UCIArts Quarterly Spring 2008

New Media Arts Center Breaks Ground

Nobody can put on a show like the folks ing some of the at the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. invited guests – a People are still talking about the spectacu- world-class cast of lar February 21 groundbreaking ceremony and artists, perform- reception for the New Media Arts Center – a ers, and thinkers five-story, $42.4 million, glass-and-brick who in the 1960s building that will house the School’s played major roles programs combining high technology with in the School’s dance, drama, music and studio art. foundation. From the string quartet to the dancers, Key members singers, jazz pianist, live mannequins of the founding of drama characters, art works, even faculty include musical plants – guests were treated to Robert Cohen, a dazzling variety show of talent and a professor of drama sumptuous menu of catered food. Start- and former depart- ing in a tent over the outdoor patio at ment chair and From left, Kris Elftmann of Dean’s Leadership Council, UCI Chancellor Claire Trevor Theatre, the crowd moved acting dean; Tony Michael V. Drake, Dean Nohema Fernández, and Executive Vice Chancellor indoors to the backstage area for food, DeLap, professor of and Provost Michael R. Gottfredson. beverages and more entertainment. studio art; Clayton Local media outlets covering Garrison, founding dean and professor of box” stage, and a motion capture studio. It will the event included The Orange drama; the late Eugene Loring, professor of also provide new offices, studios for students County Register, KOCE-TV, The dance; Mehli Mehta, former conductor of earning their master of fine arts degrees, Daily Pilot, Orange County Business Journal the UCI Symphony; Sid Odegard, professor computer labs, and production spaces. and New U, the UCI student newspaper. of music; James Penrod, current associate “The integration of technology in the UCI Chancellor Michael V. Drake, dean and professor emeritus of dance, and arts has resulted in an increasing emphasis M.D., Executive Vice Chancellor and Colin Slim, professor emeritus of music. on more collaborative, multidisciplinary Provost Michael R. Gottfredson and These founding faculty members and work,” says Fernández. “For example, studio Dean Nohema Fernández spoke at the visiting artists such as Frank Stella, Roy artists team with dancers to digitize their ceremony, along with Kris Elftmann, mem- Lichtenstein and Roger Wagner were trailblaz- movements and convert them to anima- ber of the Dean’s Leadership Council. ers at the newly established University of tion. Another example is actors, musicians, Dance department Chair Alan Terricciano, California, Irvine campus. They changed the and dancers sharing the stage with the a noted musician and composer, was a hit face of the arts throughout Orange County, projected images of colleagues half a as he played potted plants – a miniature California, and the nation, says Fernández. world away, via a live internet feed. date palm, a cactus and tall grass wired with “As the Claire Trevor School of the “As a result, the School of the Arts has sensors. The Orange County Register posted Arts grows and broadens its horizons, we come to rely as heavily on technology as an online video interview. “This celebrates have new programs in traditional areas some science disciplines,” she says. the imaginative use of technology as part such as curatorial studies and musical A related part of the construction of the creative process,” said Terricciano. theatre, as well as cutting-edge, tech- project will be a separate addition to the Construction of the 38,564-square-foot nologically dependent areas like sound Production Studio, facing Mesa Road and facility signals a new era for the arts school, design and multi-media performance.” the Bren Events Center. Steven Erlich one that celebrates the School’s traditions The New Media Arts Center will create Architects designed the center with “green” while creating new futures, said Dean dynamic public spaces, including a profes- principles in mind. Construction is expected Fernández. She honored the past by recogniz- sional exhibition gallery, a multi-media “black to be completed in March 2010. ●

Funding Set for Robert Cohen Th eatre

Financial commitments made by many alumni The gifts represent the contribu- more than 70 and friends have made it possible to proceed tions of many alumni from the earliest productions on on a long-standing plan to rename Studio days of UCI to the present, friends of campus and 30 Theatre the Robert Cohen Theatre, after the the School, and close friends of Cohen, on the profes- School’s iconic and illustrious drama professor including his childhood friends from sional stage, and internationally-renowned stage director. Kamp Kewanee in upstate New York. published 12 Dean Nohema Fernández announced “Robert Cohen’s name is synonymous with books on acting the news in her remarks at the ground- the pinnacle of achievement and leadership in and theater, breaking ceremony for the New Media the field of drama,” says Fernández. “Naming written new Arts Center. The total cost of the project a theater after him is one way of immortal- plays and is approximately $1 million, which will go izing his stellar career and contributions to translated toward remodeling the Studio Theatre and our School and the field of drama in general. classic ones. its Mesa Street façade, as well as creat- “His textbooks are considered the Cohen ing a new entrance plaza to the School. bibles of drama education and have is Claire The remodeling project will coincide been translated into 30 languages.” Trevor Professor of Drama at UCI. In with the construction of the New Media Cohen has spent his entire career 1993 he was awarded the UCI Medal, Arts Center, scheduled for completion in at the School, starting as a founding the campus’s highest honor. 2010. Features will consist of a stairway to faculty member in the 1960s. He went His career is the subject of a retrospec- the Theatre Plaza, large signage above a on to serve as chair of Drama several tive exhibit, Stage to Stage: The Theatrical proscenium, new signage above the theater times and interim dean in the School. Work of Robert Cohen that runs April 29 and a new box office facing Mesa road. Since arriving in 1965, he has directed through October at the UCI Libraries. ●

University of California, Irvine Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Claire Trevor School of the Arts PAID Santa Ana, CA 200 Mesa Arts Permit No. 1106 Irvine, CA 92697-2775 18

create • explore • innovate From the Dean’s Desk

To remember is to understand.

Good parents remember what it was like to be a child. Good teachers remember what it was like to be a student. Good artists remember the foundations laid by those who came before.

We remember the amazing people who, in the 1960s, had a vision for a new university in the gentle hills of the Irvine Ranch, south of Los Angeles. In a bucolic setting, surrounded by buffalo and rabbits, the University of California, Irvine arose with a daring vision for the future. One of the initial schools within UCI, Fine Arts was shaped by the enthusiasm and determination of its founding dean, Clayton Garrison. He quickly gathered around him a spectacular roster of artists as the first generation of our faculty: the young and promising theater director Robert Cohen (now holder of a Claire Trevor Endowed Chair), the influential editor of Artforum and artist John Coplans, sculptor Tony DeLap, dancer/choreographer Eugene Loring, orchestral conductor Mehli Mehta, renowned musicologist Colin Slim, scenery and costume designer Richard Triplett, and choral conductor Roger Wagner.

Within the first few years, the excitement and the very persuasive Dean Garrison brought both established luminaries and young, promising additions to the budding school. Musicologists Peter Odegard and William Holmes and performer/conductor Maurice Allard joined Colin Slim in laying the foundation for the Music Department. Dancers James Penrod (now Associate Dean) and Janice Plastino, dance historian Olga Maynard, and legendary choreographer Antony Tudor, with Eugene Loring, created an uncommon legacy for the Dance Department. As Chair of the Studio Art Department, John Coplans’ renown and passion brought celebrated artists who had tremendous impact on the world of the visual arts: Frank Stella, Larry Bell, David Hockney, John McCracken, Roy Lichstenstein, and Craig Kaufman.

Our heritage is rich. The vibrant atmosphere of possibility is understandable when we remember our foundations. As I frequently use these lines to celebrate the wonderful talents of our creative faculty, I want to salute those who infused their passion and vision into what would become the Claire Trevor School of the Arts.

We remember with gratitude.

Nohema Fernández

Lending a Hand to a Student: Th e Medici Way

Do you remember your student days? Were you Medici patrons are connected bubbling with creative ideas and ambitions for your with their scholars and share in the future, yet short of the resources needed to fulfill unique experiences of these young those dreams? You can play a transformative role people. If you are considering becom- in students’ lives today and give them the oppor- ing a Medici patron for 2008, the time tunity to test their ideas and spread their wings. to act is now! Please contact Mia The Medici Circle provides students who win Martinez ([email protected] or 949/824- this award with $1,500 to carry out a creative 0085) for more information. ● project during the summer. Under the guidance of faculty mentors, winners have recently par- ticipated in music festivals in Alaska and Italy and dance festivals in North Carolina and San Victor Klein, member of the Dean’s Leadership Council, sponsored Medici Francisco, exhibited work in Seoul, Korea, taught Scholar Gabrielle Strong (MFA Candidate, youth in Cambodia, and developed online, par- Studio Art) in Summer 2007 to create ticipatory performances that defied traditions. “Temporal Investigations Project.”

Voices “Art is a true expression of life. It dances, sings, frolics, paints, sculpts, laughs and cries. It is who we were at the moment of its creation. We find no better means to give birth to new life than supporting the Claire Trevor School of the Arts!” — Elizabeth and Tom Tierney UCIArts Quarterly Spring, 2008, No. 23 Claire Trevor School of the Arts “We saw our first School of the Arts production more than 25 years ago and if anything, the students Dean: Nohema Fernández Editor: Linda McCrerey and faculty are more talented than ever. The role of the arts has grown during the ensuing years -on Editorial Assistant: Rick Koser Student Assistant: Grace G. Kim campus and throughout the world -as the School brings people from different cultures, age groups and Photographers: Nikki Jee (p. 1 top), Carlos Puma (p. 1 others), parts of society together in ways that only the arts can do. We are enormously proud to be supporters of Paul Kennedy, Rick Koser, Rose Eichenbaum, Pamela McFadden UCI’s Claire Trevor School of the Arts.” — Linda and Kris Elftmann Design: Rob Sexton, S Design 2 UCI Opera Builds Momentum By Lori Brandt

UCI Opera offers something for everybody— also produced several love, lust, jealousy, betrayal and murder. world premieres of And those are just the comedies. contemporary works. The most recent production, The Medium, “In opera, a person is a thrilling opera noir about loss, human has to perform at a high frailty and the paranormal. Its theme reflects level of technical ability, the current popular fascination with the as singer and actor, in supernatural and the desire to connect order to bring the work with loved ones who have passed on. to life,” Buck says. “The “Although many people think opera Germans describe opera is esoteric, its themes are the stuff of as a Gesamtkunstwerk which movies are made,” says Robin – a total, or complete, Buck, opera program artistic director and artwork – for its co-chair of the vocal arts program. integration of music, Buck came to UCI in 2001; under his movement, drama and direction, the opera program has been building visual art. It is among an audience and attracting a high caliber of the greatest challenges students. An associate professor of music, a singer can face.” Buck has extensive experience as a profes- Buck selects works sional singer throughout the U.S. and Europe. with audience appeal He has given more than 1,100 performances that suit each year’s Robin Buck above and below starring as guest artist in UCI’s 2003 production of 65 opera and music theater roles; been pool of musical tal- of Sweeney Todd. Below left, this season’s opera, The Medium. mentored by great operatic artists Placido ent. The Medium was Domingo, Birgit Nilsson, and Hans Hotter, produced primarily apprentice programs, and others are teach- and worked with acclaimed conductors and with student talent. Lighting, costume, ing at universities or community colleges. stage directors including Sir Simon Rattle, sound, scenic design, stage management Buck hopes to continue staging full opera Esa-Pekka Salonen, and James Conlon. and stage direction were all handled by productions in collaboration with other depart- Since 2002, when Buck incorporated MFA students, mentored by faculty. ments in the Claire Trevor School of the Arts. opera as part of the regular voice curriculum, Not only students, but also professional “I get considerable help from my exceptional UCI Opera has presented six operas and four singers can gain from voice training at UCI. For colleagues in the Music Department – Darryl programs of opera scenes, including Act III of example, graduate student and professional Taylor, Joseph Huszti, Frances Young and Puccini’s La Bohême, Puccini’s Gianni Schic- singer Marnie Mosiman came to UCI for a Stephen Tucker,” he says. “Each of them is chi, Gilbert and Sullivan’s Trial by Jury, and master’s degree in music after a significant essential to the opera and vocal arts program Purcell’s Dido and Aeneas. UCI Opera has career as a vocal artist and actor. “Robin Buck which we passionately hope to expand.” ● is the best voice teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of work- ing with,” she says. “He has this amazing ability to diagnose problems and then provide clear and creative solutions.” Buck proudly notes that current students and recent graduates are working with such professional companies as Opera Pacific, San Diego Opera, Los Angeles Master Chorale and Pacific Chorale. Some students have gone on to graduate school or

Drama Training: Right Rx for the TV Role By Lori Brandt

A mere two months after graduating with to tape another episode for next season. a huge heart and a beautiful speaking and an MFA in drama, Angel Moore (‘06) landed “My first day on the set, I had no idea singing voice. Her energy is palpable. So the a co-starring role on ER, NBC-TV’s Emmy what I was doing. With the exception of combination of extraordinary talent and top- award-winning medical drama. Moore plays my ‘Acting for the Camera’ class taught by notch training positioned her for success, right Nurse Dawn Archer, a sassy, sexy, competent Associate Professor Richard Brestoff, I’d out of school. She received a plethora of calls nurse from New Orleans who has relocated never acted in front of the camera. That from agents, managers and casting directors.” to Chicago after Hurricane Katrina. class kept me from looking like an idiot.” Moore used the downtime of the recent Originally from Kentucky, Moore came Moore also relies on the training from writer’s strike to meet other casting direc- to UCI looking for an established institution, her UCI voiceover class to help her decipher tors, go on auditions, and get her face out a place where she could make connec- and pronounce medical terms. But what there. She expects to continue her second tions. That’s just what happened. Moore she most appreciates about her UCI drama season on ER as Nurse Dawn Archer as met ER’s casting director at the Santley education is how it built her self-confi- soon as the TV writers go back to work. Showcase, an annual bicoastal event for dence. “I learned to be more consistent in Moore’s advice to current acting students UCI Drama graduate actors. The cast- my acting, conquer my weaknesses and is to take advantage of their professors’ ing director introduced her to the show’s get rid of my bad habits,” Moore says. talents. “I remember being so caught up in producers who invited her to audition. Moore’s undergraduate experience casting decisions while at school. I wanted Angel Moore “I read the script and knew I could do at University of Kentucky was in musical all the good roles,” says Moore, who played appears in it. I understood the character. Two hours theater. She arrived at UCI intimidated of the title roles in UCI’s 2005 productions of NBC’s ER. later, they called to tell me I got the part,” classical texts. She left feeling comfortable Venus and Seven Guitars. “Now I realize the says Moore. Her character was slated for with Shakespeare. She also strengthened shows are a perk; the real tools come from the four episodes, but it went so well that she her skill at delivering cold readings. “I can instruction.” has appeared in two dozen. She is slated now read a script quickly, find the emotional Next, Moore hopes to perform in a underpinnings and make good, bold comedy. She’s completed her final audition for choices that work,” she explains. a comedic role in a movie, and now she is anx- “Angel showed immediate iously waiting to hear if she will get the part. promise,” says Eli Simon, professor According to Simon, Moore is an actor who and chair of the drama department. won’t have to wait around for long: “She’s off “She is striking to watch and has to the races now.” ●

3 Development Directions New Media Arts Center Creates More Ways to Give

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our School’s Consider these naming options: past faculty and alumni, we now propel ourselves • Mixed Media Performance Space into a new era of increased creativity, exploration – Of the “black box” theater genre, this and innovation. The recent groundbreaking of the 3,100-square-foot performance space New Media Arts Center was a historic event that provides versatile, reconfigurable seating not only celebrated an impressive brick-and-mortar in order to accommodate mixed-media design, but also demonstrated the performances, providing audiences evolution of excellence in the fine arts! with a close-up, intimate experience. We now wait with great anticipa- • Faculty Offices – Fourteen offices tion for the completion of the New will be incorporated in the building, Media Arts Center. In the meantime, facilitating close interaction among we would like to share more exciting digital arts faculty and students. elements related to this project that may • Motion Capture Studio – Research/ reflect your affinity for our School. creative space with an optical motion cap- Naming Opportunities ture system for digitizing human movement. Perhaps you want to honor someone • Acting/Musical Theater Rehearsal Studio who has made a significant impact – Ranked among the top drama programs in the U.S., on our School. Or perhaps you wish to identify the Claire Trevor School of the Arts offers intensive with our School in a lasting way. How better courses of study in singing, dancing, and acting that than with a gift that will never go away? require rehearsal studios in which scenes can be This is simply a glance of the ways you can make set and students are able to explore the spectrum of a transformational difference. You can immortal- voice and movement they will perform on stages. • Scholarships and Fellowships – Our ability ize your family or a loved one, or make a personal • MFA Art Studios – These studio spaces to offset student fees enhances our efforts to expression of allegiance, through your generosity. will function as creative laboratories for our recruit and retain our nation’s most talented Visible recognition will be given within this new graduate students’ artistic explorations. and promising students. You can help us build state-of-the-art facility. Most of all, your benevolent • Art Gallery – Anchoring the entrance of the the highest caliber student body through gesture provides much-needed operational support New Media Arts Center, this 4,000-square-foot endowed scholarships for undergraduates and and equipment to sustain the Center’s functional art gallery will present professional exhibitions endowed fellowships for graduate students. excellence for years to come. Your generosity also and serve as a vital new artistic resource for We trust that you will find these examples of gives us the leverage to attract the nation’s best, our community. This naming gift will create an possible charitable involvement appealing and brightest, and most talented students to our School. endowment to ensure in perpetuity the sup- exciting! Feel free to contact Mia Martinez or Whatever your level of interest in the fine arts port of exhibitions and artist residencies. me at (949) 824-4339 for more information. or level of financial philanthropy, we believe there is • New Media Arts Lobby – An open area an area within this project that you will find attrac- of more than 1,000 square feet, this epicenter tive and personally meaningful. Support levels for of entertainment will be the primary venue for the New Media Arts Center range from $25,000 to receptions and other pre-event activities for the $4 million. Multiple-year pledges are welcome. School’s premiere performances and activities. Kerry Neal, Development Director

Student Aff airs Offi ce Keeps Th em on Track

Helping students complete the long Hsueh stands out for going beyond the call of duty “She made me want to come back and fin- haul to graduation is the mission of UCI to help them get through school. She is the factor ish. She’s very encouraging and informative. Arts Student Affairs Office. The staff that made the difference in their completing their Thanks to Cloud, I’ll graduate next year.” is involved in student recruitment, degrees, they say. (Hsueh is quick to credit her staff.) Travis Hill also will finally earn his degree, ten certification of degrees, new student “I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing if it weren’t years after entering UCI’s information and computer orientation, and academic counseling. for Cloud,” says Matthew Lin, a (‘01 Studio Arts). sciences school, because of Hsueh’s encourage- Then there’s the job of helping certain In his first meeting with Hsueh, Lin signed up ment and caring. She told him about Studio Art’s students who are on academic proba- for arts classes and discovered his life’s purpose new digital arts minor, so he switched majors. tion and in danger of flunking out. – photography. Today he owns a thriving wedding Hsueh put Hill in touch with Sherwin Kim, Succeeding in school and graduating photography business, Poetry in Light Studio. A who was starting a furniture and lighting design is not always web design class paid off when he designed the company. They perfected the art of researching, automatic, says web site for his business, which was recently designing, and selling furniture on a computer Student Affairs featured in a bridal magazine and on a TV show. with 3D software. The new business grew rapidly, Director Shau- One quarter Hsueh saved Lin from flunk- and Hill quit school to work full-time for Kim. Wing Cloud ing out by helping him explore alternatives for After a stint in Japan’s computer game- Hsueh. “There classes to fulfill his course requirements. design industry, he returned to work with can be some “From the beginning, Cloud was completely Kim. He also met with Hsueh, who again obstacles. I tell approachable, like we had known each other got him back into the academic groove. students that col- forever. She continues to help people. She even “The great thing about Cloud is that she lege is a difficult refers me people who are getting married and respects you and your potential,” says Hill. “She transition from want a wedding photographer,” Lin says. has high hopes for you that you want not only to high school,” says Drama student Donna Longabordi has already live up to, but to surpass. I realize that if Cloud Hsueh. Student earned a UCI degree (’01 Social Ecology with were no longer at UCI, I don’t know if I’d have Cloud Hsueh, top. Bottom, Student Affairs staff is emphasis in criminology). She works nights, had enough motivation to come back.” Soon he Affairs staffers Haley Greenwald- here to guide them weekends and holidays as a 911 dispatcher for will graduate in Studio Art with a digital arts Gonella, Sharon Silva, Amy Fujitani. to success, not Santa Ana Police Department. She has days free minor. He will have many options for the future. force them. The staff helps students realize to pursue an acting career. But she got discouraged Says Hsueh: “Seeing them gradu- that they may be watching too much TV, taking after one quarter at UCI so she dropped out. ate, especially those whom I didn’t expect too heavy a class load, working too much. A conversation with Hsueh turned her to, is gratifying to witness.” ● “I feel gratified advising students, helping them life around and got her back on track. From left, former and current students Travis Hill, make decisions and pointing out resources avail- “Cloud gave me interest in trying again, the Donna Longabordi, Matthew Lin. able to them. For example, they can take advantage feeling that I can do this,” of faculty office hours, join a study group, Longabordi says. take workshops, or get tutoring, she says. “Sometimes you have to show your concern and a caring attitude. I’m truly interested in their progress and welfare and want them to do well in school.” According to several students, all the staff members – Sharon Silva, Amy Fujitani and Haley Greenwald-Gonella – are helpful, but

4 In the Spotlight

√ Michael Dessen In January Josh Finkel (BA 1984) played Broadway stars FACULTY (Music) performed with Cole Porter, Moss Hart and Billy Rose in the El Portal pro- Colleen Reardon (Associate Dean) presented her paper, his electro-acoustic trio in duction of the new musical, The Kid from Brooklyn: The Practice and Patronage Make Perfect: Launching an Oper- December at New York’s Danny Kaye Story, in North Hollywood. atic Career in Late Seventeenth-Century Italy, at the annual leading experimental music meeting of the American Musicological Society in Novem- venue, The Stone, and Kitty Felde (BA 1976) continues as a special correspon- ber in Quebec, Canada. released a new album of dent for KPCC, Pasadena’s NPR station. Felde’s newest his compositions in March play, Journalist of the Year, was produced this year by the Robert Cohen (Drama) published the eighth editions of his on Clean Feed Records. Towne Street Theatre Company at the Stella Adler Theatre books, Theatre and Theatre: Brief Edition. He also signed a Dessen also collaborated in Hollywood. new contract for the seventh edition of his book, Acting in February on a telematic concert with seven improvising Last June Jim Slowiak (MFA 1985) gave a week-long Professionally, which he is co-writing with alumnus James musicians spread across three different sites (UC Berkeley, session with his New World Performance Laboratory part- Calleri (MFA Drama, 1990), head of Calleri Casting in UC San Diego, and Stanford University). New York. Cohen toured with Bryan Reynolds’ (Drama) ner Jairo Cuesta at the Grotowski Institute in Wroclaw, all-alumni cast of Blue Shade to the Romanian National Claire Trevor Professor of Dance Donald McKayle had Poland. Theatre Festival in Bucharest, where he also launched the three premieres of his choreography in February: “Synco- DANCE Romanian edition of his book, Acting Power. pated Gambol” at UCI Dance Visions 2008 at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, with music by the UCI Etude Ensemble; Marc Macaranas (BA 2005) landed a job in November “Hey, Hay, Going To Kansas City,” celebrating the Golden with DanceWorks Chicago, a new group organized by Julie Age of Kansas City Jazz, as the headliner for Kansas City Nakagawa, former artistic director of Hubbard Street 2. Ballet’s 50th anniversary season, and “Reverie,” created for He previously danced with Lucky Plush Productions and Darryl Taylor’s countertenor recital, “A Fresh EnCounter” Mordine & Co. Dance Theater while working at Goodman and performed by dance soloist Stephanie Powell (MFA Theatre, teaching at two schools, and side projects. 2004). He is directing and choreographing “Return” for the Festival of New American Musicals at Edgemar Theatre in Elizabeth Farotte (BA 2003) is in her third season with Santa Monica, California. ODC Dance in San Francisco, one of the country’s premier contemporary companies. Prior to ODC, she performed Diane Diefenderfer (Dance) taught an eight-week ses- with BalletMet in Columbus, Ohio. sion of Pilates classes at Hoag Hospital for cancer patients and survivors in October. In November she presented A Dancer’s Workout, Beneficial To EveryBody at the 7th STUDENTS πDaphne Lei (Drama) organized an international con- Annual International Educational Conference of the Pilates † ference in January at UCI, the Multicampus Research Method Alliance in Orlando, Florida. Bobby Amamizu (BFA candidate, Dance), pictured here Group Colloquium on Asian Performance. She presented with Israel “El” Gabriel, won third place at the regional her paper, The Peony Circuit: Privatized Globalization of √ Simon Leung semi-finals of the Youth America Grand Prix in March. National Heritage and Academia, at the American Society (Studio Art) received Amamizu performed “Lankedem Variation” from the bal- for Theatre Research Conference, in November in Phoenix, the 2008 Art Journal let, Le Corsaire. He will compete at the finals in April in Arizona. She also was elected to the executive committee Award, given to the New York City. of American Society for Theater Research. author of the most dis- tinguished contribution Annie Loui (Drama) will premiere the installation of her published in the Col- Falling Girl, an inter-media collaboration with Scott Snibbe, lege Art Association’s at the Berkeley Art Museum in June. She created and Art Journal. directed the intermedia performance, In the Grace of the World, for the Orchestra of St. Lukes, New York City, in ® Gifford Myers (Stu- October. Her Fetes de la Nuit was in OC Weekly’s “The dio Art) presented Wait a Best of 2007.” Minute, a solo exhibition of handmade sculptures using Kei Akagi (Music) released his new jazz CD, Liquid Blue, pigmented resins and fiber- with the Tokyo Trio (including Tomokazu Sugimoto and glass, at the Lora Schlesinger Tamaya Honda), recorded in August in Tokyo. Seven of the Gallery in Santa Monica, eight compositions are Akagi’s originals. Liquid Blue is the January to February. sixth CD Akagi has recorded on the Video Arts Music label since 1999. They have performed 400-plus concerts. Yong Soon Min (Studio Art) curated transPOP: Korea Betsy Mugavero (MFA candidate, Drama) is playing the Amy Bauer (Music) delivered her paper, The Rule of the Vietnam Remix from Dec. 18 to Feb. 29 at the ARKO Art leading female role of Agnès in Molière’s The School for Canon in Ligeti’s Études pour Piano, at the November 2007 Center Seoul, Korea. Wives at the Tony Award-winning Utah Shakespearean meeting of the Society for Music Theory in Baltimore, Festival this summer. The production is directed by Profes- Maryland. Ulysses Jenkins (Studio Art) participated in a panel, sor Robert Cohen, and UCI alumnus Kevin Kiler (BA 2003) “Modern Art in Los Angeles: African American Avant- is playing her suitor, Horace in the same production. ®Guitarist and lutenist Gardes 1965-1990,” Jan. 16 at Getty Research Institute, John Schneiderman (Music) Los Angeles. Six students who auditioned for Walt Disney Records won edited the first modern edi- parts on three new CDs. Ryan Farnsworth (BA candidate, tion of Six Concertante Duos ALUMNI Drama), Zach Reiner-Harris (BA candidate, Literary Jour- Op. 17 for two guitars by nalism), Jeffrey Benson Parker (MFA candidate, Drama) Francois de Fossa, published DRAMA and Ian Stuart (BA candidate, Drama) supplied vocal fill in December. It is based on for one track of 101 Dalmations and Friends, released in the late eighteenth-century Jenn Colella (MFA 2002) is starring in the title role in the March in the U.S.A., Canada and Europe. Katie Horwitch six-string quartets of Spanish Off Broadway production of The Beebo Brinker Chronicles, (BA candidate, Drama) sang on a new Miley Cyrus kara- composer Enrique Ataide y directed by Leigh Silverman. Colella describes the show as oke CD. Mazie Wilson (BFA candidate, Drama) recorded Portugal. “a combination of several Ann Bannon novels from the late “Dream It” on Sleeping Beauty and Friends, to be released 1950s.” David Greenspan (BA 1978) is also in the cast. in October. The students were among 20 who auditioned Cellist Maggie Parkins Alan Mingo (MFA 1998) performs this season on Broadway for Walt Disney Records exec Ted Kryczko and his produc- (Music) performed in Novem- ing partner Gary Powell. ber with her new music quar- in the ensemble of Disney’s new musical, Little Mermaid. tet Eclipse at a series of concerts with guitarist Marco ® Ted Kryczko (MFA Denver Vaughn (BFA candidate, Drama) received the Kris Capelli at Ralph Towner’s Migration, in Santa Monica’s 1978) won a 2008 and Linda Elftmann Scholarship ($3,000) for her initiative Miles Playhouse, at Columbia University, at Roulette in Grammy Award for and commitment to her fellow students and to her craft. New York City, and at the Scarlatti Festival in Naples, Best Musical Album The committee was especially impressed with her part in Italy. In October, Parkins and her quintet, the Robin Cox for Children for A Green creating the play, Fallujah Good, with Ben Mathes (MFA Ensemble, took part in a set of premieres in Santa Barbara and Red Christmas: The candidate, Drama), based on Mathes’ brother’s letters at the Contemporary Arts Forum. Muppets, which he co- from Iraq. Vaughn attends the New York Satellite Program this spring quarter. √Mary Corey (Dance) staged Hanya Holm’s modern produced for Walt Dis- dance, Rota, at the University of New ney Records. Krystal Matsuyama (BFA candidate, Dance) received the Mexico as part of the American Master- Ashley West Leonard Thomas & Elizabeth Tierney Scholarship ($3,000) for her pieces’ project of the National Endow- (MFA 1998) received exceptional passion, talent and drive for dance. Her many ment of the Arts. positive reviews in involvements include Donald McKayle’s Etude Ensemble, January for her leading performance in the world-pre- Paris Conservatoire exchange program, Bare Bones pro- miere production of Bob Clyman’s Tranced at the Laguna ductions, Medici Scholar program, and choreographic Playhouse. assistant to Professor Jodie Gates on a European trip.

5 Spring 2008 Events

April 30 May 24 APRIL Gassman Electronic Music Department of Music April 3 Series Concert Chamber Singers and Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellow Series Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm the Men in Blaque Meredith Monk and Vocal Ensemble What Are You Looking At? Joseph Huszti, conductor In Concert A Multimedia Saxophone Performance Event Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm “A composer, singer and theater artist for whom Featuring Michael Straus Presenting competition selections from their tour to experimentation has led to wondrous discovery, Monk Free The International Musical Eisteddfod in Llangollen, conjures up a spectrum of colorful and evocative Wales and the Choral Olympics in Graz, Austria. sounds from her one-of-a-kind vocal instrument.” MAY $12/ $10/ $8 —The Plain Dealer May 1 - May 10 May 29 - June 7 Claire Trevor Theatre, 7pm Drama at UCI Drama All-Undergraduate $15/ $13/ $9 Measure for Measure Production April 3 - 18 By William Shakespeare Reefer Madness 4th Annual Guest Juried Philip Thompson, director Written by Dan Studney Undergraduate Exhibition Studio Theatre, 8 pm; May 3 & 10, 2 pm and Kevin Murphy University Art Gallery Deception and truth. Corruption and virtue. Justice Music by Dan Studney, An Undergraduate Honors Project and mercy. Shakespeare’s classic intrigue has it Lyrics by Kevin Murphy Room Gallery all. When the Duke of Vienna abandons his city, Vince Tycer, director he places his zealous deputy in charge. Whom Dennis Castellano, will the puritanical Angelo serve, as he delivers musical director his uncompromising application of justice? Claire Trevor $10/ $9/ $8 Theatre, 8 pm; May 3 (One Night Only!) May 31 & June 7, 2 pm UCI Symphony Orchestra This outrageously funny hit musical follows the Violin Spectacular! budding romance of high school sweethearts Jimmy Stephen Tucker, conductor Harper and Mary Lane. Everything seems to be going Irvine Barclay Theatre, 8 pm swell until Jimmy is lured into the evils of a reefer den and tries his first hit of the “demon weed.” April 3 - June 7 Dimitri Shostakovich – Festive Overture Tan Dun – Violin Concerto – Cho-Liang Lin, soloist Fri. - Sat. eve: $17/ $15/ $9 Beall Center for Art and Technology Weeknight & matinee: $15/ $14/ $9 Live Pietro Mascagni – Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana Opening Reception: April 3, 6:30 - 9 pm W.A. Mozart – Concerto No. 4 – Cho-Liang Lin, soloist May 31 Family Day: May 3, 11 am - 3 pm $12/ $10/ $8 UCI Chamber Series Artists use video, images and text captured May 8 - 10 An Evening of Jazz and from the internet creating artworks that offer Department of Dance Improvised Music a surprisingly diverse array of experience, Physical Graffiti Featuring the Cosmologic quartet ranging from social commentary to the Original works by UCI undergraduate choreographers Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm unintended beauty of surveillance footage. Claire Trevor Theatre, 8 pm, Michael Dessen, trombone Curated by David Familian, includes Radical matinee performance: May 10, 2 pm Jason Robinson, saxophone Software Group (Alexander R. Galloway) and MTAA $11/ $10/ $9 Scott Walton, bass (Mike Sarff & Tim Whidden), Natalie Bookchin, Nathan Hubbard, drums Aphid Stern, Michael Dale, and Karen Finley. May 10 $12 / $10/ $8 Free UCI Chamber Series What A Swell Party This Is! JUNE April 10 - 19 Tunes from the Great American Songbook Drama at UCI Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm June 2 Uncle Vanya Jane Rhodes & Robin Buck, vocalists Department of Music By Anton Chekhov Guest Jazz Combo UCI Percussion Ensemble Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm Keith Fowler, director $12/ $10/ $8 Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm; April 12 & 19, 2 pm Free May 14 The second of Chekhov’s four masterpieces to be June 5 - 13 produced by the Moscow Art Theater, Uncle Vanya UCI Jazz Orchestra Spring Jazz Concert Senior Exhibition focuses on the fulminating, querulous Vanya, an aging University Art Gallery & Room Gallery would-be lover at the center of a comic ménage. Claire Trevor Theatre, 8 pm The contrast of Vanya’s world-weariness with his $12/ $10/ $8 June 6 & 7 niece Sonya’s simple faith endows this cherished UCI Symphony Orchestra drama with immortal and bittersweet poetry. The Old and the New Fri. - Sat. eve: $17/ $15/ $9 Stephen Tucker, conductor Weeknight & matinee: $15/ $14/ $9 Irvine Barclay Theatre, 8 pm Pre-concert conversation: June 6, 7 pm April 24 - 26 Richard Strauss – Till Eulenspiegels lustige Streiche Department of Dance Dance Escape Ralph Vaughan Williams’ – Tuba Concerto, with Fred Greene, soloist New works by UCI graduate Manuel de Falla, El Amor Brujo with choreographers the UCI Dance Department Claire Trevor Theatre, 8pm $12/ $10/ $8 April 26, 2 pm $11/ $10/ $9 Exhibition Hours: Beall Center for Art and Technology April 24 - May 9 May 15 - 30 MFA Thesis MFA Thesis Exhibition, Part II Tue. & Wed., 12 - 5 pm, Thur. - Sat., 12 - 8 pm Exhibition, Part I University Art Gallery & Room Gallery Free Information: (949) 824- 4339; beallcenter.uci.edu University Art Gallery May 20 & Room Gallery Small Jazz Groups The University Art Gallery April 26 Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm & Room Gallery UCI Chamber Series Free Tue. - Sat., 12 - 5 pm All Brahms May 21 Free An Evening of Chamber Music and Song Department of Music Information: (949) 824- 9854; [email protected] Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm; Pre-concert lecture: UCI Wind Ensemble 7 pm with David Brodbeck, Brahms scholar Winifred Smith Hall, 8 pm Nina Scolnik, piano Free Frances Young , soprano Haroutune Bedelian, violin Maggie Parkins, violoncello Daniel Katzen, horn $12/ $10/ $8

6 Tickets & Information www.arts.uci.edu Box Office 949-824-2787