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luggage tags College of Arts & Sciences Alumni Association · Winter 2008-09 Send us your business card and we’ll send you a custom College IU Department of Theatre and Drama Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center luggage tag! Membership matters. This publication is paid for in part by dues-paying members of the Indiana University Alumni Association. Mail to: Luggage Tags, College of Arts & Sciences, Kirkwood Hall 208, 130 S.Woodlawn, Bloomington, IN 47405. Building the future one play at a time Printed on recycled paper in U.S.A. his year, Indiana University STAGES celebrates its 75th season of plays, Theatre & Drama Alumni: What’s new with you? Ttracing its formal commitment to This newsletter is published by the artistic and academic excellence back to Indiana University Alumni Association, The IU Alumni Association is charged with maintaining records for all IU alumni. Oct. 10, 1933, when, under the direction Please print as much of the following information as you wish. Its purpose, in addition to in cooperation with the Department of of Professor Lee Norvelle, the University Theatre and Drama and the college of providing us with your class note, is to keep IU’s alumni records accurate and up to date. ✄ Theatre presented The First Mrs. Frazer. Arts & Sciences Alumni Association, to To verify and update your information online, visit our online alumni directory at encourage alumni interest in and support www.alumni.indiana.edu/directory. Theatre has been part of campus life since for Indiana University. For activities and Name______Date______the 1880s, when various student groups membership information, call (800) 824- Preferred name______were performing plays on the Bloomington 3044 or send e-mail to iualumni@indiana. campus. During that period, and for years Last name while at IU______edu. to come, theatre on the IU campus varied IU Degree(s)/Yr(s)______wildly in performance quality and produc- Department of Theatre & Drama Univ. ID # (PeopleSoft) or last four digits of Soc. Sec. #______tion standards. Chair...... Jonathan Michaelsen Home address______Editor/Graphic Design In 1915, the Department of English offered Home phone______...... Patricia Kennedy the first theatre course, The Staging of The First Mrs. Fraser, Staff Writers..Tom Shaffer, John Kinzer City______State______Zip______The first production of the first season, opened in 1933 and Plays. Business title______featured Catherine Feltus, who went on to a professional acting career as Catherine (continued on page 2) Available Photo Credits Company/Institution______Craig. In 1940, she married actor . Steven Sondheim...... Jerry Jackson Frank Rich...... Fred Conrad Company address______Work phone______Department Photographers City______State______Zip______...... Ric Craddick, John Kinzer * E-mail______WANTED: Your stories! College of Arts & Sciences * Home page URL______Dean...... Bennett I. Berthenthal Did one professor or mentor have a lasting impact on you? Did you * Please indicate clearly upper and lower case. Executive Director of Development & fall into the pit at the University Theatre? Did you make it to Broadway ❍ ❍ Alumni Programs...... David Ellies Mailing address preference: Home Business (not just to see a show)? Did your theatre training play a part in help- Spouse name______IU Alumni Association ing to achieve your career goals? Got GREAT IU photos? Last name while at IU______President/CEO...... Tom Martz The Department of Theatre and Drama is collecting stories and Senior Director, Constituent & Affiliate IU Degree(s)/Yr(s)______pictures from alumni, faculty, and staff. Your story will be compiled in Groups...... Nicki Bland Your news: ______our research archives to be treasured by students, alumni, and anyone Editor for Constituent ______who loves IU theatre for generations to come. Periodicals...... Sarah J. Preuschl ______Your story could end up in STAGES, on our alumni Web page, or even Class Notes...... Bill Elliott ______be featured at the 75th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee on May 2, 2009. o Please send me information about IU Alumni Association membership. Send your memories to [email protected], or mail to: accepts invitation IUAA membership supports and includes membership in the College of Arts & Alumni Relations, Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, 275 N. to deliver Ralph L. Sciences Alumni Association and your local alumni chapter. You may join online Jordan Avenue, A300T Bloomington, IN 47405-1101. at www.alumni.indiana.edu or call (800) 824-3044. Collins lecture. Questions? Call Pat Kennedy at (812) 855-5568. Attach additional pages if necessary. Mail to the address above, or fax to (812) 855-8266. See story on page 10. Future (continued from page 18) (continued from page 1) works with the goal of showing a new, PURPLE BENCH THEATRE COMPANY In 1925, Lee Norvelle joined the Looking to the future multicultural perspective through non- traditional casting that does not hinder English faculty to teach courses in Oral by Jonathan Michaelsen, Chair In 2007 a group of alums founded a theatre named after the purple English (which became the Division of a work but rather enhances the work in benches in the lobby of the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center. an innovative manner and fosters fresh Speech in 1931). He strongly believed e are celebrating our 75th season of plays at Indiana University. Indeed, The -based Purple Bench Productions opened its doors in in a formalized approach to theatre perceptions. Find out more about her July with a production Shanley’s The Big Funk and we opened our first production of 2008, Dead Man Walking, on Oct. 10, company at www.curiousfrog.org. education and added courses in theatre 75 years to the night of our first season opener. This means that IU (not continued production in April 2008 with ’s Disappeared. W Eric VanTielen, MFA’06, made his In September of this year current PhD student Emmy Kreilkamp production. counting the Brown County Playhouse) has produced well over 500 plays — the In 1928, Norvelle, with the support equivalent of producing all the works of Shakespeare some 15 times over. Broadway debut as Gabelle in Tale of directed actress Jessie Fisher in the Chicago premiere of My Name Is of IU Administration, founded the Two Cities this season. Eric is in the en- Rachel Corrie, which received good reviews from the Chicago press Generations of students, with birthdates stretching back over 100 years, have cre- semble and the understudy for the role. (The Tribune says the production “hits somewhere near the gut and University Players, bringing together ated seasons of theatre at IU. They have spoken the words of the world’s greatest Rebecca Faulkenberry, BA’07, will be occasionally straight to the heart.” theatre groups from The Garrick Club, playwrights, examined the most contemporary texts (for their time), and col- starring as Sharpay Evans in High School The ensemble of Purple Bench Productions reads like a list of recent The Studio Players, Campus Affairs, laborated to bring new works to life on stage. Thousands of students have designed Musical 2 at ’s Theater of the alumni from the department: Co-founder Brenden P. Hill, BA’06, The Jordan River Revue, the public costumes, built scenery, and witnessed a revolution in the way technology is used Stars in November 2008. serves as artistic director, while co-founder Matty Zaradich, BA’04, speaking classes, and the play acting in producing theatre. Generations have studied history and provided criticism that serves as executive director, produced The Big Funk, and directed class. illuminates the past, present, and future of theatre onstage and in our culture. Matthew D. Leach, BA’07, lives in City and in November was hired as Disappeared; co-founder Jennifer Harber, BA’07, also produced The Bringing the University Players to life In 1933, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in his first year as President. The country a sports writer for WPIX, the flagship Big Funk and acts as the company’s consultant. Other members of was “a slow and at times rather pain- was in a severe news station of the CW Network. Leach the ensemble include director of development Laurie Green, BA’03; ful process,” Norvelle later recalled. depression with continues, “I now write for the legendary director of communications Stephanie Dodge, BA’04; and assistant But the group raised standards for millions out of work. Sal Marciano and interview players from producer Lauren Skirvin, BA’06. production and acting and set the People faced crippling all the local sports teams, including the The Purple Bench is crowded with tone for future generations. Auditions, hardships and often Knicks.” IU alumni to the point where they previously limited to members of struggled just to put feel compelled to assure the Chicago sponsoring groups, were open to the food on the table. Hannah Moss, BA’07, and David Nosko community that “we are not an entire campus. There were also global have started a new theatre company alumni-exclusive company.” Other IU In 1933, the University Players became threats, with Europe in Bloomington called Theatre of the alumni have found there way to their the University Theatre, IU’s official and Asia not far from People. theatre, however, including Christine theatre. The group launched its first the most devastating Freddie Rodriguez, BA’07, lives in Perrotta, BA’06 (stage manager, season with The First Mrs. Fraser, East war in history. Connecticut, where he works for a not- Disappeared; asm, The Big Funk); Lynne, Ibsen’s Ghosts, Shakespeare’s for-profit organization and stays involved Yet despite this (or Christian Schmitt, BA’06 (scenic , Little Women, Behold with local theatre. perhaps because of designer, Disappeared and My Name Is the Dreamer, a “musical show” (Good it), students, staff, and Angie Burkhardt, MFA’08, was assis- News), and two one-act plays. Rachel Corrie; director, The Big Funk); faculty members felt it tant costume designer for the Colorado Gordon Strain, MFA’06 (scenic de- By the late 1930s, the Division of was important, even Shakespeare Festival this summer. She Jessie Fisher in My Name Is signer, The Big Funk); Jesse Portillo, Speech offered courses in play acting, necessary to produce plans to move to Chicago. Rachel Corrie MFA’07 (lighting designer, The Big play production, stage lighting and an entire season of Jojo Percy, MFA’08, is teaching lighting Funk). The most recent alumna to take make-up, theatre practice, and Pulitzer- Mrs. Moonlight in 1943 with Andrew Duggan plays at IU. They knew design in the Department of Theatre her seat on the “Bench” is Melanie Derleth, BA’08, who made her Prize plays. the power of theatre Arts at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Chicago debut as the understudy for My Name Is Rachel Corrie. This early curriculum reflected a — how it can transform lives and provide audiences with new perspectives. While diversity of courses in acting, directing, theatre cannot stop disastrous events in history, it can illuminate the human condi- design, and dramatic literature that is tion and bring us closer to the world and the humanity we share. still prevalent in today’s curriculum. So they felt at IU in 1941 with the beginning of World War II during the eighth season of plays. So they felt in 1953 when IU celebrated its 20th season, as Sen. Recent alumna is award-winning stage manager Joseph McCarthy was beginning his investigations and the cold war and the reali- Before graduating in 2008, Caire Diedrich, became the first IU student to win the ties of living in an atomic age gripped the country. So they felt during the social Outstanding Young Stage Manager Award sponsored by ClearCom Communications at the upheaval and assassination of leadership in 1968 when we produced our 35th United States Institute for Theatre Technology’s (USITT) national conference. Claire also To read more on the history of season. And so we felt in our 68th season and all that followed after 9/11. the Department of Theatre and joined alum Katie Seibel and Jennifer Harber as the third consecutive IU receipient hon- Drama, visit After 75 years, the world needs theatre more than ever. It needs theatre that chal- ored with the the KC Mehl Award presentation by the Stage Managers Association. lenges our intellect, sparks discussion and debate, lets us see new vistas, opens our At IU Claire was the lead stage manager on many shows including Twelfth Night, She Stoops theatre.indiana.edu minds and hearts — and, yes, entertains all generations. to Conquer, Measure for Measure, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. At Our faculty, staff, and students stand on your shoulders — the alumni who have Write to [email protected] Brown County Playhouse, Claire managed A Woman in Black. Additionally she has worked toiled and collaborated to bring us to this point in our history. We are eager to pay at Opera Australia in Sydney, Metropolis Performing Arts Center in suburban Chicago, and or Lee Norvelle Theatre honor to your legacy as we build the future, one play at a time. and Drama Center the Shakespeare Festival. 275 N. Jordan Avenue, A300T Claire spent the summer as the assistant stage manager for Die Tote Stadt and lead stage Bloomington IN 47405-1101 manager for Carmen, at the Summer Opera Theatre in Washington, DC. She is currently working at Indiana Repertory Theatre. 2 19 Alumni Burkholder, BA’05. They will make their home in New (continued from page 14) York City. Celebrating success! Arian Moayed, BA’02, was recently Tenaya Hurst, BA’05, is still In December 2008, the Department of The renovated space includes nominated for an . Moayed Growing Pains using her geology degree for Theatre and Drama enters a new era of improved classrooms that will enhance was featured in for a theatrical cause. Check out excellence in its storied history. This new activity greatly increases our programs, especially the BFA in his performance in Masked, at the DR2 www.tenayahurst.com. She demand for theatre, classroom, and In recent years, significant strides have , allowing this degree Theater in , where he lives. writes that, the “new and office space. Currently classrooms, been made. We have: to continue as one of the finest in the Richard Rundle, BA’02, works for The improved version” of the faculty, and staff are split between country. Marketing Group, where he is in charge show is called Tenaya Rocks! � » launched a new BFA program in the Lee Norvelle Theatre and Drama Additional improvements include: of nationwide booking for theatre tours. A Sexy Geological Cabaret musical theatre, which immediately Center and the old University Theatre. This includes shows that come to the IU and features new songs and attracted outstanding talent from The latter, which served the department � » a new movement studio for musical Auditorium. He lives in West New York, new cabaret boys, but it’s across the country; for almost 70 years, has fallen into theatre courses and stage combat and N.J. the same old rocks.” You can � » revised our MFA degree in acting, disrepair. movement; watch the Indiana version on The Strange Tree Group providing the finest training � » an Acting for the Camera Shanta Thake, BA’02, lives in New York In fall 2007 Indiana University’s YouTube http://www.youtube. for students entering professional classroom; City and manages Joe’s Pub. Joe’s is one President Michael McRobbie com/user/piratetenaya. She Jason Marr, MFA’06, had a new baby, theatre; of the city’s “in” night clubs; it is part of announced a plan to renovate the � » a voice studio for large courses in lives in Lafayette, Calif. Sabrina Evangeline Marr, in January. the Public Theatre facility. � » engaged more than 20 professional University Theatre building. With the vocal production for the theatre; Marr is also busy with his theatre com- Mike Mauloff, BA’05, now living in Los guest artists and scholars; added support of College of Arts and Lauren N. Orenga, BA’03, recently pany, Hip to Hip. He also directed for the � » two fully-equipped lecture class- Angeles, recently had a role on the TBS Sciences Dean Bennett Bertenthal, a married Ryan L. Ahlwardt, BA’03, a Hampton Theatre Company and served � » initiated new fellowships for top rooms for teaching Theatre History 10 Items or Less. visionary renovation team was formed. professional singer and songwriter. They as a teaching artist with Queens Theatre graduate students; and Script Analysis; live in Fishers, Ind. Dixon Reynolds, MFA’05, just took a in the Park, working with sixth through � » increased the size of our graduate The renovation will connect the two � » three faculty voice studios for Gabriel Lewin, BA’03, is teaching tenure-track position heading the BFA ninth-grade students. program; buildings, creating opportunities for teaching singing to BFA musical Costume Design Program at Suny- greater creativity and communication English, drama and choir and in David Muller, MA’95, PhD’06, taught � » created professional internships for theatre students; Fredonia University in New York. within the department. This work will Baltimore, Md.; singing in a five-part theatre history courses the past academic graduate and undergraduate � » an acting scene study room for also make the old building handicap male a cappella group (Who Knows Five) Vanessa Ballam, MFA’06, has been a year in the Department of Theatre and students in theaters across the rehearsals; that does ancient and recent synagogue member of the acting company of the accessible, allowing for greater Drama. He has taken a position as as- country; � » five piano practice rooms to serve music; and sitting on the steering com- Pacific Conservatory of the Performing diversity in our student population. sistant professor of theatre at Vanderbilt � » hired eight new faculty members 60 BFA students; mittee for The Jewish Theater Workshop, Arts of Allan Hancock College in Santa Currently the department has no proper in Nashville, Tenn. and three new professional staff; � » a seminar room; where he recently acted in a production Maria, Calif. Ballam has played a French classrooms for teaching musical theatre, Andrew Rhoda, MA’06, accepted the � » and expanded our production of by . He will direct war bride in the world premiere of The , movement, voice, or theatre � » offices for faculty and staff to bring position of Auxiliary Library Facility season to include two new play- JB by Archibald MacLeish as well as Hearts Desire by José Cruz González history courses. There are no practice the entire department together. Cataloging Specialist in the Lilly Library development programs, the Black and . and the Ingénue in Molière’s Imaginary rooms for musical theatre students or in 2008. Rhoda recently received his Play Lab (2008) and Premiere (continued on page 4) John K. DeBoer, BA’04, com- Invalid. The company plays in both Santa spaces to teach Acting for the Camera. MLS from IU with a specialization in Musicals (2006). pleted his MFA in voice and speech Maria and Solvang, Calif., and Ballam finds both places “lovely” to visit and rare books and manuscripts librarianship. pedagogy (December 2007) at Virginia He also served as an intern to the curator Commonwealth University, where he work. She has extended her contract at PCPA. of books and as a student assistant for recently served as acting head of voice the librarian for English & American and speech. In August 2008 he moved to Lauren Clemmons, BA’06, lives in Los literature, film studies, philosophy, and Missoula, Mont., where he now serves Angeles, where she has worked as an theater and drama. as an assistant professor of voice and event photographer and as assistant to acting in the University of Montana’s several high-profile screenwriters, actors, Julia Weiss, BA’06, recently appeared in Department of Drama/Dance. DeBoer’s producers, and studio executives. She a children’s show at The Conservatory essay “Getting the Gay Out: Sexual has also devoted much time to her own in Chicago. The group also produced Identity in the Voice Classroom” was writing and acting an evening of her short works which were well received. Currently she is recently published as the cover feature Holly Holbrook, ’06, works at IU of the Voice and Speech Review’s “Voice writing and will perform in a new play, Bloomington School of Continuing Blood Sausage in October. To view her and Gender” issue. He has performed Studies and still finds time to act and in an extended run of the Richmond work, visit http://www.mcsweeneys. direct, most recently in four 10-minute net/2008/8/14weiss.html. (Va.) Triangle Players production of plays for the Bloomington Playwrights Visiting Mr. Green and performed as an Project’s Return of the Alumni, which Renee Rodriguez, MFA’06 started equity actor in the role of Mitchell for featured new works by eight of the BPP’s Curious Frog Theatre Company in May the regional premiere of The Little Dog long-standing dramatists, including Greg of 2006 and the second production, Much Laughed. Owens, MFA’93. Ado About Nothing, toured the New York City parks in late summer and early fall. Yuri Cataldo, BA’04, earned his MFA in Hilary Krishnan, BA’06, has moved costume design from Yale this spring and Curious Frog’s mission is to present new, New York, where she works with modern and classical The University Theatre renovation marks the beginning of a new chapter in the history of theatre at Indiana University. married fellow alumnus Brandy Mainspring Collective. The ambitious renovation project, which features a new black box theatre, classrooms, rehearsal spaces and offices for the (continued on page 19) Department of Theatre and Drama starts in 2009. 18 3 2007–08 season scrapbook (continued from page 16) published his third book, Theatre and the IN MEMORIAM Good: The Value of Collaborative Play. Rev. Catherine Louise Price, BA‘85, passed away on Monday, Sept. 22, Additionally, Cambridge University Press following a three-and-a-half year battle with cancer. At Indiana University, has reissued Fearnow’s second book, The she appeared at the University Theatre and the Brown County Playhouse, American Stage and the Great Depression, and had an active and successful theatre career. Price also played in numer- in paperback. He lives in Madison, ous Chicago venues including Northlight Theater, Steppenwolf Theater, and Indiana. the Pegasus Players. She began her ministerial study at Fuller Theological Howard C. Kingkade, BA’84, of Seminary, and earned her Master of Divinity degree in 1998. She was the Columbia, S.C., is a professor at the recipient of Fuller’s highest award for preaching excellence, and studied at University of South Carolina Lancaster. Cambridge University before becoming minister of spiritual life at the First Kingkade’s original screenplay Hole in Congregational Church in Western Springs, Ill. the Paper Sky, was filmed in in January 2007 by Iron Ocean Films. It was directed by William Purple and stars Jessica Biel (The Illustionist), Jason Press (2008), and being produced, mostly director of The Strange Tree Group, a Clarke (star of Showtime Channel’s in university theatres, throughout the company of several alumni that has made country. a great name for itself in Chicago since Laura Sweitzer, Nicholas Sauerberg, Chris Hatch , David Sheehan Jeff Grafton Brotherhood) Garry Marshall (director 2004. Strange Tree was on the Chicago and Matthew Buffalo and Winston Fiore of Pretty Woman et al.), Jeffrey Nording (Dirt on the FX channel), and Stephen 2000s Tribune’s “Best of the Year” list for both Collins (). For Hole in the 2006 and 2007 and also on the best-of list Seussical the Jimmy Cory The Real Thing Dennis E. Black, MFA’00, has been an for TimeOut Chicago Magazine. Paper Sky, Kingkade received the Jury assistant professor of acting since 2001 IU alumni currently working in the Musical Kevin Daly Prize for Best Screenplay at this year’s at the University of North Carolina at Beverly Hills International Film Festival. Strange Tree Group include Emily Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty Charlotte, where he served on the board MFA playwright Kevin Daly took us on Couples look for the “real thing,” in this Schwartz, Carol Enoch, Kara Klein, Scott of directors for the North Carolina a journey to the old neighborhood. The humorous look at love, marriage, and Cupper, Kate Nawrocki. Past productions This delightful musical opened our Theatre Conference and the Metrolina play centers on a factory worker who infidelity. 1990s included Matt Holzfeind, Carolyn Klein, 2007–08 season, introducing young Theatre Association. At UNC-Charlotte, can’t escape the shadow of his father’s Director: Bruce Burgun Christopher Dippel, MFA’98, and Ira Amyx, Mark Verne, Megan Baskin, audiences to the of live theatre. Dennis directed an array of productions crimes. Scenic Designer: Fred M. Duer Claire Engel Dippel, MFA’97, live in Les Kruse, Bob Kruse, Max Wagner, Director/Choreographer: George Pinney and was cast by the Charlotte Repertory Director: Murray McGibbon Costume Designer: Scott M. Anderson New York City with daughters, Charlotte, Jayson Wickenkamp and Dane Bolinger. Music Director: Ray Fellman Company in James McLure’s play Scenic Designer: Tim Borden Lighting Designer: Robert A. Shakespeare 5, and Maggie, 2. Chris is an adjunct (See a photo of the group on page 18.) Scenic Designer: Chris Wych assistant professor at Hofstra University Calvary. In 2006 he directed Going After Costume Designer: Robbie Stanton Sound Designer: Joshua W. Cooney Deb Dickey Thomas, BA’01, MSEd’06, Costume Designer: Linda Pisano and a founding member of the New Cacciato by Romulus Linney, a play that Lighting Designer: Cynthia Murphy (continued on page 5) is now a teacher at North Daviess Jr./Sr. Lighting Designer: JoJo Percy York Neo-Futurists, winners of the 2006 won the David Mark Cohen Playwriting Sound Designer: Andrew Hopson High School in Elnora, Ind., where she Sound Designer: Andrew Hopson New York IT Award for Outstanding Award at the Association for Theatre has been selected to train in turning the Performance Production. Claire has in Higher Education Convention in school into a “new tech” high school. She her hand in the worlds of both literature Chicago. Celebrating also directs for the drama department, and film. Recently, both visited with Kevin “Wolf” Sherrill, MFA’00, has (continued from page 3) which is based on 21st Century learning faculty and , toured the Lee accepted a faculty position in acting skills. She lives in Shoals, Ind. Studio Theatre SAVE THE DATE! Norvelle Theatre and Drama Center, and at James Madison University in visited the old University Theatre. “It’s Harrisonburg, Va. His recent acting Kiersten M. Vorheis, BA’01, has The jewel of this project is a new ex- amazing,” said Chris, “like time has not credits include the role of Morris in The been acting professionally around the perimental studio theatre. This intimate moved forward at all. Almost everything Heiress at the Arvada Center in Denver, country in venues such as the Derby space will be a home for future student MAY 2, 2009 in the old building is just as it was when and an upcoming role as Franklyn in a Dinner Playhouse in Clarksville, Ind., productions. we were students.” new play, Kosher Lutherans, with the the Renaissance Center in Dickson, The Studio Theatre offers flexible seat- Tenn., and the Tibbits Opera House in Dawn Pearlman, BA’97, became direc- Snow Range Theatre Co. Sherrill will ing that is highly adaptable for many 75th Anniversary Coldwater, , where she recently tor of human resources (March 2007) also direct the play Dearly Departed different configurations of the actor- played Nickie in a performance of Sweet with Levy Restaurants at Wrigley Field for Theatre West in Nebraska. He lives audience relationship. State-of-the-art “Diamond” Jubilee Charity. She writes that she has also en- in Chicago. She lives in Chicago. in Harrisonburg with his wife, Alexi, lighting illuminates a playing area and their son, Keegan, who turned 3 in joyed “life on the road” for two national J. A. Ball, BFA’98, is a PhD candidate in where audience members are no more hosted by Indiana University November 2007. tours of A Christmas Carol. Vorheis lives than 15 feet away from the action. Department of Theatre and Drama theatre history and cultural studies at the in Clinton, Iowa. University of Pittsburgh and is currently , BA’01, is in the film pro- The future of Theatre and Drama at IU and Theatre Circle John Armstrong, BA‘02, MFA ‘07, ap- visiting assistant professor of drama gram at Cal Arts, where she just enjoyed looks bright, and the creation of new pears as Ross in at the Indiana at Carnegie Melon. Ball and Michael a screening of her film “Trickster” at the facilities for the department is critical Repertory Theatre this fall. HE lives in Watch the mail for your invitation this spring! Chemers, MFA’97, recently adapted REDCAT Theater. at this time. The renovation will ensure New Brunswick, N.J. Aristophanes’ Lysistrata, published by Emily Schwartz, BA’01, was recently that generations of theatre artists at IU Carnegie Mellon University voted Best Chicago Playwright of 2008 (continued on page 18) will flourish and create the theatre of by the Chicago Reader. She is also artistic tomorrow. 4 17 memory, imagination, and the power to ALUMNI NEWS adapt and endure. Director: John Maness Scenic Designer: Hyunsuk Shin St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Costume/Mask Designer: Erica Griese Milwaukee, Wis. Her husband, Donald, REMEMBER WHEN ... Asst Mask Designer: Miodrag Guberinic BS’58, LLB’66, is a senior vice president Lighting Design: Liz Replogle of B.C. Ziegler and Co., a financial- Sound Designer: Claire Diedrich services firm. The Grandes have lived Projection Designer: Cynthia Murphy in Milwaukee since 1966. They enjoy running and are involved in charitable activities. Retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Robert R. Turman, MA’65, has worked for the federal government for 42 years — 25 Darin De Paul (AEA Guest Artist) Allison Moody years for the military and 17 years in ci- and Thomas Florio Measure for vilian work. Turman, of Ijamsville, Md., A Funny Thing has worked with the U.S. Public Health Measure Service in Rockville, Md. Happened on the Katherine “Kiki” Wayman Mehner, BS’69, MBA’73, owns her own business, Way to the Forum Renaissance collided with heavy Entrepreneur’s Source, which provides Stephen Sondheim, Burt Shevelove metal, and unleashed a talented pool of business coaching. She lives and works actors and designers into the debauch- in Annandale, N.J., and she has lived on and ery of an out-of-control Vienna. the East Coast since 1973. From in the 1960s to Josh Hambrock and Director: Fontaine Syer in the 1990s, Forum has Justine Salata Theatre Dinner, 1951 Scenic Designer: Jared Rutherford, remained one of the most beloved and Do you recognize any of these folks? If so write [email protected] 1970s Costume Designer: Angie Burkhardt enduring pieces of American musical Jeanie A. Brandes, BA’71, is a Lighting Designer: Sean Smallman theatre. Thank you, to all of the alumni who reported in this year and to our faculty, staff, professional singer. She has released Sound Designer: Matt Reynolds and alumni association for keeping up on e-mails and updates! a new vocal jazz album, When I Look Director: Jonathan Michaelsen In Your Eyes, her third CD. Brandes Choreographer: George Pinney The facade of laughter veils a well I wish we had room for all the great photos that you sent and ALL of the news lives in Los Angeles, having recently Musical Director: James Ivey of sadness when an aging star of the (some of it pages long). If I’ve left anyone out, please write [email protected] moved from New York City. She can be Scenic Designer: Tim Borden Russian stage and her companion, a Our doubts are traitors, and so we can get your information online at theatre.indiana.edu and in the news! contacted through her Web site, www. Lighting Designer: Cynthia Murphy famous and popular writer, descend on Please don’t forget to update your contact information with the IU Alumni jeaniebrandes.com. Costume Designer: Scott M. Anderson her country estate. There, chaos and make us lose the good we Association, at www.alumni.indiana.edu or by returning the form on the back page Sound Designer: Andrew Hopson heartbreak ensue. oft might win, by fearing to of this newsletter! — Patricia Kennedy, Editor 1980s Director: Erik Friedman attempt. Barbara Fried Becker, BA’88, lives Scenic Designer: Chris Wych in Cleveland. In February 2007, the Lighting Designer: JoJo Percy — Measure for Measure, and a former member of the IUAA Cleveland Public Theatre produced her Costume Designer: Miodrag Guberinic Act I, Scene IV 1950s Executive Council. The couple lives in play Ictus. With Howard Kingkade, she Sound Designer: Andrew Hopson Pianist Bob Williams, BS’56, MA’64, Bloomington, Ind. Bob can be contacted won the Jury Prize for Best Screenplay Composer: Mark Oliveiro has released a new CD, Can’t Get Hoagy at [email protected]. at the 2008 Beverly Hills International Off My Mind, which features songs by Film Festival for the 2008 film Hole in alumnus Hoagy Carmichael, LLB’26, the Paper Sky. MFA thesis projects DM Hon’72. The CD was released as 1960s Kyle Donnelly, MFA’80, directed The part of a concert tour sponsored by the Barbara Gordon Grande, BS’60, is a In an outstanding year for successfully completed thesis projects, Three Musketeers for Seattle Rep in IU Alumni Association. Williams’s wife, speech language pathologist at the department congratulates: September. The show also benefitted Pat (Hargus), BS’60, acts as a narrator Jeff Grafton – Actor Chris Wych – Scenic Designer from the fight direction of Rick Sordelet. during performances, sharing insights The Real Thing The Seagull The production was a delightful, silly, and stories about Carmichael’s life. and romantic theatre piece, complete Harper Jones Allison Moody – Actor Angie Burkhart – Costume The couple was scheduled to perform with film-style music under the fights, The Seagull Designer throughout Florida and Arizona in love scenes, and sinister confrontations. Measure for Measure February 2008 and in Akron, Ohio, on Erik Friedman – Director March 1. Pat is a member of the IUAA Mark A. Fearnow, MA’82, PhD’90, is Mary Zimmerman The Seagull Leah Busse – Theatre Technology Executive Council, and Bob is a longtime a professor of theatre at Hanover (Ind.) John Maness – Director The Seagull This deeply moving, very funny play board member and past president of the College. Cambria Press recently Metamorphoses Singing Hoosiers Alumni Council 1964–65 Theatre Award Winners (continued on page 17) weaves familiar Greek myths into a Are YOU in this picture? stunning exploration of love, loss, 16 5 Dennis J. Reardon, playwright and Ilkhom Midsummer Theatre Program Theatre visits nurtures young theatre artists professor, retires from IU Bloomington he Midsummer Theatre Program is the department’s dynamic theatre and by Dale McFadden, Professor of Theatre and Drama drama institute designed for young artists who are preparing for a college On April 23, 2008, the Department T career. Students from around the country enjoy two weeks of challenging n April 20, 2008, Dennis Reardon’s family, col- American farm family, especially two brothers. One brother is of Theatre and Drama and the IU and rewarding theatrical training under the guidance of faculty, professionals in the leagues, and many former students gathered in the favored but killed in Vietnam; the other survives, only to live Auditorium welcomed a very special field, and young artists currently studying at IU. OWells-Metz Theatre for a catered dinner, wine, and out a dark, condemned existence, haunted by the ghost of his guest — The Ilkhom Theatre of Mark This year, 18 highly motivated and talented high school students studied acting, informal, heartfelt speech-making. Ronald Waiscott, Jonathan brother and ghosts from his life and family. It was produced Weil from Tashkent, Uzbekistan. monologue preparation, voice and speech, movement, acting for the camera, Michaelsen, Greg Owens, MFA’93, and Michael Chemers, at the Actors Studio in New York, starring James Woods, and Their performance, White White musical theatre, and dramatic literature that culminated in a final performance for MFA’97, gave appreciative remarks, and Lila Michaels, by the Public Theater, and was the recipient of the 1971 Avery Black Stork, based on the novel by friends and family. 19th-century Uzbek writer Abdulla MFA’94, read from The Peer Panel. All in all, it was a lovely Hopwood Award for Drama. The Final Presentation included Musical Theatre song and dance numbers and a Kadyri, tells the universal and tragic celebration of a life in playwriting, theatre, and higher Reardon’s third play, The Leaf People, depicted the first compilation of Shakespearean texts called Dark Ladies, Bright Angels. The overall tale of love confronted by the preju- education. contact by white men with a hostile tribe of Amazonian experience gave the students a sample of what it’s like to be a theatre and drama dices of custom and law and offers a Indians. “A young musician,” wrote the Village Voice reviewer, student here at IU. They spent time on our wonderful campus in addition to seeing rare glimpse into Uzbek culture. In 1966 Dennis J. Reardon, then a 22-year-old senior at the “goes into the jungle in search of his father, an anthropologist one of our shows at The Brown County Playhouse. The play was performed in Russian , was in the college theatre building when attempting to save a stone age tribe. The Leaf People, which If you know of young theatre students who want to be trained in a supportive and Uzbek with supertitles, and the the playwright introduced himself. was produced by Joseph Papp, reveals our shared humanity at atmosphere full of vitality and fun, please visit theatre.indiana.edu for more performers and audience shared the “You must be Dennis Reardon,” the author of , Bus Stop, a fundamental level, showing both aspects of good and evil. information. and Come Back, Little Sheba,” he said. Inge, an alumnus of that Papp made two unfortunate decisions for the production IU Auditorium stage. university, was in Lawrence, Kan., to teach a course in writ- of The Leaf People. The first was to move the play from the During their visit, company members ing, a course in which Reardon was not enrolled. Someone Vivian Beaumont at , which Papp managed worked with theatre students, and had given Inge a script Reardon had written for a playwriting from 1973–83, to the pro- taught master classes devoted to Circle welcomes associate producers course, and Inge admired it. their unique style of performance. scenium stage of the Booth The Theatre Circle as founded in 1978 to promote and encourage the study and Inge had a copy of the script sent to Audrey Theatre on West 45th street. White White Black Stork was practice of theatre arts in the IU Department of Theater and Drama and to Wood, one of the major theatrical agents in the “You must be Dennis Reardon,” The space and audience, directed by the late Mark Weil promote an awareness of theatre throughout the community and public at large. country. After a few months, Wood wrote to Reardon thought, were all (1952–2007), founder and artistic Acting as community advisors, recruiters, ambassadors, and fundraisers, the Reardon that she would be interested in seeing the author of Picnic, Bus Stop, wrong for the play. Papp’s director of The Ilkhom Theatre, the members of the Theatre Circle help to ensure that the highest standards of aca- anything else he might write. “Send me your second misstep with The first independent theatrical company demic and artistic excellence are met. And, on a social level, the members always other plays,” she requested, which spurred the and Come Back, Little Sheba, said Leaf People was to hire Tom in the USSR to reject state censor- have fun — in or out of the theatre! young man to begin work on a new script. O’Horgan as its director. ship and government subsidy. William Inge as he stepped out of Most famous for directing Theatre Circle is also focusing on the development of new audience through Wood sent the new script, The Happiness His work has been seen throughout its associate producers, individual sponsors who are featured in “their” show’s Cage, to Joseph Papp, producer and director Hair in 1968, it is thought the world in more than 22 inter- the faculty office. that O’Horgan lacked a programs, and receive six tickets to opening night complete with a wine and hors of the New York Shakespeare Festival, who national festivals in 18 countries, d’oeuvres reception for guests in the Monroe Bank Theatre Art Gallery where discovered, nurtured, and produced many of including Austria, Czech Republic, we display the costume and scenic designs for each show (see NOW below). the major American playwrights of the late 20th Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Members of the production staff are on hand to discuss their work. century. The play is set in a VA hospital where France, Holland, Norway, Germany, For more information on Theatre Circle, please contact Trish Haussman at doctors conduct psychological experiments on Japan, and the United States. [email protected], 812-866-3844. or visit theatre.indiana.edu. unsuspecting soldiers in a program of experimen- tal brain implantations. The Happiness Cage was the inaugural produc- NOW Faculty Designer Erica tion at the Newman Theatre, the flagship venue (continued from page 14) Griese’s masks help of the Joseph Papp Public Theater, in September cast of 12 assume 1970. The reviews were generally good, including Fontaine Syer, Associate Professor multiple characters in a rave by John Simon, who praised Reardon for (Acting and Directing), di- Metamorphosis 2008 his “totally assured dialogue—succulent, pointed, rected at the Pennsylvania literature without being literary.” The work has Shakespeare Festival and had one of been produced in Germany, the Netherlands, the best creative and collaborative and South Africa, and in 1972, The Happiness times she can remember. “The Cage was released as a feature film starring production was filled with things Christopher Walken. you can only do in the theatre,” Syer In 1970-71, Reardon was playwright-in- said. “Working on Lear is a huge residence at the University of Michigan, where challenge, and I was proud of many Dennis Reardon and Lila Michael, Acting MFA’94 (Center), with (from the left) things about our production. I’m THEN he wrote his second play, Siamese Connections, a Prometheus Bound designer masked Kevin playwrights Greg Polk, MFA’94, Michael Chemers, MFA’97, Angie Larimer, already looking forward to directing somber work that explores the dark side of an Klein in 1969 MFA’96, Kevin Daly, MFA’08, Greg Owens, MFA’93, David Houghtaling, MFA’94, it again, somewhere down the road. and director C. Russell Muth, MFA’94. 6 15 creative understanding of the play. The FACULTY & STAFF NOTES Leaf People premiered in October of 1975, and closed after a brief run. Reardon moved to upstate New York, It’s been a busy year for faculty and staff. Not only was the Theatre Program and directed the final presentation,Dark where he forwent playwriting for a few academic year filled with ambitious projects, this group just Ladies; Bright Angels a compilation of Shakespeare scenes years. In the 1980s he entered academe, keeps going, and going, and going, year round. and monologues dealing with women and love. She was the serving as playwright-in-residence at text and dialect coach for , , and Hartwick College in 1980 and teaching Lara Berich, Cutter/Draper, had a highly coveted position as The Sound of Music at The Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, English at the State University of New a lead draper at the legendary Santa Fe Opera this summer. an Equity company in Conway, AR. In the fall, she will coach York at Albany, where he worked from Sherlock Holmes, The Final Adventure directed by Peter David Grindle, Production Manager, chaired the NAST 1985–1987 and earned, in 1990, a Doctor Amster at the Indiana Repertory Theatre. approved (soon to be ratified) BFA Stage Management of Arts. Curriculum Standards Drafting committee for USITT. He On the international scene, Murray McGibbon, Associate In 1987 he joined IU as head of the was appointed Vice-Commissioner for Programming of the Professor (Acting and Directing), was a featured speaker and Playwriting Program of the Department Management Commission of USITT, directed Carmen for Panel Chairman at the ISPA (International Society for the of Theatre and Drama. During his the Summer Opera Theatre in DC, served as guest lecturer Performing Arts) World Congress in Durban South Africa in tenure at Indiana, Reardon created a at San Diego State University, University of Georgia, and June and wrapped up his busy South African summer with program termed by a survey of MFA Piedmont College and as a presenter at USITT in Houston, a stop in to remount Black Mamba. This hilarious, programs nationwide by Chicago’s trade and led a class trip to Las Vegas to shadow at Cirque du fast-paced, bitingly clever (and courageous) satire has taken journal PerformInk as “the most elite Soleil, Blue Man Group, and Phantom of the Opera. Kwazulu Natal, Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg, South playwriting program in the country.” Bruce Burgun, Associate Professor (Acting and Directing) Africa by storm. Since McGibbon first staged it in 2005, the In the late 1970s, Reardon returned to Burgun completed his 18th consecutive year as member of sketch , performed in the vein of America’s Greater creating plays and theatre. Throughout the Individualized Major Program, and served as thesis chair Tuna, featured multi-talented actor/author Ben Voss and the early 1980s, he produced smaller for three 2008 MFA acting/directing thesis projects. He was James Cunningham in all of the roles, and has won numerous pieces, some of which are among his nominated to FACETS (Faculty Colloquium on Excellence in awards. The London production premiered at The New Reardon had almost completed Last Days of the High Flier on Sept. 11, 2001. Events on most popular and many of which find Teaching) for the Indiana University system, received a 2008 Wimbledon Theatre on Aug. 26. that day inspired a rewirte of the original play. The play, which explores America’s loss of him exploring new forms. Among these Arts Leadership Award (the Arts in Education Award) from Jonathan Michaelsen, Chair, worked on increasing inter- innocence after the assasination of President John F. Kennedy, premiered in 2004. plays are Subterranean Homesick Blues the Bloomington Area Arts Council and was appointed as an national exchange possibilities for students and faculty and Again, a 10-minute play commissioned “Artist in Residents” at the Bloomington Playwrights Project. travelled to the University of Kent in Canterbury, England honored to present the world premiere in 2004 and was subsequently published by the Actors Theatre of Louisville, this summer. Currently the Department has four Kent stu- of this work in its T300 Studio Theatre by Broadway Play Publishing. In addition to The Real Thing at LNTDC, he directed Miss premiering there in 1983 and performed dents spending the year studying at IU. “The Department is in March 1999. Over his dedicated teaching career at Witherspoon at the Waldron Arts Center and The Boys Next throughout the U.S. ever since. Door at the Brown County Playhouse, and adjudicated new looking to open up to the world as well as bringing the world Reardon’s The Misadventures of Indiana, Reardon taught hundreds of Following early 1980s readings in American plays at Playfest at the Orlando Shakespeare to Bloomington”, said Michaelsen. The Department has a Cynthia M. (1999-2001) follows a beauti- undergraduates the crafts of playwriting New York and Portland, Maine, Steeple Festival and the Humana Festival for New American Plays at number of foreign students and Fulbright Scholar In Jun Kim ful young woman with deeply passionate and screenwriting and provided them Jack received its world premier produc- the Actors Theatre of Louisville. from South Korea on campus this year. aspirations who finds herself thwarted an opportunity to have their works read tion at the Bloomington Playwrights both by her own limitations and by soci- before an audience through the annual Burgun recently attended the American Theatre Critics Michaelsen also directed Same Time Next Year at Brown Project in 1988. This full-length play is etal constraints. Inspired by events that Meet The Playwrights Program. Of Association in Washington DC, and is a member of the County Playhouse. about a young girl, her father, and two happened in Bloomington in the recent greater note is the MFA Playwriting Executive, New Plays (which awarded a $40,000 Steinberg/ Adam Noble, Assistant Professor (Movement/Combat), transients that come into their lives. On past, The Misadventures of Cynthia M. Program that he passionately and solely ATCA Award to playwright Moises Kaufman) and Regional played Edmund and served as fight director forKing Lear the basis of his work on Steeple Jack, employs a wide range of styles, from refined and oversaw during his many Theatre Tony Award Committee. at Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, directed by our own the National Endowment for the Arts Fontaine Syer. Noble also acted and served as stunt coordina- brutal naturalism to an unabashedly years at Indiana. As teacher and mentor Roger Herzel, Professor Emeritus (Theory and Literature), awarded Reardon a prestigious two-year spiritual lyricism. he inspired many talented playwrights spent the early summer completing four tor /fight director for an independent short filmDeaf Killer Playwriting Fellowship. In early 2001 Reardon began research- who developed their craft and honed articles, the first of which, “Theatre History and 17th-Century and has been hired by Indiana Repertory Theatre to serve as Boone Descended, a 1992 meditation ing the historical events that surrounded their own voices under his guidance. France,” has just been published in 17th-Century French fight director for their upcoming production ofMacbeth . on the national character, follows the the action for his next play, Last Days On a personal note, I have had the Studies (30:1 2008). He and Sharon then spent the summer Wes Peters, Professor Emeritus (Scenic Design), spent two story of mysterious encounters between of The High Flier. He had almost com- opportunity as a director to work with enjoying their home in Normandy. weeks in Ireland in September, and reports he saw Abbey Daniel Boone and his direct, lineal Theatre’s An Ideal Husband! pleted the play by Sept. 11 of that year, Dennis on two of his plays — Boone Cathy Taylor, MA in Arts Management and former Director descendant, a demoralized and unem- but the events of that day caused him to Descended and Last Days of the High of Audience Development, works in Chicago, where her clients Linda Pisano, Associate Professor (Costume Design), led ployed diesel mechanic. This full-length postpone his work and, eventually, to Flier. Both were demanding and intense include renowned companies like Chicago Shakespeare students on the department’s study abroad program to play won Reardon a Master Fellowship rewrite it from the beginning. The play experiences due to Dennis’ passion Theatre and Steppenwolf, both of which recently won Tony London and designed The Boys Next Door for Brown County in Playwriting from the Indiana Arts is set on a college campus in the wake and unwavering belief in the power of Awards. Playhouse. She will collaboate with the IU Jacobs School Commission. of the Kennedy Assassination. CIA theatre. He is a playwright who creates Nancy L. Lipschultz, Associate Professor (Voice and Speech), of Music’s on Most Happy Fella. Also watch for her Hamlet Another full-length play, The Peer activity and our creeping journey toward an elegant story imbued with a truth was the dialect coach for the Brown County Playhouse here at IU and To Kill A Mockingbird with Indiana Repertory Panel (1997) was chosen for develop- Vietnam serve as backdrop to an overall that should be witnessed. His talent, production of How The Other Half Loves Theatre. In May she received tenure and promotion. ment at the Denver Center Theater loss of innocence in America. The play passion, and commitment have well directed by Dale McFadden this summer, In June she worked Company’s US West TheatreFest. The was given a full production by the served American theatre and Indiana as the Acting teacher for IU’s 2008 Midsummer (continued on page 15) Department of Theatre and Drama was Department of Theatre and Drama University.

14 7 (continued from page 13) Students making a difference Other Chicago design credits include the Greasy Joan and Co. production of (Jeff Recommended), and Sansculottes Theatre Company’s production of Fear of a Hood. heatre is an avenue for artistic expression, but it is also a business Davies’ lighting design has been seen in the IU productions of A Chorus Line, , “MASTER HAROLD”...and the boys, Bat that needs active participation by students to help build an audience Boy—The Musical, , and the Brown County Playhouse’s Smoke on the Mountain. He also designed the lighting for the IU Tthat will appreciate theatre for years to come. In that spirit, two highly dance pieces “Joining Forces,” “The Return,” and “Our Nature.” Other Bloomington lighting design credits include Patty creative and organized student groups add value to the educational process. Pants at the Bloomington Playwright’s Project and Arcadia at the John Waldron Arts Center. Student Advisory Board Ken Weitzman – Visiting Professor – Playwriting, Screenwriting Each year, this group of committed theatre students take on an important role in the decision-making process of the department, serving as liaisons Ken Weitzman’s recent full-length play, The As If Body Loop, was produced as part of the 2007 between students and faculty. They serve on the play-selection committee, Humana Festival of New American Plays at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Weitzman returned to field questions about opportunities and activities, address concerns to faculty Humana in 2008, commissioned to write for the Humana Anthology Project. His previous plays have members and staff on behalf of students, and plan and execute activities been presented and developed at Atlantic Theater Company, New York Stage and Film, Steppenwolf and fundraisers throughout the year, including the end-of-the-year Theatre Theatre Company, Playwrights Horizons, Arena Stage, Alliance Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum, Awards Banquet (Drama Prom). The work of the SAB ensures that students, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Dad’s Garage, Florida Stage, The Bay Area Playwrights Festival, 2008 Student Advisory Board: (back row, left to the faculty, staff, and department chair are all on the same page. Black Dahlia Theatre, Page 73 Productions, and The Summer Play Festival. Ken has received right) Sean Smallman, Ryan Goshman, Matthew commissions from Arena Stage, , the Alliance Theatre, Actors Theatre University Players Martin, Lauren Schaefer, Graham Sheldon; (front of Louisville, and Theatre Emory. Ken will be Writer-in-Residence for Out Of Hand Theatre’s 2008-09 season. In October, row, left to right) Sarah McCarroll and Deana Weitzman’s play Arrangements was produced by the Pavement Group in Chicago; also in October, he read from his newest work, The University Players is a student-run theatre organization dedicated Nichols. Not Pictured: Mary Weber Fire in the Garden, at the Geva Theater. to providing further opportunities in the areas of theatrical performance, production, management, and educational outreach to undergraduate students of all majors His awards include the 2003 L. Arnold Weissberger Award (chosen and awarded by Williamstown Theatre Festival) for and backgrounds. This semester, enthusiastic and dedicated students interested in acting, Arrangements, which was subsequently chosen to be produced as part of Atlantic Theater Company’s inaugural second-stage directing, playwriting, lighting, costuming, set design, stage management, marketing, and season; the McDonald Playwriting Award for The As If Body Loop (for the best new play in San Diego, chosen by KPBS); and fundraising, will follow a professional model to produce a number of projects, including a the Elizabeth George Commission for an Outstanding Emerging Playwright (chosen and awarded by South Coast Repertory presentation of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. Theatre). Weitzman received his MFA from the University of California, San Diego, and taught playwriting at his alma mater, Emory University, West Georgia University, The Old Globe Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Actors Express Theatre, Horizon Theatre, the Alliance Theatre, the Playwrights Project, and Young Playwrights Inc. Then and now by Patricia Kennedy, Arts Administrator His acting background includes training at the University of Michigan and in New York at the Atlantic Theatre Company. He has done voice work for several books on tape, including CASINO by Nick Pileggi, with and Joe Grifasi. In a previous life, Weitzman wrote and produced sports documentaries and narratives for television for, among others, the National Basketball The note at right was recently found with Association, ABC, Speedvision, Emerald City, and CybrCard. scripts from Lee Norvelle’s collection “Yes of memorabilia. It raises interesting folks, leave the questions and might make a fun research kids at home project for one of our students. for this one, because The History is clear on the fact that Lee Professional Staff Appointments Welcome Support Staff Wild Party is for Norvelle was sensitive to the needs Naomi Cohenour, Accounts Supervisor, has worked in the grownups. James Barrow, Fiscal Officer,has been at IU since 2004, of his students and audience. Was many areas at IU since 1998, including the Kelley School Pinney is pulling having worked for the School of Music and Continuing he also bound by an established Ariel Simpson of Business, the Department of Physics, and University out all the stops Studies. Barrow holds a BGS with a minor in criminal review or censorship process? Was Division. In October 2001, she received a staff merit award for what sounds like an unforgettable justice IU, and an associates of science in financial manage- a decision to seek advice designed to and in June of 2006, she received the Dean of Faculties evening. He told me, ‘Artistically, The ment from the Community College of the Air Force. He is gain support for the program? Or was he Award Bonus. Naomi holds a BS from Indiana Wesleyan Wild Party has been one of the more a Bloomington native and a 9-year veteran of the U.S. Air simply seeking an opinion from a trusted University and an AS from Ivy Tech State College. exciting and difficult challenges I have Force. colleague during a tumultuous time in on the death penalty and its impact on ever faced. Most musical scores average Patricia Kennedy, Arts Administrator, is an experienced Charlene McGlashen, Executive Secretary, has been with American history? anyone touched by an act of murder. around 100 to 200 pages; this score is administrator, producer/presenter, and corporate trainer. the university since 2005. She has an associate’s degree in Whatever research may tell us about Reaction from students and others over 400. The singing and dancing is She has worked with regional and national touring theatres business administration from Ivy Tech. She is continuing the note, today the department remains who attended The Wild Party covered nonstop! The Wild Party is a true test for and presented seminars and keynote speeches naitonwide her studies here at Indiana University. conscious of its reponsibilities to students a broad spectrum of comments ranging the triple threat, actor/singer/dancer. and in Canada. Kennedy recently spoke to case workers Catherine Richards, Administrative/Academic Secretary, and audience in a cultural environment from delighted, to stimulated, to out- The leads are tour de force roles, delving from the Georgia Department of Labor on “The Gift of received her BA in theatre and drama at IU and joined the that invites controversy and demands a raged. The Herald Times (see excerpt into incredibly dark and heightened Laughter.” She helped found the Arizona chapter of Actors’ staff in time for the start of fall semester, after working for broad spectrum of plays. right) added fuel to the discussion. dramatic action. Sex, drugs, and booze Equity Association, and has performed in or directed over three years in the IU Biology Department. The first two plays this season are clear The end result? At a time when a are used as weapons to become the 100 productions. In 2005 she produced the first non-Disney examples of program choices made with younger, more engaged audience is life of the party and for payback.’ He national tour of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida for Theatre that audience in mind. critical to the future of theatre, two had me at ‘hello.’” — Joel Pierson, League. Dead Man Walking and surrounding little words — sold out — made my Bloomington Herald Times, 2008 For in-depth information on our great faculty and staff, please visit theatre.indiana.edu. special events invited public dialogue heart sing!

8 13 Department welcomes new faculty members Playwrights Raise the Bar by Tom Shafer, Dramaturg

Paul Brunner – Assistant Professor – Theatre Technology A pod? A pack? A parliament of playwrights? A den? A drove? A draft of dramatists? A swarm of Paul Brunner comes to us from the Department of Opera and Ballet at IU’s Jacobs School of Music script writers? However one might describe it, last season the department hosted a plethora of plotters, some home-grown, and the Musical Arts Center. He has held faculty positions at Oklahoma State University and IU some from out-of-town, and some falling into both camps. South Bend and has been technical director, lighting designer, or sound designer for more than 70 theatre, dance, and grand opera productions including La Boheme, A Wedding, Don Giovanni, A December 2007 – theatre and drama classes and students Bullins’ 50+ plays have won numerous Midsummer Nights Dream, and the world premiere of the opera Our Town. Jimmy Cory in the Department of African American awards, including the New York Drama He is an active member of USITT Midwest and has been a presenter at USITT National Conferences and African Diaspora Studies. Parks has Critics Circle Award, the Vernon Rice Kevin Daly, the final MFA student regarding his research into computer applications for technical production and wood and agri-fiber written or co-written the screenplays for , the Obie, and the under Dennis J. Reardon’s guidance, composites and their applications for stage scenery. In 2001 he was awarded the K&M Fabrics ’s Girl 6, The Great Debaters, AUDELCO Award. Technical Production Award from USITT for outstanding achievement and potential in technical created a darkly realistic look at and the teleplay for Their Eyes Were Robert Alexander is the author of 29 production in the performing arts. political corruption. Directed by Murray Watching God. She is a recipient of a plays including Servant of the People McGibbon, Jimmy Cory was a typically MacArthur “Genius” Award, and her and the widely seen I Ain’t Yo’ Uncle: Amy Cook – Assistant Professor – Theatre History, Theory, Literature strong example of the work generated in play Topdog/Underdog was awarded the The New Jack Revisionist Uncle Tom’s Professor Reardon’s program. in 2002. Amy Cook specializes in the intersection of cognitive science and theories of performance, theatre Cabin and Secrets in the Sands, and history and dramaturgy, early modern drama, and contemporary productions of Shakespeare. She is Earlier in the academic year, Edris The Hourglass. His works have been currently working on the manuscript of Shakespearean Neuroplay: Hamlet, Blending, and Cognitive Cooper-Anifowoshe directed several of produced by the Kennedy Center, Inner Science. Her essay “Interplay: The Method and Potential of a Cognitive Approach to Theatre” was the plays from Parks’s latest work, 365 City Cultural Center, Los Angeles published in the December 2007 “new paradigms” issue of Theatre Journal and “Staging Nothing: Days/365 Plays, and this coming March, Theatre Center, the Hartford Stage Hamlet and Cognitive Science,” was published in SubStance in 2006. She was also commissioned to also under her direction, the department Company, and the Mark Taper Forum, to write a documentary theater piece on “race” at Emory University, to be presented at the Brave New will present Park’s The America Play. name a few. Works Festival at Emory in February of 2009. ’Niyi Coker Jr. holds a PhD in African Cook directed Amy Freed’s The Beard of Avon at UCSD, and staged readings at UCSD’s Baldwin New Play Festival, The Dumb July 2008 – Black Play Lab American studies, and studied under Waiter by at UCSD’s graduate cabaret, and various (off-off-Broadway) plays in New York City. She has assisted In addition to her strenous teaching Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, Academy directors Lisa Peterson, Richard Nelson, Rob Bundy, Howard Shalwitz, and Lou Jacob at theatres such as Playwrights Horizons, and directing schedule, director Edris Award-Winner F. Murray Abraham, New York Theatre Workshop, Mark Taper Forum, Blue Light, and San Diego Repertory. She was the “cognitive performance Cooper-Anifowoshe found time to Social Critic Molefi Asante and Pulitzer analyst” (and dramaturg) for Richard III at Georgia Shakespeare Festival in 2007. secure a generous grant from the Lilly Prize-winner . He has For the last two years she has been a Mellon Fellow in dramaturgy, directing, and dramatic literature at Emory University February 2008 – An American Ma(u)l Endowment’s New Frontiers in the Arts served as artistic director at the National in Atlanta. She earned her PhD in theatre and drama at University of California, San Diego where she studied with Louis and Humanities Program. Supplemented Theatre of Nigeria, Malmo Hogskola in Montrose, Bryan Reynolds, Jim Carmody, Janet Smarr, and cognitive scientists Gilles Fauconnier, Rafael Núñez, and Seana Robert O’Hara visited the department by support from the department and the Sweden and “The” Theatre in Bermuda. Coulson. Her BA in theater directing and psychology (a self-designed individual concentration through the Honors Program) is in late February to discuss his play, An Office of Academic Affairs and Dean of He is the founding Artistic Director of from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. American Ma(u)l, with Director Edris Faculties, the funds were used to create the African Arts Ensemble in New York Cooper-Anifowoshe. The Obie Award- the 2008 Black Play Lab, which helped City, and has directed shows at the Nat Terry LaBolt – Assistant Professor, Musical Director winning playwright (In the Continuum, develop Bulletproof Hearts by Robert Horne and theatres Terry LaBolt’s career as a Broadway conductor flourished in the 1980s. In that decade, he conducted 2006) also met with the cast, sat in on Alexander, directed by guest director in New York City and at King Alfreds shows such as 42nd Street, Hello, Dolly! (with Carol Channing), George M. (with Joel Grey), and Sugar rehearsals, gave two lectures to the Olesegun Ojewuyi and Preemptive by Theatre in Winchester, England. Babies (with Ann Miller and Mickey Rooney). He is co-author of The Wonder Years – the Musical department and the public, attended ’Niyi Coker, Jr., directed by Cooper- which enjoyed success off-Broadway and in Los Angeles. Endeavors at the keyboard include The performances in March, and joined Annifowoshe. (continued on page 10) the Tuesday talk-back with the audi- Fantasticks (original Off-Broadway production) and tough touring shows such as The Phantom of the With the expert assistance ence. O’Hara’s recent projects include Opera, Evita, Aida and most recently Mamma Mia. LaBolt performed the area premiere of Keith of graduate student, Sean Des McAnuff’s revival of The Wiz at Emerson’s Piano Concerto #1 with the Kentucky Symphony Orchestra in 2001. In addition he was Smallman, the plays were LaJolla Playhouse and Good Breeding, music director of musical theatre for the University of Cincinnati’s College Conservatory of Music for workshopped with a his new adaptation of The Oresteia at more than 10 years, conducting and supervising more than 30 productions. combination of IU student Washington, D.C.’s Wooly Mammoth actors and professional Theatre. In March 2009, Chay Yew will actors. Following each Ryan Davies – Visiting Assistant Professor – Lighting Design direct the world premiere of O’Hara’s performance, the writers Antebellum. Ryan Davies is excited to return to the Department of Theatre and Drama for the 2008–09 year. He joined in an engaging completed his MFA in lighting design from Indiana University in spring 2006. April 2008 – Ralph L. Collins dialogue with the actors After his graduation, Ryan became lighting supervisor for the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Memorial Lecture and audience. winner of the 2008 Tony Award for the best regional theatre company in the United States. At A mini-conference on Chicago Shakes, Davies designed lighting for Funk It Up About Nothin (Jeff Recommended), Short Suzan-Lori Parks visited the department Black drama featured Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet, CPS Shakespeare! Hamlet, and CPS Shakespeare! Romeo and Juliet. in April to meet with classes and give Obie Award-winning He also collaborated on productions including , , Cymbeline, Passions, the Ralph L. Collins Memorial Lecture. playwright Ed Bullins as , The Three Musketeers, and Two Noble Kinsmen. Parks presented informal talks that were Students attending the Black Play Lab gather around Edris entertaining and inspiring. She met with its keynote speaker. Cooper-Anifowoshe, director of Bulletproof Hearts, and Ed (continued on page 13) Bullins, keynote speaker. 12 9 Sondheim is coming! For the first time, Marilyn Norris is a ‘retiring’ figure

tephen Sondheim will be on hand About the n Oct. 22, students, faculty, ‘Charging, always talks, post-show discussions, and dinners to commemorate our 75th season Collins Lecture staff, Theatre Circle members, charging’ with directors and designers. of plays and present the 45th family and friends gathered O In the early 1980s Norris became In 1987, Norris was appointed adminis- S Ralph L. Collins (1907- Ralph L. Collins Memorial Lecture to honor Marilyn Norris. An ad-hoc trative director. She scheduled classes, on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at 8 p.m. 1963) was an esteemed Norris Readers Theatre Troupe (made the second executive director of the member of the IU Bloomington Area Arts Council. solved problems for students and fac- Sondheim will deliver the lecture at up of Dennis Reardon, Ron Wainscott, ulty, wrote grants, served as liaison for the IU Auditorium. community who served Charles Railsback, and Tom Shafer) read Board member Jane Potter Otten says, as assistant dean of Theatre Circle, and maintained contact “In light of our expanded focus into letters from absent friends. “What made Marilyn so great was she faculties in 1948 and with alumni and patrons. the area of musical theatre, it seemed came to work, with a lot of vice president and dean She also administered the Brown fitting to invite the most important enthusiasm and she was ready of faculties in 1959. to get down to the nuts and County Playhouse. “The most interesting American musical composer of our contract that I’ve ever negotiated was for As teacher and scholar, bolts.” century to deliver the Ralph L. Collins a dog as an actor at the Brown County Collins was principally lecture. We were honored that Mr. Bloomington photographer Playhouse,” Norris said. “He was so interested in the area Sondheim accepted our invitation,” and board member Roger good we brought him back for an encore of theatre and drama. said Jonathan Michaelsen, chair of the Pfingston recalls, “When I performance the next year!” IU Department of Theatre and Drama. For many years he think of Marilyn Norris, I published in journals The Wells-Metz Theatre grid, above, served as the insane think of someone charging, Norris also contributed to and edited the Sondheim’s long and storied career and taught undergradu- asylum in 2002’s Sweeney Todd. always charging.” Board fall/winter 2007 issue of Stages, demon- reads like a page out of the American ate courses on modern member Natalia Schau sees strating a deep affection for our faculty songbook. Over a career that spans 50 drama and in Shakespeare and a gradu- hiring Marilyn as a turning and students, both present and past. years, he composed and wrote lyrics ate seminar on George Bernard Shaw. point in the history of the Arts “The greatest reward of this job is for musical favorites, including A Even after assuming many administra- Playwrights Council. “It legitimized the following the personal and professional Funny Thing Happened on the Way to tive duties, Collins maintained his (continued from page 9) organization in a way it hadn’t progress of our graduates,” she said. “It’s the Forum, Company, Sweeney Todd, interest in theatre. For him, drama was been before … what a power- a bit like being a proud parent — visits, Sunday in the Park with George, and an intense presentation of behavior, a August 2008 – Premiere house she was. Still is.” letters, and phone calls from your ‘de- Into the Woods. He provided lyrics to Marilyn Norris projection of gestures of mind and heart, In 1984, Norris left the BAAC partmental children’ are most satisfying.” Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story Musicals and a searching analysis of motives and It is not surprising that Norris shares the to rejoin the department, first as accounts We wish Marilyn the very best in her and Julie Stein’s Gypsy, and has an Now in its third summer, Premiere moral foundation. No static memorial same hometown as . manager and visiting lecturer, then as retirement. The department, the city of impressive list of television and film Musicals: Developing Musical could honor the memory of Ralph L. She grew up in Columbus, Miss., where the first professional director of audience Bloomington, and the theatre at large credentials and awards, including the Theatre at Indiana University, Collins as do the present lectures. brought in writer Katie Baldwin many family members, including sisters development. were lucky, indeed, when she decided National Medal of Arts from President Jan and Beverlyn, reside and, not Eng and composer James B. Rubio Norris oversaw the Oral Interpretation to become an honorary Yankee and Clinton and the Lifetime Achievement Recent Collins lecturers include Simon surprisingly, support the arts. travel north to study at IU. We have all Award at the 1993 Kennedy Center Callow, Marcel Marceau, and Desmond to workshop their musical based on Program and taught courses in theatre Norris graduated from the Mississippi benefited greatly from her energy, hope, Honors. Heely. George MacDonald’s The Day Boy management, acting, and directing. She and the Night Girl, a finalist for the University for Women in 1962, and helped coordinate the newly formed charm, and intelligence. 2004 Award. joined its faculty in 1967. She was Theatre Circle and instituted pre-show — Tom Shafer The creators had the flexibility of director of forensics and debate for eight rewriting and restructuring the years, director of readers theatre for two musical throughout the rehearsals years, an actor, and the acting director of and received full production support theatre. from a talented team of students and She received her MA from the faculty who collaborated to create an University of Florida in 1971 and in 1882 fairytale world. 1978 came to Bloomington for her PhD. James Ivey provided musical direc- At IU, she served as assistant director tion and George Pinney directed and and dialect coach of Lu Ann Hampton choreographed a cast of IU musical Laverty Oberlander, part of Preston theatre students and professional Jones’s Texas Trilogy. actor-singers, with costumes by As a graduate student, Norris profes- Robbie Stanton, sets by Seamus M sionalized house management, especially Bourne and Jared Rutherford, light- at the Brown County Playhouse, where ing design by Sean Smallman, and her cordial, helpful and enthusiastic THEN NOW stage management by Jayme O’Hara. manner made lifelong theatregoers of Hamlet 1958 with Hamlet 2008 with Post-show discussions engaged many a summer vacationer visiting both young and old in the creative Nashville, Ind. Murphy Brown’s Harper jones process. Charles Kimbraugh and Justine Salata

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