarships for Junior and/or Senior students who are major- ing in Theatre and are maintaining at least a Mandy Fox presents Chair’s Award for Academic Mark Shanda presents awards to Kenny Hathaway 2.5 cumulative grade point average. Recipi- Achievement for maintaining a 4.0 cumulative for Outstanding Contribution to Video Production grade point average to Matthew Yde, Terry Schoo- in recognition of his leadership and dedication to ents: Joshua Getzinger, Lindsay Beery, ne-Jongen, Julie Ann McMillan, Virginia Logan and Buckeye TV and The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Nicholas Trouw, Roni Jarrett-Leake. Gina DiSalvo. and Kristina Hall for Outstanding Contribution to Video Production in recognition of her leadership The Roy and Addeleen Bowen Fund for and fiscal management for Reel Buckeye Produc- Exceptional Talent in Theatre was established tions and Video Lab Assistance. in 1978 to honor Dr. Roy H. Bowen, Professor Emeritus of Theatre. The scholarship supports undergraduate students who have demon- strated exceptional talent in theatre. Recipi- ents: Bill Gordon, Emily Dorrian, Erika Hanes, Kathryn Dysard, Maria Borgerd- ing, Patrick Stengle, Ricardo Hernan- dez, Sara Kaufman, Spenser Morris. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Awarded annually in memory of Steven Vrba, Assistant Professor of Theatre, 1982–1984, Joëlle Joseph receives an Raymond Caldwell receives an Sarah Helgesen celebrates her this cash award is to be given to an upper award from Mark Shanda for award from Mark Shanda for recognition for her outstanding division theatre major who has demonstrated earning a B.A. with Distinction Graduate Student Excellence in contribution to the Department in Theatre and her presenta- Service and Research. of Theatre’s 2006-2007 Pro- high academic achievement and outstanding tion of The Encounter of Three duction Season for her stage abilities in Theatre Technology during the year. Worlds at the Denman Under- management of Mary Stuart. Recipient: Eric Slezak. graduate Research Forum.

Left to right: Kyle Jepson, Virginia Logan, Sarah Hel- Elizabeth Yerian receives an Cole Simon is recognized by Virginia Logan receives an gesen, Patrick Stengle, Erika Hanes, Janice Wessner, award for her performance in Mark Shanda for his outstand- award from Mark Shanda for Elizabeth Yerian, and Meredith Lark are sworn in as The Children’s Hour. ing contributions to the Depart- Graduate Student Excellence new members of Alpha Psi Omega (honorary dra- ment of Theatre’s 2006-2007 in Service and Research. matic fraternity) by president Bora “Max” Koknar. Production Season for his work in The 10-Minute Play Festival, Our Town¸and Mary Stuart.

14 encore 2007 Reports OSU Newark By Dave Williams, Associate Professor

2006-07 kicked off with A.R. Gurney’s comedy-drama Another Antigone. Set on the campus of a small liberal-arts university, this production revived a simultaneous staging technique, with two offices OSU Lima and an open space on campus all represented; the lights directed the By Joe Brandesky, Professor audience’s attention as appropriate. The production was well received, and suggested that other plays by the same author might well appear The Lima campus theatre in the future. program generated three productions in the 06-07 The winter quarter production was Frank Gilroy’s neglected play academic year. Brad Who’ll Save the Plowboy?. This script is every bit as powerful as his Steinmetz (M.F.A. 2003) better-known The Subject Was Roses, and the director was able to directed and designed cast strong actors in the lead roles. The tale of deception, betrayal, and Hattie, written by Jennifer unfulfilled dreams left a lasting impression on all those who saw it. Schlueter (Ph.D. 2007), The set recreated a lower-class urban apartment from 1962, down to for our Theatre for Young the battered furniture, scuffed floor, and antique radiator. One feature Audiences performances repeatedly commented upon by audience members was the cityscape during autumn 2006. outside the window, which portrayed distant buildings with window In October our students OSU Lima’s production of Hattie, written by lights that decreased in number as the play proceeded. Jennifer Schlueter. participated in a lecture/ workshop on the Mikhail Chekhov acting system led by Mala Pow- The spring production was Sam Shepard’s drama Fool For Love. All ers, stage and film actress, teacher and executrix of the M. Chekhov three main roles were filled by actors of uncommon energy, presence, Estate, and former Lima student and Powers protégé, Kim Barrett. Joe and imagination. Brandesky directed Joseph Fisher’s Cupid and Psyche during winter 2007. The production featured a stage design and projections by Brad In addition to the full productions, the Steinmetz with costumes by Loo Brandesky. Maria Ignatieva directed Theatre Department at OSU-Newark the spring 2007 production of also presented three poetry readings: Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler. Guest Ogden Nash (Sept. 28), Robert Herrick Designer Dennis Christilles (Uni- (Jan. 11) and Charles Bukowski (April versity of Kansas) provided sets 5). All of these were well attended. The and costumes and worked with audiences enjoyed Nash’s verbal and Lima campus students during metrical dexterity, Herrick’s delicacy his residency. Five Lima theatre and sly eroticism, and Bukowski’s students joined a total of twenty- intensity. Newark’s production of Another three travelers to the 2007 Antigone: Judy (Kenda Brand) Prague Quadrennial as members helps her boyfriend Dave (Ste- of the OIA sponsored Prague ven Bennett) stretch out before a track meet. Theatre Study tour in June, led by OSU Lima’s production of Joseph Brandesky. Fisher’s Cupid and Psyche.

Four students who played active roles in our theatre program were recognized with spring 2007 academic awards at OSU - Lima. Jeanine Meyer and Brandi High were given the Arts Divisional Newark’s production of Fool For Love: May Award (sponsored by the Music, (Alyse Cho) tells a story, while Eddie (Clinton Bates) and Martin (Anthony Harper) listen. Art and Theatre faculties) while Theatre Departmental awards went to Bethany Small and Nellie Smith. OSU Lima’s production of Ibsen’s Newark’s production of Who’ll Hedda Gabler. Save the Plowboy? Larry (Chris Carter) and Albert (Steven Douglass) put together a train set. encore 2007 15 Reports (continued) OSU Mansfield By Joseph Fahey, Assistant Professor

The department opened its season with Nickel and Dimed by Joan Holden, based on Barbara Ehrenreich novel about low-wage America. Graduate student Todd Smith directed the work, and for our opening performance we were joined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Shipler, who discussed his recent text The Working Poor: Invisible in America. There followed four additional performances each with a panel of speakers who addressed issues of local concern in the effort to combat poverty.

Nickel and Dimed autumn 2007, In February, the theatre program took its show on the road and presented Steve Mar- (L to R: Jacqueline Allen, Bryan Lynch) tin’s Picasso at the Lapin Agile for one weekend at the Mansfield Art Center and a second weekend in our traditional campus space at Founders Audito- rium. Richard Keith designed a wonderful mobile set, and the actors delighted in the rare opportunity to work the same show in a cabaret setting and a traditional proscenium space.

To close out the mainstage season, we presented Guys and Dolls on Mothers Day weekend. It was a fantastic team effort involving collaborations with Picasso at the Lapin Agile winter 2008, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, winter 2008, dancers from the Richland Academy and barber- (L to R: Cindy Logan, Jim Childress, (L to R: Bryan Lynch, Kyle Sturts, Nathan Paulina Trunzo) Daugherty) shop singers from Mansfield’s FunCenter Chords- men. Attendance was exceptional – including a rare “sell-out” evening, and the large cast of students and community members delighted in the opportunity to bring this gem of American musical theatre to a new audience.

Our season’s alternate stage performances included three shows. Avalon, a new social-issues work by Professor Ralph Hunt, In the Hands of Mr. Hyde, a punk-goth reworking of the Robert Louis Stevenson clas- sic, and the first-ever Mansfield performance of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues. This performance, co-produced by OSU-Mansfield’s Office of Student Services and directed by student Amanda Sposato, raised Guys and Dolls spring Guys and Dolls spring 2007, (L to R: Kyle Sturts, Ryan over $1600 for Mansfield’s Domestic Violence Shelter and brought 2007, (L to R: Billy Hooks, Nathan Daugherty, Dan O’Brien – front Ensler’s message to over 350 people. Haynes and Esther Brian Eckels, Billy Haynes, Mike DeVenny, Bryan O’Brien) Dellefield, Scott Schag, Dane Noe, Tom Hardy - back)

Tom Postlewait Retirement By Mark Shanda, Professor and Chair

Effective June 15, 2007, Dr. Tom Postlewait re- two of their daughters and their grandchil- tired from the Ohio State University. Tom has dren who live in Seattle. The move is also been an outstanding faculty member since a return to Tom’s Pacific Northwest joining the department in 1994. In January of roots. In addition, Tom has accepted 2006 Tom was named a University Distin- a part-time teaching position in the guished Scholar, one of the highest awards doctoral program, School of Drama, a faculty member can receive. Tom and his at the University of Washington. We wife Marilyn will be relocating to their new congratulate Tom and Marilyn on a home that they have purchased well deserved next chapter to their on Whitby Island just north of academic careers and thank Tom for Seattle. This move will allow the countless hours of mentoring M.A. Tom cuts his “Best Wishes” cake at the End of Year them to spend more time with and Ph.D. students that he has done. Celebration.

Tom accepts a parting gift from The Department of Theatre at the End of Year Celebration. 16 encore 2007 Faculty and Staff

(continued) Jimmy Bohr Stratos Constantinidis Ohio Theatre Roundtable, winter 2006; Assistant Professor Professor Outstanding Production Award, The Rocky Acting and Directing History, Literature and Criticism Horror Show, the Central Ohio Theatre • Directed Awake in the • Editor of two interdisciplinary periodical Roundtable, winter 2006; Best Productions Dark, a Musical Theatri- publications, Text and Presentation, The of the Year, Hair, The Columbus Dispatch, cal Performance at the Comparative Drama Conference Series and autumn 2006. Brooklyn Historical the Journal of Modern Greek Studies. • Collaborations with Dash Networks Incor- Society in New York • Chosen as a semi-finalist for the 2006-07 porated and the Contemporary American City for the launch of Alumni Awards for Distinguished Teaching. Theatre Company (CATCO). Shira Nayman’s same titled novel. • Published “Dinos Katsuridis’ What Did You • The Devil’s Season, feature-length film, • Performed the lead role of Aaron Greidinger Do in the War, Thanasis?” in the Cinema of Script Advisor and Acting/Voice Coach. in a staged reading of Emily Mann’s Me- the Balkans, edited by Dina Iordanova. • Lucifer’s Fall, feature-length film, Script shugah at the OSU Hillel Center, directed • Presented “The Status of the Journal of Advisor and Acting/Voice Coach. by Dr. Alan Woods, in honor of Ms. Mann’s Modern Greek Studies, 2003-2006;” a • Damon and Stella Foundation Public contribution to Jewish culture. report sponsored by the Modern Greek Service Announcement with Randy Travis, • Directed Thornton Wilder’s Our Town in Studies Association of America and Canada. Script Advisor and Vocal Coach. the Roy Bowen Theatre, in a production to • Presented “Euripides’ Hecuba and Cornaro’s • Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Vocal Coach, CATCO. honor the late Roy Bowen. The Sacrifice of Abraham: Two Set Designs • Named an Associate Editor for the Interna- • Member of the Curriculum Advisory Com- by Fotis Kontoglou and a Theory” at the 30th tional Dialect of English Archive. mittee at Hocking College in Nelsonville, Comparative Drama Conference. Ohio, for the newly formed Theatre Arts and • Participated in the President and Provost’s Dan Gray Management Department. Leadership Institute. Associate Professor Design and Technology Damian Bowerman Lesley Ferris • Designed the set for the Graduate Studies Professor highly praised produc- Coordinator History, Literature and tion of Hair produced Publicity Coordinator Criticism by OSU Theatre in col- • Played Dr. Gibbs in OSU • Presented “Carnival laboration with CAPA Theatre’s production of Interactive,” a multi- receiving an Excellence Our Town in February. media, interactive in Technical Design award for this set design • Portrayed Andrew Car- computer program at the Theatre Roundtable of Central Ohio negie for the Columbus on London’s Notting and the Central Ohio Theatre Critics’ Circle Metropolitan Library’s Centennial Gala in Hill Carnival, beta-tested at the Mayor of Annual Theatre Awards Event. April giving a speech to hundreds of donors London’s Caribbean Showcase, Hyde Park, • Designed the national tour of Russel Wright: thanking them for their continuing support London co-creators Brian Stone (Depart- Better Living Through Design exhibit which of the library, which the actual Carnegie ment of Design), Brandan Craft (Department opened at the Ohio Decorative Arts Center initiated with a $200,000 seed grant. of Design), and Ruth Tompsett (Middlesex in May. • Participated in a John Glenn School of Pub- University). • Designed the set for the critically acclaimed lic Affairs Management Advancement for • Directed The Crucible by Arthur Miller at production of Moonlight and Magnolias at the Public Service seminar entitled, “Media Tshwane University of Technology, Depart- the Human Race Theatre in Dayton. Relations for Public Sector Professionals.” ment of Drama, Pretoria South Africa. • Invitated to Adjudicate the KC/ACTF Region • Performed his one man show John D. Rock- • Directed A Movie Star Has to Star in Black III design Exhibit in Milwaukee, WI. efeller for a chapter of the Daughters of the and White by Adrienne Kennedy at Tisch • Designed the set for CATCO’s critically ac- American Revolution in Rocky River, Ohio. School of the Arts, Department of Drama, claimed production of The Piano Lesson. New York City. Joe Brandesky • Directed The Children’s Hour by Lillian Hell- Anthony Hill Professor man at The Ohio State University Depart- Associate Professor History, Literature and ment of Theatre. History, Literature and Criticism Criticism • Edited Czech Theatre Mandy Fox • Developed and imple- Design in the Twentieth Assistant Professor mented two new under- Century, which was Acting and Directing graduate and graduate recently published by Director of Undergradu- theatre courses: Theatre the University of Iowa ate Studies 674: August Wilson Press, featuring the craft of twenty-seven of • Received three Produc- Seminar and 802.03: African American the best stage and costume designers of the tion Awards for shows Women Playwrights. twentieth century. that she directed, • Made in-roads on his book project, An • Led group of students to Prague for the Excellence in Directing Historical Dictionary of African American Prague Quadrennial 2007. Award, The Rocky Horror Show, the Central Theatre.

16 encore 2007 encore 2007 17 Faculty and Staff continued

• Recognized in the 2006 edition of Who’s Ohio magazine as part of their “Excellence Janet Parrot Who in Black Columbus that highlights pos- in Education” recognition program, given to Assistant Professor itive achievements of African Americans. 150 of Ohio’s top college and university pro- Design and Technology • Participated in a panel on August Wilson fessors as a result of being acknowledged • Co-producer of the at the Black Theatre Network at Louisville, by an administrator or colleague from his or YWCA-Columbus, Kentucky. her school. Women of Achieve- ment 2006 Awards. Beth Kattelman Valerie Kaneko • Video Advisor: Hidden Assistant Curator, The- Lucas Voices, Blair Wing, atre Research Institute Assistant Professor video designer Assistant Professor, Acting and Directing • Video Advisor: Bright Room Called Day, University Libraries • Chaired the Society Adam Rex, video designer • Hired as Associate for Theatre Research • Directing a documentary with the work- Curator of The Jerome Performing Confer- ing title, Women’s Work, about a group of Lawrence and Robert ence The British remarkable women who went to South E. Lee Theatre Re- Asian Diaspora, the Africa in 2005 and met hospice nurses and search Institute and as an Assistant Profes- first academic conference on British Asian caregivers who are dealing with HIV/AIDS sor for the University Libraries. performance in the U.K., held at London’s in their communities. • Director of the Puppet-Queers, an award- Theatre Museum. winning puppet-theatre troupe that has • Published two articles on Black British and Tom Postlewait performed most recently at the 2006 British Asian Theatres in two anthologies: Professor National Gay and Lesbian Theatre Festival in ‘There’s No Justice: Just Us: Black Britons, History, Literature and Columbus, Ohio. British Asians and the Criminal Justice Criticism • Co-founder of Madcap Productions, a System in Docudrama’ in ‘Black’ British • Continued to edit the Cincinnati-based puppet troupe that con- Aesthetics Today and ‘‘Performing Brit- book series at the Uni- tinues to tour nationally, and she served for ish Hybridity: Fix Up and Fragile Land’ in versity of Iowa. a brief time as the Artistic Director of New Reconstructing Hybridity: An Anthology of • Served on the execu- Venture Theatre, a company dedicated to Critical Essays. tive committees of the the promotion of new works. • Devised her third verbatim drama, What Do American Society for Theatre Research, the • Presented a paper at the national confer- We Do Now with Theatre H367.01 Honors Association for Theatre in Higher Education, ence for the Popular Culture Association on students, focused upon 9-11’s aftermath and and the International Federation for Theatre the presentation of horror-magic. its impact upon Asian American and Arabic- Research. American communities. • Active member of the Society for Theatre Kristine Kearney • Chaired and organized New Spaces of Au- Research in Great Britain. Assistant Professor thenticity, an IFTR Scenography conference • Served as President of ASTR. Design and Technology held at the Czech Theatre Institute as part • Lead the national campaign for the inclusion • Received an Excel- of the 2007 Prague Quadrennial of Theatre of theatre and performance studies in the lence in Technical Design. National Research Council evaluation. Design award for her • Produced The Beyonder, a video project de- • Served as Vice President for Research in costume design for veloped from Aristophanes’ The Birds that ATHE. Hair at The Theatre was a major collaboration between theatre • Retired from OSU effective June 15, 2007 Roundtable of Central and video students. Ohio and The Central Ohio Theatre Critics’ Joy Reilly Circle Annual Theatre Awards Event. Eric H. Mayer Associate Professor Undergraduate Studies History, Literature and Jim Knapp Coordinator Criticism Production Coordinator • Stage Managed OSU • Performed The Exqui- • Joined the Humana Theatre’s production site Art of Growing Old: Festival production of Hair. Writing Our Lives 2007: staff for the month of • Stage Managed A Year A Live Art Performance March working with with Frog and Toad at by Howling at the Justin Hagovsky (B.A. the Capitol Theatre, his Moon in April at the Wexner Center Film 2003). third production with the Phoenix Theatre and Video Theater. for Children. • Honored with the Rosalene Sedgwick Kaizaad Kotwal • Designed sound for CATCO’s production of Faculty Service Award from The Ohio State Lecturer The Piano Lesson. University Arts and Sciences Committee. Marion Campus • The Art of Living program on Retirement • Featured in the December 2006 issue of Living Television filmed a feature on Joy and

18 encore 2007 the Howling at the Moon Theatre com- Mary Tarantino within the time constraints of the national pany at the Wexner Center. Associate Professor Association of Theatre in Higher Education Design and Technology (ATHE) conference. Maureen Ryan • Enjoyed a Faculty • Invited to conduct a second residency in Assistant Professor Professional Leave for Concepcion, Chile, part of the Ohio Arts Acting and Directing the 2006-07 academic Council’s International Exchange Program. • Producing Artistic year, spending many Director, Red Herring productive hours Alan Woods Theatre Ensemble, researching American Director, Lawrence and Columbus, Ohio. lighting design pioneers at the Wisconsin Lee Theatre Research • Co-Director/Producer, Historical Society in Madison, WI. Various Institute Ain ‘t Misbehavin’, Red interviews completed in association with Associate Professor, Herring Theatre Ensemble performed at the the research have taken her to New York, History, Literature and Brownstone on Main. Boston, and Toronto. Criticism • Director, Two Sticks on a Drum in close • Received a University Libraries Faculty • Coordinated the Heck- collaboration with playwright Holly Walter Course Enhancement Grant to support a art Competition and the Kerby, and actors Janet Wilson and Lori Seminar Course in Archive Research for Playwrights’ Retreat, both which solidified a Adams, a new play about the relationship Design to be taught at the Theatre Research growing reputation for Ohio State as a place between Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Institute in autumn 2007, with Professor that celebrates playwrights. Cady Stanton, performed as three staged Nena Couch. • His short play, The Safari, will be produced readings June 22 in Madison, Wisconsin • Returned to Prague to participate in in Cape Town, R.S.A., and another short play, at Edgewood College, July 13 at The Ohio ScenoFest and the Prague Quadrennial. Limbo, Ohio will be produced in Phoenix, State University and July 24 at Victory Gar- Arizona. dens Theatre in Chicago, IL. Jeanine Thompson • His short play, Twentieth Night, was read at • Producer, The Last Five Years, Red Herring Associate Professor the Center on High, Stonewall Columbus’ Theatre Ensemble, a musically complex and Acting, Directing and new community center in May. compelling piece that required a six- piece Dance • His short play Last Call had been pub- orchestra and was produced in the Studio • Formally received a lished by the Free Press in June 2006, in Two theatre at the Verne Riffe Center. courtesy faculty ap- their online edition. In September, it was • Director, Prison Project: Restorative Justice. pointment in the OSU performed by FLUSH INK PRODUCTIONS as Ross County Correctional Institution, Chillo- Department of Dance. part of their ASPHALT JUNGLE SHORTS in cothe, OH. • Invited as a Master Kitchener, Ontario. • Director, A Bright Room Called Day, The Teacher and Tenured Professor by the • 497 scripts were submitted for the 2007 Ohio State University. national Association of Theatre Movement Eileen Heckart Drama for Seniors Competi- • Director/Producer, Paul Robeson, Red Her- Educators (ATME) to present a paper and tion. This is the highest number submitted ring Theatre Ensemble, marking the start speak at the national conference. in the three times the Heckart Competition of Red Herring’s business-arts partnership • Invited as a professional Creator and has taken place; obviously, theatre by/for/ with the Brownstone on Main. Performer of New Work to be a part of about seniors is a rapidly expanding field! PlayWorks ensemble, created a new work Mark Shanda Chair and Professor Design and Technology Assistant Directing The Children’s Hour By Brittany Kiefer • Elected to serve a three-year term as Assisting professors Lesley Ferris and any production, The Children’s Hour came director at large of the Jeannine Thompson in the direction of with its own set of challenges which United States Institute The Children’s Hour was a very valuable presented themselves from the beginning. for Theatre Technology, and fun learning experience. Having not Through the flexibility and determination Inc (USITT). previously had a directorial role in an OSU of everyone involved in the process, we • Received a 2006-2007 Career Services Theatre main stage production, I did not were able to come together and work it Award recognizing his “outstanding support know what to expect or what my role out. The most valuable part of this experi- of student career development and career would be going into this production. Much ence was importance of collaboration. services programming” presented by The to my delight, Lesley allowed me as much Having a directorial team composed of Ohio State University Career Services Com- involvement as I wanted. I realized quickly three women with different experiences mittee. that if I wanted to have an active role in and approaches to theatre enabled us to this process I would have to claim it for my challenge each other and bring our own own. I learned the importance of having a unique vision to the process. Throughout collective creative vision and the neces- the process my thoughts and ideas were sity of clear articulation of thoughts. As in valued and incorporated.

encore 2007 19 1980’s Hell, supported by the Jerome Foundation, at Theatre for The New City in New York City. He Van Ackerman (M.F.A. 1985) is a member of the Society of Stage Direc- 1960’s Van is an Acclaim panel member (Acclaims tors and Choreographers and Actors’ Equity are awards for outstanding theatre in Cincin- Association. Bill Bushnell (M.A. 1962) nati) and Director of marketing and public Bill is the co-founder of the Los Angeles The- relations for the Cincinnati Arts Council. Cathy Fank (M.F.A. 1983) atre Center and is now doing disaster relief Cathy is an Assistant Professor of Theatre at work for the federal government. Monique Sacay-Bagwell (M.F.A. 1990) the University of Wisconsin. Monique is an Associate Professor at the Anita Simons (B.A. Mid 1960’s) Lander University Theatre Arts Depart- John Finnegan (M.F.A. 1988) Anita is a playwright and the Executive As- ment. She was a member of the cast of the John Campbell Finnegan is an Associate sistant to the Managing Director of La Jolla Greenwood Community Theatre production Professor of Computer Graphics Technology Playhouse. She recently experienced the first of Women on Fire, which won the state level at the New Albany branch of Purdue Univer- full production of her play Goodbye Memories Community Theatre Festival competition and sity. While at Purdue, John has co-authored at her old high school in Canton, Ohio. she was named Best Actress. the text, The Web Page Workbook (with Jeffrey Griffin). John is an active member of Kevin Connell (B.F.A. 1987) ACM:SIGGRAPH having served as the full 1970’s Kevin is teaching at Marymount Manhattan conference Chair for SIGGRAPH 2006. John College and appeared off-off Broadway in is currently developing a course called Acting Toni-Leslie James (B.F.A. 1979) Burn This, which was produced by Ground Up for Animators. Tonie-Leslie recently accepted a position as Productions at Manhattan Theatre Source. head of design at Virginia Commonwealth Chris Jones (Ph.D. 1989) University in Richmond. Jefferson Cronin (M.F.A. Acting, 1987) Chris Jones is the chief theater critic for the In the world of theatre, Jefferson has diverse Chicago Tribune. He has reviewed theater, James Joseph Knobeloch (M.F.A. 1976) professional experience as an actor, teacher, comedy, improv and other forms of live James appeared in the film King Kong as the workshop participant, consultant, producer, entertainment for the Tribune for more than Thuggish Studio Guy in 2005, in 5 episodes of and director. He has been an editor, columnist a decade. He also writes a weekly theater Ponderosa as Jack Wolf in 2002, in 1 episode and critic for The Tygart Valley Press, respon- column and hosts the popular blog, The of V.I.P. as Spalding in 2000, in 70 episodes of sible for editorial policy and writing, feature Theater Loop. Jones recently returned to Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman as Jake Slicker and news reporting and writing, photography, The Department of Theatre for the Annual from 1993-1997 and the TV Movie of the and film and theatre reviews. He has taught Theatre Research Institute lecture to present same title in 1999, and in Heaven’s Gate as for University of Maryland University College Every Night in the Dark: a Critic Debunks the Kopestansky in 1980. in Guam, and in the distance education pro- Pervasive Myths Surrounding Contemporary gram, since October 1996. Since 1998 Cronin American Theatre. Frank Mohler (B.A. 1965, M.A. 1969, Ph.D. has served as the artistic director of Theatre 1976) Guam, the only independent theatrical pro- Deborah Jordan (M.F.A. 1989) Frank is a Professor, Scenic and Lighting De- ducer on the island. Deborah is an Assistant Professor of Theatre signer at Appalachian State University. He has at Jacksonville University. published several articles on Renaissance and Annette Reid Crump (B.C. 1985) Baroque Theatre and created and maintains Annette appeared on an episode of Desperate John Kuhn (M.F.A. 1983) is the Artistic Di- the Development of Scenic Spectacle web Housewives on ABC in October. rector of the Actors’ Theatre of Columbus. He site www1.appstate.edu/orgs/spectacle. recently directed OSU and the Actors’ Theatre Varlo Davenport (M.F.A. 1988) of Columbus’ co-production of Mary Stuart. Tony Schmitt (Ph.D. 1970) Varlo Davenport is currently the Director Tony is an emeritus professor at Wayne State of Theatre at Dixie State College where he Cynthia Lammel (M.F.A. 1987) University in Detroit where he was in charge teaches, directs plays and serves as program Cynthia is a lecturer at Chico State in Califor- of the graduate acting company at the Hil- administrator. He is the author and performer nia. berry Theatre for 17 years. of the award winning one-person show John Wesley Powell: The Last American Adventure. Brenda Laurel (Ph.D. 1986) Craig Turner (M.F.A. 1974) He also performs as Wilford Woodruff in the Brenda recently became Chair of the Gradu- Craig is a teacher of movement and coach one-person show Wilford Woodruff: God’s ate Program in Design at California College for PlayMakers Repertory Company North Fisherman. of the Arts. In this position, Laurel will provide Carolina-Chapel Hill. He is been a member of the vision and leadership for the program and the Society of American Fight Directors and a James Depaul (M.F.A. 1983) engage in collegewide strategic planning. founding member of the Association of The- James is an internationally-acclaimed direc- atre Movement Educators and co-authored tor and teacher of acting at California State Christopher Merrill (B.A. 1979, M.F.A. 1981) the book Methods and Practice of Elizabe- University, Northridge. This year he directed Christopher is a web designer and profession- than Swordplay. the world premiere of Kornfeld’s The Gates of al actor based in Chicago. He has appeared

20 encore 2007 Off Broadway in Roots (by Arnold Wesker) Frank Barnhart (M.F.A. 1993) L. J. Houdyshell (M.F.A. 1990) at Healey Jewish Repertory Theatre, H. M. Frank is the Founding Producer of The Reality L.J. was the Assistant Art Director for the S. Pinafore as Sir Joseph at NY Gilbert and Theatre and the Executive Director of Act Out sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond on CBS. Sullivan Players. In Chicago: Of Thee I Sing Productions. He is the moving force behind She was also the Assistant Art Director as Lippman at Drury Lane Oakbrook, Candida the Columbus National Gay and Lesbian for Complete Savages on ABC. She was a (March 2007) at Burgess Illinois Theatre Theatre Festival. painter for the film, Sugar Hill. Center. Regional: Guys on Ice (Feb. 2007) at Lloyd Riverside Theatre and Proof as Robert at Anita Buhman-Wiggs (M.F.A. 1992) David Hyland (M.F.A. 1996) Apollo Fine Arts Center. Anita and her husband now live in Atchison, David teaches at Palm Beach Community KS. Adam is a full-time faculty member of College. He is a founding member of Mod 27 Tom O’Connor (M.F.A. 1989) the Psychology Dept. at Benedictine College (improve troupe) in Palm Beach. Tom is a director, choreographer, adaptor and Anita teaches Speech Communication. and performer with professional credits in They have three (now four) children: Ian is 9, Tae-Kyeong “T. K.” Kang (Ph.D. 1997) both traditional theatre and in new works. Emma is 5, James is 2, and #4 should have T.K., who was here in Columbus a year ago O’Connor’s 2006 projects included perform- arrived in mid-May. on a sabbatical leave, continues not only to ing in the premier of an original English teach in Seoul, Korea but also to direct and language noh play Pine Barrens with Theatre Cezanne Charles (B.A. 1997) publish regularly (on both Korean theatre Nohgaku; choreography for the premier of Cézanne Charles is currently the Executive and Shakespearean theatre). He is now an original full length opera, Libby Larsen’s Director of New Media Scotland, www.fastuk. working on a new project on Arthur Miller. Every Man Jack, for the Sonoma City Opera; org.uk. and directing the WVU Theatre production of Lumiri “Tubo” Afridika Khahaifa Batboy: The Musical. Tom O’Conor lives with Michelle Cuomo (M.F.A. 1997) (M.F.A. 1991) his wife and two children, Naka who is almost Michelle performed her one person show Tubo is an accomplished actress and singer. eight as of this writing, and Mai Lisbeth who Unveiled at the Mad Lab Theatre in Columbus Her performances at Carnegie Hall and Lin- was born at 7:00 p.m. on December 8th, in March. In Unveiled, Cuomo portrays con- coln Center’s new Rose Room have garnered 2006. temporary women in New York, Afghanistan, her rave reviews and standing ovations. She Egypt and Pakistan. Michelle is now teaching currently lives in upstate New York where Diane Wondisford (M.F.A. 1982) at Queensboro College in New York. She’s she provides drama workshops for young- Diane has worked with Music-Theatre Group, worked with Judith Malina and the Living sters and works as a therapeutic staff sup- a pioneer organization in commissioning, Theatre, and appeared at LaMaMa. porter for troubled children. Tubo is a regular developing, and producing innovative works on the New York cabaret and jazz scene. combining music, theater, dance, and the Ken Elston (M.F.A. 1996) visual arts, for 26 years. Wondisford is vice Ken Elston is Assistant Professor of Theatre at Varun Khanna (M.F.A. 1993) chair of the OPERA America Board and is also George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia Varun’s second film American Blend is a board member of ART/NY. and the Resident Theatre Artist at the Mary- opened all over India in September 2006. land Institute College of Art in Baltimore. He Starring Anupam Kher (Bend It Like Beck- teaches Acting and Directing with a speciality ham), American Blend won the best director 1990’s in movement for the stage and one-person and best achievement filmmaker award at show development. He is the Artistic Director the Riverside International Film Festival. Margaret Anich (M.F.A. 1995) of the Gray Ghost Theatre Company, dedi- Margaret is the Ensemble Associate/Box cated to bringing history to life on the stage Joey Landwehr (M.F.A. 1997) Office Manager for Touchstone Theatre in through theatrical works that are exciting, Joey has just finished his first full season Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. She was a full-time inventive and relevant. as Artistic Director for the award winning lecturer for three years in the Department J*Company Youth Theatre, one of the largest of Theatre and Dance at University of North Brad Fryman (M.F.A. 1996) in California. With J*Company Joey has Carolina—Charlotte. Brad Fryman is one of the founders of The directed Oliver!, Yours, Anne, Disney’s Beauty Oberon Theatre Ensemble and its current And The Beast, and The Story of Hansel and Wendy Bagger (M.F.A. 1999) Co-Producing Artistic Director. As such he has Gretel. He has also initiated educational and Wendy performed in Banyan Theater Com- helped produce twenty-five full length plays, outreach programs with every show, which pany’s production of Uncle Vanya by Anton over thirty staged readings, and a plethora of is something new for Southern California. Chekhov. She also played Viola in St. Louis fundraisers and special events. He broke all attendance records for 14 years Shakespeare’s production of Twelfth Night. and his 1st season won 10 National Youth Mary Beidler Gearen (M.A. 1990) Theatre Awards as well as personally being Matt Ballin (M.F.A. 1991) Mary conceived and directed Before I Disap- given San Diego Metropolitan Magazine’s Matt has been a certified Actor/Combatant pear. The production was nominated for two “40 Leaders Under 40” Award for excellence with the Society of American Fight Directors Artist Directors’ Awards (ADA) awards in LA. in his field. On top of this Joey also directed (SAFD) and has produced, acted, and directed One for “best actress - musical,” and one for the plays The Madness Of Lady Bright by throughout the Bay Area and is “best production - musical.” Lanford Wilson (winning a best direction happy to be teaching at Washington High award.), Diva By Diva for the Gay Men’s School in San Francisco. Chorus of San Diego and Winnie-The-Pooh,

encore 2007 21 (continued) and performed in Lanford Wilson’s A Poster the Director of the School, Kevin Marshall, is John Glenn School of Public Affairs at The Of The Cosmos (winning a best actor award.) more of a manager, fundraiser and administra- Ohio State University. The School was formed Yours, Anne and Tennessee William’s The tor. Mikel also functions as coordinator of the with the merger of the John Glenn Institute Chalky White Substance. entire graduate program. Mikell directed Sir for Public Service and Public Policy and the George Etherege’s The Man Of Mode. He also School of Public Policy and Management in Ramona Malec (M.F.A. 1993) played the judge in Stephen Adly Guirgis’ The July 2006. As the Events Manager Laura over- Ramona has taught at University of New Last Days Of Judus Iscariot. sees the School’s wide variety of offerings, in- Mexico, Los Alamos as well as at the Theater cluding recent lectures with broadcaster Tom Residency Project with Gonzales Elementary Jonathan Putnam (M.F.A. 1990) Brokaw, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret School. She is a member of the Theatre Grot- Jon is the Associate Artistic Director for Spellings, and historian David McCullough. tesco in New Mexico. CATCO and performed in The Complete His- In the summer of 2007 Laura collaborated tory of America (Abridged). He will perform with Lesley Ferris to design the catalog for the Jennifer Manvich (M.F.A. 2002) in Martin McDonagh’s The Pillowman this fall exhibit “Midnight Robbers: The Artists of Not- Jennifer made her debut with The Minstrel and direct The Drawer Boy by Michael Healey ting Hill Carnival,” which will open in London Players in Long Island, NY. She has been per- in the winter and The Foursome by Norm in September 2007. forming professionally for several years. Foster in the spring. Michael Swanson (Ph.D. 1991) Kenneth Martin (M.F.A. 1991) Venas Opal Reese (M.F.A. 1997) Michael Swanson is this year’s Kennedy Kenneth J. Martin is an Associate Professor Venas is an actress and professor of aesthetic Center Gold Medallion recipient in Region of Theatre/Resident Designer and Chair at studies at the University of Texas-Dallas. She III, presented to those in the Kennedy Center Coastal Carolina University. He has designed has interviewed hundreds of black women American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) professionally for the Florida Rep, Surflight in researching [hair weaves]. She recently regions who have made extraordinary con- Theatre, Sacramento Theatre Company, performed her one-woman play Split Ends, tributions to the teaching and producing of Ensemble Theatre of Cleveland and Contem- which takes an in-depth look at black women theatre and to the development and quality porary American Theatre Company. Ken is a and their historical tangle with hair. of the Kennedy Center’s American College member of USA 829. Theater Festival. Brian Russman (M.F.A. 1994) Michael Milligan (B.A. 1995) Brian was the associate designer on Wedding Anike Tourse (M.F.A. 1999) Michael had a free public reading of his new Singer which was in Seattle early 2006 and Anike performed an internationally acclaimed play, Heroine, on Monday, May 21st, 2007 then opened on Broadway in late May. After one-woman show portraying the life of slave, at the historic 13th St. repertory theatre in Wedding Singer, he moved on to a film that abolitionist and women’s rights advocate So- New York. It was directed by Hal Brooks and will open sometime late summer or fall called journer Truth. She also wrote and produced a performed by Michael Milligan and Elizabeth American Gangster. This was a major film public service announcement starring Selma Zins. Micheal played Costard in Love’s Labors (Universal) and stars Russell Crowe and Den- Hayeck Anike is a media consultant for the Lost at the Royal Shakespeare Theater in zel Washington among others. The remainder Coalition for Humane and Immigrant Rights of Stratford Upon Avon. The RSC hosted the of the year, he designed The Rivals for New Los Angeles. Shakespeare Theater of D.C. Jersey Shakespeare Festival, then he worked on a workshop of a new touring production Kim Turney (M.F.A. 1992) Chris Neher (M.F.A. 1999) featuring Shaolin kung fu. Kim has been blessed lately with a constant Chris is an Actor and vocal coach in New York. schedule of film work with the HD camera He is on the Faculty of the Voice Dept. in NY Brian also worked on a tour of Spamalot for workflow that she does. She has created a at AMDA (American Musical and Dramatic Las Vegas, and two new London to Broad- new job title on IMDB even - camera data Academy). way transfers of The Chorum Boy and Frost/ manager. Recently, she worked on a film Nixon. Amongst this, he designed a produc- called Childless starring Barbara Hershey, Glenn Peters (M.F.A. 1999) tion of The Play’s The Thing and worked on an Joe Montagna, James Naughton and Diane Glenn appeared as Lady Clem in West opera, The Saint Of Bleeker Street which was Venora. Moon Street, a new play by Rob Urbinati performed at Central City opera in Colorado based on Oscar Wilde’s “Lord Arthur Savile’s starting mid July. Luther Wells (M.F.A. 1993) Crime,”directed by Davis McCallum with Pros- Luther is the Chair of theatre department at pect Theater Company at the Hudson Guild Michael E. Steinberg (M.F.A. 1998) Florida A&M University. He directed Jitney by Theatre in New York. In February he returned Michael joined The Lighting Design Group, August Wilson in February 2007. to OSU to play the role of the Stage Manager Inc. (New York, NY) as a Staff Lighting De- in our production of Our Town. signer. He will be the Lighting Designer of Re- Richard Wesp (M.F.A. 1991) cord for CNBC, whose studios are across the Mr. Wesp is an adjunct instructor at Niagara Mikell Pinkney (Ph.D. 1999) George Washington in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. County Community College, teaching Acting Mikell is an Associate Professor and Head of He has freelanced, working mostly corporate I, Acting III and History of Theatre. He has Performance & Graduate Actor Training meetings and events, for the last 5 years. worked as an actor in professional regional School of Theatre and Dance at the University theatres, including GeVa, the Cleveland Play- of Florida. The head of performance essen- Laura Sipe (B.A. 1997) house in Ohio, the Champlain Shakespeare tially functions as an artistic director while Laura Sipe is the Events Manager for the festival in Vermont, the American Players

22 encore 2007 Theatre in Wisconsin, the Academy Theatre of physically-intensive university production of the play as a part of the STILL GOING SOLO Atlanta, the Theatre at Monmouth in Maine, Heiner Muller’s Die Hamletmaschine and also festival of solo performances for women be- among others. He has also worked off-Broad- for a staged reading on diversity directed by ing produced by Horizons Theatre Company way, and this summer made his second career one of his professors. at the Warehouse Theatre in November. appearance at The English Theatre of Vienna, Austria. Abby Crain (B.A. 2004) Robin Gordon (M.F.A. 2000) Abby has spent the last year living in Pam- Robin is Artistic Administrator for CATCO. She plona, Spain. She teaches English to students attended GCAC’s Arts Integration for Teaching 2000’s of all ages at a private academy there. In the Artists seminar, and has recently been ap- coming school year she will teach dance and pointed to the Ohio Department of Education’s Naomi Hatsfelt Baker (M.F.A. 2002) theatre classes in addition to English. She got State Committee for the Arts and Innovative Naomi is an Assistant Professor of Acting at married on St. Patrick´s Day, March 17, 2007, Thinking. Robin played Sarah the Lizard in Wilkes University. Previously she was at The in Zizur Mayor, Spain. CATCO’s production of Seascape and Maggie University of Alabama at Birmingham where in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. she served as assistant professor of voice and Betsy Cutler (M.F.A. 2002) and Brian speech. She is a Lessac Designated Teacher Obermeyer (B.A. 2004) announced their Kenderick Hardy (M.F.A. 2000) Certification Candidate and holds active mem- plans to get married in September 2007. Hardy served as director of theater at Robert berships in Actors’ Equity Association, Voice E. Lee High School in Montgomery last year. and Speech Trainers Association, and the As- Lise “Kat” Evans (M.F.A. 2006) He joins the Alabama State University faculty sociation for Theatre in Higher Education. Lise was cast in Be Twixt and Be Twain for as an instructor of orientation. The Human Race Theatre in Dayton. It’s a He is a spoken word poet with one album to Russell Blain (M.F.A. 2006) Mark Twain piece, cast of 5, that toured to his credit – “Apollo’s Poetics.” He has also Russ is an Assistant Professor of Lighting, schools throughout the Dayton area from created a spoken word poetry drama titled Sound and the Technical Director at The September 18-November 3, 2006. Lise was “K-nowhere to run, nowhere to Hide.” Northern Arizona University Department of also in the cast of My Favorite Year at Bailwick Hardy appeared as Warren in the Porthouse Theatre in Flagstaff. He recently attended the Repertory Theatre in Chicago. Theatre’s (Kent, Ohio) production of One Flew Prague Quadrennial. Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and in the Cincinnati Laura Gale (Simpson) (B.A. 2002) Shakespeare Festival’s production of Romeo Sara Borgeson (M.F.A. 2003) Laura is the Executive Artistic Director of New and Juliet as Romeo. Sara is an actress and instructor who has York Theatre Experiment (NYTE). She has performed at the Denver Fine Arts Center spent the past six months guiding NYTE to- Mandy Hart (M.F.A. 2002) (Nuncrackers, How the Other Half Loves, wards new levels of creative and administra- Mandy is a venue tech for the New York Musi- Sweet Charity) and with the Denver Children’s tive success through an intensive professional cal Festival. She designed the set for Graces Theatre. She worked with both the Youth Rep development process. In addition to running Theatre Company’s production of Heather (The Secret Garden) and Youth Rep Jr. (Magic the company, Laura will be co-producing McDonald’s Dream of a Common Language Theatre) programs at the Denver Fine Arts Burn. She recently worked as Assistant Direc- at the Hudson Guild Theatre in New York. She Center. tor to American theatre icon Anne Bogart on recently accepted a faculty appointment at SITI Company’s production of Radio Macbeth the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater. Caroline Bradac (M.F.A. 2000) at the Public Theater in New York and the Carrie performed in Wounded, her third Wexner Center for the Arts in Columbus, Ohio. Jason Hedden (M.F.A. 2006) production with The Los Angeles Theatre Jason did a Workshop Performance of his Ensemble. She was last seen there playing Cristin Gerleman (B.A. 2007) one-man-show, Resurrecting Van Gogh, “Sharice” in Adam Rapp’s Stone Cold Dead Cristin returned with members of The Ohio based on the life, work and writing of Andy Serious, directed by Larry Arrick. She was re- State University Theatre Department to the Martin, on January 26 at the Creative Center cently seen playing the lead role in the horror Czech Republic June 2007 in anticipation in New York, NY. He is currently teaching film Miner’s Massacre, starring Karen Black. for the world renowned Prague Quadren- theatre at Monte Vista Christian School near nial. Cristin is acting in the supporting role Santa Cruz, CA. Jason is also the creator and Curtis “Nitz” Brown (B.A. 2006) of Patricia in Accidents at Home and How performer of Let’s Get this Show on the Road, Curtis was the light board operator for They Happen. Directed by the award-winning Tennis Pro, and director/co-creator of Oliver CATCO’s production of The Piano Lesson. Jennifer Reeder, the feature length film is in Hazard Perry: The Price of Victory. conjunction with Wexner Center for the Arts Eric Colleary (B.A. 2006) and filming in Columbus this summer (July Jim Hutchison (M.F.A. 2003) Eric is a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the 2007). Jim has been accepted into the United Scenic Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, Artists of America Designer’s Union, in the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. He is Kathleen Gonzales (M.F.A. 2002) category of Lighting Designer. teaching a writing intensive section Kathleen gave a reading of her one-woman of Introduction to Theatre and has been given play, The Bridge of Bodies, which she original- Creighton James (B.A. 2000) a research position to investigate enrollment ly wrote and performed as part of her masters Creighton is the Artistic Associate/Director of patterns in their Introduction to Theatre thesis. After many rewrites and work with her Audience Development of New York Theatre class. He served as a movement coach for a director Patrick Crowley she did a reading of Experiment (NYTE). His one-act play, Am I

encore 2007 23 (continued)

Born To Die? was performed at NYTE’s 2007 Dan Matthews (M.F.A. 2006) Elizabeth Pandora (B.A. 2006) Benefit in May. New York Theatre Experiment In spring 2007, Matthews was hired on a ten- Betsy is the Education Outreach and Develop- will present the World Premiere production ure track line as the Technical Director of The ment Coordinator for the Wexner Center for of Creighton James’ new play, Burn, at the University of Kansas Speech Communication, the Arts at The Ohio State University. She is New York International Fringe Festival this Theatre and Dance Department. a member of the Columbus Arts Marketing summer. Burn is the second installment in his Association, the Columbus Fringe Festival Appalachian trilogy, which started with Feud, Michael Mauldin (Ph.D 2000) Advisory Board and a volunteer grant writer a play we produced at the Fringe Festival Michael is the new director of the dramatic for MadLab Theatre Company. She will begin in 2005. Creighton also just completed the arts program at Cleveland State University. pursuing her M.B.A. at the Fisher College of Graduate Acting Program at NYU and signed Business in the fall of 2007. with an agent and manager. Tanya McBride (M.F.A. 2006) Tanya’s performance in OSU Theatre’s produc- Chris Roche (M.F.A. 2006) Kristopher Jones (M.F.A. 2002) tion of A Bright Room Called Day was select- Chris was selected as one of the best male Kris recently returned to The Department of ed as one of the Best Female Performances of performers of 2006 by Jay Weitz of Columbus Theatre to teach an advanced stage lighting 2006 by Jay Wietz, Columbus Alive. Tanya Alive. Jay said, “Christopher Roche com- design class. He serves as the Entertainment is completing an internship with The Neo- manded the stage as Mr. Mister in OSU’s The Supervisor and Resident Lighting Designer for Futurists in Chicago. She recently appeared in Cradle Will Rock.” Chris played Jigger Craigin Six Flags Great America. You Asked For It!, the newest “Neo PRIME- in Carousel at the Walnut Street Theatre in TIME show.” Tanya was cast as an understudy Philadelphia during May 15 – July 15, 2007. John Leahy (B.A. 2001) in Mary Zimmeran’s new production, Mirror He plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Theatre at Ohio John is a Sales Manager for the Fastenal of the Invisible World at the Goodman Theatre State in fall 2007. Company, an industrial supply company in in Chicago. Houston, TX. He manages a staff of salespeo- Angeles Romero (M.F.A. 2003) ple and warehouse help to supply the oil and Jessica Morgan (M.F.A. 2000) Angeles performed El Entrecejo/The Brow at aerospace industries. John married Dorothy, Jessica is an Assistant Professor of Stage Talento Bilingue de Houston (www.tbhcenter. an 8th grade English Teacher, in June 2006. Movement at West Virginia University. Her org) in April 2007. El Entrecejo/The Brow is work in the classroom focuses on Suzuki, a solo movement theater piece by Romero, Esther Kim (Lee) (Ph.D. 2000) Viewpoints, Composition, and Laban Effort an actor, writer, and activist whose work Esther’s book A History Of Asian American Qualities, as well as Pilates matwork. One of mediates on the new lexicon of contemporary Theatre (Cambridge University Press, 2006) Morgan’s special interests is the creation of Latino culture and its political relations to was recently selected for the Association for original movement theatre pieces. Her newest Anglo and international cultures. Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) book work, “emotion[al],” was a collaboration with award. Esther is currently Associate Professor faculty member Joshua Williamson, and was Ryan Scarlata (B.A. 2006) in the Department of Theatre at the University first shown in fall 2006. Morgan is a member Ryan announced the opening of Club Theatre of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In May, she of the Society of American Fight Directors Company where he is the Artistic Director at and her husband Albert had a baby girl named (SAFD), the Association of Theatre Movement Club Diversity. Keeping with the club’s dedica- Erin. Educators (ATME), and is an Equity Member- tion to excellent live music, the Club Theatre ship Candidate. Company will add an opportunity to provide Tarashai Lee (M.F.A. 2003) its patrons with a truly unique line-up of Tarashai appeared on three episodes of Flavor Allyson Morgan (B.A. 2004) productions in a space that is like none other of Love. Allyson is currently an Artistic Associate with in Columbus. The company’s first production New York Theatre Experiment, a company she was A Girl’s Gotta Eat: The Musical, written Tatjana Longerot (M.F.A. 2002) co-founded in 2004 with OSU alums Laura and directed by recent Ohio State University Tatjana designed costumes for CATCO’s Gale, Creighton James, and Joey Schultz. graduate Bonnie Milligan. production of The Piano Lesson and serves as Additionally, she is the Program Director for CATCO’s Resident Costumer. StudentsLive, an award-winning Broadway Joseph Schultz (B.A. 2003) education outreach company. This past year, Joseph is the Artistic Associate/Director of Robert Lublin (Ph.D. 2003) she completed a six-month Equity tour of Project Development of New York Theatre Robert, who teaches at University of Mas- Ramona Quimby with Theatreworks/USA, Experiment (NYTE). Schultz is overseeing sachusetts, Boston, has continued to publish and performed with New York companies NYTE’s ambitious series of administrative ini- regularly on both American drama and Eng- Emerging Artists Theatre and You Are Here tiatives. He is supervising the planning of this lish Renaissance theatre. He has just signed a Productions. season’s Benefit. Schultz is currently enrolled contract for his book project, tentatively titled in a writing class at the New School, where Costuming the Shakespearean Stage. Ryan Osborn (B.A. 2001) he is working on a memoir inspired by his Ryan is the Lighting Supervisor for The Wex- relationship with his grandmother, Nana. Joe Maloney (B.A. 2005) ner Center for the Arts. He recently passed Joe and Michael Lluberes’ musical, The Boy in the Entertainment Technician Certification the Bathroom has been selected to premiere in Program (ETCP) exam and is a Certified Enter- the 2007 New York Musical Theatre Festival. tainment Electrician.

24 encore 2007 Megan Faye Schutt (M.F.A. 2006) Emily Thiel (B.A. 2006) Megan played Princess Chloe in The Princess Emily was the 2006-2007 CATCO Stage Who Would Not Marry at the Rogue Theater Management Fellow. She was the assistant Company in Chicago in January and February stage manager for CATCO’s production of The 2006. Piano Lesson. Steven Anderson received an Excellence Amy Schmidt (B.A. 2004) Anthony Trujillo (M.F.A. 2006) in Directing award at the Central Ohio Theatre Amy was formerly known as Amy Long. On Anthony is an intern at Cincinnati Playhouse Roundtable and the Central Ohio Theatre Crit- June 18, 2007, she will celebrate her 2nd in the Park. ics’ Circle Annual Theatre Awards Event for his wedding anniversary with husband Matthew direction of OSU Theatre’s production of Hair. Schmidt. She is finishing the second year in Allison Walker (B.A. 2006) The Ohio State University’s Department of Allison is the recipient of the 2007-2008 A Roy Bowen Award for Lifetime Achievement Dance M.F.A. program, emphasis in Directing CATCO Stage Management Fellowship. She was presented to Katherine Burkman Ohio from Score. Amy is conducting studio and the- stage managed the School of Music produc- State University English professor emeritus sis research investigating the role of folk dance tion of Elixir of Love, which was staged in and playwright at the annual the Central Ohio in the modern nation of Israel’s cultural iden- Mershon Auditorium. Theatre Roundtable awards for co-founding tity. She is employed as a Graduate Adminis- and leading Women at Play throughout its trative Associate at OSU’s Graduate School. Adam West (M.F.A. 2004) 12-year run, and for her world-renowned Adam is a costume designer and is teach- scholarship, books and international OSU Stacey Siak (B.A. 2004) ing at the School of Performing Arts State conference on playwright Harold Pinter. Stacy was the properties master for CATCO’s University of New York-College at Geneseo in production of The Piano Lesson. Geneseo, NY. Chris Cowan (B.A. 2006, PSP in Video Production) and Alex Randleman (Minor Mandalyn Stevens (B.A. 2007) Blair Wing (M.F.A. 2006) 2006) submitted a video piece Fingerman Mandalyn is currently the stage manager for Blair performed her new work, The History of to “On The Lot” which is like American Idol Near West Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. Her Stripping at the Toronto Fringe Festival with but with filmmakers. Their piece was in the recent shows include Urinetown (the musical) The SUPERNOVA Theatre Company. top 100 out of the 12,000+ people who sent and Annie Jr. She travelled to Toronto with in their films. It was used for the On The Lot the Supernova Theatre Company to debut Nan Zhang (M.A., M.F.A. 2001) commercial. History of Stripping at the Fringe Festival. She Nan Zhang teaches at Smith College. She also worked as an Assistant Stage Manager worked as a lighting designer in Beijing, Angela D’Ambrosia died in April 2006. with the Cleveland Shakespeare Festival. China, and is developing design work in the She taught acting at Ohio State in the mid United States. Ambitiously, she is attempting 1970s after an extensive professional career Anjeanette Stokes (M.F.A. 2005) to develop her design career in both countries. as a performer, one of the first acting teachers Anjeanette worked on New York Theatre Despite the difficulties for a woman to make hired for the then new M.F.A. program. She Experiment’s production of Fallen at the her way professionally in China as a designer, inspired several of her students in an early Gene Frankel Theatre. She was nominated Nan is pushing open the doors and getting effort at starting a professional theatre in for a New York Innovative Theatre Off-off opportunities Columbus. She also taught at Emerson Col- Broadway Award for a show she did in lege, Dalhousie University in Halifax, Carnegie May 2006 with some fellow Williamstown Mellon University, and West Virginia Univer- alums called Bloody Mary. She transferred A sity. At the time of her death, she was on the Jew Grows in Brooklyn again...her first and Alumni and Friends faculty of the Pittsburgh Musical Theatre. One undying Off-Broadway show...for which she of the founding members at the Pittsburgh negotiated residuals. At the same time she Playhouse of what became the American lighted the New York premiere of Nickel and We want to hear from you! Conservatory Theatre, she taught an inten- Dimed based on the book by Joan Holden. Please send updates and sive acting technique drawn heavily from the Anjeanette designed lights for Graces Theatre photos to methods of Constantine Stanislavski. She Company’s production of Heather McDonald’s [email protected] was 69 and is survived by her son, Nick Flynn, Dream of a Common Language at the Hud- or of Morgantown, West Virginia. son Guild Theatre in New York and for Fildwith encore Ensemble Theatre’s off-off-Broadway musical The Ohio State University Connie Grappo Time Being at Theatre Three in New York. Department of Theatre Connie is currently working as artistic director 1089 Drake Performance and of the Working Theater in NYC and teaching Sean Sullivan (B.A. 2000) acting at Yale, where she’s been on the faculty Event Center Sean recently played Dr. Joseph Cardin in The for about nine years and where she received Children’s Hour at TimeLine Theatre. He has 1849 Cannon Drive her M.F.A. in directing in 1995. Connie was in also appeared in The General From America Columbus OH 43210-1208 the BFA acting program at OSU for three years and Fiorello! there. Sean plays guitar and sings until 1977 after transferring from Otterbein. with his Irish folk/bluegrass band, One of the Girls (www.oneofthegir1s.net).

encore 2007 25 InterACT In the summer of 2006, Mark Shanda met with several of the Vice-Provosts and shared his vision for the cre- ation of an interactive theatre ensemble of undergradu- ate students who could serve the campus in addressing issues of social change and policy instruction. The idea was to offer a service learning class for 15 undergradu- ates per quarter under the leadership of a director/ facilitator trained in interactive theatre techniques. The group would develop and perform projects related to graduate student orientation, Faculty and TA devel- opment events, and work with specific units to start InterACT cast members bow after a performance. dialogue about challenging operational issues. Within a week of that meeting cash commitments were received from the Office of Academic Affairs, the Graduate School and the Dean of Undergraduate Education. These funds along with support from the College of the Arts and the Department of Theatre combined to form a salary package to hire a 9-month lecturer to organize and direct the InterACT company. Adrianne Varwig and Jesse Urban in an InterACT scene. We are pleased to report that the InterACT program has had a highly successful year and has been well received by the university community. Under the direction of Robin Post (M.F.A. 2006) InterACT has presented inter- active events for Faculty and TA development (FTAD) the Office of Minority Affairs (OMA) The First Year Experience (FYE) University Extension and Outreach, The Wellness Center, The School of Dentistry, and the Adrianne Varwig, Diana Bae and Akil Babb in an InterACT scene. Office of Disability Services. In addition, InterACT has fielded requests for future potential projects with the Martin Luther King Complex, the “I’ve been at OSU for 14 yrs Wexner Center, the Multicultural Center, and this was far and away one WOSU, the College of Engineering, and of the Best workshops (of any even Purdue University. kind) I have ever done.” Pamela Sanchez in an InterACT scene. —Faculty

Undergrad performance in Hair By Akil Babb In November 2006 I had the amazing oppor- sixties was an eye-opener. The challenges of tunity to perform with an outstanding cast, living in the sixties as an outcast or another crew and director in Hair, directed by Mandy form of militia, which the hippies were clas- Fox and Steven C. Anderson. I also had sified as, was a feat that should - and will - be the opportunity to work with a few of the remembered throughout history. Getting to brand new M.F.A. Actors in their first show in relive this historic event was a wonderful and the theatre program at OSU. They dem- successful experience that will be a great onstrated a love for theatre and for helping story to tell later on down the road. Working undergraduate students. This experience at the Southern Theatre and performing on was one of my first lead roles and a wish a professional stage was an unforgettable come true. I played the character of Hud, accomplishment that will be a magnificent an African-American male that is distraught memory. with the ways of society and fed up with I would like to thank the Department of The- stereotypes in the world. This gave me a atre, faculty, staff, cast and crew for helping chance to represent issues dear to me and me grow as a person, an actor, and a student portray a character I have always wanted in my many years at OSU. I will never forget Akil Babb in a scene from Hair. to analyze. Reliving the Hippie days of the the experiences with all of you.

26 encore 2007

By Mark Shanda, Chair and Professor

It all started with a phone call in February 2006, “Would The their own career histories and Ohio State University be interested in hosting The Daily Show made invaluable suggestions to with Jon Stewart?” Nine months later and after numerous students who will soon be on the meetings, phone calls, faxes, e-mails, and even a bit of regular job market. mail, the Department of Theatre played host to a two-week • Dr. Joy Reilly’s freshman seminar residency from October 23-November 3 with nearly 100 Daily was given a tour of The Daily Jon Stewart Show staffers and Jon Stewart himself. The Roy Bowen Theatre Show set during its installation and became the Midwest headquarters of Stewart’s “news” opera- met with several staffers for a Q & A session. tion, broadcasting live-to-tape daily from October 30 through • Correspondents Dan Bakkedahl and Rob Riggle shared a November 2. While the television audience enjoyed Battlefield ninety-minute “long form” improvisation workshop with Ohio: The Daily Show’s Midwest Midterm Midtacular, the students from the Freshman Seminar, Theatre 100 and the students, faculty, and staff of the department engaged in a wide Eighth Floor Improv Troupe. variety of residency activities. Highlights included: • Avid editor Mark Paone and field producer Stu Miller spoke about editing and toured the video editing truck with inter- • Dean Karen Bell hosting an intimate “conversation with Jon ested students. Stewart and Daily Show staff members” in the Jerome Schot- • Nearly 50 students attended a writing workshop with Emmy tenstein Center on October 28 with over 12,000 OSU faculty, award-winning writers from the show’s staff. staff and students in attendance. • Over 100 undergraduate Theatre majors and over 35 gradu- • Numerous graduate and undergraduate students had the ate students in Theatre attended the tapings and served as opportunity to work with the Daily Show staff in a variety support staff. of roles, learning hands-on about television production and • The Daily Show made a contribution to support theatre observing a highly successful team in action graduate student activities and paid rental fees for all space • Daily Show director Chuck O’Neil met with 40 undergraduate and equipment used to support their residency. students taking video courses in the Department to share his personal work history as well as offering specific assistance We all celebrate the generous spirit of The Daily Show staff in to the students’ own video projects. O’Neil also did a “walk impacting our students’ lives. The positive examples they set and talk” interview and tour through the five video produc- and the spirit of engagement and cooperation that they shared tions trucks on site. will long be a hallmark experience for all involved. • Line producer Jill Katz and director Chuck O’Neil shared a

department-wide forum about the show, the reasons for their Ohio residency, and encouraged students pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. • Associate Producers Gina Brown and Jen Flanz, who review hundreds of resumes and cover letters each week, shared

Line producer Jill Katz and director Chuck O’Neil share in a department-wide forum.

DJ Javerbaum, Head Writer, and Ben Karlin, Executive Producer of The Daily Show speak with graduate students.

Daily Show correspondents Dan Bakkedahl and Rob Riggle demonstrate “long form” improvisation to stu- dents from the Freshman Seminar, Theatre 100 and the Eighth Floor Improv Troupe.

The set of Battlefield Ohio: The Daily Shows’ Midwest Midterm Midtacular in the Roy Bowen Theatre.

encore 2007 27 Originally published in OnCampus on 6/20/2007 I researched and audi- Re-published with permission tioned for many MFA Acting programs before choosing Ohio State, Graduate acting program grows up such as Columbia, Brown Theatre department celebrates 35 years of MFA degree training and Yale, as well as NYU. By Julia Harris, OnCampus Staff Writer I like the individual- ized opportunities and Dwayne Blackaller Raymond Caldwell More than 10 years ago the Department of Theatre asked itself a focus that creates for the tough question: Why would anyone come to Columbus to study acting MFA actors here. I also at the graduate level? appreciate the strong relationship between the Considering the competition for acting students includes places like graduate and undergradu- Cornell, Columbia, Yale and NYU, it may surprise some to find out the ate program. Students department has been handing out Master’s of Fine Arts degrees for 35 of all experience levels years. can interact and learn from one another within Kiana Harris Virginia Logan Mark Shanda, department chair, admits the program has had a bit productions and other of an identity crisis in its three-plus decades as faculty wrestled with projects. carving out a unique niche for it. I appreciate the rela- “Part of the reason the Yale School of Drama is so successful is they’re tively private and focused a train ride away from New York City,” he says. “They’ve got people nature of our classes and on their faculty who swoop in for a morning or an afternoon a week. the opportunity to teach There’s no way we could compete with that.” undergraduate classes The answer for Ohio State’s department, says Associate Professor as well as the generous Jeanine Thompson, has been to go with its strengths and what distin- financial package and Bruno Lovric Julie Ann McMillan guishes it from other programs. stipend.

The big distinction that separates Ohio State from the pack, Shanda Another major highlight says, is the Wexner Center and the Department of Dance. Both have is the experience and brought high-quality contemporary arts to Columbus and attracted reputation of Move- national attention to the creative process that goes on here. ment Professor Jean- ine Thompson. I was Faculty have teamed with Chuck Helm, director of performance at extremely excited to the Wexner, to bring innovative performers and ensembles — like SITI study techniques like Johamy Morales Jessica Podewell Company, the New York-based group that premiered its new work Viewpoints, Suzuki, La- “Radio Macbeth” in Columbus — to campus for long-term residencies. ban and especially mime from someone so ac- When the program first launched, it was a single-track progression complished who also has toward a degree in traditional theater. In 1996, the program was split studied with the masters into two tracks: A traditional, ensemble-based track and an indepen- of these disciplines, such dent track, where students would focus on creating new dramatic as Marcel Marceau. works of their own. Then, in 2002, the MFA in acting degree underwent what faculty hope – Kiana Harris, M.F.A. Acting Student Kalafatic Poole Scott Wilson will be its final metamorphosis: The two tracks were fused into one and given a sharpened focus on collaboration and creation. stories and crafting them into an original drama, Hidden Voices, that Program designers went a step further in differentiating the degree by explored the issue of domestic violence. establishing that only 10 students would be admitted each three-year cycle. The students would take classes as a group and graduate as a “We believe any of our students could walk into a regional theater and group, with a whole new crop of students arriving the next fall. audition with the person standing next to them — who might well have come from Yale — and be completely successful,” Shanda says. While a bit risky — what happens if the students end up hating each “But we’ve also come to realize that the type of student we attract other, or worse, the faculty gets fed up with the students? — Shanda already has a background in the fundamentals of traditional stage says the strategy helps promote unity, financial responsibility and cur- performance. Our job is to give them a whole new set of tools.” riculum cohesiveness. So far the program seems to be working. The first band of 10 MFA The curricular focus on the creation of new work doesn’t mean students graduated last June and all of them have jobs. students miss out on the more conventional aspects of actor training, adds Shanda. Students pursue a rigorous program, fully funded, in “They’re not working the front desk at Motel 6,” Shanda says with a which they hone their voice, movement, directing and acting skills. laugh. “In all seriousness, we give them a strong set of skills, and it’s up to them how they choose to use them. I’m confident that within the They also develop community outreach and engagement projects to next seven years, some of those 10 students we just graduated will harness the power of theater for social change. Last year, the students become widely recognizable in the entertainment industry.” worked with a women’s shelter in Mansfield, capturing the women’s

28 encore 2007 Prague Quadrennial, 2007

By Kristine Kearney, Assistant Professor b a c k g r o u n d : One of Matt Hazard’s beautiful photos of the Prague landscape.

n culmination of Joe Brandesky’s Course in Czech Theatre and Culture, and as par- ticipants in the 2007 International The- atre Prague Quadrennial, approximately 30 students, faculty and staff traveled to Prague, Czech Republic in early June. In addition to extensively touring the city and its surround- ings, all attended the prestigious Quadrennial, an international theatre festival which displays the work of professional and student theatre The site of the Prague Quadrennial. Elinore Loomis, Sarah Sugarbaker, Students shooting The Birds artists from around the world. Six of OSU’s Corinne Porter and Jason Banks video project. M.F.A. design students collaborated with admiring the exhibition. students from DAMU (Prague) and Victoria College of the Arts (Melbourne, Australia) to create a presentation as part of the Phoenix project. Some students were disappointed in having arrived in Prague rather late in the pro- cess, but all agreed that the final collaborative work “The Painting Baby”, part of “The Baby Life Cycle”, was highly successful. A metal baby doll, paint brush firmly tied in hand, was suspended slightly above the ground in front (Back) Lindsay Simon, Jordan Kardasz, Matthew Students and faculty enjoying an informal talk with of the main Exhibition Hall. Six “puppeteers” McCarren, Jaroslav Malina, Matt Hazard, Anthony respected Czech theatre designer Jaroslav Malina. each held a string that controlled the painting Pellecchia, Brad Steinmetz, Greg Owen (Front) Jason Banks, Corinne Porter, Elinor Loomis, puppet baby. As students, children, professors Sarah Sugarbaker and ChuYoung Chon. I believe the highlight of the tour, aside from and interested onlookers took turns control- the Exhibition, came for me and many others ling the strings, the baby took on a comic life Along with attending the Quadrennial, in the form of the first dress rehearsal for a seemingly all its own, painting random pat- students toured the beautiful Cathedrals of production of The Tempest, held out doors terns along the pavement. St. Vitus and St. Peter and Paul, the Prague alongside an old church near Prague castle. Castle, The Old Jewish Cemetery and Old/ Our friend and respected Czech theatre New Synagogue, the National, Vinohrady designer Jaroslav Malina (who had addressed and Estates Theatres, and the National Gal- the students with an informal talk earlier that lery (Veletrezni Palace). Further a field, we week) had designed the scenery and kindly toured Archduke Ferdinand’s Hunting Castle had secured an invitation for us to see the at Konopiste, the mining town of Kutna Hora rehearsal. The play was performed entirely and Cathedral of St. Barbora, the ossuary at in the native Czech language, but all could Sedlec, the charming Museum of Puppets at understand when Gonzalo had trouble with Chrudim, and the lovely Troja chateau (now his lines, when the train of Ariel’s costume a museum). We walked for hours during our snagged a prop, and when Prospero had weeklong visit, enjoying among many sights, trouble finding the sleeves of his magic robe the fifteenth century astronomical clock in Old and needed to look to Miranda for help. It was Town Square, the beautiful Baroque, Rococo a grand experience to see that rehearsals in and Art Nouveau buildings, and the exquisite Prague encounter many of the same chal- College of the Arts Dean Karen Bell takes a turn views of the city and river Vltava from the lenges as do their American counterparts. with the puppet baby in Prague. fourteenth century Charles Bridge.

encore 2007 29 Beth Kattelman the 19th and 20th century. She also studies Actors Theatre of Louisville. Bohr’s training Assistant Curator, The- the historical and contemporary avant-garde, includes a strong base in Stanislavsky, includ- atre Research Institute American scenography, and the theory and ing Technique, Scene Study, and Basic and practice of adaptation and translation. Advanced Acting as well as a strong back- Beth Kattelman received ground in theatre history and structure and her doctoral degree in Jen’s master’s thesis, “ ‘This is what it is to be a particular expertise in American theatrical theatre from The Ohio human:’ the Drama and History of Charles L. styles. State University in 1999. Mee” was the first full-length study of Mee’s She also holds a masters challenging body of work. A portion of this Bohr joined the faculty of The Ohio State degree in library science from Kent State. study was published in the Fall 2005 Journal University Department of Theatre as an of American Drama and Theatre. She contrib- Assistant Professor in September 2006. He Beth has performed with various theatre uted a chapter on Mee’s patrons to a collec- comes to OSU from the New York School of companies throughout the Midwest including tion of essays on philanthropy entitled Angels Film and Television, where he taught courses the ArtReach Touring Theatre, The Cincinnati in American Theatre (ed. Robert Schanke, in Shakespeare, Advanced On-Camera Study, Children’s Theatre, The Reality Theatre, Act forthcoming from SIU Press, 2007). She has Intro to Camera, and Daytime Drama. Bohr Out Productions and Actor’s Theatre. She has also published reviews in Theatre Journal. has also taught at the American Musical and also worked with Megan Terry at the Omaha Dramatic Academy. His teaching philosophy Magic Theatre, where she served as company Jen is also a director, playwright, and drama- is to “encompass as many of the accepted dis- member and sound designer for produc- turg. Her recently staged playwriting projects ciplines as possible, and to give each student tions of Body Leaks and Sound Fields/Sound include Hattie (a children’s theatre piece, the specific tools needed to create freely and Minds. 2006) and North (a new work on the life of do the best work possible.” Anne Morrow Lindbergh, 2006). Her recent Beth co-founded Madcap Productions a Cin- directing projects include North (2006), All Before his teaching career, he was the Casting cinnati based puppet-theatre company that in the Timing (2005), El Entrecejo/The Brow Director for As The World Turns (CBS), An- continues to tour throughout the country. She (touring production, 2004), and Cuerpos other World (NBC), and the Assistant Casting also co-founded and served as Artistic Direc- Ambulantes (for the eighth annual Encuen- Director for Guiding Light (CBS). Bohr has also tor of the New Venture Theatre, a Columbus tro de Mujeres Iberoamerica en las Artes directed over thirty stage productions ranging company that was devoted to showcasing Escenicas, Madrid, Spain, 2004). Her recent from New York’s Off-Broadway theatres to and developing new works. She has directed dramaturgical projects include A Movie Star Regional theatres and encompassing classical several award- winning productions in Cin- Has to Star in Black and White (New York and contemporary works, as well as culturally cinnati and Columbus including The Rocky University, 2006), and Dominion (Theatro diverse and innovative new plays with emerg- Horror Show (the inaugural production for Technis, London, 2005). In 2000, she interned ing playwrights. Stage Five Repertory Company), The Story of in dramaturgy at the Goodman Theatre in My Life: Part One, the End (written by OSU During the 2006-2007 academic year, Bohr Chicago. She is a founding member of the visiting artist Dr. Allan Munro), Agnes of God, was involved with undergraduates and gradu- For/Word Company. and Unidentified Human Remains and the ates in both the classroom and main-stage True Nature of Love. In 2007, Jen coordinated an invitational productions. His courses just began to dabble conference, “Disciplining Interdisciplinarity,” in his areas of expertise, through various act- Beth currently is a member of the Advisory for the Graduate Syndicate. She also received ing studios, an Introduction to Stage Direct- Board for the Columbus Gay and Lesbian a Presidential Fellowship in December. She ing, and an all-time favorite with the students, Theatre Festival and is a contributor to the recently accepted a job offer from University Acting for the Camera. Bohr directed OSU Gale Group’s Drama for Students series. She of Oregon. She will have her second child this Theatre’s main-stage production of Thornton has also written entries for numerous theatre autumn, and then begin the job in autumn Wilder’s Our Town (winter 2007) in the Roy encyclopedias and reference sources. 2008. Bowen Theatre. Education: Education Education • B.A. Xavier University • B. A. Truman State University (Kirksville, MO) • B. A. The Catholic University of America • M.A. The Ohio State University • M. A. The Ohio State University • M. F. A. Florida State University • Ph.D. The Ohio State University • Ph. D. The Ohio State University • M.L.I.S. The Kent State University Nicholas Dekker Jimmy Bohr Theatre 100 Administrator Jennifer Schlueter Assistant Professor Lecturer Nicholas Dekker has a Jimmy Bohr has a M.F.A. goal to be professor at a Jennifer Schlueter is a in Directing from Florida small liberal arts college 2006 recipient of Ohio State University and someday. He has taught State’s prestigious Gradu- a B.A. in Theatre from a number of courses at ate Associate Teaching The Catholic University Ohio State, from Intro Award. She is also a of America. He also at- to Theatre and Script Analysis to Playwriting doctoral candidate in the tended the Goodman Theatre School’s Acting and Contemporary British Theatre. In autumn Department of Theatre. Her scholarly work Program and was a Directing Intern at the 2005 he directed Sam Shepard’s Icarus’s focuses on popular American performance in

30 encore 2007 Mother for the Department. The tentative title of his dissertation is “Becoming Good Europe- ans: The Influence of Germans and Ger- many on the London Stage, 1890-1914.” Nick received BA’s in Communications and English from Calvin College in 2001. In addition to his teaching, Nick is a produced playwright; his current project is a play on the English physician Edward Jenner and the eradication of smallpox. He and his wife Beth presently reside in central Columbus with their Yellow Labrador Retriever, Maeby.

Education • B.A. Calvin College • M.A. The Ohio State University • Ph.D. The Ohio State University

Robin Post Lecturer Robin Post headed up the new InterACT theatre troupe this year with great success. The Inter- ACT class devised, wrote and performed an aver- age of five performances each quarter. Em- bracing issues of social justice, social change, and social awareness was the goal and achievement of these performances. Some examples of the issues covered were sexual assault, Academic Rights and Responsibili- ties, underrepresented in the field, and the disability policy at OSU. The acting troupe per- formed as part of faculty and TA workshops, for classrooms, university conferences, and Scenes from Mary Stuart. for the Wellness Center. The performances made a great impact in enhancing the growth Partnership with Actors’ Theatre of Columbus of diversity and inclusion within the university By Mark Shanda, Chair and Professor and won the OSU Multicultural Center’s award for outstanding program in 2007. Alongside After several years of planning, The Department of Theatre and Actors’ Theatre of Robin’s instruction and facilitation of InterACT Columbus teamed up to produce Friedrich Schiller’s dramatic masterpiece, Mary was her instruction of voice for the actor. She Stuart. Schiller in Schiller (Park) has long been a desire of Artistic Director for Actors’ received her M.F.A. in acting from The Ohio John Kuhn and once a variety of logistical hurdles were overcome, Chair Mark Shanda State University in 2006 where she special- signed The Department of Theatre on for the project. With a one-week run in Thurber ized in voice for the actor. She performed in Theatre and then a transfer to Schiller Park for a three-week run, the project gave Mary Stuart, the OSU and the Actors’ Theatre students the opportunity to experience the typical challenges of touring, performing in of Columbus collaboration. outdoor drama, and bringing a classic to a contemporary audience. Course credit was granted for the on campus portion of the production, and performers and technicians Education alike were paid for the park performances. With engaging student designed scenery, • B.A. Colorado College costumes, and lighting and strong performances by a student and community-based • M.F.A. The Ohio State University cast, this extraordinary fictional account of the relationship between England’s Eliza- beth I and Mary, Queen of Scots came to life. We think Schiller would have been proud.

About Mary Stuart: ...The cast illuminates the bowing, scraping, scheming, plotting, counter-plotting and blame-shifting endemic to any royal court—or modern government.” —Michael Grossberg, The Columbus Dispatch, May 19, 2007

encore 2007 31 A celebration of the remarkable life of Dr. Esther Merle Jackson (1922-2006) By Mark Shanda, Professor and Chair, and Raymond Caldwell (M.F.A. Acting Student)

When Miss Esther Jackson enrolled as a drama of Tennessee Williams was completed ican woman keep her from the success she master’s student at The Ohio State University in August of 1958 and she, herself, made desired. She taught at Tuskegee Institute and on October 3, 1945, the number of African history by being the first African-American in later years at the University of Wisconsin- Americans on campus was woman to receive a Ph.D. Madison. She was appointed to serve as the quite small. Racial tension from the Theatre and Speech first drama specialist with the US Office of was all too prevalent and department of The Ohio Education. She also received two Fullbrights an African-America female State University. With her and a Guggenheim Fellowship. Jackson studying theatre was even brilliance, perseverance, and became the first vice-president for research rarer. But Miss Jackson, who intellect, she blazed a trail with the American Theatre Association and never let anything get in for many more to follow and worked to establish the Institute of American her way, never faltered, and continued to give back to Theatre Studies. in the August of 1946 she generations of students to received a Master of Arts come through her multiple Esther Merle Jackson was never afraid to degree. teaching positions. comment on the quality of the work being produced. She believed in the need for the With that success and in After receiving her Ph.D., audience to thoroughly understand the intent part to satisfy her life long Jackson went on to be one of of the playwright and loved to share her desire to learn, she decided the most renowned scholars passion for the literary as well as dramatic to eventually return to OSU and continue her on the works of Tennessee Williams, ever. She value of each play. Miss Jackson’s insights education to pursue a Ph.D. This talented and published The Broken World of Tennessee and commentary have impacted generations gifted scholar began focusing, studying, and Williams in 1965, adding her own definitions of students. The OSU Department of Theatre dissecting the works of Tennessee Williams as to describe the major characteristics of Wil- along with the University of Wisconsin- the major part of her research agenda, setting liams’ plays and laying the foundation for gen- Madision Department of Theatre and Drama a course for her to become a leading author- erations of future Williams’ scholars and others co-sponsored a tribute panel at the 2007 ity on Williams and contemporary American who were to study the American theatre. ATHE conference in honor of Dr. Jackson’s life theatre. in the theatre. We all join in this tribute to one Throughout her life Jackson’s accomplish- of our very own Buckeyes who went on to Her dissertation: The emergence of a charac- ments were staggering because she never al- affect the scholarship of theatre forever and teristic contemporary form in the American lowed the idea that she was an African-Amer- to touch so many.

Graduate Students were grateful to Disciplining Interdisciplinarity participate in residencies with the By Jennifer Schlueter, Ph.D. 2007 following Wexner Center events:

On April 14-15, 2007, the Graduate Syndicate sponsored its first conference! Entitled “Disciplin- Shiny ing Interdisciplinarity,” the goal of the conference was to gather together graduate students from Sat, Sep 16 - Sun, Dec 31, 2006 three institutions for a lively examination of the state of the academic world they already inhabit Wexner Center Galleries and are beginning to shape. Particular interest was on the ways in which “theatricality” and “per- formativity” have become essential tropes with which to conjure across the disciplines. Frank Stella 1958 Sat, Sep 16 - Sun, Dec 31, 2006 In mounting this conference, the Syndicate hoped to forge cross-institutional relationships as we Wexner Center Galleries examined the cross-disciplinary work undertaken within each. To that end, work was solicited from graduate students across the disciplines at OSU, Northwestern University, and the Univer- Akram Khan and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui sity of Maryland-College Park. During the weekend, papers from graduate students from Theatre zero degrees or Performance Studies departments at all three institutions were presented, as well as work Tue, Oct 10, 2006 | 8:00PM from Departments of Comparative Studies, Spanish/Portuguese, English, Education, Art, and Mershon Auditorium Music. A truly interdisciplinary mix of work that interplayed in fascinating ways! The Foundry Theatre In addition, as part of the conference, the Syndicate hosted one faculty member from each Major Bang institution to serve as keynote speakers and as respondents to the papers presented. Susan Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying Manning, PhD represented Northwestern, Franklin J. Hildy represented the University of Mary- and Love the Dirty Bomb land, and Tom Postlewait represented OSU. With this addition, participants were able to receive A Suspense Comedy with Magic feedback from (and engage in a dialogue with) noted scholars who bring a variety of experience, Thu, Oct 26 - Sat, Oct 29, 2006 methodological approaches, and theoretical concerns to our field of study. Wexner Center Performance Space

The conference was coordinated by Jennifer Schlueter (Ph.D. Student), in collaboration with SITI Company Nicholas Dekker (Ph.D. Student, Syndicate President), Gina DiSalvo (M.A. Student), and Jason Radio Macbeth Bush (Ph.D. Student). Funding was raised from The OSU SOURCE, with additional support from Thu, Feb 15 – 18, 2007 the Department of Theatre. Wexner Center Performance Space

32 encore 2007 New York Theatre Experiment By Damian Bowerman, Graduate Studies and Publicity Coordinator Four of the six company members who form the New York Theatre Experiment (NYTE) are OSU Alumni: Creighton James (B.A. 2000) Laura Gale (B.A. 2002) Allyson Morgan (B.A. 2004) and Joey Schultz (B.A. 2003). NYTE is a forum for artists to continue to grow and challenge each other working with new works. To the company, “experiment” means exploring process. Each production is therefore guided by an experiment, outlined by the director that challenges the artists to explore a particular aspect of the play or the process in From and...and...and... by Christopher From Stuck by Jessica Goldberg. De- a fresh, innovative way. The company investigates how do create a Dickman. New York Premiere, Septem- cember, 2004. Directed by Laura Gale. In ber 2004. (World Premiere production photo (left to right): Emberli Edwards as forum for yourself as an artist because, said Gale, “you never want to presented by EAT Theatre, Columbus, Margaritah, Allyson Morgan as Lula. be finished growing.” Ohio, 2000.) In photo (left to right): David Myers as Joey, Laura gale as Suzy. The Department of Theatre partners to support NYTE’s Lift Every Voice program. According to Gale, “Lift Every Voice is an innovative new arts education program committed to using theatre to reach out to New York City’s young people. Lift Every Voice works with arts organizations and public high schools to offer underprivileged New York teens the opportunity to collaborate with theatre professionals to write, direct and perform an evening of short plays about their lives and experienc- es. This unforgettable and empowering experience provides the at-risk high school students who participate in the program with a personal connection to and sense of affiliation with the theatre and enables them to envision themselves, perhaps for the first time, as capable of bright and successful futures.” From Feud: Fire on the Mountain by From The Long Christmas Dinner by Creighton James. World Premiere at the Thornton Wilder, December 2005. The Ohio State University Department of Theatre sends interns to New York International Fringe Festival, Directed by OSU alumnus Glenn Peters. serve in these NYTE weekend programs. OSU students come to New August 2005. Directed by Creighton In photo (from left to right): Emberli Ed- York for a weekend as NYTE staff members. On Saturday, the interns James. In photo (from left to right): wards, Kevin Hoffmann, Allyson Morgan, Emberli Edwards, Laura Gale, Jaclyn OSU alumnus Casey Burns. participate in an intense training process. They do the program with Tommer (in front). NYTE that they will repeat the next day with high school students. The program is modeled on OSU Theatre’s “Take Out Theatre.” Students choose the role of actor, director or playwright and work together to create 10-minute plays. 10 plays, some from staff, most from students are created in a 13 hour day on Sunday.

Gale says that Lift Every Voice helps actors to stay inspired as an artist, despite the pressures of the business. By focusing on the contribution to high school students, OSU interns get inspiration, fuel, and perspec- tive on how important their work is. She tells the interns that the high school students are very vocal about the impact of the program. The Full cast from Fallen, a new play key its success is to “set the bar high and play messy.” From A New York Christmas Carol, a developed by New York Theatre gender-bending updated version of the Experiment, inspired by Lord of the Dickens classic, set in present-day New Flies. World Premiere, Septem- York City. Developed by New York ber 2006. Written by Laura Gale Theatre Experiment, World Premiere, & Joseph Schultz. Directed by December 2005. Directed by Joseph Joseph Schultz. Featuring, among Schultz. In photo (left to right): Allyson others, OSU alumna Leah Reddy Morgan, Kevin Hoffman, Laura Gale. and Laura Gale.

Teaching Artists and OSU Interns for Lift Every Voice Program with Williamsburg Prep, November 2005. Back row (left to right): Allyson Morgan, Michael Lluberes, Bonnie Milligan, Rori Bergman, Joe Maloney, Beth Josephsen, Joseph Schultz. Middle row: Christopher Lee, Daniela Tedesco, Sarah Teaching Artists, OSU Interns and participating students for Lift Every Voice Armstrong. Front row: Laura Gale, Program with West Side High School, May 2004. Gathered outside the Village Emberli Edwards. Theatre in Manhattan before the performance. Staff included OSU’s Joelle Joseph, Joe Maloney, Joseph Schultz, Creighton James, Allyson Morgan and Laura Gale. For more information, visit www.newyorktheatreexperiment.org

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A scene from Mary Stuart, a joint production with the Department of Theatre and Actors’ Theatre of Columbus.