THE PROMPTER
Volume 45, No. 3 February 22 - 26, 2008 Season LXXXXIV The Department of Theatre Arts at Gettysburg College presents The Owl and Nightingale Players in
Production Design by Jerome O. Hanson Costume Design by Zennis Goshorn Cast Lists
Woman...... Chelsea Bucklin Eunice Hubbell...... Quiana Young Stanley Kowalski...... Phillip Ballantine Stella Kowalski...... Devon Johnson Steve Hubbell...... Jacob Henkoff Harold Michell (Mitch)...... Matt Gross Mexican Woman...... Laura Martinez Blanche DuBois...... Ashley Stuart Pablo Gonzales...... Chris Rustin Paperboy...... Peter Mele Nurse...... Lindsey Dever Doctor...... Kevin Ackerman Woman 1...... Anna Armagno Sailor/Man 1...... Rob White Sailor/Man 2 ...... Nick Lorenz Man 3...... Charles Zagne Man 4...... Fan Luo Man 5...... Chase McMullen Man 6...... Peter Ayer
There will be two seven minute intermissions.
—Special Thanks— Emily Windover, Emile and Patricia Schmidt, Facilities Services, Gettysburg College Printing The Production Staff and Crews
Assistant Director ...... Jess Ernst Assistants to the Designer ...... Jo Shive and Amanda Ward Set Decoration ...... Sarah Pierce Dramaturg ...... Becca Lausch Stage Managers ...... Becky Spurr and Stephanie Sunderlin Lighting Design ...... Kat Doyle Master Electricians ...... Sarah Moses and Adam Clever Properties Manager ...... Alicia Pepe Asst. Props Managers ...... Sophie Schwinn and Audrey Schwinn Sound Board Operator ...... Stephanie Sunderlin Light Board Operator ...... Jess Wismer
Production Supervisors: Torrey Drum, Kevin Hagerty, Nick Lorenz, Fan Luo, Sarah Moses, Sarah Pierce, Jo Shive, Brian Tenney, Rob Towarnicki, Amanda Ward
Production Crew: Kelley Andersen, Chaz Andrews, Anna Armagno, Phillip Ballantine, Laura Banti, Elyse Bennett, James Burkhalter, Justin Causey, Spike Cirigliano, Adam Clever, Chelsi Conklin, Diana Cotumaccio, Scott Decker, Amelia Devine, Kirsten Egenes, Jess Ernst, Woody Fazzano, Marianne Florentino, Will Green, Sean Gilmartin, Erin Haughee, Danielle Hiss, Peter Huyett, Samantha Johnson, Sarah Kleinle, Natalie Knarvik, Terri Lewis-King, Packer Larson, Becca Lausch, Rachel Little, Ricardo Manigat, Natalie Mannino, Liz May, Kerry McKenna, Terena McLorn, Krissy McMahon, Beth Morgan, Caitlin Moser, Shannon Mounts, Samantha O’Leary, Isha Rajbhandari, Katherine Risk, Chris Rustin, Audrey Schwinn, Sophie Schwinn, Lexie Sickles, Kate Sims, Becky Spurr, Mike Sweeney, Catherine Toner, Steven Torok, Ryan Tunkel, Robert White, Jess Wismer, Charles Zange
Light Crew: Laura Banti, Elyse Bennett, Adam Clever, Kat Doyle, Jess Ernst, Kevin Hagerty, James Malloy, Sarah Moses, Ryan Tunkel, Rob White, Jess Wismer
Costume Crew: Chaz Andrews, Elyse Bennett, Jess Ernst, Jen Logan, Lauren Pappas, Stephanie Sunderlin, Rebecca Swerida, Sara Thomas
Publicity and Program: Ashley Boggs, Jessica Bonini, Sara Fry, Teri Gillmor
Poster Design: Geoffrey Gaenslen Director’s notes
Most people who know about this play have experience with the classic 1953 movie with Vivian Leigh and Marlon Brando. As great as that is, it also is not the best representation of many key points in Tennessee Williams’ stage play. The Hollywood censorship board made significant cuts in material that would have helped to illuminate the main conflict stirring within Blanche DuBois. The censors removed any mention of homosexuality, for example. The very real presence of this in Blanche’s life, and her guilt over her subsequent behavior, can be seen as instrumental in her psychological turmoil and her arrested development—she is stuck in her desire to reclaim what she has lost: her young husband, her love, and what she sees as her fading youth. At the same time, she strives to remain one of the soft people, bringing magic and enchantment, instead of illuminating the painful truth underneath. Having to live with the brutish Stanley Kowalski at this point in her life makes for a perfect storm.
A Streetcar Named Desire touches upon themes that were close to the playwright’s heart: the distance between desire and love, and between sex and violence; the clash between animal force and poetic sensitivity; and the ability, or inability, to forgive oneself and one another. Williams toyed with many titles before settling on A Streetcar Named Desire. The list consisted of Electric Avenue, Primary Colors, Blanche’s Chair on the Moon, and most famously The Poker Night. Each help to throw light on what was important to Williams in this play, but the title he settled on goes right to the heart: “a rattle-trap streetcar that bangs up one lonely street and down another.” Blanche’s journey is wonderfully symbolized at the beginning of the play. She says “They told me to take a Streetcar named Desire, transfer to one called Cemetery, ride six blocks and end up at Elysian Fields”. This pathway is a common one, but the eloquence and lyricism of one of our national treasures, Tennessee Williams, is quite unique.
The cast for Streetcar was eager and willing to return from winter break early in order to start rehearsals. We had five long days working from 10am-6pm before classes started. We called it Streetcar Bootcamp—we dined together, rehearsed intensely, even went bowling together to get the “hard exercise” that Stanley mentions. It has been a challenging, fun, and immensely rewarding rehearsal process. I am proud of all the hard work and sensitivity of these young actors, and how willing they are to embrace the seriousness of the work and Williams’ message. We hope you appreciate their efforts. DRAMATURG’S notes
The original New Orleans streetcar herself. Thomas Lanier “Tennessee” Williams
Growing up in St. Louis, MO during the early 20th Century, playwright Tennessee Williams and his siblings endured a rather emotionally volatile home environment. This experience would come to bear considerable influence on his emotional health and writing throughout his life. He studied journalism and playwriting at the universities of Missouri, Iowa, and George Washington University. Williams’ first “big break” came in 1944 with the success of his play “The Glass Menagerie.” Though he enjoyed a relatively privileged life financially from there on out, “Streetcar,” along with all his subsequent writing, reminds us that the human capacity for empathy is not a matter of fame or fortune but rather is borne from struggle that rows deep within the heart.
— Select Production Chronology — 1947- Broadway Barrymore Theatre Elia Kazan, Director BLANCHE Jessica Tandy STANLEY Marlon Brando STELLA Kim Hunter EUNICE Peg Hilias STEVE Rudy Bond MITCH Karl Malden PABLO Nick Dennis 1951- Film Warner Bros. Film Elia Kazan, Director Original cast with exception of Vivien Leigh in place of Jessica Tandy for the role of Blanche.
1952- Ballet Slavenska- Franklin Ballet Company Century Theatre, New York Valerie Bettis, Choreographer
1988- Opera San Francisco Opera André Previn, Composer
— Select Williams Quotes —
“Of all that is precious in this world, peace is supreme – even an hour of it.”
“In memory everything seems to happen to music.”
“Guilt is universal.”
“There is a time for departure, even when there is no certain place to go.”
“Hell is yourself and the only redemption is when a person puts himself aside to feel deeply for another person.”
“What is straight? A line can be straight, or a street, but the human heart, oh, no, it’s curved like a road through mountains.”
“My virtues – I am kind, friendly, modest, sympathetic, tolerant and sensitive. Faults—I am ego-centric, introspective, morbid, sensual, irreligious, lazy, timidly, cowardly.” Who’s Who ~ The Cast
Key: (K) = Kline Mainstage (O) = Stevens One Act (LT) = Lunchtime Production (SP) = Senior Project (ST) = Stevens (I) = Independent Theatre Festival (RS) = Renegade Shakespeare
Kevin Ackerman (Doctor) Senior ~ Theatre Arts Major—Kevin has both acted onstage and worked backstage on such productions as Lebensraum (SP); Metamorphoses (K); The Caucasian Chalk Circle (K); The Comedy of Errors (K); Much Ado About Nothing (RS); Words, Words, Words (I); Long Ago and Far Away (I); The Secret Garden (K); A Flea in Her Ear (K); Jubilee (K); Measure for Measure (K); and many other Independent Festival Shows; One Acts; and Lunchtimes. Kevin has also enhanced his theatre experience by working as an intern for the Greylock Theatre Project at the Williamstown Theatre Festival over the summer. Kevin would like to thank Chris and everyone else who has made these last four years an amazing and enjoyable experience.
Anna Armagno (Woman 1) First Year ~ Theatre Arts Major—While A Streetcar Named Desire is Anna’s first mainstage production, she appeared as Toffee in Zombie Prom (I) in the fall. Prior to college, she appeared as a Businesswoman in A Christmas Carol; Bird Girl #1 in Seussical the Musical; and Jenny/Secretary in Death of a Salesman. Anna has also participated in many musical talent shows.
Peter Ayer (Man 6) First Year ~ Undeclared—A Streetcar Named Desire is Peter’s second production at Gettysburg College, having appeared as an officer and messenger in Measure for Measure (K). In high school, Peter played the lead in Chess and portrayed Ham in a production of Children of Eden.
Phillip Ballantine (Stanley Kowalski) First Year ~ Psychology Major— This is Phil’s second production on the Kline mainstage, having appeared as Officer and Abhorson in Measure for Measure (K) in the fall. He was seen as Tom in The Glass Menagerie and as Carney in Biloxi Blues at the Montgomery County Theatre. He is excited to be working with familiar faces on this show.
Chelsea Bucklin (Woman) Sophomore ~ Theatre Arts and History Double Major—While A Streetcar Named Desire is Chelsea’s first mainstage production, she has participated in other productions at Gettysburg College. She was the Director of Zombie Prom (I) and appeared as Sarah in Company (I) and in Family 2.0 (LT). She also appeared in the ensemble of Les Miserables and as Miss Tweed in Something’s Afoot while in high school. When not participating in theatre productions, Chelsea is a member of the College Choir.
Lindsey Dever (Nurse) Junior ~ Psychology and Psychodrama Double Major—Lindsey’s theatrical experiences at Gettysburg include The Constant Prince (LT); The Merry Women of Windham (O); The Caucasian Chalk Circle (K); Much Ado About Nothing (RS); An Ideal Husband (LT); Suicide Gal (O); The Jewish Wife (SP); and several senior projects, as well as being Props Mistress for The Secret Garden (K) and Stage Manager for Metamorphoses (K). After her semester abroad in England, Lindsey is thrilled to be back performing with her Gettysburg family!
Matt Gross (Harold Mitchell) Junior ~ History Major and Civil War Era Studies Minor—A Streetcar Named Desire is Matt’s fourth mainstage production at Gettysburg. His productions include Dreamer Ensemble in The Secret Garden (K); Zeus and Poseidon in Metamorphoses (K); and Arnold in Jubilee (K). In high school Matt performed in six productions including A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Tom Snout) and West Side Story (Action). Matt is very pleased to be a part of this production and would like to thank Chris, the cast, and crew for a great experience.
Jacob Henkoff (Steve Hubbell) First Year ~ English and Theatre Arts Double Major and Music Minor—Jacob is having a very busy freshman year, having already appeared in Measure for Measure (K) in the fall. He has also participated in many high school productions, most notably a featured role as Detective Debree and others in The Laramie Project.
Devon Johnson (Stella Kowalski) Senior ~ Theatre Arts and English Double Major—This is Devon’s sixth mainstage production, having previously been in Measure for Measure (K); Metamorphoses (K); The Caucasian Chalk Circle (K); A Flea in Her Ear (K); and The Hairy Ape (K). Devon is co- president of the Owl & Nightingale Players and sings in the Gettysburg College Choir and Camerata. Devon is grateful to all the people in her life that have helped her achieve so many goals. She would like to thank her parents, her teachers, her wonderful friends, and Chris Kauffman for being such a wonderful mentor.
Nick Lorenz (Sailor/Man 2) Senior ~ Theatre Arts Major—Nick has appeared in over 20 staged productions in his four years at Gettysburg, as well as a multitude of other performances totaling much higher. Most recently he has been seen as Nick in The Bible: The Complete Word of God; Abridged (SP); Vertumnus in Metamorphoses (K); Chuck Vaghon in The Cliché P.I Series I-IV (I); and as Dogberry in Much Ado About Nothing (RS). In addition, he is a member of the Gettysburg College Choir, and of Gettysburg College’s Premiere and Only All-Male A Capella Group, Drop the Octave. He thanks God, his family, and friends for their support, and you for attending.
Fan Luo (Man 4) First Year ~ Undeclared—A Streetcar Named Desire is Fan’s second mainstage at Gettysburg, having been Stage Manager for Measure for Measure (K) in the fall. Prior to college, he participated in a New Year’s show, an Adolescent Show, and one show in high school. He was also a frog, a dog, a naughty child, and a segment of a dragon in primary school.
Laura Martinez (Mexican Woman) Sophomore ~ Theatre Arts and History Double Major—Laura is a very active participant in theatre at Gettysburg, having been the Stage Manager for Measure for Measure (K); Vincent (O); and Measure for Measure (LT) and the Assistant Stage Manager for Jubilee (K). She has also appeared as Kathy in Company (I) and participated in the Rent Review (I). Laura is actively involved in Gettysburg SMuT and the CCM Choir. She would like to thank Chris for this opportunity and wants to tell the cast and crew to break a leg.
Chase McMullen (Man 5) First Year ~ Undeclared—Chase is participating in his second performance on the Kline mainstage, having appeared in Measure for Measure (K) in the fall. Chase also participated in a play writing workshop this past fall in which he wrote and performed his own original material. In high school he appeared in numerous theatre productions.
Peter Mele (Paper Boy) Junior ~ Theatre Arts and Japanese Studies Double Major—A Streetcar Named Desire is Peter’s fifth mainstage production at Gettysburg College. In past years he has appeared in Metamorphoses (K); Art (I); The Secret Garden (K); Antigone (LT); and A Flea in Her Ear (K). Prior to Gettysburg, Peter performed in Seussical and played the flute for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Peter thanks his parents, sister, and friends for their perpetual support.
Chris Rustin (Pablo Gonzales) Senior ~ Psychology Major and Theatre Arts Minor—A Streetcar Named Desire marks Chris’ fourth mainstage production. He has previously appeared in Metamorphoses (K); Jubilee (K); and Measure for Measure (K) while at Gettysburg, and Kiss Me Kate; Dinner at 8; and The Running Man prior to college. This is one of his favorite plays and he is very glad to be involved in the production.
Ashley Stuart (Blanche DuBois) Senior ~ Theatre Arts Major—Ashley’s past experience includes A Flea in Her Ear (Raymonde)(K); An Experiment With An Air Pump (Susannah/Ellen)(K); The Comedy of Errors (Luciana) (K); Kentucky Waterfall (O); Regency Romance (I); GodsEnd (Pax)(SP); The Tragic History of Doctor Faustus (SP); The Course of True Love (Cleopatra); and Measure for Measure (Mistress Overdone)(K).
Rob White (Sailor/Man 1) First Year ~ Theatre Arts Major—A Streetcar Named Desire is Rob’s second mainstage performance, after appearing as the First Gentleman in Measure for Measure (K). In high school, he appeared as Henry Stimson in Our Town; Donald in You Can’t Take It With You; Jimmy Cagney in Shakespeare in Hollywood; Bunker in Merrily We Roll Along; the Police Commissioner in It Is So If You Think So; and Knight #2 in Once Upon a Mattress. Rob has also enhanced his theatre experience at Gettysburg while working on the technical crew for Measure for Measure (K).
Quiana Young (Eunice Hubbell) Sophomore ~ Theatre Arts and English Double Major—While at Gettysburg, Quiana has appeared in The Secret Garden (K); Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (O); Expressive Arts Therapy (SP); George Washington Slept Here; and The Vagina Monologues (College Women’s Center Production). Prior to college, she played Rose in August Wilson’s Fences and won a Shakespeare competition performing a monologue from Hamlet. She also wrote a play called A Game of Chess, which was produced and performed. Quiana would like to thank Chris, Victoria Sottile, and Erik Simon for their never-ending support.
Charles Zange (Man 3) First-Year ~ Undeclared—While A Streetcar Named Desire marks his first appearance on Kline Mainstage, Charles is not new to the stage. While in high school he participated in Pippin and Alice in Wonderland. Who’s Who ~ The Crew
Adam Clever (Co –Master Electrician) Sophomore ~ English and Religion Double Major—Adam got his start in theatre performing in a pit orchestra six years ago. He then spent a few years dabbling in action on stage before finally moving backstage. Then, after spending all ofThe Secret Garden (K) on the Majestic Theater’s catwalks working fly systems, he found that his favorite location is above the stage. In addition to The Secret Garden (K), Adam has worked both back and above the Kline stage in Metamorphoses (K); Jubilee (K); and Measure for Measure (K).
Kat Doyle (Lighting Designer) Senior ~ Theatre Arts Major—Kat has previously been Assistant to the Designer for Measure for Measure (K) and Metamorphoses (K); Stage Manager for Jubilee (K), and Assistant Stage Manager for An Experiment with an Air Pump (K). She has also dabbled in directing with Angels in America (LT); For Whom the Southern Bell Tolls (O); Long Day’s Journey Into Night (LT); and Sestina (O). She has been onstage in Sorry, You’ve Got My Wrong Number (O) and Thaddeus Stevens (K). Kat would like to thank Jerry for this special opportunity and for his constant guidance, her family for understanding why she can’t always talk when they call, Victor for being there no matter what, and to the Knights for supporting her crazy antics.
Jess Ernst (Assistant to the Director) Junior ~ English and Theatre Arts Double Major—Jess has worked on costumes, set construction, and lighting for productions such as Jubilee (K); Metamorphoses (K); The Secret Garden (K); A Flea in Her Ear (K); An Experiment with an Air Pump (K); The Caucasian Chalk Circle (K); and GBurg SMuT Review (I). Her directing experience includes Rhinoceros (LT) and No Evil (LT). Jess has also stage managed for Lebensraum (SP) and is a member of Shots in the Dark and GBurg SMut.
Becca Lausch (Dramaturg) Sophomore ~ Theatre Arts and English Double Major—In addition to appearing on stage at Gettysburg as Rose in A New Family (SP) Becca participated as a crew member for Measure for Measure (K). Becca is very excited about her work and experience as the dramaturg for A Streetcar Named Desire. She enjoyed working with such a great cast, crew and directors and looks forward to future productions. She would like to extend special thanks to Chris Kauffman for all his vital support and guidance, and to her loving family. Also many thanks to her friends who make her laugh authentically, and put up with the messes she makes in the kitchen. Sarah Moses (Spotlight Operator) Sophomore ~ Chemistry and Theatre Arts Double Major—Moses, not surprisingly, is working backstage on what may or may not be her sixth Gettysburg show, after various roles in high school. In addition to helping construct and light many productions, she has also operated the spotlight for the casts of The Secret Garden (K); Thaddeus Stevens (K); and Jubilee (K) and helped out during Metamorphoses (K) and Measure for Measure (K), mostly keeping things dry and working, respectively. She hopes you enjoy the show!
Alicia Pepe (Properties Manager) First Year ~ Undeclared—Alicia participated in SMuT’s production of Zombie Prom (I) last semester. She has had plenty of experience both in stage crew and performing in productions prior to coming to Gettysburg. This is her first production on Kline Stage, and it’s been an experience to say the least. She looks forward to more expeditions to Knouse in the future.
Sarah Pierce (Set Decorator) Junior ~ Theatre Arts Major—Sarah is participating in her fourth production on the Kline Mainstage. She was previously the Assistant Stage manager for A Flea in Her Ear (K) and the Light Board Operator for Jubilee (K) and Measure for Measure (K). She has also appeared as Annabelle in The Merry Women of Windham (O); Boggle in The Goblin’s Plot to Murder God (10-Minute); Elsie in No Evil (10-Minute); and she was the Stage Manager for In the Course of True Love (O) and 9 Parts of Desire (SP).
Audrey Schwinn (Assistant Props Manager) First Year ~ Psychology Major—Aside from being a part of SMuT’s production of Zombie Prom (I), Audrey is new to the Gettysburg Theatre. She participated in her high school’s theatre productions as a member of the Tech Crew. This is her first Kline mainstage production.
Sophie Schwinn (Assistant Props Manager) First Year ~ Undeclared— Although this is her first experience on Kline Stage, Sophie was a member of Tech Crew at her high school in productions such as Cinderella, Once upon a Mattress, and Anything Goes. Sophie also participated in SMuT’s production of Zombie Prom (I).
Jo Shive (Assistant to the Designer) Sophomore ~ English Major and Latin American Studies/Political Science Double Minor—Jo has previously worked on technical crews for Measure for Measure (K); The Secret Garden (K); Metamorphoses (K); and Jubilee (K). She did not participate in the theatre in high school because of a lack of time. However, many of her friends worked on the tech crews and told her how much fun it was. So, when she came to Gettysburg and saw the flyer for theatre positions, Jo knew it was what she wanted to do. She’s absolutely loved every minute of working in the theatre, and she’s so glad that she’s been a part of such a great program.
Becky Spurr (Assistant Stage Manager) First Year ~ Environmental Studies Major—Becky returns as the Assistant Stage Manager for A Streetcar Named Desire after stage managing for GBurg SMuT’s production of Zombie Prom (I) this past fall. Other past theatrical endeavors include Assistant Director for Clue and The Leader; Stage Manager for TheComedy of Errors and Playing for Time; running crew for Into the Woods; and Props Manager for Charlie Brown.
Stephanie Sunderlin (Stage Manager & Sound Board Operator) Senior ~ Theatre Arts and English Double Major—This is Stephanie’s first time stage managing for a production on Kline stage. In addition she is also the sound board operator. Recently she played Isabella in Measure for Measure (K). She has appeared previously in A Flea in Her Ear (K); The Hairy Ape (K); Playmaking (SP); Family 2.0 (O); Poison (I); Dr. Faustus (SP); Do Actresses Dream of Laminar Flow? (O); Sic Semper Tyrannis (LT); and As You Like It. To the cast and crew, Well done! Break legs!
Amanda Ward (Assistant to the Designer) Junior ~ Theatre Arts Major and Women’s Studies Minor—In past years Amanda has lent her talents to the Gettysburg stage as the Director of the Rent Review (I); Set Designer for Zombie Prom (I); Set Decorator for Measure for Measure (K), and Assistant Designer and Sound Operator for Jubilee (K). Her acting endeavors include Slop Culture (ST); My Golden Girl (O); Stars (ST); and The Secret Garden (K). In addition to never leaving the theatre, she also enjoys being a member of Active Minds, SMuT, and Improv. She is also extremely happy to be PR for O &N Executive Board.
Jess Wismer (Light Board Operator) Junior ~ History Major and Education Minor—A Streetcar Named Desire marks Jess’ fifth mainstage production. She has also participated in Experiment with an Air Pump (K), The Secret Garden (K), Caucasian Chalk Circle (K), Creation of the World and Other Business (SP), Agamemnon (SP and LT), Metamorphoses (K), and Measure For Measure (K). Jess also employs her time by participating in the Women’s Choir, Japan Club, the Japan House, and she is a proud member of Shots in the Dark improvisation group. Who’s Who ~ The Faculty & Staff
Christopher Kauffman (Director)—A Streetcar Named Desire is Professor Kauffman’s ninth production here at Gettysburg College after The Love of the Nightingale; The Hairy Ape; The Comedy of Errors; A Flea in Her Ear; An Experiment with an Air Pump; The Secret Garden; Metamorphoses; and Measure for Measure. Professor Kauffman is a Gettysburg graduate (’92) who went on to study theatre at Brandeis University (MFA ’95). From 1995-2004 he was based in New York City where he directed and acted in many productions including Kitchen Think at Blecker Street Theatre, Evolution at Interart, and a bilingual adaptation of a Moliere play called Don Juan in Manhattan. He has also performed regionally at Merrimack Repertory Theatre in Lowell, MA; Perseverance Theatre in Juneau, AK; W.H.A.T in Wellfleet Theatre Project in Baltimore, a national tour of The Miser, and a tour of Brazil with a contemporary dance company. He is the co-author of two plays: Motel California (Official Selection, U.S Comedy Arts Festival) and Nharcolepsy. Since 1999, he and collaborator Richard Harrington performed throughout North American and Europe, including the Westbeth Theatre in NYC, PS122, HERE, and the Mezi Ploty Festival in Prague. During the summer months, he is co-director of the Greylock Theatre Project with his wife, Emily Windover. The Greylock Theatre Project is the outreach program of the Williamstown Theatre Festival that pairs professional actors and directors with at-risk youth in the process of creating and performing their own plays.
Jerome Hanson (Production Designer)—Jerome has served as Resident Designer and Technical Director for the College’s Theatre Arts Program since arriving on campus in 1984. Since 1968 he has designed more than 200 productions, which included sets for The Gettysburg Theatre Festival, the Kline stage, the Showboat Majestic, Playhouse in the Park, Stage Right Repertory Company, and the Rag-a-Muffin Stage Company. Recent designs include Roosters; The Rivals; U.S.A.; Hamlet; Chicago; and Man and Superman; The School for Scandal; The Love of the Nightingale; The Merchant of Venice; The Good Person of Szechuan; Godspell; The Miser; The Hairy Ape; The Comedy of Errors; A Flea in Her Ear; The Secret Garden; Metamorphoses and Measure For Measure. Professor Hanson wears several hats: in addition to the one labeled Resident Designer, there is Chair of the Department of Theatre Arts, member of major faculty committees, and international researcher/traveler. He has accompanied January Service Learning Projects to Peru, Nicaragua and Jamaica, and has led a group of students in the class IDS 268, “The Arts, Environment, and Religions of Indonesia” to the island of Bali, where the mingling of religion, drama and dance is a daily experience. During the summer of 2002 he traveled to China to study different forms of Chinese Opera. Professor Hanson also participated in The Last Frontier’s Playwriting Conference, sponsored by Edward Albee and held in Valdez, Alaska. His more recent studies have taken him to South Africa, India and Sri Lanka to see and experience a variety of non-Western theatre traditions and practices.
Zennis Goshorn (Costume Designer)—Zennis is in his fifth year with the theatre department. Past productions include Godspell (K); The Miser (K); The Cherry Orchard (K); The Hairy Ape (K); The Comedy of Errors (K); Diana of Dobson’s (K); A Flea in Her Ear (K), The Caucasian Chalk Circle (K); An Experiment with an Air Pump (K); Metamorphoses (K); Measure for Measure (K); and now A Streetcar Named Desire is added to the extraordinary list of plays he’s been involved in while at Gettysburg College.
Upcoming Productions
The Department of Theatre Arts Lunchtime Theatre
THA 212 Fundamentals of Directing class presents short scenes
February 27, 28, and 29 12:20 – 1:00 PM
Stevens Laboratory Theatre Opening March 14, 2008 A Staged Reading for HELEN AND TEACHER
A new musical about Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan
Book by Susan Russell Music by Lynn Gumert
7:00 p.m. at the Majestic Theatre (Cinema One) (Free admission for staged reading, reservations required, contact the Majestic Box Office) Opening April 18, 2008 Escape From Happiness
by George Walker Directed by Karen Land Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts
A wildly dysfunctional family, crazed cops, and crazier crooks create hilarious mayhem in this fast-paced comic whodunit. The playwright’s razor-sharp wit and cockeyed insight into family dynamics propel the action to an oddly moving conclusion.
April 18, 19, 21 and 22, 8:00 P.M., Kline Theatre
April 20, (Sunday a matinee) 2:00 P.M., Kline Theatre The Department of TheatRE Arts Senior Capstone Projects
10 Minute Directing Scenes THA 212 Fundamentals of Directing Class
April 24, 25, 26 and 27 Specific times to be announced.
Tennessee Williams March 26, 1911 – February 25, 1983