College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Association • Winter 2007–08

Membership Matters. This publication is paid for in part by dues-paying members of the Indiana University Alumni Association. IU’s first international production creates aTempest fter three years of detailed research, planning, and organizing, the Afri- Acan Tempest Project finally became a reality this past summer. Theatre and drama Professor Murray McGibbon in 2004 conceived the ambi- tious project, which would see six IU students travel to to work alongside 14 students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg. McGibbon received a New Frontiers Grant funded by the Lilly Endowment. One of the top seven largest grants awarded in the three years of the highly competitive pro- gram, the grant was originally scheduled to support the project in summer 2006, but the production was delayed a year due to its scale and complexity. The IU contingent included director McGibbon, Alyson Bloom (Miranda), Carmund White (Caliban), Michael Aguirre Murray McGibbon The opening sequence of the The Tempest features the entire surrounding Prospero (Stephen Gurney) on the Hexagon Theatre stage in Pietermaritzburg.

(Ferdinand), Jon Wargo (Antonio), Timothy rapher), and a series of “getting to know Speicher (Alonso), and videographer An- you” exercises led by Murray McGibbon. nie King, along with Professor Jonathan Within two-and-a-half days of intense Michaelsen, chair of the IU Department workshops, the group coalesced into a tight of Theatre and Drama. The group flew to ensemble and the show was finally cast. South Africa on June 15 and was accom- Casting decisions, apart from the actors modated in two apartments within Denison playing Prospero, Miranda, and Caliban, Residence on the UKZN campus, a few were not finalized until the director had minutes’ walk from the Hexagon Theatre, had the opportunity of interacting with the where the production was to be rehearsed entire company. Most of the actors were and staged. McGibbon and Stephen Gurney, assigned other production responsibilities one of South Africa’s most eminent profes- such as company manager, composer, set sional actors, who played Prospero, also coordinator, or properties master. lived in small apartments on the campus. Using rehearsal methods and philoso- phies of the legendary Sir Peter Brook, Mc- Let the rehearsals begin! Gibbon set out to fashion a unique, African Rehearsals began in earnest on June 18, version of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. “I with voice workshops taught by Professor have never been so nervous in all my life,” Jonathan Michaelsen, movement classes McGibbon says about the first rehearsal.

Murray McGibbon taught by Mbongeni Mtshali, (who also “Despite the fact that I had done nearly Graduate student Carmund White as Caliban. served as costume designer and choreog- (continued on page 2)  tains, the Indian Ocean, and the Hluhluwe of The Tempest, the preview performance International Tempest Game Reserve.” These excursions proved was awaited with a fair degree of trepidation (continued from page 1) enormously attractive to the American stu- by everyone working on the production. three years of research and reading about dents, who not only experienced some of Finally, on July 31 at 7:30 p.m., the lights The Tempest, I had only a vague ‘formless South Africa’s most beautiful natural sights, dimmed as the ritualistic opening of the play hunch’ of how the commenced. The audience was quiet and show was to be real- engaged. Two hours later, their rapturous ized on stage. I knew I applause left no one in any doubt that the wanted it to be set on African Tempest Project had been an enor- a mythical island off mous success. Reviews in the national press the east coast of South confirmed this view with the production be- Africa, that I wanted to ing lauded as “a provocative new reading,” experiment with non- traditional casting and Ferdinand (Michael Aguirre) is given a stern that — most impor- talking to by Prospero (Stephen Gurney). tantly — I wanted to discover the text in the rehearsal room along with the actors, feed- ing off their creative ideas and energies. It was very important to me that the themes of redemption, forgiveness, and what it means to be human, which Shakespeare weaves into the play, would find a powerful resonance with the African audiences who

would see it. It needed to have a startling, Murray McGibbon even uncomfortable relevance. Apart from that, I started blocking act one, scene one with not one pencil marking in my script.” Working with a very disparate group of actors — ranging from a top-class profes- Prospero (Stephen Gurney) and Ariel (Mlondolozi Zondi) see the results of their evil plotting. sional to an undergraduate who was ap- pearing in his first-ever production — pre- but also viewed lion, elephant, rhinoceros, “a masterful in-the-round staging,” and sented numerous challenges for the director and giraffe in the wild. “thought-provoking theatre.” and cast, but the overwhelming spirit of One memorable excursion was to Um- goodwill that permeated the company and zumbe on the KwaZulu-Natal coast, where Unique project a ‘breathtaking their deep love and respect for the work at McGibbon has a beach house. “Early one and life-changing experience’ hand smoothed out many of the obstacles morning, we decided to rehearse act two, “I was delighted with the finished artistic that can be commonplace in an artistically scene one in a small cove on the beach. The product and so proud of everything the risky process such as this. actors were able to feel exactly what it would cast and crew had achieved,” McGibbon Nearly two months of rehearsals took be like to be on a remote African island, concludes. “We had our highs and lows, place each day from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with the waves crashing around them, and certainly, but in the end, as a team we cre- with a short break for lunch. Scenes were the sun beating down. Michael Aguirre, ated a unique piece of theatrical that discussed in detail, worked on, changed, who played Ferdinand, made quite possi- could have graced any stage in the world.” refined, changed again, and, in some cases, bly the most novel entrance in any Indiana IU graduate student Carmund White, who completely discarded and re-worked from University play rehearsal ever when he swam played Caliban, referred to the experience scratch. Each member of the company onto the shore on cue and began reciting as “breathtaking and life-changing.” He worked on set, props, sound, costume, and his lines just as he would do later on stage.” added, “You cannot imagine how grateful I marketing aspects of the production. Live Connecting with the sand, sky, and sea had a am for this unbelievable experience.” music and soundscapes were composed by powerful effect upon the actors. McGibbon McGibbon intends to apply for further two of the actors — Snethemba Makanya says he will never forget Stephen Gurney funding to re-stage the production on and Carmund White. The tightly knit com- saying quietly to the actors when they were the IU Bloomington campus, bringing munity of actors forged friendships, some back in the rehearsal studio in Pietermaritz- Stephen Gurney and several students from of which will have lifelong remembrances burg just before a rehearsal of the same the University of KwaZulu-Natal, so that and consequences! scene enacted that weekend: “Just close your they might have a similar experience to the eyes and remember Umzumbe beach!” one the American students gained from Connecting with sand, sea, sky After seven weeks of rehearsal, the show living and working in a foreign country. To relieve the intensity of the weekly re- was ready to get the technical treatment “Our students benefited significantly from hearsals, McGibbon had planned excursions from the Hexagon Theatre staff. There was this international experience; now I want for the IU students. “I wanted to give them intense media speculation about the project, Bloomington audiences to absorb some of a taste of real South African life, beyond the and significant media interviews with Gur- what we discovered, learned, and created.” confines of Pietermaritzburg,” he said. “So ney and McGibbon piqued the interest of “So, our revels are not quite yet ended,” I organized weekend excursions to a tradi- audiences throughout the province. Having McGibbon says with his typical energy and tional Zulu village, the Drakensberg Moun- broken so many conventions in the staging enthusiasm.

 Adieu: Department bids a fond farewell to Roger Herzel

Editor’s note: Family, former and current students, and departmen- tal colleagues celebrated the retirement of Roger Herzel at a gala dinner in the Wells-Metz Theatre on April 28. Department Chair Jonathan Michaelsen, director of graduate studies Ronald Wain- scott, PhD’84, former student David Muller, PhD’06, and current PhD student Noe Montez presented tributes to Herzel. To read their witty and moving remarks, go to www.theatre.indiana.edu, click on “People,” go to Roger Herzel’s bio, then click on the link to the tributes.

oger Herzel was born in Batesville, Ind., but left the area as a young child and did not return to Indiana until an Radult academic professional. After spending formative years in Pennsylvania, in 1959 Herzel entered the liberal arts program at Haverford College in Pennsylvania, where he received a BA in French literature in 1963. He continued on directly to Johns Hop- kins University in Baltimore for graduate study in French literature. After Johns Hopkins, Herzel was an instructor in French, and then English at State University of at Stony Brook, Bennett College, and Cedar Crest College between 1965 and 1971. As his education, teaching experience, and fascination with French literature advanced, he became increasingly interested in 17th-cen- tury French literature, and French plays and theatre in particular, especially the work of Molière. In 1971 Herzel entered the PhD Shafer Tom program in theatre at Cornell University, where he served as a Sharon and Roger Herzel enjoy nature near their Normandy cottage. teaching assistant in theatre and English. During this time, he also served as a visiting assistant professor of drama at Ithaca College. Herzel joins Department of Theatre and Drama At Cornell, Herzel studied under Professor Marvin Carlson, who Herzel joined the faculty of the Department of Theatre and Drama would later head the PhD program in theatre at Indiana University. at Indiana University as a professor in 1986, replacing his former Herzel received his PhD from Cornell in 1974. mentor, Marvin Carlson. While here he served as director of grad- uate studies for the department from 1986 to 1997 and again from Herzel launches teaching and publishing career 2002 until 2004. He has also been on the faculties of performance Herzel’s first continuing faculty appointment commenced in 1975 studies, comparative literature, and West European studies since as assistant professor at State University of New York at Albany, 1994. As a teacher, Herzel has taught undergraduate theatre his- where he was promoted to associate professor in 1979. In that tory and graduate seminars and classes in his specialization of 17th- same year, he became editor of Theatre Survey: The American century France and Molière, but also Greek, Roman, and Medieval Journal of Theatre History, the scholarly publication of American drama and theatre; Elizabethan theatre; 18th-century European Society for Theatre Research, the most prestigious scholarly society theatre; 19th-century French theatre; and numerous specific top- in the discipline of theatre history in the . When ics. Many theatre graduate students have benefited enormously Herzel joined our faculty in 1986, he brought the editorship of from their work with Herzel, and he has chaired numerous PhD Theatre Survey with him to Indiana University, where it remained dissertations since 1987, many of them on French theatre topics, until 1990. bringing attention to this program as an important place to study Herzel’s publications began to appear in 1970 in a series of French theatre in the United States. books and adjudicated journals, including Educational Theatre Twice a Research Fellow of the American Council of Learned Journal, Theatre Survey, Modern Language Notes, PMLA, Dix- Societies in 1977 and 1982, Herzel has also received fellowships Septième Siècle, The Age of Theatre in France, Western European and grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, Stages, and Seventeenth-Century French Studies, among others. His the State University of New York, and Indiana University. In very article titled “‘Much Depends on the Acting’: The Original Cast recent times, he contributed the entries on Molière and 16 other of Le Misanthrope,” published in PMLA in 1980, won the William 17th-century French actors to the Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre Riley Parker Prize awarded by the Modern Language Association and Performance as well as articles in Cahiers du Dix-Septième, Le of America. Herzel’s single-author book, The Original Casting of nouveau Moliériste, and Seventeenth-Century French Studies. Herzel Molière’s Plays, was published by UMI Research Press in 1981. continues to work on a new book, which will probably follow him Over the years, Herzel has presented, adjudicated, and invited into retirement: Molière: His Career in the Theatre, contracted by papers internationally at the conferences of the American Society Cambridge University Press. for Theatre Research, Société d’Etude du Dix-Septième Siècle, Herzel has been an excellent teacher, formidable scholar, and a North American Society for 17th-Century French Literature, reliable and wonderful colleague for all of us in the Department of World of the International Federation for Theatre Theatre and Drama at IU. We will certainly miss his keen eye for Research, and many others. He has presented in Paris, New York, details, his unwavering fairness to colleagues and students, and in Toronto, New Orleans, Stockholm, Dublin, Newport, Canter- the PhD program especially we will miss Roger Herzel the man, bury, Washington, D.C., Lyon (France), Glasgow, Amsterdam, whose contributions have shaped much of what we continue to do. and Cambridge. He has been an important voice for 17th-century We send our best wishes to him for all that lies ahead. French theatre and scholarship throughout the western world. — Ronald Wainscott

 Department launches BFA in … finally! ears in the making? Actually, decades ated with a degree specializing in musical they also will fulfill the general education in the making, the BFA in musical theatre. Many of those students have gone curriculum required of a BA degree. Art Ytheatre premiered this fall with 13 on to perform on and in theatres is life, and life is art. The liberal arts forge musical theatre students entering our hal- around the world. These students as well a firm foundation upon which the art of lowed halls. as Department of Theatre and Drama and musical theatre may be created. A global It has been a very long trail since then- Jacobs School of Music majors have helped outlook is truly necessary not only to con- Chair R. Keith Michael asked me to prepare to establish a strong reputation for Indiana vey the intricacies of the human condition a proposal for a musical theatre program University as a special place for training in in song and dance, but to survive our com- back in 1987. That proposal was based on a acting, singing, and dancing. plicated world. The Department of Theatre previous of work headed by School and Drama is launching not only artists and of Music Associate Dean Bill Christ and scholars; we like to think we are launching members of the faculty of the School of The BFA in musical theatre human beings who will make a difference. Music and the Department of Theatre and The curriculum has been expanded Drama. The trail toward the musical theatre is a four-year professional to develop well-rounded musical theatre dream was winding, including a cross-coun- program couched within performing artists. I personally am excited try fact-finding trip with colleagues Vince about this expansion as it will include dance Liotta and Michael Schwarzkopf of the the context of a liberal arts courses that I have longed to teach. For School of Music to observe other musical example, in the spring, I will be teaching a theatre programs and to meet top profes- education. topics course titled “The Art of the Duet sionals in the field. Through many dedicated in Song and Dance in Musicals of the ’20s, committees — and the dedicated work of ’30s, and ’40s.” I will also teach a yearlong Chair Jonathan Michaelsen — the dream is The BFA in musical theatre is a four-year course in American musical theatre dance now reality. professional program couched within the styles that will focus on the great musical I would like to send kudos to Ray Hedin context of a liberal arts education. Not only theatre choreographers, including Agnes and his staff in the Individualized Major will students participate in courses aimed DeMille, Michael Kidd, and , to Program in which many students gradu- at launching a career upon graduation, but name only a few. All of the support courses will come together in the musical theatre workshop, which is a sequence of four semesters. In addition, we are very fortunate to have hired Ray Fellman as professor of voice. Many readers are sure to remember his work both in our department and in the Ja- cobs School of Music. He is very excited to return to Bloomington and to be a major contributor to the new program. The process of selecting students for the musical theatre program was through participating in one of three audition days. The day was thorough and long but very exciting. The audition began with a dance class that included a warm-up and a musical theatre dance combination. Next, there was an acting class that included improvisa- tions in which actors both spoke and sang. After lunch, the individual auditions began with two contrasting songs and a mono- logue. More than 200 high school seniors and transfer students participated. Out of John Kinzer that group, 13 joined the department and Theatre Circle knows how to pick ’em! — 2004 Theatre Circle Award winner Eric began their program this fall. There are six Price, BA’04, (center of photo, third from right) celebrates with the cast of the successful females and seven males; six are entering IU Premiere Musicals workshop production of The Sixth Borough, for which he wrote book freshmen, four are transfers from other and lyrics. While here for rehearsals and performances in August, he took time to stop by universities, and three are from the IUB the Monroe Bank Theatre Art Gallery to see his name engraved on the Theatre Circle Award campus. Home towns range from Califor- plaque permanently displayed there. At the Friday night performance, he visited with Joan nia to New York, and four students hail Olcott, who as Theatre Circle president had presented him with the award (and check!) at from Indiana. the 2004 Annual Dinner and Meeting. Price has worked as personal assistant to Hal Prince The BFA is sure to help raise the bar in and Steven Sondheim on the original production of Sondheim’s Bounce, both at the Good- our approach and development of courses man Theatre and the Kennedy Center. For seven years he managed The Chocolate Factory and productions. The energy is infectious. I Theatre Company in Oklahoma City, where he wrote, produced, and directed many world am truly thankful to be a participant in this and regional premieres. He is a member of the Theatre Directors Lab and is endeavor as I begin my last decade at IU. earning an MFA in musical theatre writing at . — George Pinney  Department chair issues ‘New Year’ challenge for 2007–08

Editor’s note: We share with alumni and continue making new discoveries, novels ence, and we must clearly articulate to the friends the remarks, which Depart- would still be written, wars would continue world why it matters, why they need to ment of Theatre and Drama Chair Jona- to be fought. hear our voice. It is not enough to build it than Michaelsen addressed to students, fac- The simple reality is: it is easy for the and think they will come. ulty, and staff gathered at the Department vast majority of people to ignore the art we As students of theatre, you need to learn Convocation and Pizza Party held in the create. It is not enough, therefore, to only craft, but you also need to learn the im- DeVault Courtyard of the Norvelle Theatre provide outstanding training; we must also portance of having a point of view. Asking and Drama Center on Aug. 31 to officially prove the need for what we do, why theatre where has theatre been and where do you launch the 2007–08 academic year. is important to lawyers and bankers and want it to go? What will your peers want to construction workers and why it is mean- see in 10 years? How can we all engage an t is a great time to be part of theatre and ingful to a racially and culturally diverse audience with this ancient art form? drama at Indiana University. In the last audience. Unless we are passionate and In our department, we have the skill and Ifew years, we have added four new fac- brains, the heart and talent to make a differ- ulty positions and two new professional staff, ence, and we can shape the future landscape and we have greatly increased the number of It is not enough to only of theatre in this country. We must provide guest scholars and artists coming to campus outstanding training, but we also need to with almost 30 joining us last year, teaching provide outstanding train- let our voices be heard on this campus and courses, enlightening us with their scholar- ing; we must also prove in the world — that theatre matters, that it ship, leading workshops, and providing still can transform lives and create com- outstanding real-world lessons for students. the need for what we do. munity, that it can talk about aids and war Last year, faculty, staff, and students and love affairs and truly reach people in the created theatre and presented scholarship most sacred place of their souls. A place that in all parts of the globe. We produced 15 committed, making our work as compel- many people have forgotten they have, until productions on campus and numerous ling and riveting as possible, we will often awakened by our art. independent projects. We brought an entire be met with a large yawn — or worse, they As we begin this year, I hope we will new degree program, the BFA in musical just won’t show up. redouble our efforts to create theatre that theatre, into being. We held our first an- makes a difference, to open up our doors nual reading of student scholarship by PhD We must shape the future to a wider community, to look to the future students and revised our undergraduate and the truths we can still tell the world. curriculum. This department is growing, and make a difference Welcome to this partnership in creating and the caliber of our training, research and Every design for the stage or line spoken, the future. Welcome to the Department of creative work continues to improve. every cue called, every scholarly article or Theatre and Drama 2007–08. new play we produce must make a differ- — Jonathan Michaelsen is in the pudding For students who are training here, the “proof is in the pudding” — many of our un- dergraduate alumni are employed in theatres Outreach: Taking the show on the road or even starting their own theatre compa- eginning this fall, the Department of Theatre and Drama will greatly increase its nies. All of the MFA and PhD students who Bcommitment to outreach by showcasing its musical theatre talent throughout graduated last year are now or will shortly be Indiana. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Foundation, IU musical theatre students employed … no, not asking “would you like will perform showcases and give workshops at high schools across the state. fries with that?” but in theatre. “This is a very exciting program,” said Jonathan Michaelsen, chair of the depart- In a profession that is fiercely competitive, ment. “Our most talented musical theatre students will be able to share their abili- this is a remarkable statistic and shows the ties with younger students and work with them in the classroom. It will mean we strength of our program and students — the can greatly expand the performance tours the department is able to offer.” energy and skill of our faculty and staff in The program funded by Lilly is titled “The Moveable Feast of the Arts” and is training students. And we continue striving dedicated to providing greater arts exposure to the citizens of Indiana. The depart- to improve our scholarship and reach for ment has already participated by providing a number of student matinees and several higher goals in the art we create. It is indeed tours to locations around the state. a good time to study theatre at IU. In 2007–08, the department will increase its commitment to “The Moveable Feast of the Arts” by greatly expanding its touring and outreach programs, while Who cares? continuing student matinees of productions on campus. Yet in a larger context, who really cares? “We are extremely thankful to Lilly and to Indiana University for having the vision At a time when the world has many other and making the pledge to fund this important arts program,” Michaelsen said. “It will things on its mind, when war and pressing mean that students and schools that could never afford a showcase of this caliber will social issues are all around us — is theatre now be able to see first-class performances and work with IU musical theatre students. a luxury that is expendable? When other This ties in very nicely with our new BFA degree in musical theatre.” forms of entertainment are so pervasive and Professor George Pinney brings his talents to the project by staging and choreo- are spoon-fed to the public 24/7 — why graphing the showcases, and he will be instrumental in providing oversight of the is what we do important or even rel- tour. New IU musical theatre Professor Ray Fellman is musical director. The first evant? The truth is that Wall Street would tour began in November, with tour dates continuing through the spring semester. continue without theatre, science would

 Around the department Four new faculty and staff join theatre and drama he Department of Theatre and As a vocal coach, Fellman has worked on Drama boasts four new faculty and the music staff of the New York University David G. Muller staff members this fall, and dur- Musical Theater Writing Program, the Mid- David G. Muller, PhD’06, joins our faculty T as a visiting assistant professor, teach- ing their first weeks with us, all four have America Productions at , the already begun to enrich the theatre study Opera Company of Brooklyn, the Utah Fes- ing courses in theatre history. Muller is a and practice of our students. tival Opera Company, and the Indianapolis graduate of the University of Richmond Symphony Orchestra’s Yuletide Celebration. (BA in psychology) and a recent graduate As a performer, Fellman has appeared in of the PhD program in history, literature, Ray Fellman and theory in the Department of Theatre Ray Fellman, veteran musical director of major roles with the Glimmerglass Opera, Florida Grand Opera, the New Orleans Op- and Drama at Indiana University, where he Department of Theatre and Drama and was visiting lecturer in acting and direct- Brown County Playhouse productions, era, the Chautauqua Opera, and the Indiana University Opera Theatre. Among his roles ing from 1999 to 2004. While a graduate joins our faculty teaching vocal instruction student at IU, he appeared on our stages for musical theatre. In doing so, he returns are Marcello in La Bohème, Ford in Falstaff, Figaro in Il Barbiere di Siviglia, Rigoletto in in Trelawny of the “Wells,” Six Degrees of to the institution that has been founda- Separation, and Tartuffe; he also directed tional in his education, as he received his Rigoletto, and Silvio in Pagliacci. He has provided musical direction for the department productions of Burn This, BS in music (piano/vocal coaching and Another Antigone, and Eleemosynary. accompanying) in 1997 and his Performer’s a number of theatres, among them the Brown County Playhouse (Nunsense, The A theatre historian interested in classi- Diploma (voice) in 2001 from the Jacobs cal and contemporary French theatre, in School of Music. In 1997 he also received a Fantasticks), the New York Music Theatre Festival (The Music of Stephen Schwartz, The 2004–05 he was Lecteur d’Anglais [lecturer Certificate of Achievement from the Italian in English] at L’Ecole des Hautes Etudes Language Program, Centro Studi Italiani, Tutor), the O’Neill Music Theatre Con- ference (Blood Drive), and New Jersey’s Commerciales [HEC School of Manage- Ubania, . ment] in Paris. He is a contributor to Fellman has studied privately with Arthur County Performing Arts Center (You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, The the Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Levy and Costanza Cuccaro (voice); Karen Performance, for which he wrote 25 entries Shaw, James Tocco, and Robert Pellacani World Goes Round). He was handpicked by composer Stephen Schwartz (, Pip- on topics related to the modern French (piano); and Gary Arvin and Leonard Ho- stage, as well as the entry for Jean Racine, kanson (coaching/accompanying); and has pin, ) to be musical director of his latest musical, Captain Louie, which had its the subject of his dissertation. He also has taken master classes from Craig Rutenburg, contributed performance and book reviews Vinson Cole, Virginia Zeani, Jay Lesenger, off-Broadway premiere in 2005, and toured nationwide in 2006–07. for Theatre Journal and Theatre Survey and Evelyn Lear, Bernard Uzan/Diane Soviero, has presented at the American Society for Janet Bookspan, David Jackson, Debra Birn- Fellman has provided accompaniment, musical direction, and arranging for various Theatre Research Conferences. Currently, baum, and Vince Liotta. he is in the process of revising his disserta- From 1994 to 2006, Fellman worked as cabaret performers in . He has provided musical direction and arrang- tion for publication and doing research on a private vocal coach in Indiana, New Jer- the career of noted French theatre, opera, sey, and New York City. His students have ing for the cabaret appearances of Brandon Cutrell, Lauren Molina, Lisa Howard, Kevin and film director Patrice Chéreau. gone on to perform on Broadway and with Muller returns to Bloomington from opera and theater companies nationally and Chamberlain, David Friedman, Nicole Parker, Mary Bond Davis, and Leslie Kritzer, Denison University, where he spent the past abroad. Among his students are: year as visiting assistant professor, teaching • Anne Runolfsson (Broadway: Phantom of among others, and has appeared at Fein- stein’s, The Algonquin, The Duplex, Don’t “Theatrical Style and Creation,” modern the Opera, Victor Victoria, Les Misérables) European theatre history, and a seminar on • Liz McCartney (Broadway: Taboo, Tell Mama, and The Laurie Beechman The- ater at The West Bank Cafe. This fall he has Molière. He was proud to have spoken at Mamma Mia, Phantom of the Opera) the retirement dinner for Professor Roger • Nicole Parker (MAD TV, Broadway: been commuting to New York on frequent weekends to fill cabaret engagements. W. Herzel in April and spent five weeks this — Fame Becomes Me) summer (as he has for nine of the past 10 • Kristy Cates (Broadway: Wicked) By joining the faculty, Fellman returns to the department where he learned many years) advising incoming Indiana freshmen • Jana Robins (Broadway: Gypsy, Tale of the for the University Division of IU. Allergist’s Wife) of the basic principles of his craft. While he • Alvin Crawford (Broadway: Lion King) received formal training and experiences • Robyn Payne (Broadway: Lion King) in the Jacobs School of Music, he applied Adam Noble • Audrey Babcock (NYC Opera, Santa Fe much of his study to the practice of vocal Adam Noble joined IU’s faculty this fall Opera, Wolf Trap) coaching and musical direction in musicals as an assistant professor of movement in • Lauren Molina (Broadway: Sweeney Todd) produced by the Department of Theatre the Department of Theatre and Drama. In • Tess Adams (Broadway: Les Misérables) and Drama. He was musical director of the the year before arriving, he co-wrote and • Cynthia Watters (Boston Lyric Opera, St. IU Broadway Cabaret (1992–96) and mu- directed a movement theatre piece titled Louis Opera, Wolf Trap) sical director for our productions of Guys “Terminus” for On the Boards in Seattle. • Kathryn Lang (San Francisco Opera) and Dolls, , and Cabaret, as The production included members of • Stephanie Reese (West End: Miss Saigon, well as musical director of Nunsense and his own company, the Dynamic Presence The Fantastiks at Brown County Playhouse. Hunchback of Notre Dame) (continued on page 7)

 learned many different stunts and tech- New faculty niques. In addition to this training, he has Lara Berich (continued from page 6) been studying various forms of martial arts The versatile Lara Berich joins the costume Project, as well as members of the SOMA since 1979. staff as cutter/draper. Berich will be work- Theatre Collective, where Noble previously Noble taught master classes for the ing from costume designs to develop the taught movement for nearly two years. University of Washington, the University patterns from which the costumes will be Noble has extensive training in acting, of Nebraska at Omaha, ARC School of built. In 1999, Berich earned a BA in the- movement, and combat. He earned his Dance, and a SAFD-sanctioned “Fights of atre performance as well as a K–12 theatre MFA from the Professional Actor Training Spring” workshop put on by Macha Mon- education license from Greensboro College Program at the University of Washington key Productions. Most recently, he served in North Carolina. While at Greensboro, in 2005. After graduation, he continued as visiting faculty (acting and movement) at she was very active in a variety of programs. an apprenticeship with Steve Pearson both Western Washington University and She was a co-editor and contributor to The and Robyn Hunt, founders of the Pa- the California State University at Fresno. Lyre, Greensboro College’s national award- cific Performance Project, with whom he Noble recently served as assistant direc- winning literary art magazine, and was a studied Suzuki technique. He also studied tor and movement consultant for two member of academic honorary fraternities Mask/LeCoq technique with Arne Zaslove, productions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly: for English, education, and leadership. as well as acting technique at Northwest one at Opera Omaha and the other with In pursuit of her interest in education, , The Barrow Group, the Lee the Dayton Opera. Berich did fieldwork and student teaching Strasberg Institute, and many others. An actor and a fight coordinator for film in Greensboro. As an undergraduate she Noble has trained with the Society of as well as stage, Noble starred in a recent also participated in theatre, working as a American Fight Directors in a wide variety music video for the band Key Note Speaker performer, stage manager, and director. She of weapon and combat styles. He also and coordinated the violence for three proj- has written plays, two of which, A Space to received a scholarship to train with the ects with The Rogue Agency, all of which Spiral Downward and Walter, have been United Stuntmen’s Association, where he are in various stages of production. produced. After completing her undergraduate education, Berich pursued costuming pro- fessionally. She worked as assistant designer and class and workshop instructor for the California Theatre Center, costume shop manager for American Stage Festival, and draper for North Shore Music Theatre. She also worked as a freelance designer. From 2003 through 2006 she was employed as a draper for Weston Playhouse, Texas Shake- speare Festival, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and Utah Shakespearean Festival, among other theatres, while earning her MFA in costume technology at Boston University. During her time at BU, Berich worked as draper, wardrobe supervisor, and instructor. Her thesis topic was the change in fashion from 1910 to 1920. Recently she has been the costume shop manager and draper at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pa. Not only is Berich a skilled costumer, she is also an enthusiastic teacher and supervisor. Beyond merely showing students the task at hand, she is excited to share with students the techniques and concepts that underlie those tasks. Berich has a keen interest in cos- tuming and is always seeking new techniques and areas of expertise to master. The Department of Theatre and Drama is pleased to welcome Adam Noble and Lara Berich and are happy to welcome Ray Fellman and David Muller “back home” to the department. — Carle Gaier and Tom Shafer

2007 Brown County Playhouse season, clockwise from bottom left: Wendy Barrie-Wilson (AEA) and Lilia Vassileva in The Glass Menag- erie; Codey Girten, Allison Moody, Erin Ehlers, and Maggie Mountsier in Pump Boys and Dinettes; Claire Tuft, Jennifer Johansen (AEA), and Rob Johansen (AEA) in Plaza Suite; and Brad Bellamy (AEA) and Paul Jackel (AEA) in Lend Me a Tenor. Collage by John Kinzer.  Reel to regionals: IU production goes to Milwaukee he 2006 issue of Center, where his script Stages informed competed against eight Tyou of our world- other regional script winners premiere production of to win the Mark Twain Reel, MFA playwright Paul Award as the Year’s Best Shoulberg’s dark comedy Comedy. It was an honor for about a Hollywood film set. the production to be invited The play enjoyed a success- to compete at the regional ful and well-received run level. Well-received in Mil- in the Wells-Metz as the waukee, Reel is the only stu- final production of our first dent-written production and semester season. The play one of only two productions “was always funny, right from Region III that was from the start,” notes Den- held over for consideration nis J. Reardon, the head of to go to the Kennedy Cen- our playwriting program, ter. Shoulberg also received and the audiences enjoyed a special commendation for Shoulberg’s sometimes playwriting for Reel from the wildly comic and often Kennedy Center American

deeply human tale of love Sean Smallman College Theatre Festival Na- and authenticity in the un- The cast of IU MFA playwright Paul Shoulberg’s Reel takes the stage of the tional Selection Team, and real world of Hollywood. Pabst Theatre: from left, Michael Aguirre, Matthew Buffalo, Malia Tilden, Michael Aguirre received Directed by Jonathan Allison Moody, Melanie Derleth, and Ross Matsuda. a special commendation Michaelsen, Reel was also for his performance in the the vehicle the department used to re-enter Chris Wych. “We had one hour to unload role of Eli. For the entire company and the the Kennedy Center American College our truck, then four hours before the house Department of Theatre and Drama, the Reel Theatre Festival — it had been a couple of opened to adjust the lighting, run cues, experience was a worthwhile and fulfilling decades since IU has done so. So on Nov. ‘construct’ the set, and acclimate the actors experience, indeed. 30, 2006, adjudicators from KCACTF to the theatre space. The Pabst Theatre is — Tom Shafer with Marilyn Norris joined the preview audience of Reel’s final a much larger house than the Wells-Metz, dress rehearsal, took in the performance, and the cast had to make some adjustments. evaluated the play, and offered feedback After the performance, we were given an to Shoulberg and Reel’s designers: MFA hour to strike the set and another hour to graduate students Chris Wych (scenic), load our equipment back into the truck. It Stages Sean Michael Smallman (lighting), and was complex and fun.” senior Hannah Moss (costumes). IU playwrights garner honors This newsletter is published by the Indiana University Alumni Association, in coop- Reel selected for regional ACTF The regional festival in Milwaukee lasted eration with the Department of Theatre On Dec. 4, 2006, Jonathan Michaelsen was most of the week, and our students were & Drama and the College of Arts and Sci- informed that Reel — both the production able to see some of the productions from ences Alumni Association, to encourage and the script — had been invited to the other colleges and universities during their alumni interest in and support for Indiana KCACTF Region III Festival in mid-Janu- time there. Shoulberg entered another play University. For activities and membership ary. Before the first semester ended and (he is known for his prolificacy) and won information, call (800) 824-3044 or send actors left campus, Michaelsen restaged the the Region III full-length play award (for e-mail to [email protected]. play from the intimate Wells-Metz “thrust” plays without a production), and, as a result, Department of Theatre & Drama configuration, re-blockingReel for a pre- was awarded a fellowship to the national Chair...... Jonathan Michaelsen sentation in a large proscenium house, the festival at the Kennedy Center in April. Editor...... Marilyn Norris historic Pabst Theatre in Milwaukee on Jan. Bridget Fallen, who graduated from IU in Photo Editor...... Tom Shafer 13, 2007. Paul Shoulberg revised small sec- ’06 with an independent major and who had College of Arts & Sciences tions of the play, working from what he’d taken several classes from Reardon, won the discovered during Reel’s run at IU, and the one-act script competition for her play “The Dean...... Bennett I. Bertenthal actors memorized the newly written scenes. Idealist,” which she had written in Play- Executive Director of Development & Alumni Programs...... David Ellies From its conception, the production team writing I. MFA playwright Kevin Daly and and cast had prepared for the possibility that undergraduate playwriting student Jessica IU Alumni Association Reel might be invited to further competition Simendinger both had plays accepted into President/CEO...... Tom Martz in the KCACTF. The set had been designed the Region III 10-minute play competition, Director of Alumni to be broken down to fit into a truck, and a competition that accepted only six of more Programs...... Nicki Bland the cast, who returned to campus early for than 70 submissions. Director of Publicatons...... Mike Wright additional rehearsals, were trained to help Although the production was not selected Class Notes ...... Raymond Fleischmann assemble the scenery. “The festival gave us to go to Washington, D.C., playwright a specific schedule,” said scenic designer Shoulberg was invited to the Kennedy Visit us online at www.indiana.edu/~thtr/  Katherine Garlick named one of nation’s top 15 young designers

s a third-year graduate costume design fields of costume, scenic, lighting and sound in 2006, the work of third-year IU MFA Astudent, Katherine Garlick, MFA’07, design. This selection is a coveted honor costume design student Carmen Killam, was selected to exhibit her costume designs that is bestowed upon only the best of the MFA’06, was also selected for exhibition. at the prestigious Young Designer’s Forum up-and-coming designers nationally in the Accolades to Garlick and Killam and to at the U.S. Institute for Technical Theatre main four areas of theatrical design. While their mentor, head of costume design Linda National Conference in Phoenix. Garlick, Garlick’s work was exhibited at the confer- Pisano, who was selected for the same honor who designed costumes for , ence, she had the opportunity to receive when she was a graduate student in 1996 at is one of only 15 young designers nation- feedback one-on-one with some of the most Ohio State University and is “proud as [she] wide whose work was chosen for display at noted designers in the United States. can be” of Katherine and Carmen. the 2007 conference. This is the second consecutive year that — Marilyn Norris The young designers’ work was chosen by an IU theatre and drama student costume a panel of outstanding professionals in the designer has garnered this prestigious honor:

Twelfth Night with Henry Woronicz ou have seen him onstage. You have Yseen him in films. You have seen him on television. And he directed our Twelfth Night! Distinguished actor, director, and producer Henry Woronicz was guest director for the department’s spring production of Twelfth Night and was visiting lecturer for the second semester. He taught a new course, Working in the Business, designed to help prepare stu- dents for professional careers in theatre. During his residency, the noted artist also led a department-wide session on professional acting and spoke to Theatre Circle members at the Twelfth Night Dinner with Director and Designers.

Many of you have seen some of the Courtesy photo scores of plays Woronicz directed and Noted actor, director, and producer, produced during his years as artistic Henry Woronicz was one of 30 outstand- director of the Oregon Shakespeare ing professional guest artists whose Festival in Ashland, the nation’s largest residencies — which variously lasted theatre festival. Others have enjoyed his from one day to an entire semester directing and acting at Utah Shakespear- — enhanced the educational experi- ean Festival and the Alabama, Illinois, ence of theatre and drama students and and Pennsylvania Shakespeare festivals. faculty last year. Many have seen his work as an actor in scores of Broadway, off-Broadway, and major regional theatres, including the title roles in Macbeth, Richard III, , Henry VIII, Cyrano de Bergerac, and Peer Gynt. Interestingly, Woronicz has played Malvolio, Orsino, and Andrew in three professional Twelfth Night productions, but had never directed it before. Woronicz’s work is even more familiar to many of you because of his featured roles in the filmsPrimary Colors, Living Out Loud, and Little Pieces; guest starring roles on television’s Law and Order, , Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: The Next Generation, , Third Rock from the Sun, and Ally McBeal; and recurring roles on and Moesha. Bloomington audiences were privileged to see him as the Stage Manager in the Cardinal Stage Company production of , and some of you saw him last season as Kent in the Indianapolis Repertory Theatre production of King Lear and as Simon in The Young Lady from Rwanda. As the spouse of Associate Professor of Acting and Directing Fontaine Syer, Henry Woronicz is “one of the (departmental) family.” His spring ’07 artist’s Katherine Garlick’s costume designs for residency not only enhanced our scholarship and theatre productions, but — more Twelfth Night, from top: Viola, Viola in importantly — permanently enriched the lives of both students and faculty. drag, and Feste. — Marilyn Norris

 IU design and technology delegation storms the desert arch saw a host of design and urday for his session on designing scenery presence at the conference. technology faculty, staff, and for television. Head of lighting design Rob With the Phoenix conference and expo Mstudents head for the desert and Shakespeare presented a session on “Virtual complete, plans are under way for an the 47th Annual U.S. Institute of Theatre Scenography and Lighting” with Finnish equally exciting IU Department of Theatre Technology Conference and Stage Expo colleague Marrku Ummionen. and Drama presence in Houston in 2008. in Phoenix. Indiana University was well- Production manager David Grindle, represented on the expo floor, where we who teaches stage management classes, also spoke with students and faculty from other brought a European colleague: John Seek- schools, as well as with many potential em- ings, director of operations at Royal Opera ployers about the training and experiences House–Covent Garden. They spoke about we offer our students. Covent Garden’s Risk Assessment Program Each day during the conference featured and how it has been adapted for use in the at least one person from our department United States. As vice-commissioner of stage presenting or appearing on a panel. Two management for USITT, Grindle also partic- MFA costuming candidates had their ipated in a session on interviewing and one designs displayed in two different pro- on maintaining a balance between students’ grams. Then-third-year student Katherine theatre classes and production schedules. Garlick, MFA’07, had been selected by It was exciting to see IU faces presenting USITT as one of the nation’s top 15 young every day, and many people came to our designers whose work was exhibited at the booth to learn more about the program “Young Designers Forum,” an adjudicated as a result of this exposure. Alumni and session in which professional production former faculty and staff also stopped by to managers and designers provided one-on- renew acquaintances and talk about our one feedback. Second-year MFA student Angie Burkhardt’s designs were featured in “Cover the Walls,” an open design forum. Our faculty and staff were also busy. Head of costume design Linda Pisano was Theatre history comes to the theatre the winner of the Peggy Ezekial Award or generations, the Department of Theatre and Drama has been known as one for Excellence in Costume Design from Fof the major training centers in the fields of theatre history, theory, and dramatic USITT and had her designs on display. A literature. While our colleagues in academia have been familiar with the graduates of four-time Ezekial Award winner, Pisano the “HTL” area — our graduates are teaching, appearing at conferences, publish- also served as a portfolio reviewer for the ing articles and books — the Bloomington community has had few opportunities to Costume Commission. hear from this aspect of our department. Fred M. Duer, head of scenic design, On the afternoon of April 19, the campus and community were given just such a drew more than 50 people at 8 a.m. Sat- chance to hear the work of three of our PhD students at a presentation of papers. Pro- fessor Stephen Watt from the Department of English and the Department of Theatre and Drama served as the respondent to each of the presentations. “The general public is aware of the work of our MFA actors, directors, and design- ers,” says Chair Jonathan Michaelsen, who helped get the presentation under way, “as well as our undergraduate performers. We needed a forum in which our young schol- ars might be showcased and the other side of our department might be introduced to a wider community.” The panelists, all of them PhD students, were introduced by Ronald Wainscott, director of graduate studies. They included Noe Montez, whose paper “Prosthetic Memory as Activist in Experimental Theatre: An Examination of Audience” discussed the Argentine playwright Griselda Gambaro and her mid-1970s play Información para extranjeros (Information for Foreigners), the production of which requires a house/set wherein the audience and performers share the space. The play embraces part of the history of Argentina, in part because it confronts its Argentine audience with the com- plicity they might have shared in the Dirty War, in which more than 30,000 of their countrymen “disappeared.” Tom Robson’s “Unearthing Strindberg’s Motherlove” discussed a relatively little-known, brief (15-page) one-act, written by the Swedish playwright in 1892. Robson thinks it a “good companion piece to The Father — a compact and complex drama.” In his “‘I’ve Won!’: Eroticism, Power, and Represen- tation in The Balcony,” Patrick Murphree advanced the idea that Genet’s Le Balcon “interrogates the dialogue between power and eroticism” and examined the play’s presentation of the body on the symbolic and the phenomenal levels. Following their presentations and Watt’s interesting and enthusiastic feedback, the speakers and audience adjourned to the Monroe Bank Theatre Art Gallery for conversation and refreshments at a reception honoring the student scholars. Katherine Garlick’s costume design for — Tom Shafer Twelfth Night: Sir Toby Belch. 10 The Midsummer Program — nurturing young theatre artists

nitiated 10 years ago by faculty mem- for themselves and others. They came from ful students, caring staff and counselors, ber Bruce Burgun, the Midsummer as far away as Kailua, Hawaii, and as close and committed teachers. Both on the ITheatre Program continued its com- as Columbus, Ind. final day of the Midsummer Program and mitment this year by training and inspiring Able and enthusiastic guidance was given subsequently, I heard from many students a highly motivated and talented group of by counselors Emily Chovanec, Midsummer and family who expressed their pleasure 25 high school students in a two-week alumna Kemmie Mitzell, and Matt Heston. and appreciation with what they learned, intensive program. the people they These young thes- encountered, and pians from around The overall experience gave the students a sample of the opportunities the country studied they were given. acting, mono- what it’s like to be a theatre and drama student at IU. If you know of logue preparation, young theatre stu- voice and speech, dents who want to movement, acting for the camera, musi- Faculty members Nancy Lipschultz and be trained in a supportive atmosphere full cal theatre, and dramatic literature during Charles Railsback, Radio and TV staff mem- of vitality and fun, please have them contact an extraordinary educational experience ber John Winninger, Midsummer alumnus the Department of Theatre and Drama. that culminated in a final performance for Codey Girten, BA’07, and all of our other — Dale McFadden friends and family. The overall experience instructors — John Berst, Jon Day, Danielle also gave the students a sample of what it’s Howard, MFA’07, April Levins, Allison like to be a theatre and drama student here Moody, and Steve Parker, — served as at IU. dynamic and challenging teachers. None of Students Samantha Callis, Ethan Carpen- this work could have been done without the ter, Emily Fisher, Amy Fisk, Lindsay Fuchs, able support of staff members Vicky Crowe, Michael Hitchner, Mary Claire King, Janet Donley, Barb Grinder, and Melissa Michael Layton, Luke Lofton, Lauren Stewart. My very helpful assistant Lilia McKinley, Andrew Mertz, Emmy Missimi, Vassileva and veteran Midsummer Program Megan Moran, Lissa Pavluk, Ali Perkins, administrative director John Kinzer also Kim Pitingolo, Katheryn Purcell, Molly provided much-needed support. Ricker, Kara Schoenhofer, Mia Shotwell, Everyone contributed to the mission of Nikki Stein, Stuart Upfill-Brown, Ross learning through practice that is a hallmark VanDongen, Michelle Weiser, and Jamie of our Department of Theatre and Drama. Wolfe all made this a rewarding experience My thanks and gratitude for such wonder- John Kinzer Theatre is fun! — The always ebullient students of the Midsummer Theatre take a break to spread the word that, as challenging and dif- ficult a discipline as it may be, theatre is fun! Midsummer director Dale McFadden is extreme right, kneeling between first and second rows. 11 Something for everyone! 2007–08 Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center season portray the truth of love on the stage, all aking its cue from Stephen Sond- four characters continue on their quest to heim’s A Funny Thing Happened find “the real thing.” Ton the Way to the Forum, the IU Department of Theatre and Drama an- nounced a season that offers “something Nov. 9, 10, 13–17, 2007 for everyone!” The 2007–08 season also Ruth N. Halls Theatre provides several innovations and inaugural By William Shakespeare appearances that promise to make this one Directed by Fontaine Syer of our most memorable seasons to date. “Astonishing!” Harold Bloom, from See the stars of tomorrow today! For the his book, Shakespeare, The Invention of the first time since 1977, the season opened Human with a musical, celebrating the launching of Mistaken identity, lustful deceit, and the the bachelor of fine arts degree in musi- corrupting force of power collide in Shake- cal theatre under the direction of Emmy speare’s classic tragicomedy about morality Award-winner George Pinney. This new in a pitched battle with justice. In a desire program will expand upon the existing to spy on the true state of affairs in his city, individualized major in musical theatre in the duke disguises himself as a friar, leaving order to make the Department of Theatre control of Vienna in the rigid, unbend- and Drama a destination for some of the ing hands of local justice Angelo. With his finest young musical theatre talent in the typical poetic beauty, Shakespeare addresses world. The 2007–08 season also offers the punishment and mercy, purity and power, IU directing debut of the newest member and politics and love in this captivating and of the acting/directing faculty, Edris Coo- transporting play. per-Anifowoshe. She will present American Sean Smallman playwright Robert O’Hara’s piercingly Nicholas Sauerberg as JoJo and Matthew Jimmy Cory comic American Ma(u)l. Buffalo as Cat in the Hat in the season- Nov. 30–Dec. 1, 4–8, 2007 Additionally, thanks to your frequent opening success, Seussical the Musical. Wells-Metz Theatre comments and requests, the Department of By Kevin Daly Theatre and Drama announced the addition 2007–08 season and our new BFA program Directed by Murray McGibbon of matinee performances. The final Saturday in musical theatre. Writers Lynn Ahrens In classic storytelling fashion, MFA play- of every show’s run now includes a 2 p.m. and Stephen Flaherty (Ragtime, Once on wright Kevin Daly invites us on a journey matinee, perfect for those theatergoers who This Island) celebrate the universal appeal to the old neighborhood. Centered on its would like to bring their families to enjoy of Seuss’s books, creating a witty and en- title character, a hard-nosed factory worker an afternoon performance. Don’t worry! gaging musical that appeals to audiences of who can’t escape the shadow of his father’s Monday subscribers will be given priority as all ages, and when Horton reminds us that crimes, this play hits full gallop and never they find a different performance for their “a person’s a person no matter how small,” stops. Daly paints a world both charm- subscriptions. Please feel free to call the IU suddenly we are all 5 years old again. What ing and violent as he traces the steps of a Auditorium box office with questions. a great way to start any school year, kinder- man caught between the past and present. garten through graduate school! Seussical the Musical Jimmy Cory is the piercing story of one man’s struggle for redemption. Oct. 5, 6, 9–13, 2007 The Real Thing Ruth N. Halls Theatre Oct. 19, 20, 23–27, 2007 Music by Stephen Flaherty Wells-Metz Theatre Feb. 1, 2, 5–9, 2008 Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens By Wells-Metz Theatre Book by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Directed by Bruce Burgun By Flaherty “Stoppard brings head and heart, life Directed by John Maness Conceived by Lynn Ahrens, Stephen and art together in an exhilarating way.” “This is powerful theater, which speaks Flaherty, and Eric Idle — San Francisco Chronicle to our time and all times with beauty and Directed and choreographed by George The intricate, expressive, and explosive truth … one of the most original, thought- Pinney language of British playwright Tom Stop- ful theatrical works of recent years.” — San “This Seussical is more than pleasing; it’s pard returns to the Lee Norvelle Theatre Diego Union Tribune sassy, smart, and full of teasing. In fact, as I and Drama Center stage with this Tony While based on Greek mythology more will tell you here: The show deserves a big Award-winning comedy. The Real Thing than 2,000 years old, Mary Zimmerman’s two-fish cheer.” — Sun-Times unites Stoppard’s trademark linguistic Tony Award-winning Metamorphoses never The Cat in the Hat. Horton the acrobatics with a deeply moving story of ceases to appear strikingly modern. The Elephant. Gertrude McFuzz. Yertle the love, marriage, and infidelity. Two couples familiar tales of King Midas, Orpheus and Turtle. These and other beloved characters — playwright Henry and his actress wife, Eurydice, Narcissus, and others unfurl in a leap out of the vivid imagination of Dr. Charlotte, actress Annie and her husband, reinvigorated form. Expressive movement Seuss onto the stage of the Ruth N. Halls Max — watch their marriages collapse and and evocative images combine with an up- Theatre, as we proudly launch both the their spouses realign. As Henry grapples to dated version of Ovid’s original Latin poem

12 to produce one of the most stunning theat- American Ma(u)l scathing satire, outrageous humor, and rical experiences of the last several years. March 21, 22, 25–29, 2008 soaring theatricality to address the tenuous state of racial harmony in America today. The Seagull Wells-Metz Theatre By Robert O’Hara A Funny Thing Happened on Feb. 22, 23, 26–March 1, 2008 Directed by Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe Ruth N. Halls Theatre “Like the stand-up legend [Richard the Way to the Forum By Anton Chekhov Pryor], O’Hara finds laughs in the darkest April 11, 12, 15–19, 2008 Directed by Erik Friedman places … his comic instinct never deserts Ruth N. Halls Theatre “Chekhov’s picture of the scavenging him — even when he’s rolling out a really Music and lyrics by nature of the celebrity writer and actor is [challenging] premise.” — Time Out NY Book by Burt Shevelove and Larry imperishable.” — The Observer () With the country in recession and the Gelbart The façade of laughter veils a well of sad- nation mired in war, the newly elected Choreographed by George Pinney ness in The Seagull, perhaps the pinnacle of president of the United States needs to “Almost as timeless as comedy itself … achievement for iconic Russian playwright kick-start the economy. Suddenly, a miracle the kind of organized chaos that leads to Anton Chekhov. When an aging star of the solution appears. A new form of cotton has sheer, extremely contagious high spirits.” Russian stage and her companion, a famous been cultivated, and with it the promise — New York Times and popular writer, descend on her country of prosperity returns, but labor is scarce. From Zero Mostel in the 1960s to estate, chaos and heartbreak ensue. The ro- With no one to pick this new breed of cot- Nathan Lane in the 1990s, Forum has mances of attraction and creation contrast ton, the president takes what he considers remained one of the most beloved and en- and collide in a comedy where love, money, the only logical action: He rescinds the during pieces of American musical theatre. betrayal, and the quest for literary suprem- Fourteenth Amendment and re-institutes Bursting with outlandish and archetypal acy simultaneously produce effervescent slavery. In this deconstruction of American characters like the braggart warrior, the humor and penetrating melancholy. history, playwright Robert O’Hara uses libidinous old man, his domineering wife, the cunning slave, and the beautiful (yet dim-witted) lovers, Forum stews ancient comic devices into a captivating contempo- rary musical. This collaboration of compos- er Stephen Sondheim (Sweeney Todd, Into The Woods) with writers Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart (TV’s M*A*S*H) brings au- diences “something for everyone, a comedy tonight!”

You can find information about the 2007– 08 Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center by looking at the Department of Theatre and Drama Web site at www.theatre.indiana. edu. You may request a brochure by con- tacting John Edward Kinzer of the Depart- ment of Theatre and Drama’s Audience Development office at (812) 855-0514 or [email protected]. Come out and enjoy some of the best theatre that any university in the United States has to offer!

Our 2006–07 Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center season, counterclockwise from bottom left: Allison Moody and Malia Tilden in the world premiere of Reel; Matt Gripe, Jeff Grafton, and Josh Hambrock (back to the audience) in The Party; Margot Gendreau, Marc Winski, Matt Rhodes, Rick Desloge, Joanne Dubach, Alyson Bloom, and Anna Malone (center) in Urinetown the Musical; Jamaal McCray and Lindsey Charles in ; Melanie Derleth, Claire Smith, and Tara Goldsborough in Big Love; Jeff Grafton, Matthew Buffalo, and Steve Thomas in Twelfth Night; Rachel Sickmeier and T.J. Rowley in Sideman; and, at center, John Armstrong and Will Grindle in Nine, the Musical. Collage by John Kinzer 13 Faculty and staff news Department faculty and staff enjoy a productive 2006–07 year he 2006–07 year has proven a busy and publications continue to be published she directed Act II of Plaza Suite for the Tand productive one for the faculty and in Backstage Magazine as well as Backstage Brown County Playhouse. staff of the Indiana University Department OnLine. Burgun serves on the national After designing scenery for Blooming- of Theatre and Drama. This partial report committee that determines the regional ton Early Music Festival’s production of serves to indicate some of the ways our dis- theatre Tony Award as well as the board L’Orfeo, Fred M. Duer headed to Wash- tinguished scholars and artists make major that elects annual inductees to the National ington, D.C., to oversee the mounting of contributions to the international, national, Theatre Hall of Fame. his design for the opera of Little Women. and regional theatre scenes as well as to our Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe worked in (L’Orfeo was directed by Jonathan Mi- local one. the American Conservatory Theatre’s MFA chaelsen, and Little Women was directed by Just before the fall 2006 semester began, Program on Robert O’Hara’s An American our production manager, David Grindle.) Robert Bovard was the technical designer Ma(u)l (which she is bringing to IU in the Duer’s set will be used later this year at and technical director for Slow Dance with spring) and Femi Osofisan’sWho’s Afraid Opera Delaware. Between those two pro- a Hot Pick Up in the Wells-Metz Theatre. of Solarin? With the company she founded, ductions, Duer designed Brown County He was involved in a grant-funded dance Black Artists Contemporary Cultural Expe- Playhouse’s Pump Boys and Dinettes. Then project, Luminos. As technical designer, rience, Cooper-Anifowoshe has produced he was off to Aspen, Colo., to design a Bovard used wireless dimming and low- and directed On the Hills of Black America three-show repertory season for Theatre voltage light sources that were mounted or and Hollis Mugley’s Only Wish, +2 by Keith Aspen. The shows were Ain’t Noth’n but built into the costumes of the dancers and Adkins; Chain and Late Bus to Mecca by the Blues, Moonlight and Magnolias (with controlled by the computer light board. Pearl Cleage; Will He Bop, Will He Drop? IU alumnus Steve Hughes), and The Last This summer, he was the set designer and by Robert Alexander. She presented three Five Years. Theatre Aspen’s artistic direc- technical director for the workshop produc- plays by Robert O’Hara — Booty Candy, tor, David McClendon, is Duer’s former tion of The Sixth Borough for Premiere Living Room, and Leigh. She is a longstand- colleague at the . They Musicals: Developing Musical Theatre at ing participant in the Bay Area Playwrights were in school together 30 years ago and Indiana University. This past spring, he was Festival, an artistic associate of the Medea had not worked together in 20 years. Duer reelected to the board of directors of U.S. Project: Theatre for Incarcerated Women, designed A Midsummer Night’s Dream Institute for Technical Theatre, Midwest and current director of training for Creative for Shakespeare Festival/LA, a group he Section. Forces, a program of National Performance has been working with off and on for 22 Bruce Burgun received the Teaching at Math and Science High School in New years, which featured IU graduate A.K. Excellence Recognition Award from the Orleans, where she worked part of the sum- Murtadha. During the school year for Department of Theatre and Drama for mer. The fall semester found Cooper-Ani- the Department of Theatre and Drama, 2006–07. On sabbatical for spring semes- fowoshe returning to Bloomington, where (continued on page 15) ter 2007, Burgun studied a number of acting techniques at various conservatories in New York and participated in a writ- ers’ workshop hosted by the Sundance Institute Theatre Program. As an actor, he portrayed Baron Van Sweeten in produced by the Cardinal Stage Com- pany of Bloomington. Burgun directed Men of Tortuga (featuring four IU alumni and one current MFA candidate) at the Bloomington Playwrights Project and Christopher Durang’s Miss Witherspoon at the Waldron Arts Center. As a member of the executive committee for the American Theatre Critics Association, he attended the national convention in Las Vegas, where he was elected treasurer of the organization. There he adjudicated the Cirque de Soleil productions of Le Reve, “O,” Ka, Mystere, Zumanity, and Love. As a member of the International Theatre Critics Association, Burgun continued his work on the plan- ning committee for the World Congress of Theatre Critics and Scholars scheduled for Chicago in 2010. In June, he was an invited guest of the Utah Shakespearean

Festival and attended six opening week IU Photographic Services productions. Burgun’s articles, reviews, We Won’t Pay! We Won’t Pay!, 1983–84: Amy Kowallis, left, Mike Friedman, and Sarah Rudolf 14 Theatre and Drama. Herzel also presented a workshop on heightened text and Shake- Faculty news a paper at a conference in Liverpool. In fall speare for IU’s Mini University through (continued from page 15) 2006, he published an article on the acting the School of Continuing Studies. In July, Duer designed Urinetown and Nine. He is style of Molière’s company, and his article Lipschultz coached voice and dialect for currently working with a third-year MFA “Auditorium and Audience at Molière’s the Brown County Playhouse produc- student on the co-design of The Real Thing Palais-Royal” will appear this fall in Le tion of Lend Me a Tenor directed by Dale and is designing a production that opens at nouveau Moliériste. McFadden. She also worked with McFad- Indiana Repertory Theatre in January. Between August 1996 and August 1997 den in Chicago at Victory Gardens Theatre David Grindle stage managed the at Indiana University, Andrew Hopson in a workshop/reading of High Holidays Bloomington Chamber Singers concert of designed sound for The Birthday Party, The by Alan Gross, in which she played the Elijah and the Bloomington Pops Orches- Crucible, Reel (world premiere), Sideman, role of Essie. Other members of the cast tra’s Picnic with the Pops. He directed the and Nine and also designed and composed included recent graduate MFA actor Tom opera Little Women for the Summer Opera the music for Twelfth Night. Working away Conner and MFA actor Jeff Grafton as Company. This was the Washington, D.C., from IU, he sound-designed Callie’s Tally her sons. Lipschultz taught for the fourth premiere of the piece. Grindle is a consecutive year at the American member of the negotiating commit- Ballet Theatre’s summer intensive tee for the 2007–2010 URTA/AEA session. In late July, she traveled to National Contract. He was appointed New Orleans for the ATHE national vice-commissioner for stage manage- conference and was a participant in ment in the Management Commis- the new plays workshop, where she sion of USITT. His article “Where appeared as Anita in Seder by Cana- Have All the Stage Managers Gone” dian playwright Tara Goldstein. She was published in Opera America also coached for the Country Newsline, the national publication for Day High School’s production of opera companies. Grindle contin- The Comedy of Errors, which will be ued his membership on the Opera presented off-off Broadway at the America International Production Theatre Center on and Technical Committee, attending West 43rd Street in New York this the fall meeting in San Francisco. He month. attended a workshop on developing In fall 2006, Dale McFadden safety programs for theatre of San directed IU’s season opener, The Francisco. Grindle also coordinated Birthday Party, taught acting and the tour of IU’s production of Reel directing courses, and served as to KCACTF Region III Conference associate chair of the department. in Milwaukee and developed intern- His spring sabbatical afforded three ships for students at Royal Opera directing opportunities: an off- House at Covent Garden and Opera Broadway staged reading of MFA at the Opera House. playwright Paul Shoulberg’s Tweaked He served as a judge for the USITT at the 79th Street Theatre, a staged

Clear-Com Stage Management IU Photographic Services reading at Chicago’s Victory Gar- Achievement Award and as a mentor Anything Goes, 1994–95: Robyn Danielle Payne, left, dens Theatre of Alan Gross’s High for the USITT Stage Management and Rob Johansen Holiday featuring IU Professor Nan- Mentoring Project. Grindle’s confer- cy Lipschultz and MFA actors Tim ence presentations included KCACTF at the Phoenix Theatre in Indianapolis and Conner and Jeff Grafton, and a full produc- Region III Conference in Milwaukee and The Woman in Black at Brown County tion of Fat Pig at Indianapolis’s Phoenix USITT National Conference and Stage Playhouse, wrote the music and sound and Theatre. When not directing, McFadden Expo, including co-presentations with John provided the sound design for A Christmas spent much of his sabbatical in discussion Seekings, director of operations for the Carol at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, with artists creating dramatic productions Royal Opera House at Covent Garden. He Hanna’s Suitcase at the Metro Theatre of with puppetry and attending puppetry per- was a guest lecturer at Hanover College St. Louis, and formances in Paris, New York, and Chicago Department of Theatre in Hanover, Ind.; at American Players Theatre, and scored as well as Bread and Puppet Theatre on Piedmont College Department of The- Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure at their Midwest tour. He directed Lend Me a atre in Demorest, Ga.; and University of New York’s Geva Theatre and the Cleve- Tenor at the Brown County Playhouse this Georgia Department of Theatre and Film land Playhouse. He has completed record- summer and Act I of Plaza Suite for BCP’s Studies in Athens, Ga. ing and is now editing a compact disc of fall production. He is currently directing Following his retirement in May, Roger modern American piano music by Butler Stuff Happens, which opens at the Phoenix Herzel spent the summer in France work- University faculty member Kate Boyd and Theatre in Indianapolis this month. ing on two commissioned articles: “Theatre is recording and editing a CD of modern Murray McGibbon has had a very busy, History and the Seventeenth Century,” works for soprano and organ by DePauw exciting year, traveling nearly 30,000 miles for the journal Seventeenth-Century French University faculty members Caroline Smith in the process. In fall 2006, he directed Studies, and “Between Literature and and Carla Edwards. The Woman in Black, the last show in the Theatre: Who Owns Molière?” for a collec- Nancy Lipschultz began the summer as Brown County Playhouse Season. In De- tion of essays in honor of Marvin Carlson, the acting instructor/ director of a short- cember, he flew to South Africa to finalize Herzel’s predecessor as IU’s director of ened version of Our Town for IU’s Mid- casting and costume designs for the African graduate studies in the Department of summer Theatre Program. She also taught (continued on page 16) 15 raphy for Urinetown followed by casting computer visualization and collabora- Faculty news and creating a show for the IU Broadway tion tools in his design practice and has (continued from page 15) Cabaret. During the winter, the NYC presented lectures, workshops, and courses Tempest Project at the University of Kwa- Showcase was prepared and performed for on his lighting design process in Asia and Zulu-Natal in Pietermaritzburg. He taught casting directors, agents, and others in the throughout Europe and North America. an overload of six classes during the school business with great success. In the spring, Shakespeare is co-author of Rendering with year while remaining active on the Bloom- Pinney directed and choreographed Nine Radiance: The Art and Science of Lighting ington Faculty Council and the Student followed by Pump Boys and Dinettes at the Visualization (Morgan Kaufmann 1998). Hearing Board and chairing the Student Brown County Playhouse. Summer came Residencies include visiting professor of Board of Review and the campus-wide Af- to a close with the production of The Sixth lighting design at Hong Kong Academy firmative Action and Diversity Committee. Borough for Premiere Musicals: Develop- for Performing Arts and Fulbright profes- In March, he was awarded a Naledi Award ing Musical Theatre at Indiana University. sor at the University of Art and Design in for “best production of a revue” for his Pinney devoted much time to preparing the Helsinki, where he initiated his current production of Black Mamba, which has just BFA in the musical theatre program, which research into techniques to seamlessly link started its third year of sold-out perfor- he heads, and auditioned more than 200 lighting between virtual scenography and mances on the African sub-continent. This applicants to determine the 13 students live performers. He recently organized the is the sixth time he has been awarded South chosen for the program. Virtual Scenography in Live Performance: Africa’s highest theatrical honor. In May, Rob Shakespeare is a professional New Frontiers International Symposium, he traveled to London where he partici- lighting designer specializing in theatre assembling experts from around the world. pated in a three-day intensive acting course and dramatic architectural designs. He was He is professor of lighting design, heads with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art resident lighting designer at the Old the design and technology area for the De- and saw numerous West End productions. Vic in England before moving to North partment of Theatre and Drama, and leads From there he flew to South Africa, where, America. With more than 200 theatre, the MFA lighting design program. along with six students from IU and 14 opera, and dance lighting designs, his work Fontaine Syer had a rewarding academic from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, he has been seen on three continents in such year teaching Shakespeare, Advanced Act- directed The Tempest. Sponsored by IU, the theatres as the Theatre Royal (Bristol, ing, and a new course, Working in the Busi- Lilly Endowment, and the University of England), St. Lawrence Center (Toronto), ness, for graduate students. She also had a KwaZulu-Natal, McGibbon made history Lyric Theatre (Hong Kong), Randall “rare and wonderful experience” directing by staging IU’s first co-production with Theatre (Utah Shakespeare Festival), and The Crucible, featuring the department’s a foreign university. He has no plans to Indiana Repertory Theatre. His architec- first main-stage season Equity guest artist, relax: his production of Kevin Daly’s world tural credits include houses of worship, Dan Kremer, who played Judge Danforth premiere of Jimmy Cory goes into rehearsal resorts, skyscrapers, some of the world’s in the production. In summer 2007, Syer simultaneously with the printing of this largest bridges (Hong Kong), and, most re- had her left hip replaced and did much publication. cently, special focus on lighting art museum reading for pleasure and in preparation The highlights of the past year for collections, exhibits, and lighting installa- for directing Shakespeare’s Measure for George Pinney began with the choreog- tions. He has developed and incorporated Measure, which played in the Ruth N. Halls Theatre in November. Ronald Wainscott’s contributions for 2006–07 included publication of Theatre: Collaborative Acts, Second Edition, co- authored with Kathy Fletcher (Boston: Allyn and Bacon); and publication of “First Contact — Introductory Courses,” Theatre Topics, vol. 17, March 2007, pp. 29-31. He presented “Re-imagining History in the Theatre Arts Curriculum: Introductory Courses” at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education, Chicago, Aug. 5, 2006; and presented “(Re)making the Greeks as We Go; or, 50 Dead Women Hanging in Front of Your House,” the pre-show lecture for Big Love, March 23, 2007, IU. Wainscott developed two new courses, a revised version of T100 Introduction to Theatre and a brand-new and now required course, T101 Script Analysis. He also led a theatre tour and lectured for the IU Con- tinuing Studies course and trip (co-spon- sored by Theatre Circle) for the production of Gem of the Ocean by at Indiana Repertory Theatre, Indianapolis, Feb. 4, 2007. He was an invited participant

IU Photographic Services for the Scholarly Communication in the Visit to a Small Planet, 1959: back, from left: Duane Reed, Janice Adcock, and Durward Humanities Symposium, Indiana University McDonald; front: John Mills Libraries, Sept. 28–29, 2006.

16 Student news

Theatre students see the world through summer internships ummer is a great time for theatre internships that enable students to Sboth apply what they have learned at IU and gain new skills. While many of our students took that opportunity, some went to greater lengths than others. Passport, visa, and Quantas Airline ticket in hand, Claire Dietrich headed south to be the first-ever stage management intern at the Sydney Opera House. There she worked with Opera Australia in preparing its winter season. Production manager David Grindle knew Sue Olden, Opera Australia’s manager of technical operations through their work in Opera America, the international service organization for opera companies. So, last fall when Dietrich mentioned that she would like to do her Individualized Major Program final project in stage management abroad, Grindle began thinking of the famed Sydney Opera House. (Dietrich, the versatile 2006 Helen Sarah Walker Scholar, is also earning a BA in theatre and drama with a design emphasis.) Grindle contacted Olden, and the ball Courtesy photo was rolling. The company had discussed IU senior Claire Dietrich (seated in chair) consults with her colleagues, the stage manage- having stage management interns, but it ment staff for Streetcar Named Desire at the famed Sydney Opera House, where Dietrich wasn’t sure how to set things up, so de- spent the summer as Opera Australia’s first-ever stage management intern. cided this would be a great test case. Opera Australia could provide Dietrich’s housing, from the Hutton Honors College and the Goeppner interns at Royal but the remaining expenses would be the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences to Opera House, Covent Garden summer intern’s responsibility. offset her expenses. In addition to her work on Streetcar, The Sydney Opera House is the third-busi- Catching A Streetcar Named Dietrich was able to sit behind world-re- est opera house in the world behind the Desire in Sydney nowned conductor Richard Bonynge as Metropolitan Opera in New York and the he conducted orchestral rehearsals for The leader of them all, the Royal Opera House Opera Australia agreed to place Dietrich at Covent Garden in London, which was the with the stage management team for the Barber of Seville. She also sat with the stage manager of that production as her orien- summer destination of Dietrich’s IU room- Australian premiere of Andre Previn’s op- mate, Jackie Goeppner, the 2007 Helen era, A Streetcar Named Desire. tation to the way tech rehearsals run at Sydney Opera House. Sarah Walker Scholar in Stage Management. Dietrich would be with the show from Goeppner, too, wanted to work over- pre-production through final performance In addition to her work at the SOH, she was able to see a good bit of theatre, seas this summer, and for that, production and would work backstage during the run. manager David Grindle contacted the Cov- This internship opportunity got better and including a theatrical setting of the great Chinese battle treatise, The Art of War, by ent Gardens director of operations John better as Australian film director Bruce Seekings, a fellow member of the Opera Beresford (director of Driving Miss Daisy) Sun Tzu, staged in one of Sydney’s smallest theatres. Dietrich described it as one of the America International Production Techni- was named director, and some of the great- cal Committee. est Australian opera singers were cast in A most fascinating pieces of theatre she had ever experienced. Seekings and the Royal Opera House Streetcar Named Desire. staff welcomed Goeppner into two depart- Eventually, Dietrich was able to obtain a Olden said that Dietrich fit in with the team and definitely “pulled her weight” on ments. She spent a month in the produc- visa that allowed her to earn some income tion department, assisting with scheduling on her days off by working odd jobs for a very large and exciting production. As this was Opera Australia’s first foray into and planning for the 363 days per year that the opera company: walking lights, leading the house performs. Additionally, she spent tours, and working in the office. Unlike a American opera, there was great excite- ment throughout the company and the a month in the stage management depart- tourist visa, this was a more expensive en- ment working with the staff of the ROH deavor that was generously underwritten by audience. Streetcar opened on Aug. 2 and played through the month before Dietrich production of Don Giovanni. Goeppner longtime Theatre Circle members and de- and Dietrich discovered how wonder- partmental patrons Dr. and Mrs. Frank N. returned to IU for the second week of the (continued on page 18) Hrisomalos. Dietrich also received a grant fall semester.

17 Alumni, friends provide generous scholarships and awards hanks to the continuing generosity of our alumni and Tfriends, the Department of Theatre and Drama honored many of our outstanding students with scholarships and awards at the spring 2007 Theatre and Drama Banquet and Prom on April 27. Prior to the event at the Monroe County Convention Center, five graduate students had benefited all year from the generosity of some of our major benefactors. The Lee and Deborah Norvelle Endowment, established in 1977 by the late “Prof” Norvelle, founder of the IU the- atre program, provided support for first-year MFA acting students Mat- thew Buffalo, Harper Jones, Dawn Thomas, and Lilia Vassileva. Sec- ond-year PhD student Noe Montez received academic support from the Loretta Harber endowment established in 1986 by Dr. Michael Walker (extreme left) and Theresa Walker (third from right) join production manager Foster Harmon. Harmon, who died David Grindle (second from right) in congratulating recipients of the Helen Sarah Walker Scholarship in March, was a faculty member who in Stage Management: from left, Claire Dietrich ’06, Jackie Goeppner ’07, and Jennifer Harber ’05. directed most of the University The- The group celebrated at the spring Annual Theatre and Drama Prom and Awards Banquet to which atre productions and all the experi- the Walkers come each year for the presentation of their award donated in memory of their daugh- mental theatre productions and did all ter, Helen Sarah Walker, who personified the qualities for which stage managers should strive. IU theatre lighting and makeup from 1936 through 1942 (see article on page 31). John McGreevey, DHL’86, BA’87, the Jack Featheringill, MA’70, who worked eminent Peabody and Emmy award-win- 15 years as a professional dancer and casting McGreevey and Featheringill ning screenwriter, in honor of his wife, director in New York before launching a Scholarships awarded Nota Scholl McGreevey, BA’37, who 30-year teaching career in the Department Melanie Derleth received the Nota Scholl acted in numerous IU productions and of Theatre at Portland State University, McGreevey Scholarship, which is presented served as Prof Norvelle’s secretary. where he served as chair. Allison Moody to “a returning undergraduate who has Michael Aguirre earned the Jack Feath- was recipient of the Charles Aidman (Spoon demonstrated exceptional talent and dedi- eringill Scholarship, which is awarded to an River) Scholarship donated by Betty Aid- cation to the theatre.” The tuition scholar- outstanding junior or senior in recognition man in memory of her husband, alumnus ship is donated by distinguished alumnus of academic and production excellence. Charles “Chuck” Aidman, BA’48, who The award is donated annually by alumnus enjoyed a long and distinguished career onstage and in film and television and who adapted the Edgar Lee Masters poem Spoon the groundwork for future stage managers River for readers theatre. Internships to follow to these world-class companies. (continued from page 17) Working a little closer to home, MFA Alumni, friends memorialized fully small the world is when Dietrich met design and technology students Angie Two new awards were presented this someone in Australia who was a friend of Burkhardt and Chris Wyche worked at the year. The first Catherine Feltus Preston the conductor of the ROH production Illinois Shakespeare Festival in the costume Scholarship was presented to musical Goeppner was working on in London! and scenic departments, respectively. MFA theatre student Alyson Bloom. Donated Undergraduate Susanna Ernst also scenic design student Jared Rutherford was by Charles R. Leinenweber, the award headed to Europe, where she worked as a the resident designer at Monomoy Theatre honors the memory of his aunt Catherine production assistant at the legendary Lat- on Cape Cod, while Abigail Cox interned Feltus, BA’36, who was a Phi Beta Kappa erna Magika in Prague. in the historic costume department of Co- member, president of Mortar Board, and The three women returned from their lonial Williamsburg. a player in many IU theatre productions summer abroad with memories of a great Each year, our students show the world before receiving her BA in English in 1936. summer and a wealth of knowledge of new the quality of training offered by the IU Under the name Catherine Craig, she won ways of doing things that they can share Department of Theatre and Drama, and a Paramount Film acting contract and with us and others. They gained invaluable organizations around the country and joined Pasadena Playhouse. Married to the experiences that made indelible marks on around the world continue to call on us, celebrated stage and screen actor Robert them and will help to shape their lives and seeking our students. We are most proud Preston, she remained lifelong friends with professional careers. They also made great of all of our students and hope you have an Nota and John McGreevey and Deborah ambassadors for their country and the IU opportunity to see their work wherever in and Lee Norvelle. Department of Theatre and Drama, laying the world you choose to see shows. (continued on page 19) 18 Scholarship, donated by Betty Hawes and Ackmann, Lindsey Charles, and Angela Scholarships the Department of Theatre and Drama, was Perez were presented Theatre and Drama (continued from page 18) presented to graduating MFA actor Tom Merit Awards. Junior Dylan Marks was named the first Conner in memory of David S. Hawes, James F. Elrod Scholar. Elrod, who died in who taught, wrote, and directed children’s Norvelle Cup presented to 2006, was a longtime professor of theatre theatre and oral interpretation in the outstanding graduating seniors at DePauw University. He established the department for 25 years. Graduating MFA For the first time, Norvelle Awards for Ex- scholarship to benefit a junior or senior in lighting student Jesse Portillo received the cellence were presented to graduating stu- the IU Department of Theatre and Drama, Gary Gaiser Award, which recognizes a stu- dents. The following graduating students, from which he received his BA, MA, and dent who “has been unusually innovative many of whom had received scholarships in PhD degrees. prior years, were presented with the Nor- Theresa and Michael Walker traveled velle Cup bearing the picture of the Lee from Texas, as they do each year for this Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center: Kevin event, to be present for the awarding of Anderson, Nicholas Arapoglou, Codey their scholarship given in memory of Girten, Jennifer Harber, Mackenzie their daughter, alumna Helen Sarah Kuz, Heather May, Hannah Moss, Walker, to Jacqueline Goeppner, Jessica Rothert, Casey Searles, Ra- who demonstrates the expertise chel Sickmeier, Claire Tuft. and passion for stage managing that characterized Walker’s IU Previously announced career. Graduating MFA play- awardees take a bow wright Paul Shoulberg won the Chair Jonathan Michaelsen Jason Stradtman Award, do- recognized students who had nated by Charlotte and Martin received major awards earlier Stradtman in memory of their in the year: senior Nicholas son, an aspiring playwright Arapoglou as Theatre Circle who had planned to study in Outstanding Theatre Major, the IU Playwriting Program. and the department’s Phi Beta Undergraduate Justine Kappa initiates: Emma Ma- Salata garnered the Rosemary hern, Blythe Nolan, Jorie Slodki, R. Schwartzel, BA’39, Scholar- Gretchen Sneegas, and Lauren

ship donated by the English depart-

r Weber. e

ment alumna, now living in Texas, who z n

i

K Michaelsen recognized Claire Dietrich,

n

enjoyed a noteworthy career in national h o J who received a Hutton Honors Inter- television, radio, and live performance. national Experience Program Grant and Undergraduate Kristyn Hegner received the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s the Ruth N. Halls Scholarship endowed by Advisory Board Travel Grant to assist with Ruth Norman Halls, BA’19 (English), Theatre Circle President Audrey Marker, funding for her summer stage management whose estate provided the major gift for the right, shows Nicholas Arapoglou, BA’07, internship at the Sydney Opera House — Ruth N. Halls Theatre. his name, as it has been engraved on the Theatre Circle plaque permanently displayed the first such internship ever offered by the Distinguished theatre and in the Monroe Bank Theatre Art Gallery famed opera house. She received further next to the Ruth N. Halls Theatre. support from longtime theatre patrons Dr. drama faculty celebrated and Mrs. Frank N. Hrisomalos. Michaelsen Several awards celebrate the legacy of some also recognized the National Society of of the department’s most eminent faculty. and self-motivated as an artist, technician, Arts and Letters Drama award winners Graduating MFA actor John Armstrong and/or scholar.” The award honors the Allison Moody, Anjanette Hall Armstrong, garnered the Marion Bankert Michael memory of Gary Gaiser, who personified Steve Eheart, Tom Connor, John Arm- Career Award, presented to a graduating those qualities during the 36 years that strong, and Josh Hambrock and NSAL MFA actor who demonstrates strong po- he designed, directed, and taught in the Musical Theatre winners Eric VanTielen, tential for success in the acting profession. department. Anjanette Armstrong, John Armstrong, The award is donated by Professor Emerita For his outstanding work in theatre his- Codey Girten, and Allison Moody. Marion Bankert Michael, whose theatre tory, literature, and theory, PhD student Results of the 2007–08 Student Ad- and drama professorial career spanned Noe Montez received the Hubert C. visory Board election were announced: 1974–1995, and Professor Emeritus R. Hefner Award given in memory of the Jacob Dahm, Tara Goldsborough, Ryan Keith Michael, who was department chair distinguished teacher and historian who Gohsman, Sarah Schlegel as undergradu- from 1974 to 1995. taught in the department from 1955 to ate representatives and Tom Robson, Matt Graduating MFA costume design stu- 1971. Joshua Hambrock received the Wil- Buffalo, Leah Busse, and Noe Montez as dent Katherine Garlick earned the Richard liam E. Kinzer Memorial Award dedicated graduate representatives. The gala eve- L. Scammon Award, given in memory and to the memory of Professor Kinzer, who ning ended with the prom dance after the honor of “the high artistic standards and taught and directed in the department, current Student Advisory Board and their sense of dedication that marked the career at Brown County Playhouse, and on the assistants regaled the group with skits lam- of Richard L. Scammon during his 33 Showboat Majestic for 32 years. Fac- pooning and celebrating the highlights of years at Indiana.” The scholarship is a gift ulty Memorial Awards were presented to the 2007–08 production season. of Vera Scammon Broughton, who now graduate students Danielle Howard and — Marilyn Norris lives in Colorado. The David S. Hawes Eric VanTielen. Graduating seniors Allison 19 Sojourn to Stratford he lovely late-August weather provided an inviting environ- ment for the 2007 Stratford Festival of field trip. TA required event for graduate students enrolled in T-505 Design Research and Collaboration, this year’s trip roster included other graduate students, faculty, and some significant others — 34 of us in all. Professor Robert Shakespeare enthusiastically organized and led the trip, as well as kept the bus driver awake and chatting on the long, -eye return trip. Supplemental funding support was provided by the Department of Theatre and Drama. Day 1: At 6:45 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7, groggy, pajama-wearing graduate students staked out their seats on the large charter bus. In a dramatic scooter stunt, Harper Jones managed to be the last to arrive, just in time to keep on schedule. Heated discussions regard- ing official rules of Wiffle-ball and a movie supposedly with the title of Blue Skies — later revealed to be A Perfect World (for those of John Kinzer you still in suspense) — provided entertainment en route. This is how it works — In the trap room under the Stratford We arrived in Stratford, Ontario, home of the largest classical Festival Theatre, technical director Simon Marsden explains the tech- repertory theatre in North America, with time enough for check-in nology of the lift used in the production that and dinner. Afterward, the group met at the Avon Theatre for the the IU Theatre and Drama contingency had just seen. Thirty-four splashy star vehicle, My One and Only. This tap-danc- students, faculty, and staff saw three productions on their whirlwind ing extravaganza featured an incredible exhibition of creative cos- visit to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada. tumes, including a giant set and costume change just for the encore. Day 2: After breakfasting, the group was taken to the Studio The bus was a think tank of ideas and was a great way of getting Theatre for a Meet-the-Festival event at which we and other patrons to know one another, especially for the first-year students, includ- were able to speak with company members Brian Hamman and ing me. Although Monday was a little rough getting to those early Nicolas Van Burek. They discussed their preparation for the work classes and getting back on a proper sleep schedule, it was well and provided insights into their experiences, prompted by enthusias- worth the fatigue. tic patron questions. At the Festival Theatre, we watched a disap- — Sabrina Lloyd pointing Merchant of Venice. This difficult play — in our opinion — was not mastered even with a clearly able and talented cast and high-level support. It was a good reality check. After the production, we were able to stay in the theatre and get a backstage tour of the Actors win NSAL drama, labyrinthine facilities. I was especially impressed with their massive armory, where some of the costuming students were left breath- musical theatre awards less at the scale of their facilities. The capstone of the trip was the production Of Mice and Men at the Tom Patterson Theatre. The leven talented actors acted, sang, and danced their way campfire really burned, and there really was a dog. More impressive Eto $5,175 in acting and musical theatre awards in 2007 was the fine ensemble acting, most notably by the supporting actors competitions sponsored by the Bloomington Chapter of the who gave well-drawn, nuanced performances. Immediately follow- National Society of Arts and Letters. Awards were presented at ing, we loaded up the bus and headed back to the states. the April 15 NSAL Showcase at the John Waldron Art Center, which featured performances by the top winners in drama, musical theatre, vocal and instrumental music, ballet, and lit- erature, as well as an exhibit of the winning visual artists’ work. Second-year MFA acting student Allison Moody cap- tured the first-place NSAL Drama Chapter Career Award of $1,000, donated by NSAL chapter members, with her performance of monologues by Mrs. Millamant from Wil- liam Congreve’s and Ann from ’s All My Sons. Anjanette Hall Armstrong earned the second place Lora Shiner Memorial Award, donated by Theatre Circle mem- ber Reva Shiner in memory of her daughter, an alumna of the IU Department of Theatre and Drama. Steve Eheart garnered the third-place Lenyth Brockett, Carol Moody, and Fran Snygg Memorial Award, donated by professors emeriti and Theatre Circle members Marion Bankert Michael and R. Keith Michael; third-year MFA actor Tom Conner was selected as winner of the Hrisomalos Merit Award, donated

Fred M. Duer by Theatre Circle members Becky and Frank Hrisomalos; Exhausted in the early morning after a 10-hour bus ride from third-year MFA actor John Armstrong won the fifth-place Bloomington, but eager to enjoy the world’s largest Shakespeare Ilknur P. Ralston Memorial Award, donated by Dennis Festival, the IU group arrives in Stratford, Ontario, for a whirlwind (continued on page 21) weekend of plays, tours, and backstage talks. 20 Alumni notebook

’70s. Pauwels is probably one of the few people to gram for Stern’s production of Sherlock Holmes: Before 1970 earn a degree from IU in each of four decades! The Final Adventure, which she and husband Bill Fred T. Blish, MA’57, writes, “I am retired Ed Stern, MA’69, is in his 16th season as “thoroughly enjoyed.” from the corporate world but have been active as producing artistic director of the Cincinnati Play- an actor, director, and scenic designer since 1960 house in the Park, which won the 2004 Regional 1970s with the Little Theatre of Manchester Inc. The Theatre Tony Award. He has also directed many theatre, which produces five main-stage produc- shows at the Playhouse, most recently Of Mice Jonathan Banks, BA’70, guest starred in the tions each year, is in Cheney Hall, a national and Men, which ran in September and October. role of Shelby Valentine in Reunion, the Chuck historic landmark building which the Theatre In March, he returned to the Repertory Theatre Norris Walker, Texas Ranger television movie restored in 1992. It is the oldest operating of St. Louis, where he works frequently, to direct recently aired on the Hallmark Movie Channel. theatre building in Connecticut. I have published Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure. A co- Banks is well-known to television viewers for his a novel about theatre, Five Minutes to Curtain. founder of the Indiana Repertory Theatre, Stern frequent guest star appearances and recurring It is set in the mid-1950s in a summer theatre in directed more than 25 plays during his eight roles in series, including Astronauts, Fired Up, Connecticut and New York City.” years as IRT artistic director. He has directed for Other Worldly, The Gangster Chronicles, Falcon Thom Brendel, BS’62, MAT’68, is a retired other regional theatres, including the Cleveland Crest, and Wiseguy, for which he received an director and producer for NRK-TV in , Nor- Playhouse, Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Great Emmy nomination as Best Supporting Actor in a way. He writes that after a stint with the Laguna Lakes Theater Festival, Missouri Repertory Drama for his role as Frank McPike. Playhouse in California, he served for seven years Theatre, and San Jose Repertory Theatre. Stern Stephen Macht, PhD’70, spent much of with former Vice President Al Gore’s Silicon and his wife, Annie Ward Stern, have two sons, 2007 in front of television cameras. He plays the Valley Internet project by appointment from the Robert and Ward. As reported in the last issue of role of Trevor Lansing (32 episodes thus far) on White House. Brendel lives in Benicia, Calif. Stages, Stern returned to IU in June ’06 for the television’s long-running General Hospital and Gerry Pauwels, BA’67, MA’75, PhD’86, Gin Gang Reunion of ’60s and ’70s Department has been seen as Rabbi Fishman on The Wedding JD’95, appeared in the Bloomington Playwrights of Theatre and Drama classmates, including Bells and as Judge Canino on State of Mind this year. Macht has long been familiar to TV viewers Project production of Men of Tortuga, directed Greg Poggi, MFA’69, PhD’77, who — along through his recurring roles in many popular se- by Bruce Burgun. Last year, Pauwels enjoyed with Stern and the late Benjamin Mordecai,’71 ries, including Knots Landing, Cagney and Lacey reuniting with former classmates at the Gin Gang — founded the IRT in 1970. We thank Carla (for which he also directed several episodes), Reunion of theatre students here in the’60s and Waal Johns, PhD’64, for sending us the pro- (continued on page 22)

NSAL awards For the third year, Anjanette Hall Arm- strong and John Armstrong were double IU on Broadway! (continued from page 20) winners in drama and musical theatre. f you are headed for New York, Organ in memory of the Theatre Circle Anjanette was named winner of the second- Idon’t miss Benjamin Livingston, board member; and undergraduate Josh place Robinson/Kovener Merit Award, do- MFA ’90, who is playing Harry in Hambrock earned the NSAL Theatre Merit nated by Theatre Circle members Sue and Mama Mia at the Winter Garden Award donated by the chapter. Murray Robinson and Carolyn and Ronald Theatre for a year, and Colin Don- Marilyn Norris, Department of Theatre Kovener; and husband John Armstrong nell, BA’05, as Nick in at and Drama administrative director, planned earned the third-place Caldwell Merit the . Don- and chaired the acting competition held Award, donated by Theatre Circle member nell, who has also appeared as Ben in March 4 in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Helen Caldwell. Senior Codey Girten won the hit Encore! , was recently Drama Center. Co-chair Breshaun Joyner as- the Scott Burgess Jones Tribute Award, featured in ’s “My Favorite sisted with the competition, and judges were given by an anonymous donor, and second- Restaurant” section. professional director and Cardinal Theatre year MFA actor Allison Moody — also Other alumni who have recently Company artistic director Randy White and a double winner — was selected for the been seen on The Great White Way Equity actors Jennifer Johansen and Rob Albright Merit Award, donated by Theatre include: Morgan Hallett, BA ’96, as Johansen. Johansen, MFA’95, was the 1994 Circle members Ruth and David Albright. Sarah in Translations, which received winner of the National NSAL Drama Com- Professor of Acting George Pinney con- rave reviews; Patty Kalember, BA’78, petition. An interesting side note is that the ducted the Musical Theatre Competition, as Elizabeth in Losing Louie; Brown competition included three pairs of married which was adjudicated by professional direc- County Playhouse alumnus Chris couples and a pair of married judges! tor and Cardinal Theatre Company artistic Klink, BA’01 (music), in The Produc- Third-year MFA acting student Eric director Randy White and Doug May, former ers; and Elizabeth Stanley, BA’01 VanTielen won the first-place Chapter Ca- coordinator of talent for Disney World. (music and theatre), as April in Com- reer Award of $1,000 in the Musical The- Allison Moody, Eric VanTielen, and pany. Stanley, in Company costume, atre Competition with his acting, singing, Anjanette Hall Armstrong (twice) per- has twice been on the cover of the Arts and dancing of “C’est Moi” by Lancelot formed at the April 15 showcase, which was section of . Off- in Camelot and “Marry Me a Little” by emceed by Professor of Theatre and Drama Broadway alumni appearances include Bobby in Company and by performing a Murray McGibbon. Theatre and drama un- Arian Moayed, BA’02, in Masked at monologue from Beyond Therapy. A 2005 dergraduate students Dylan Mark and Jac- the DR2 and the new Charles Mee Drama Career awards winner, VanTielen queline Goeppner served as stage manager musical Queens Boulevard (the musical) is the only person to have won first place and assistant stage manager, respectively, at the Signature Theatre. in both the Drama and Musical Theatre for the event. — Marilyn Norris competitions. — Marilyn Norris

21 the United States and abroad. Markle is also Fellowships. As an Equity actor for more than Alumni notebook writing a book on acting in “high style,” focus- 30 years, Grange has appeared in professional (continued from page 21) ing on playwrights such as Oscar Wilde. productions throughout the United States, most Melrose Place, and Jack and Jill. Among his Betsy Cooprider-Bernstein, BA’78, recently as Caldwell B. Cladwell in the Broadway noted work on TV movies are American Dream, MFA’81, is assistant lighting designer for the musical Urinetown. Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac, and the mini- current Indiana Repertory Theatre production of K. Frances Williams, MA’81, joined the series George Washington, in which he played A Christmas Carol. Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, Benedict Arnold. Patty Kalember, BA’78, appeared on Broad- D.C., as director of booking and events for the Necia Evans, MA’74, is the cos- new Harman Center for the Arts. She tume technical director at Virginia Tech continues her role as president and CEO University’s Theatre Arts Department. of her consulting firm SiG Productions, We want to share with alumni the note also in Washington, D.C. she sent in response to the editor’s Steven K. Spencer, BA ’82, played message soon after the shooting trag- Selig in the acclaimed edy there: production of Joe Turner’s Come and Thank you so much for contact- Gone. ChicagoCritic wrote: “This produc- ing me during the tragic events of tion is one of the finest nights of theatre last week. It really touched me to I’ve ever experienced! Do not miss this hear from the theatre and drama masterpiece. Theatre doesn’t get any department at IU and know that I better.” Chicago Sun Times described it as was in their thoughts. Our theatre “a truly brilliant, heart-and-soul-scouring department was lucky in that none revival … nothing short of sensational,” of our students were killed, but and the Chicago Tribune wrote that the many were friends or classmates production was “superbly cast … .” A with the victims. It has been an production photo including Spencer unbelievably sad two weeks, but the as Selig appears in the October issue of overwhelming spirit and determina- American Theatre magazine. tion of the entire community and Bob Verini, MFA’82, is in his second their determination to move on has year of reviewing Los Angeles theatre for been extremely inspiring. Daily Variety and is beginning his 11th My son, Tommy, was Ryan year of interviews and profiles forScript Clark’s lab partner in one of his Magazine. A forthcoming issue of Ameri- classes. can Theatre magazine will feature his first This is the way it is all over cam- article for that publication, a profile of Pas- pus. Almost everyone had a connec- adena Playhouse artistic director Sheldon tion in some way to the victims. It is Epps. Verini writes: “I guess I’ve found not just on campus but throughout my niche at last; certainly, it seems as if the entire community and school everything I’ve done and studied up to this system that the grief is felt. The heal- point — and, of course, I include my three ing is going to take a long time. years at IU prominently in there — has

I continue to hold things IU Photographic Services prepared me to take on these dream gigs together here in the costume shop. A Streetcar Named Desire, Brown County Playhouse, 1977: and just have a blast. Anyone interested can The students and the shows come Judy Kelly, standing, and Bob Smith go to variety/com/legit/reviews; clicking and go with increasing speed, and on my byline will bring up all my reviewing I seem to move at a slower and (91 notices filed to date) and reporting on slower pace. I was designing a production way as Elizabeth in Losing Louie. Kalember is a variety of topics including film and television.” of Carmen in Lynchburg during the week probably best known to television audiences for Verini will be covering the 2008 Humana Festival that the tragedy occurred, but was in the her leading role as one of the three sisters in the at Actors Theatre in Louisville and hopes to make costume shop at the time that it all hap- popular drama series Sisters. a return trip to IU then. pened. Our building is only one building Paul M. Saper, BS’79, is managing director Actors Equity actor David Alan Ander- away from the site of the shootings, and for merchant banker KMA Capital Partners in son,’83, returned to the department as the Katy we were witness to all the response by the Austin, Texas. Bigge Kestner Memorial Fund Guest Artist to police and medical teams. Again, thank play the role of the Duke in the November pro- you for your thoughts and sympathy. 1980s duction of Measure for Measure, directed by Fon- Helen Baldwin, BA’76, has been making taine Syer. Syer had previously directed Anderson William Grange, PhD’81, is professor of theatre documentary films and has just completed one in the title role of Othello at the Pennsylvania and film history in the Johnny Carson School of about Harbision Insitute, a historical African- Shakespeare Festival. Anderson has been seen Theatre and Film at the University of Nebras- American college founded in South Carolina frequently in Indiana Repertory Theatre roles, ka–Lincoln. Author of four books and multiple after the War Between the States. See below for including Searching for Eden, The Gentleman professional journal articles, book chapters, news of husband Howard Kingkade, BA’84. from Indiana, Gem of the Ocean, , essays, encyclopedia entries, and reviews, he was Christopher Markle, BA’76, is associate Hamlet, , Romeo and awarded the Distinguished Chair in Humani- professor and head of performance at the School Juliet, , and The Cherry Orchard, among ties and Cultural Studies at the University of of Theater and Dance at Northern Illinois many others. He will appear in a one-man show, Vienna for 2006–07. Other honors include University in DeKalb. He is artistic director of Looking Over the President’s Shoulder, at the a Fulbright Senior Fellowship, a Fulbright the university’s ensemble SummerNITE. In IRT this spring. He is a company member with Guest Professorship teaching in German at the January he directed a graduating class of acting Penumbra Theatre in St. Paul, Minn., and other University of Cologne, the Dorot Fellowship at students in Summerfolk by Maxim Gorky and regional credits include Actors Theatre of Louis- the Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center appeared in the role of Sorin in a production of ville, Kansas City Repertory, Geva Theatre, Bal- at the University of Texas, a German Academic The Seagull. He has received grants the past two timore Center Stage, Theatre Festival, Exchange Fellowship, two Hixson-Lied Research years to travel to Romania, where he has worked Syracuse Stage, and Delaware Theatre Company. Fellowships, the Mellon Prize at the University with playwright Andras Visky. His production of He returned to the Brown County Playhouse in of Texas, and several Nebraska Research Council Visky’s Juliet: A Dialogue About Love is touring (continued on page 26) 22 IU playwrights rule! Catching up on their work and play eterans of Dennis J. Reardon’s the nation’s finest up-and-coming drama- tunity to see her play The Mercy Swing undergraduate/graduate Play and tists. Up at the top of the zero? Why, it’s performed in the historically important VScreenwriting classes continue to Jonathan Yukich. No surprise there, not Cherry Lane Theatre in Greenwich Vil- make their way in the theatrical world. to those who know his work. lage. Richard Perez, artistic director of When Stages last checked in on Paul But what’s this? At the bottom of the the Bloomington Playwrights Project, Shoulberg, MFA’07, his thesis play zero it’s Lloyd Suh. Suh, as an under- staged the drama. This year, Bernes is — Reel — had just been produced in graduate, took every class taught by joined at The New School by another Milwaukee’s 900-seat Pabst Theatre as Reardon between 1995 and 1997 (one of recent escapee of Reardon’s playwriting part of the Region III American College them twice!), but Stages had lost track of classes, Garlia Jones. Theater Festival. him until now. It turns out that he is now Michael Chemers, MFA’97, checked Reel’s enthusiastic reception in Mil- the co-director of the Ma-Yi Writers Lab, in to alert us to his articles in the most waukee turned out to be a solid predictor the largest resident company of Asian- recent Theatreforum and Comparative of success on the national level. Shoul- American playwrights ever assembled. Drama. Chemers, who received a PhD berg was invited to the ACTF/Kennedy His plays American Hwangup and The in theatre history and criticism from the Center in Washington, D.C., where Reel Children of Vonderly will both get New University of Washington in 2001, is competed against eight other regional York productions this season. Lloyd, call professing these days at Carnegie Mellon original script winners. Result: the Mark us. (You still have an overdue play out of University in . His adaptation of Twain Award as this year’s best comedy. the Script Library.) Lysistrata will be published this fall. After participating in a week of lectures Chemers’s good friend Benja- and workshops in Washington, D.C., min Sahl, MFA’96, went on to Shoulberg was invited to spend two get his law degree from UCLA weeks in July out at ’s and is now back in NYC litigat- Sundance Institute in Utah. He and his ing with a prestigious Gotham law wife, Jen, have now settled in Manhat- firm. He and his playwright wife, tan. He vows he’ll get his plays produced Jeni Mahoney, continue to coordi- “if I have to put one up myself on some nate the Seven Devils Playwrights street corner somewhere.” Betting here is Conference out in McCall, Idaho. it won’t come to that. Expect Reardon’s The two founded the isolated most prolific playwright ever to be com- summer outpost for beginning and manding stages around New York sooner Playwrights established playwrights back in 2001. rather than later. It has survived gloriously and is now on the front burner of every drama- Meanwhile … rule! tist looking for a productive summer Jonathan Yukich, MFA’04, premiered retreat. his American Midget in Hollywood’s Mark Wheaton, MFA candidate Met Theatre, opening to impressive ’99, fled IU for Tinseltown at the turn reviews. LAWeekly lauded “this upset- of the millennium. Wheaton received ting, hilarious journey through a Dadaist sole screenplay credit for this year’s Co- world,” singling out Yukich’s “joyous Welcome home, Greg Owens lumbia Pictures release of The Messengers. labyrinthian language.” LASplash called Greg Owens, (MFA’93, after eight years He says the film as released bears little the play “smart and funny and audacious in Bozeman, Mont., has returned to his resemblance to what he wrote, “but it … a show that is mischievous and dark native Hoosier state. Elkhart, to be exact. made lots of money” and now Wheaton’s without being mean-spirited. If you go Owens has just been named executive in demand. He just finished a film for to see one play this month: American director of the Elkhart Civic Theatre. Miramax shot in Soweto, South Africa. Midget.” For those who caught Yukich’s He leaves behind him a teaching ap- Other upcoming projects will take him 2003 IU premiere of The Alien from pointment at Montana State University. to China and Brazil, reportedly in the Cincinnati, none of this comes as any Why leave Big Sky Country? “I came to company of Oliver Stone. surprise. His talent, like Shoulberg’s, was Elkhart for the warmth.” Finally, if you’re anywhere near previously acknowledged by the ACTF (Thanks, Greg, that puts things in per- Bloomington this December, drop when Mr. Yukich went to Washington spective.) Owens’s latest play is a startling around to see Jimmy Cory by this year’s and walked away with the Kennedy take on the war in Iraq. Called Home MFA playwright Kevin Daly. As Greg Center’s Paula Vogel Award for, as he Front, it’s available through Broadway Owens retains the distinction of being puckishly describes it, “the strangest play Play Publishing. Reardon’s first MFA playwright, Daly of the year.” will be the last. Reardon retires from IU Here and there this spring after 21 years of heading up ‘50 to Watch’ Lane Bernes is another former under- the IU Playwriting Program. Asked for a The lead article in the July/August issue graduate who absorbed everything she comment for this article, Reardon smiled of The Dramatist (the journal of the could from Reardon’s curriculum and and said, “Tell them playwrights rule.” Dramatists Guild of America) has a big then took off a year ago for the MFA His do, for sure. “50” on its cover, formed by the smiling program in NYC’s The New School. Last — Marilyn Norris photos of the 50 playwrights considered month, she had the amazing oppor-

23 Joel Markus, BA’96, takes the (professional) stage

oel Markus, BA’96, Theatre Circle ing the theatre’s production manager. LORT C & D contracts with additional Outstanding Theatre Student Award In this position, Markus shifted his focus “Theatre for Young Audiences” produc- Jwinner, has begun his second season from individual productions to what he tions (Equity’s TYA contract). Markus in Indianapolis as production manager calls “the bigger picture of the theatre.” and wife Lisa are happy to have returned for the Indiana Repertory Theatre, one As production manager, he participated to the city where they met and married. of the country’s major regional theatres. in the planning for complete seasons. (The wedding in 2002 took place on the Markus has been a successful theatre “Budgeting, scheduling, organizing, IRT Mainstage with the reception in the practitioner since his graduation. Probably and supervising staff excited me,” he lobby. In attendance along with families one of our busiest stage manager-students recalled. Notable among Markus’s from Florida and Illinois, Joel and Lisa’s in his undergraduate years with main stage experiences at Geva home states, respectively, were several of productions and the Brown County was the coordi- that growing network of stage managers, Playhouse among his early credits, nation of directors, designers, and actors.) Lisa, Markus immediately pursued shared previously employed as a supervisor of stage management opportu- individuals living in group homes, is now nities upon graduation. an adviser in the Honors Program at His first stop after Butler University, where she earned her graduation was at the BA degree. Recently, they moved into North Shore Music their new home in the Broad Ripple area Theatre in Beverly, of Indianapolis. Mass., where he was In addition to his main work responsi- a stage management bilities, Markus has developed and taught intern. In addition stage management seminars at a number to producing major of colleges, including IU, Butler, and musicals, the theatre schools in the Rochester, N.Y., area. Dur- hosted an active Ce- ing his early years at the IRT, Markus was lebrity Concert Series, instrumental in organizing stage manager where Markus was on gatherings in the stage management the Indiana- staff for such notable per- polis region forming artists as Bill Cosby, for the Stage Howie Mandel, Paula Pound- Managers As- stone, and others. Markus spent the sociation. following summer season Today at the American Players when you see Theatre in Spring Green, Above: At his first job after a production Wis., where the fare was graduating from IU, Joel at the IRT, classical theatre in an Markus, BA’96, meets Bill realize that outdoor setting. From Cosby at the North Shore outstanding there, he joined the stage Music Theatre in Beverly, IU graduate management staff at the Mass. At right: Today Joel Joel Markus Indiana Repertory The- Markus works as the has had a atre in 1997 and became production manager at the significant role an Equity stage manager. Indiana Repertory Theatre. in bringing Courtesy photos During his tenure of the show to five seasons at IRT, he stage managed 23 productions. For example, the premiere the stage. He has effectively used his productions, the last five for which he was adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s novel liberal arts education — he has a minor in senior stage manager. In the summers Theophilus North was a shared production psychology to complement his major in from 1998 to 2002, he was production with Washington, D.C.’s Arena Theatre. theatre and drama, and he extended his stage manager at the Weston Playhouse in Productions were also shared with the practical understanding of the complete Weston, Vt. The network of directors, de- Cincinnati Playhouse, Studio Arena, theatre experience when he was cast in signers, and fellow stage managers Markus Northlight, and Huntington Theatres. this department’s production of The worked with since his first professional Five Course Love, a musical drama that Trojan Women — to build an impressive internship in 1996 took him to this active originated at Geva, was later produced early career in theatre production and East Coast summer theatre. off Broadway. management. Theatre Circle can be as proud of its choice of the 1996 Out- On to Geva Theatre Center Back home again in Indiana standing Theatre Major Award as the In 2002, Markus moved to Rochester, In fall 2006, Markus returned to the In- department is of its ’96 alumnus. N.Y., and worked at Geva Theatre Cen- diana Repertory Theatre as the produc- — Charles L. Railsback ter, where he stage managed eight pro- tion manager. The IRT maintains two ductions over two seasons before becom- performance spaces and operates under

24 A closer look unveils different perspective: The company’s the thing oting individual achievement is not unusual in the theatre world. NGroup — company — achieve- ment, however, may be more indicative of theatre activity. After all, it’s together that we practice theatre. Beyond our own com- pany work that congealed into the practice of the Department of Theatre and Drama many years ago under the leadership of Lee Norvelle (here on the campus in Blooming- ton and in Nashville at the Brown County Playhouse, most notably), there have been other promising IU theatre companies formed. Closer examination of theatre scenes in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago will surely bring a number of IU- influenced groups to our attention. Perhaps most significant is the Indiana Repertory Theatre, which began in the early 1970s in Indianapolis under the founding leadership of IU graduate students Benja- min Mordecai, ’69, Ed Stern, MA ’69, Courtesy photo and Greg Poggi, MA’69. The departmental Kicking it up — IU theatre and drama alumni Arian Moayed, BA’02, and Tom Ridgely, connection with IRT, now a major regional BA’01, get a leg up in the Waterwell production of Marco Millions (Based on Lies), for which theatre, remains strong today, as evidenced Ridgely received a Drama Desk Best Director nomination. by the presence of artistic director Janet Allen, ABT-MA’80; production manager tion, which also features Laine Bonstein, Of course, the more senior IU-related Joel Markus, BA’96; resident dramaturg BA’06. All four women had collaborated on company in New York is Waterwell, which Richard Roberts, ’84; art outreach manager a workshop production of the play earlier. just recently completed its successful run Milicent Wright; and senior marketing and Other IU alumni in the show were John of The Last Year in the Life of the Reverend public relations manager Megan McKin- Olson, BA’06, and Kacie Leblong, ’05. Dr. Martin King Jr. as Devised by ney, MFA’00. Many alumni regularly appear Yuri Cataldo, BA’04, a second-year MFA Waterwell: A Rock Operetta. Directing the in IRT casts, including Rob Johansen, student in costume design at Yale, designed production was Tom Ridgely, BA’01, MFA’95; Constance Macy, BA’89; and costumes for the production. who heads the company along with cast Lynne Perkins Socey, BA’83. member Arian Moayed, BA’02. Lauren IU East: Hip to Hip, Waterwell Cregor, BA’00, composed the pop and Mainspring Collective debuts Performing in Queens Windmuller Park the rock score for the show, as she has done We recently learned of a number of new same weekend was Shakespeare’s As You for previous Waterwell projects. Reviewed exciting company developments headed by Like It, Hip to Hip Theatre Company’s Free by major New York media — an achieve- our graduates. The New York scene boasted Shakespeare in the Park offering. Acting ment in itself — the production was labeled late-August performances of two classic dra- alumnus Jason Marr, MFA’06, had his first by New York Magazine as “extraordinary! mas produced by two different companies directorial experience with the play when he Laugh-out-loud funny and unexpectedly that formed just this summer. Mainspring guided a large group of IU undergraduates dramatic.” Other graduates who have Collective presented its inaugural produc- in a workshop production for six perfor- worked as members of the Waterwell en- tion of Euripides’ Medea at the Crowne mances in the DeVault Courtyard of the semble are Nicole Parker, BA’00, and Eric Theatre at the Producer’s Club in the main Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center. “Happy” Anderson, MFA’02. Shanta Broadway district. Former University Players Marr, who is the artistic director of Hip to Thake, BA’02, serves as a member of the artistic director Hilary Krishnan, BA’06, is Hip (borrowed from Shakespeare’s Com- company’s board, and the most recent IU directing the show. Jenna Weinberg, BA’06, edy of Errors), is joined by wife Joy on the addition has been company stage manager is co-artistic director of the company as well company’s board of directors. Both Equity Taylor James, BA’05. The group’s produc- as a member of the cast. Hannah Ryan actors, they were founding members of the tion of Marco Millions garnered a Drama Smith, ’05, plays Medea in the produc- Ohio Shakespeare Festival. Desk Best Director nomination. Purple Benches and • Mainspring Collective: www.Mainspringcollective.com ShadowApe ambassadors? • Hip to Hip Theatre Company: [email protected] One of Chicago’s newest companies is IU-influenced Purple Bench Produc- • Waterwell: www.waterwell.org tions. Preparing a September run of John • Purple Bench Productions: www.purplebenchproductions.com Patrick Shanley’s The Big Funk at Bailiwick Arts Center Studio Theatre, the company • ShadowApe Theatre Company: http://shadowape.com recently hosted its own benefit at local (continued on page 26)

25 Barone writes that her oral interpretation and and longtime supporters of our department, and Alumni notebook readers’ theatre training at IU came in handy. David currently serves on the Theatre Circle (continued from page 24) She now lives in Batavia, Ohio. Her Web site is board of directors. 2002 to perform in The Good Doctor. www.GwenWilliams.net, and her book is avail- Benjamin Livingston, MFA’90, is on Broad- Tom Gaitsch, MFA’83, is the actor playing able at www.LiquidSilverBooks.com. way. He moved to New York in August to begin “the boss” in the popular, constantly airing Cin- Anna Filippo, MA’89, stays very busy as his yearlong contract as Harry in the hit Mama gulair/AT&T “dropped phone call” television chair of the Shorter College (Ga.) Theatre De- Mia at the Winter . He wrote to commercial that plays nationally. partment. She and husband Todd Woodlee have congratulate George Pinney and the depart- Lynne Perkins Socey, BA’83, was thrilled opened a restaurant in Rome, Ga. ment on launching the BFA in musical theatre to play Gertrude in the fall Indiana Repertory Constance Macy, BA’89, collaborated on program this fall. Theatre production of Hamlet. Brown County the ShadowApe Theatre Company production Dan Proctor, ’90, “Fifteen years of leaping Playhouse alumnus Robert Neal was cast as of their original adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s across Chicago stages ended for Dan Proctor at 3 Claudius and Rob Johansen, MFA’95, was fight Welcome to the Monkey House, which had an a.m. on a summer Sunday in 2006 … . Since that choreographer. At the end of October, Socey left extended late summer run in Indianapolis, moment, Proctor’s life — once full of singing, Hamlet to play Mrs. Fezzlewig, the Laundress, garnering rave reviews (see related article, “The dancing, and acting — has been reduced to two and Plump Sister in the IRT’s A Christmas Company’s the Thing”). Also, Macy appeared in dark dramas. The first is a mystery … the other is Carol. This summer, she directed Comedy of ShadowApe’s summer reprisal of Gorey Stories. recovery,” wrote Chicago Tribune reporter Josh Errors and played the Wicked Witch of the West Co-founder and managing artist of the company, Noel of the veteran triple-threat actor’s slow re- in The Wizard of Oz. Socey reports that husband she spearheaded and appeared in their first pro- covery from a bullet wound to his head sustained Matt Socey continues to write and broadcast duction, Turn of the Screw, and in Oppenheimer, as he walked home on a quiet north-side Chicago about jazz, the blues, film, and pop culture in and has collaborated on every production since street. There are still no arrests and no suspects in general and has begun writing a play he describes then. Additionally, she frequently treads the the June 26, 2006, shooting. Proctor is now liv- as a Bergman-esque chamber drama combined boards at the Indiana Repertory Theatre, where ing with his mother in her northwestern Indiana with football tailgate partying! Their 6-year-old she teaches acting classes and is currently playing home. At last report, he continues with his reha- daughter, Emma Rose, enjoys her Spanish-im- Mrs. Cratchit and Rose’s Sister in A Christmas bilitation exercises and is making slow but steady mersion kindergarten, playing (though not Carol. Macy is an adjunct instructor of acting at progress in his recuperation, which the reporter practicing) violin, gymnastics and dance, and Butler University in Indianapolis. described as “the hardest role of Dan’s life.” acting/writing/designing/directing/produc- Jill Taylor, MFA’92, and David Barnes, ing original plays. Emma Rose frequently drafts 1990s BA’90 (math), BA’91 (English), joined by “big visitors into appearing in her princess, fairy, or brother” pre-schooler Isaac, proudly announced Yuko Kurahashi, MA’90, PhD’96, has earned mermaid play and now wants to learn karate and the Nov. 18, 2006, birth of their daughter and tenure at Kent State University, where she is on ice skating. baby sister Ivy Bankert (as in Marion Bankert the theatre faculty. Tom Bewley, BA’84, returned to his alma Michael) in New York, N.Y. At about the time Laura Ledford, MFA ’90, heads Theatre and mater in 2005 and serves as director of major of Ivy’s first birthday, the family — including Musical Theatre at Millican College in Illinois. gifts for the IU Kelley School of Business. Prior beloved family dog Daisy — moved into their A National Society of Arts and Letters winner in to assuming that position, he was director of ad- new home in Westerville, Ohio. drama while at IU, Ledford met National NSAL missions and financial aid at Interlochen Center Tom Geha, MFA’93, teaches acting and fit- President Ruth Albright and husband David for the Arts in Michigan. He and wife Mary Lou ness classes at Santa Monica College, Calif., and Albright, who is Bloomington chapter presi- have two children, Roma and Will, whom they runs marathons. He and wife Echo enjoyed a dent, on Ruth’s presidential visit to the Illinois brought to the season opening production of visit by Doug Long and his family on their cross- chapter in November. The Albrights are donors Seussical: the Musical. Bewley says his IU theatre (continued on page 27) training serves him well in his development position. The short screenplay Hole in the Paper Sky, played the leads in the fall Brown County by Howard Kingkade, BA’84, was filmed in Company Playhouse production of Neil Simon’s Los Angeles this year by Iron Ocean Films and (continued from page 25) Plaza Suite. Other IU and BCP veterans screened Nov. 5 at Creative Artists Agency in Chicago eatery, Lux Bar in Chicago’s Gold in the company are Chuck Goad, Robert Century City in Los Angeles. Kingkade is await- Coast. Acting in the drama are IU alumni Neal, and Bill Simmons. The Indianapolis ing results of the film’s entry into competition Kevin Anderson, BA’07; Brenden Hill, for acceptance into the 2008 Sundance Film Business Journal theatre reviewer recently Festival. Kingkade has been named the 2007–08 Allison Minniear, BA’06, and Lauren wrote of the Vonnegut adaptation, “If Indy South Carolina Screenwriting Fellow by the Skirvin, BA’06. Hill also serves as the artis- is to create work that is worthy of national South Carolina Arts Commission. See above for tic director, and he is joined in leadership attention, ShadowApe may turn out to be news of his wife, Helen Baldwin, BA’76. by company co-directors Jennifer Harber, our best ambassador.” John B. Thomas, BA’84, is chief marketing BA’07; Christian Schmitt, BA’06; and These are the most recent company officer at Hetrick Communications Inc. in India- Matthew Zaradich, BA’05. Schmitt directs developments that have come to our atten- napolis, which he joined in 2003. the show. IU graduates Jesse Portillo, tion. We have been aware of others over Nancy Newman Pope, MFA’85, teaches MFA’07, and Gordon Strain, MFA’06, are the past several years. (And we surely have theatre history at the University of Akron, Ohio, designing lighting and scenery, respectively. intended to make note of them in previous and is putting her considerable costume and Closer to home and rounding out this design skills to intriguing use as she prepares 3-D editions of Stages.) Don’t hesitate to add to historical exhibits for the Hudson (Ohio) Public overview of new and relatively new compa- our list. After all, an educational institution Library. Husband Durand L. Pope, ’82, re- nies is the ShadowApe Theatre in India- too can benefit from all its own company ceived tenure at the University of Akron, where napolis. Just completing an extended run of members; we can learn too. And we hope he is director of the arts administration program. the company’s original adaptation of Kurt to do just that. Again, notice of individual Under her pen name Gwen Williams, Denise Vonnegut Jr.’s Welcome to the Monkey House achievements is always satisfying, especially Stoner-Barone, BA’85, published her first at the IRT, ShadowApe first began in 1998, when they are those of our graduates. But, book, a romance titled Fantasy Daze, released in incorporating in 2000. Co-founder and in theatre, the collaboration of the compa- October by Liquid Silver Books. In October, her managing artist Constance Macy, BA’89, ny has been and continues to be the thing. two-act play Mourning View received a readers’ is joined in the company by alumnus Rob — Charles L. Railsback theatre-style staged reading, for which Stoner- Johansen, MFA’95, and wife Jennifer, who

26 Alumni notebook (continued from page 26) country trip this summer. Margaret R. O’Malley, BA’93, lives in Seattle, where she was active in the theater com- munity as an actress, director, teaching artist, and “public-relations goddess.” In 2001, she married Doug Rudoff, and in 2005, they had a son, Liam Tobias O’Malley Rudoff. Greg Owens, MFA’93, now serves as execu- tive director of the Elkhart Civic Theatre in his native Indiana after leaving Montana, where he taught playwriting at Montana State University. A monologue from his play Home Front was chosen for inclusion in Best Men’s Stage Monologues 2007 Anthology. The entire script is available from www. BroadwayPlayPubl.com. Owens’s The Life and Times of Tulsa Lovechild, his thesis script for his MFA in playwriting, was produced this fall in Los Angeles by TheSpyAnts Theatre Company. (See “Playwrights Rule!”) Before leaving Montana, spouse Lila Michael, MFA’94, last summer reprised her role as Louise in Always, Patsy Cline at a fundraiser for Montana Shakespeare in the

Park and during the academic year directed God’s Fred M. Duer Country at Bozeman High School. As forensics Steven Cole Hughes, BA’95, left, in this summer’s Moonlight and Magnolias at Theatre director there, she had three students qualify for Aspen, appearing on a set designed by Professor Fred M. Duer. the National Forensics finals last year. Of course, 5-year-old daughter Lorelei Pearl continues to be the light of Lila and Greg’s life. where they also teach acting classes. Rob and Jen Mark Deklin, is a successful actor on Broadway Denise Blank, MFA’95, runs the theatre pro- played all three husband and wife duos in Plaza (Scar in The Lion King) and on television in gram at Aurora University, Ill., and is taking gradu- Suite at the Brown County Playhouse this fall. and CSI. ate arts administration courses at Notre Dame. The play marked Rob’s eighteenth appearance at He also appears in a national television ad for Drew Bratton, BA’95, appeared in the the Playhouse. Rob and Jen appeared together an automobile manufacturer. Bloomington Playwrights Project production of in ShadowApe Theatre’s extended summer run Morgan Hallet, BA’96, appeared as Sarah in Men of Tortuga, directed by Bruce Burgun, and of Welcome to the Monkey House in Indianapolis. the ’07 Theatre production of Brian performed two monologues from “Arrangement Rob has appeared in every ShadowApe produc- Friel’s Translations, which The New York Times for Two Violas” for the IU Arts Administration tion since he joined the group in 2000. (See reviewer Christopher Isherwood described as Artists in Administration program at the John “The Company’s the Thing.”) In November, “glorious.” Waldron Art Center in Bloomington. Bratton Rob appeared in Indianapolis InterAction The- Charles L. Railsback, PhD’96, continues as and his family moved to Bloomington from ater’s staged reading of Mrs. Warren’s Profession, undergraduate adviser and specialist in theatre Chicago, where he acted in plays and appeared which also featured Brown County Playhouse education for the IU Department of Theatre and as a supernumerary in alumni Diane Kondrat and Bill Simmons. In Drama. In writing of the sad news that Gilana productions. Bratton tells us that 3-year-old February, Rob and Jen served as adjudicators Alpert, BA ’04, died on Nov. 4 at age 26, Rails- daughter Delia is acting in a commercial for Sky for the drama competition of the Bloomington back notes that a news story in her hometown Bank, now airing in Indianapolis. “She is basi- chapter of National Society of Arts and Letters newspaper explains that in Hebrew, Gilana’s cally playing herself but may have the acting bug competition. Rob is developing his one-man name means “Joyous Song.” He comments: early” says the proud father of two daughters. show, After Paul McCartney, which will be pre- The name truly captures the essence of Delia’s “brand-new baby sister” Rory Harris sented at the 2008 Edinburgh Festival. Gilana. She was a good student, sophis- was born in October. Mother and baby — and, Doug Long, MFA’95, directed The Elephant ticated in her theatre study and practice, indeed, the whole family — are doing fine! Man for the Village Players in Oak Park, Ill. The and always joyous. After graduation, Mary Grusak, MFA’95, has been very busy play holds special meaning for Long, as it was the she continued theatre involvement in this past year with costume designs for opera and first Broadway production he saw — as a high her hometown of Muskegon, Mich. She theatre at Bard College, N.Y. school senior on a drama club trip 20 years ago. moved to Chicago recently, working in Steven Cole Hughes, BA’95, considers Long also directed Radio Plays for College of her minor area of study, human sexual- himself “lucky to have been a steadily working DuPage, Illinois. He is teaching “two fun courses, ity, in which she intended to do graduate actor and playwright over the last few years.” Theatre in Chicago and Performance of Litera- work. But she was also involved in the IU A company member of Denver Center Theatre ture,” at Chicago’s DePaul University. He also scene and had given me a Company, he appeared this summer in Theatre works with the freshman program, for which he recent telephone report of the impressive Aspen’s Moonlight and Magnolias, which was de- had to “endure” a conference in Hawaii this year. activities of her peers in Chicago. For signed by IU head of scenic design Fred M. Duer Long and wife Kay took children Sarah and Adam those of you who would like to send your (see photo above). Hughes returned to Blooming- on a two-week van trek to California this summer, thoughts to Gilana’s family, the address ton in August for the Bloomington Playwrights seeing the Grand Canyon and other great sites is Rabbi Alan and Anna Alpert, 5280 Project production of his new play, Cowbilly. on the way. During their sojourn, they stopped McDowell St.,Muskegon, MI 49441. Rob Johansen, MFA’95, is currently repris- to visit former classmates Tom Geha and Mark Doug Long reports that his successor as the ing his role as Bob Cratchit and also plays the Schwotzer. Back in Illinois, Long reports seeing department’s audience development director, Schoolmaster and a Broker in the Indiana Reper- alumnae Denise Blank and Dani Nichols while Cathy Taylor, MA’96 (arts administration), tory Theatre production of A Christmas Carol, attending recent productions in Chicago. now heads her own Chicago public relations in which wife Jennifer Johansen plays Christmas Clare Mottola, MFA’95, and husband Jon firm, which handles major arts organizational Future, Belle, and Fred’s Maid. Both Jen and are proud parents of a son, Liam. accounts, including Steppenwolf, where Taylor Rob appear frequently in productions at the IRT, Mark Schwotzer, ’95, whose stage name is (continued on page 28) 27 Alumni notebook (continued from page 27) Playwright, alumni ‘Tweak’ the Big Apple worked in publicity and marketing after leaving played New York last March when Tweaked by then-third-year MFA Bloomington. Brian R. Brosmer, BA ’97, works for Media IUplaywright Paul Shoulberg, MFA’07, received a staged reading at off- Production at Indiana University as senior class- Broadway’s 78th Street Theatre Lab. Directed by Associate Chair Dale McFadden, room videographer. He writes: the performance featured IU Department of Theatre and Drama alumni Deven Since 2005, I have been a member of Anderson, BA’06, in the role of Lance and Zach Spicer, BA’06, as Kyle. Former Bloodfin Garrison, the local 501st Legion IU Department of Theatre and Drama student Eric Nightingale is the producer for chapter. The 501st Legion is the world’s the 78th Street Theatre Lab. definitiveStar Wars Imperial costuming Professor McFadden arranged for the reading of the play by the prolific Shoulberg, organization. whose thesis project Reel was premiered at the Wells-Metz in December and played in Star Wars and costuming are what I Milwaukee as a Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival regional winner. enjoy the most. I had a blast trooping Tweaked centers on the struggle of two women to break their crystal meth addiction. last year around town. As Jango Fett, BH2559 I liked meeting everyone, espe- McFadden reported that the play was very well received. “It was a great experience,” cially the kids. My first trooping event was says Shoulberg, who — following his May graduation — moved to New York City to Wal-Mart’s 48 Hours of the Force at the pursue his career as a professional playwright. Established in 1978 as “an embracing Indy South store. Since then, I’ve trooped workplace for theatre artists with a mission to explore the process of growing a play,” at conventions, i.e., Star Wars Celebra- the 78th Street Theatre Lab has become one of the country’s most important venues tion 3 and Gen Con in Indy, Revenge of for developing and launching new works for the theatre. the Sith premiere in Bloomington, Star Shoulberg’s mentor, head of playwriting Dennis J. Reardon, comments, “Paul’s Wars events around town, including Star hilarious dialogue displays an uncanny ability to catch his characters with both their Wars miniature game events at Game pants and their personas down. Their stammerings, evasions, and self-deceptions Preserve, Hallmark premiere ornaments end up sounding alarmingly, trenchantly familiar.” Shoulberg’s playwriting seems a day event, and Aaron Allston’s book sign- ing in Carmel. Also, I’ve trooped at two perfect match for the 78th Street Theatre Lab’s mission to develop “a theatre that is events in Martinsville, Star Wars at the curious, imaginative, and provocative.” Morgan County Public Library and the — Marilyn Norris Fall Foliage parade. I especially enjoyed the Bloomington Wonderlab’s Star Wars Adventures summer camp. My picture for that event were Liz McCartney, Kenny tin Short’s Fame Becomes Me, returned to her was in the Herald-Times interacting with Holcomb, Marcus Paul James, and . alma mater on April 21 to give a workshop on the kids. I really like trooping at charity Cutrell shares a funny After Party story: “Miss auditioning. Actively involved in New York’s events because that’s why I joined the Fire Island Ariel Sinclair was guest hosting one Waterwell Theatre (see article on alumni theatre garrison. I’ve volunteered for Blooming- night for me. As Ariel was onstage as Annie companies), Parker performed in Fuenteovejuna, ton Transit’s Stuff-a-Bus events to help Warbucks, Andrea McArdle, Broadway’s original directed Stuck, and contributed material to The the Salvation Army and Union Board’s Annie, walked into the room. It wasn’t planned. Persians. She received a Joseph Jefferson nomi- Taste of the IMU to help Big Broth- It just happened!” And the department’s Murray nation for her performance in People vs. Friar ers / Big Sisters. I’ve had fun and my McGibbon was there that night and confirms the Laurence for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre and costume experience at IU has helped me story! Bistro and two-time MAC Award winner has played South Coast Repertory and Laguna to maintain my Jango costume. I’m in the Cutrell has New York credits, including Broad- Playhouse. Parker performed in Boom Chi- 501st Legion trading card series. These way by the Year, Broadway Unplugged, , La cago in Amsterdam, which also took her to the cards are printed under the authorization Giaconda, King Island Christmas, and Waiting Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In ’06 she played her of Lucasfilm. for Lefty. one-woman show, Suitcase Full of Lies at Second Since Timothy Zahn has written the Sara Lynn Krohn Minihan, BA’99, writes, City Chicago, Chicago Improv Festival, and 501st Legion in his book ’s Quest “I own and operate, with my husband, a live . She performed for the and LucasArts has put the 501st Legion theatre in western Kentucky. Grand Rivers is a March 12, 2007, MCC Benefit at Hammerstein in the Battlefront 2 video, everyone in the tourist town surrounded by lakes. I direct, write, Ballroom in New York. legion is a celebrity. George Lucas person- choreograph, sing, dance, and do comedy in our Sarah Pauley, BA’00, did double duty for the ally thanked us at Star Wars Celebration live, all-professional, variety show.” She lives in recent production of 36 Deaths in 117 Minutes 3. Recently, Mr. Lucas thanked everyone Paducah, Ky. at the Stella Adler Studio Theatre in New York, in the Legion personally by inviting 200 as she both choreographed and appeared in the troopers to march in the Rose Bowl Pa- production. rade in Lucasfilm’sStar Wars Spectacular. 2000s Christa Williford, MA’00, PhD’00, has Brandon Cutrell, ’98, proudly announces University Theatre, T300, and Brown County moved to the University of Washington, where the release of his debut solo compact disc, the Playhouse alumna Kate Braun, BGS’00, played she plans to complete her master’s degree in self-titled Brandon Cutrell, available at www. Woman in the Balcony and Woman in the Cem- library and information science this spring. BrandonCutrell.com and iTunes. Cutrell con- etery in the Indiana Repertory Theatre produc- Since August 2006, she had been a librarian tinues to host and perform for his popular After tion of Our Town this fall. at Haverford College near Philadelphia. After Party cabaret at the Laurie Beechman Theatre at Timothy N. Hanna, MFA’00, is a visiting her first postdoctoral fellowship in computer- New York’s West and Ninth Avenue, professor of theatre studies at Guilford College ized 3-D modeling and theatre history at the where he shares the spotlight with the “Best in Greensboro, N.C. In fall 2006, he directed University of Warwick, Williford was awarded a of Broadway stars.” Among recent guests was the play R.U.R. (Rossum’s Universal Robots) by Council on Library and Information Resources luminary . New faculty member Karl Capek at the college. As a faculty leader for Fellowship at Bryn Mawr College, where she Ray Fellman, BS’97 (music), PDip’01 (voice) Guilford’s study abroad program in Guadalajara, described and digitized the Theresa Helburn (see article on new faculty) continues as After Mexico, he teaches acting; history, critical, and Collection of Theatre Photography. During this Party pianist and vocalist, commuting from literature theory; and theatre appreciation. second fellowship, her interest in archiving and Bloomington to New York for frequent weekend Nicole Parker, BA’00, star of Fox’s MAD-TV librarianship for the performing arts grew, and gigs, including the Fourth Annual Brandon and and fresh from her Broadway debut in Mar- (continued on page 29) Ray Birthday Bash on Oct. 20. Special guests 28 Alumni notebook (continued from page 28) Leigh London, BA’00, named vice she decided to return to school for the master’s in library science and information science, which president, CBS TV drama development she pursued as a distance student prior to mov- eigh London, BA’00, headed for California shortly after her graduation from ing to Washington this spring. Williford earned IU with majors in theatre and drama and English. Starting as a mail clerk at “longest distance traveled” accolades when she the Agency for the Performing Arts, a midsize talent and literary agency, she returned to Bloomington to attend the April L 28 celebration honoring the retirement of her was promoted quickly to be the assistant to the head of the Television Literary De- mentor, Roger Herzel. Following the dinner, partment of the agency. Today, London is the vice president of drama development Williford visited with Roger, Sharon, Jane, and of CBS/Paramount Network Television. Married in Ben Herzel and later with friends David Muller, 2004 to IU alumnus Tim Redman, BA’03, London’s Marilyn Norris, and Charles Railsback before still-young work life is the epitome of the liberal returning to Philadelphia to prepare for her west- arts/theatre ideal. Most impressively, she has moved ward move. quickly up the work ladder to executive level. David Zack, BA’00, is production manager During her IU Department of Theatre and Drama for the NETworks national tour of Annie. When years, London pursued theatre studies widely and the show played the IU Auditorium in Bloom- actively. One of her first projects was with department ington in October, Zack visited the department to talk with “old friends.” He is contracted as dramaturg Tom Shafer as a research assistant. London production manager through May for the show, was an active participant in the founding and develop- ment of University Players. She assumed the leadership which traveled from Bloomington to Newport Courtesy photo News, Va. Previously, he had stage managed of the young organization in her junior and senior Leigh London Cabaret on its tours to Korea and Japan. During years as artistic director. Her culminating achieve- his student days, Zack honed his stage manage- ment was to direct Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde as a workshop ment skills on both departmental and Brown project. She performed in departmental productions as well, perhaps most notably County Playhouse productions. in the Brown County Playhouse production of Wait Until Dark. Rounding out her Brown County Playhouse alumnus Chris leadership with the department, London was selected by her peers to represent them Klink, BA’01 (music), appeared in the Broadway on the Student Advisory Board. The department rightly recognized London for her production of The Producers. David Lapham, MFA’01, is using his lighting work and achievements with the Nota Scholl McGreevey Scholarship in 1999, and the design skills with Rosco London, . Theatre Circle named her the Outstanding Theatre Major in 2000. Stephanie Harrison, BA’01, and Alex London moved from her first position with the Agency for the Performing Arts Shotts, BA’04, were married this summer. Alex (the firm that represented the majority of theLaw & Order writing staff and the has been active on Bloomington stages, playing creator of 24) to CBS Productions in 2001. The next year, she became the man- George in Our Town, the debut production of ager of drama series for CBS. During that time, she wrote Department of Theatre Cardinal Stage Company, Bloomington’s new and Drama friends that the work was “a lot like producing nine University Play- professional theatre company, and appearing in ers productions every other week.” Among the CBS television programs London the Bloomington Playwrights Project’s Men of has had a hand in developing are Judging Amy, Joan of , Cold Case, and Tortuga, directed by Bruce Burgun. Without a Trace. In 2003, she became the director of drama development. Crimi- In September, Eliza Hittman, BA’01, began study toward her master’s in film directing at nal Minds, Ghost Whispers, and Jericho were among the developmental projects in CalArts. She spent last year in New York collabo- which she participated. London was recently promoted to vice president of drama rating with visual artist Natalie Jermijenko on her development. The newest shows she has worked on include Cane, starring Jimmy public exhibitions including installations for the Smits; Viva Laughlin, a musical; Life Is Wild, a family drama set in South Africa; and Whitney Biennial and her solo show in Chelsea. Swingtown, about swingers in the ’70s. Hittman also directed a staged reading at PS122. London sees regularly a number of fellow IU alumni in Los Angeles: Sara Lauren V. Sharpe, BA’01, of Chicago, has Weiser, BA’00, Sandy Hall, BA’00, and Vanessa Gedney, BA’00, were bridesmaids performed and worked with , at London’s wedding. Matt Zion, BA’00, was a witness. David Zack, BA’00, and the Gift Theater, and the Neo-Futurists, and she Trey Teufel, BA’99, round out the group. London recently wrote, “I still treasure improvises at the iO Theater. She is a teaching my years at IU as the best time of my life.” Clearly it is a life — and work — that artist and performer with the Barrel of Monkeys ensemble. impressively combines and exemplifies her IU studies. London is a graduate the Elizabeth Stanley, BA’01 (music and the- Department of Theatre and Drama is proud of and greatly admires. atre), played April in Company on Broadway. In — Charles L. Railsback Company costume, she was twice on the cover of the Arts section of The New York Times. Emily Zoss, BA’01, completed her MA in Ara- bic studies at IU in August and headed to Ithaca, in Nantucket. hours hiking to locations for the film trilogy. N.Y. This summer, she put her Arabic expertise to Amanda Bailey, MFA’03, returned to Bloom- He reports a recent 17-km hike to Tongariro good use as chaperone of a group of high school ington as costume designer for Plaza Suite, the Crossing. Beaver says the scenery was spectacu- students on a two-week trip to Morocco. fall show at Brown County Playhouse. She has lar on the seven-hour hike up and around Mt. Arian Moayed, BA’02, in the Waterwell been wig and makeup assistant for the Indianapo- Tongariro and Mt. Nguarohoe, which appeared production of Masked at off-Broadway’s DR2 lis Opera since 2002, served as hair and wig de- as Mt. Doom in Lord of the Rings. Theatre, made the cover photo of The New York signer for Ragtime and Brighton Beach Memoirs at A.K. Murtadha, BA’03, played a leading role Times online theatre page. The entire show the Indianapolis Civic Theatre, and was costume in A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Shakespeare received great reviews. Moayed continues as a designer for and The Velveteen Rabbit at Festival/LA this summer. In ’06 Murtadha major force with Waterwell (see “The Compa- the Indianapolis Children’s Museum. played Valentine in the company’s production ny’s the Thing” article) and has also performed Nathaniel Beaver, BA’03, has returned to of The Two Gentlemen from Verona. Head of in Charles Mee’s Queens Boulevard (the musical) Indiana after enjoying his year in . scenic design Fred M. Duer designed the sets for at the Signature Theatre and in The Kite Runner A Lord of the Rings devotee, he spent many (continued on page 30) 29 Alumni notebook (continued from page 29) both productions on the Plaza of the Cathe- dral of Our Lady of the Angels. A co-founder of the company that provides free outdoor Shakespeare for all, Duer has been designing for them “off and on for 22 years.” Duer tells us that Murtadha and his wife are now the proud parents of three children. Yuri Cataldo, BA’04, returned to Blooming- ton this summer to serve as costume designer for the Brown County Playhouse production of The Glass Menagerie, directed by Jonathan Michaelsen. Cataldo is in his third year of graduate design studies at Yale School of Drama and designed costumes for the alumni com- pany Mainspring Collective’s Medea, for which Christian Schmitt, BA’06, designed the set and Fred M. Duer graphics. (See “The Company’s the Thing.”) A.K. Murtadha, BS’03, third from right, in this summer’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Rob Graham, MFA’04, is production Shakespeare Festival/LA. The festival presents Shakespeare outdoors at no charge, currently manager at Northwestern State University in on the plaza of the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. The impressive set is Louisiana, where he teaches lighting and stage by Professor Fred M. Duer, one of the founding members of the festival. management courses. Graham previously taught at Lycoming College. WMBD/WYZZ in Peoria, Ill. She lives in Peoria. The Mercy Swing, a new play by Lane “Lanie” Staci Kearn, MFA’04, is milliner at the Wash- Jason Lee, BA’05, had a special screening of Bernes, BA’06, played the Cherry Lane Theatre ington (D.C.) National Opera Company. his directorial debut film,Battle for the Crown, in August as part of the New York International Carmen Rae Meyers, MFA’04, appeared this at IU’s Whittenberger Auditorium this year. Fringe Festival. The production was directed by fall in Interaction Theater’s Miss Witherspoon, di- He followed the Union Board-sponsored film Bloomington Playwrights Project artistic direc- rected by Bruce Burgun at the John Waldron Arts presentation with a Q&A session on getting into tor Richard Perez, who is a member of the IU Center in Bloomington. Brown County Playhouse the film and television industry. In his invitation Theatre Circle board of directors and a former alumna Diane Kondrat played the title role in to theatre students and faculty, Lee wrote: “The visiting lecturer for the department. Bernes also the production, which also featured BCP alumna IU Theatre and Drama Department was such appeared in Mainspring Collective’s Medea. Jacobs. All three actors have served as a great place for me. I would like to give back Eileen Curley, PhD’06, is in her second year visiting lecturers in acting for the department. any advice or knowledge that I’ve gained from as member of the theatre faculty at Marist Col- Matthew R. Zaradich, BA’04, lives in Chica- being in Los Angeles over the past three years. lege in New York. go and is a professional development coordinator I’ve been able to do a lot of good work out here, Ryan Davies, MFA’06, is lighting supervisor for Erikson Institute. He made his Chicago the- from acting to directing and writing screenplays for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. atre debut in GroundUp Theatre’s production of and episodes. Hope you all can make it; I’d love Laura Dowling, MFA’06, is assistant lighting Burn This in the fall of 2006. Zaradich lives with to see you guys again anyway.” designer for the Washington National Opera. his partner, Steven, in the city and writes that Joohee Park, MA’05, in May married Mr. Katherine Garlick, MFA’06, is costume de- he’s excited about IU basketball. Chuneyoung, a fellow Korean and University sign intern at CAMco, Contemporary American CC Conn, MFA’05, assistant professor of of Wisconsin student. She is a third-year PhD Theatre Company in Columbus, Ohio. lighting at Stephen F. Austin State University, student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Holly Holbrook,’06, played Julia in the Texas, returned to her alma mater this sum- where she specializes in theatre for youth and Brown County Playhouse July production of mer to serve as lighting designer for the Brown teaches majors in the School of Education how Lend me a Tenor, directed by Dale McFadden. County Playhouse production of Lend Me a to use drama as a teaching tool. Her husband is She appeared as one of the Venticelli in the Tenor, directed by Dale McFadden. a graduate student in the Business and Finance Cardinal Stage Company’s Amadeus and this Colin Donnell, BA’05, is on Broadway as Department. September was in the Bloomington Playwrights Nick in Jersey Boys at the August Wilson Theatre. Deven Anderson, BA’06, is in his second year Project production of Clockwork Man. Previously, he played the young Ben in the City of acting study at Circle in the Square School. Alexis Jacobson, BA’06, is touring the coun- Center Encore! Series Follies. The New York Vanessa Ballam, MFA’06, has had a busy try with Missoula Children’s Theatre through Times dubbed Donnell “one of a first-rate team year as a resident artist for Pacific Conservatory May ’08. This fall, she acted in productions in of newcomers.” Prior to that, Donnell played for the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, Calif., Wyoming and Utah. the role of John Truitt in the Irish Repertory where she “loves her job.” This fall, she played Carmen Killam, MFA’06, is the head mil- Theatre (N.Y.) production of Meet Me in St. Maria in The Sound of Music and next will play liner of Utah Shakespearean Festival. Louis. Recently, he was featured in Playbill’s “My Desdemona in Othello (reprising the role she Jason Marr, MFA’06, received rave reviews Favorite Restaurant” section. Classmate and fel- played in ’06 at Pennsylvania Shakespeare under from the Boston Globe for his performance in Or- low Broadway Cabaret member Codey Girten, the direction of the department’s Fontaine Syer son’s Shadow at Boston’s New Repertory Theatre BA’07, has moved to New York and is living in and opposite David Alan Anderson, ’83). and has just concluded his run as Mortimer in Donnell’s former apartment. In the spring, Ballam appeared in PCPA’s The Arsenic and Old Lace for Theatre in the Park in Kristen Held, MFA’05, and husband Dan Caucasian Chalk Circle and The Man Who Came Queens, earlier played in New York State Theatre proudly welcomed the arrival of daughter Lorelei to Dinner. This summer, she played Gwendolyn Institute in Troy, N.Y. As artistic director of Hip Avelin Held on June 20, 2007. in The Importance of Being Earnest in “a lovely to Hip Theatre Company’s Free Shakespeare in Meg Johnson, BAJ’05, is the “news-at-nine” outdoor theatre in Solvang, Calif.,” and in July the Park, he oversaw its production of As You anchor and a “nightside” reporter for TV station “had fun being somewhat silly, singing some Like It this summer in Queens Windmuller Park. great numbers and dancing a little” as Hope Marr is joined by wife Joy on the company board Cladwell in PCPA’s Urinetown. As a resident art- of directors. (See “The Company’s the Thing.”) Fill out the form on the back page ist, she teaches acting classes in the conservatory Renee Racan Rodriguez, MFA’06, appeared and send it in. We’ll publish your in the daytime while performing leading roles in in the Curious Company production of news in a future issue of Stages. the main stage productions in the evening. Her Comedy of Errors, which played Astoria Park, La residency will continue through May of 2008. (continued on page 31) 30 Alumni notebook Former faculty member Foster Harmon’s (continued from page 30) Plaza Cultural, and Fort Tyron Park in October. philanthropy ’reaches into the future‘ Rebecca R. Solomon, BAJ’06, is a news reporter for television station WJFW in Rhine- ith the March 31, 2007, death Theatre, The Players, and Westcoast Black lander, Wis. of Loren Foster Harmon at age Theatre Troupe. Zach Spicer, ’06, appeared in the off-Broad- W94 in Sarasota, Fla., the Depart- In addition to the generous scholarship way production of Tim McGillicuddy’s The Irish ment of Theatre and Drama lost one of its endowments for IU theatre students, Har- Play, directed by Theodore Mann at the Irish most versatile former faculty members, as mon also supported scholarships at Florida Arts Center. He and Deven Anderson, BA’06, well as one of its dearest friends and major State University/Asolo, Ringling School, are in their second year of acting study at Circle benefactors. Ohio State University, and University of in the Square School. Amanda E. Truxton, BA’06, teaches English From 1936 through 1942, the multi- Iowa and sponsored apprenticeships at the in Shenzhen, China. talented and hardworking Professor Foster Florida Grand Opera. Eric VanTielen, MFA’06, is currently play- Harmon directed most of the University His wife of 55 years, Martha “Marty” ing three roles (Belle’s Husband, Broker, and Theatre productions and all the experimen- Foster Harmon, preceded him in death in Poulterer’s Man) in the Indiana Repertory tal theatre productions for the department. 1998. He is survived by his family in Ohio: Theatre production of A Christmas Carol. This In addition, he both designed and “did” brother William Harmon, nephew William past summer, he returned to Utah Shakespearean the lighting and makeup for all those Harmon Jr. and wife Judy, grandnieces Festival, where he appeared in three productions. productions. His lifelong love of IU was Katherine Harmon and Sarah Hina; and by Tom Conner, MFA’07, played George Gibbs expressed in the form of generous endowed grandnephew John Harmon of California. in the Indiana Repertory Theatre production scholarships for graduate and undergradu- Following Harmon’s death, his longtime of Our Town, in which Brown County Play- house alumnus Chuck Goad played Mr. Webb ate students in the Department of Theatre friends and caregivers Eric and Angel His- and BCP alumna Kate Braun, BGS’00, played and Drama. som sent letters to Chair Jonathan Mi- Woman in the Balcony and Woman in Cemetery. Harmon moved in 1950 to Sarasota, chaelsen, former Chair and Professor Emer- Ross Matsuda, BA’07, writes that he is Fla., where he owned and operated the itus R. Keith Michael, and administrative thrilled to have been selected as a Directing Foster Harmon Galleries of American Art director Marilyn Norris, saying, “Thank Fellow for two shows at Oregon Shakespeare in from 1980 to 1994, establishing it as a you for keeping in touch with Foster over Ashland this winter. major regional gallery for American art. the years — he certainly held Indiana Uni- Heather May, PhD’07, now an assistant After his retirement from the gallery, he versity close to his heart and cherished his professor of theatre at Auburn University in Ala- remained an enthusiastic patron of the time there in the theatre department.” The bama, presented a paper at the American Theatre arts, serving on the boards of The Ring- Hissoms noted that both presiding minis- in Higher Education National Conference in New Orleans in July. The versatile scholar and ling School of Art and Design, the Florida ters at the April 9 burial service in Athens, director is also an Equity stage manager and Grand Opera, and the Van Wezel Founda- Ohio, “referred to Foster’s philanthropy as can often be found running on campus. She has tion. He was an avid patron of the Florida reaching into the future, and that’s a way qualified for the past two U.S. Women’s Olympic State University/Asolo Conservatory for we will all remember him.” Marathon Trials. Actor Training, Asolo Rep, Florida Studio — Marilyn Norris Jorie Rebecca Slodki, BA’07, has begun her first year of study toward the PhD in theatre at the University of Wisconsin. She made her Wisconsin stage debut as Gertrude in the fall In memoriam: Warren Clymer, MFA’52 production of Tom Stoppard’s . — Marilyn Norris with Raymond Fleishmann arren Edward Clymer, MFA’52, died at age 84 on July 7, 2007. He was Wone of the country’s most respected and prolific art directors and production designers for film and television. Probably best known as art director of Francis Ford In memoriam Coppola’s The Godfather, Clymer was art director and/or production designer for • Gilana Alpert, BA’04* more than 500 shows on film, television, and Broadway. A two-time Emmy Award d. Nov. 4, 2007 winner — for Hallmark Hall of Fame and the television movie The Holy Terror, he • Geraldine Rose Smith Arita, BA’ 54 was nominated for seven Emmys. Clymer was also the proud recipient of the Na- d. Feb. 16, 2006 tional Educational Theatre Design Award. • Warren Edward Clymer, MA’52** Gail Clymer, Warren’s wife and helpmate for many years, writes that the IU d. July 16, 2007 • James F. Elrod, BA Speech ’49, MA Department of Theatre and Drama graduate was most proud, however, of his Speech ’50, PhD Theatre and Drama ’59 contribution to World Memorial, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to advance d. October ’05, 2006 freedom, multicultural understanding, and healing after 9/11. He was charter • Loren Foster Harmon, faculty ’36-’42** secretary of World Memorial, which, as part of its “Wings of Peace” goal, develops d. March 31, 2007 educational programs to promote tolerance among children of all nations. Cly- • Van Carl Kussrow, PhD’59 mer devoted his artistic talents to the group’s efforts “to re-erect the World Trade d. February 16, 2006 Center steel into a lasting monument to preserve for all generations that moment in time — Sept. 11, 2001,” and created the charcoal sketch for the World Memorial *For tributes to Gilana Alpert, see “Never Forget” poster. “Alumni Notebook” Charles Railsback, Clymer is survived by his wife, Gail, who notified IU of her late husband’s death PhD’96, and also visit http://blog.mlive. com/chronicle/2007/11/young and his commitment to spreading the healing message of the World Memorial orga- _woman_who_explained_holo.html. nization. For a photo of his “Never Forget” poster and more of his artwork for the **See articles on Warren Clymer and group, visit www.world–memorial.org/Credits/info.html. Foster Harmon on this page. — Marilyn Norris

31 Nonprofit Org. Have tag, will travel Postage PAID Indiana University Alumni Association

Send us your business card — or just your business information — and we’ll send it back to you laminated and attached to a strap, perfect for your traveling pleasure. (One tag per gradu- ate, please.) Your luggage tag will show that you are proud of your connection to the College of Arts & Sciences at IU and will improve our alumni database.

Mail your card or information to

Luggage Tags, College of Arts & Sciences, Kirkwood Hall 208, 130 S. Woodlawn, Bloomington, IN 47405. Printed on recycled paper in U.S.A. ✄

The IU Alumni Association is charged with maintaining records for all IU What’s new alumni. Please print as much of the following information as you wish. Its purpose, in addition to providing us with your class note, is to keep IU’s alumni with you? records accurate and up to date. To verify and update your information online, visit our online alumni directory at www.alumni.indiana.edu/directory.

Publication carrying this form: Stages: Theatre & Drama Alumni Newsletter Date______Name______Preferred Name______Last name while at IU______IU Degree(s)/Yr(s)______Univ. ID # (PeopleSoft) or last four digits of SS #______Home address______Phone______City______State______Zip______Business title______Company/Institution______Company address______Phone______City______State______Zip______E-mail______Home page URL______Mailing address preference: ❍ Home ❍ Business Spouse name______Last name while at IU______IU Degree(s)/Yr(s)______Your news:______

o Please send me information about IU Alumni Association membership. IUAA membership supports and includes membership in the College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Association and your local alumni chapter. You may join online at www.alumni.indiana.edu or call (800) 824-3044.

Please mail to the address above, or fax to (812) 855-8266.

32