Theatre News
Theatre 2011-12
October 13-16
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Albert Taylor Hall
Nov 30-Dec 3
Eurydice
Bruder Theatre
March 7-10
The Ladies Man
Bruder Theatre
April 4-7, 11-14
Doubt
Frederickson Theatre
April 27
Spring Dance Show
Bruder Theatre
EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY Theatre KCACTF Region V, Festival 44 Iowa State University, Ames
January 22, 2012
Once again, ESU Theatre has demonstrated the strength of its theatre program at the annual meeting of Region V of the Kennedy Center American Theatre Festival (KCACTF V). The gathering was hosted by Iowa State University, January 15-‐21. Nearly 1600 students and faculty from over fifty colleges and universities from Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, North and South Dakota participated.
ESU had many successes at this year’s festival. Commendations were awarded at the opening ceremonies and the accomplishments of three Hornets were noted. 2011 grad Brianne Simon (Rosalie), received a commendation for her set design for Barefoot in the Park presented by ESU Summer Theatre. Senior Ross Rundell (Salina) was cited for his Sound Design for last spring’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Amanda Dura, Costume Shop Manager, received commendations for two of her designs Barefoot in the Park and Eurydice.
ESU Theatre had 9 students represented in the Irene Ryan Scholarship auditions. 299 students from the region participated this year...each was nominated for their outstanding work in productions during the 2011 calendar year. ESU students Noah Mefford (junior, Burlington); Lindsay Ward (alum, Gardner); Kangwon Song (senior, Pusan, South Korea); Casey McCabe (senior, Gardner); Annie Rosenbrook (junior, Merriam); Trinity Standridge (junior, Olathe); Marah Melvin (junior, Iola); Elise Blann (senior, Newton) and Andrew Walker (junior, Wichita) all participated in the preliminary round. Selected for the semifinals was Kangwon Song who participated in the second round with his partner Daniel Reardon (sophomore, Overland Park). Only 64 of the original 299 were selected for the second round. The students selected for the Kennedy Center in April represented Wichita State University and Winona State University (Minnesota).
Kangwon Song also received a regional award for poster design. His poster for the ESU Theatre production of Eurydice was selected as the best in the region in ceremonies on Thursday evening. Brianne Simon’s set design for Barefoot in the Park was presented a second place award in the region. Also representing ESU in the design competitions at the festival were senior Yui Watanabe (Chiba, Japan) in costume design, senior Josh Taylor (Salina) in lighting design, and senior Chris Peterson (Rose Hill). Peterson and Ross Rundell also presented their portfolios at the festival. Rundell’s portfolio and presentation received first place at the festival.
One of the highlights of the festival was the Wednesday night ceremony where Jim Bartruff, Director of Theatre at ESU, was presented the 2012 KCACTF Golden Medallion. The award is presented to those “who have demonstrated a strong
commitment to the values and goals of KCACTF and to excellence in educational theatre.” It is the most prestigious award presented by KCACTF. Brad Buffum from the University of Nebraska also received the award. Coincidentally, the presentation ceremony took place on the stage of the Ames City Auditorium. Bartruff, a graduate of Ames High School, performed on the same stage as a high school student. In his acceptance speech, he spoke of his appreciation for the training he received there.
A member of the regional selection team for Region V, Bartruff was selected to direct a concert reading of The Book of Adam by Matt Fotis. The play, a national award-‐winning comedy was the featured performance of the festival on Monday night. ESU senior Casey McCabe (Gardner) was one of the cast members for that production.
Natalie King (junior, Wichita) and Lindsay Ward (2011 alum) also performed at the festival when cast in roles for the Faculty Directing Showcase.
Seniors Gabe Moyer (Olathe) and Laura Dossett (Jenks. Oklahoma) participated in the SDC competition for outstanding student directors in the region. Although neither was selected to advance, both represented ESU with distinction.
Twenty ESU theatre students attended the conference and all of them rooted on the ESU team in the Stage Crew Showdown. A competition between tech crews, the Hornets were in the finals, one of the top 4 schools of the 15 participating. Their classmates cheered on team members Cara Lohkamp (junior, Maize), Noah Mefford, Aubrey Near (sophomore, Independence), Ross Rundell, and Josh Taylor. The team demonstrated their skills in knot tying, stage lighting, prop setting and costume quick-‐changes.
Region V is one of eight regions in the U.S. and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts is the site (and sponsor) of the national festival held each April in Washington, D.C.
Bartruff Awarded KCACTF Golden Medallion
Director of Theatre, Jim Bartruff was awarded the Kennedy Center Golden Medallion in ceremonies at Festival 44 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Ames. The award was presented on the stage of the Ames Community Auditorium in downtown Ames, Iowa on January 18. While a student at Ames High School from 1968-1970, Bartruff acted on the same stage. Bartruff's acceptance speech focused on the connection between him and the theatre in Ames. The Golden Medallion is the highest award presented by KCACTF and recognizes years of excellence in teaching and in service.
Our 39th Homecoming Musical
JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT is our 2011 Homecoming musical. Presented in historic Albert Taylor Hall, the production runs from October 13-16. A fundraiser for scholarships for students in performing arts, friends of ESU Theatre can become Golden Patrons by downloading this Golden Patron application.
Alum Katie Amanda Keane presents annual Pflaum Lecture
The 2011-12 Pflaum Lecture sponsored by The Department of Communication and Theatre with funding support from the Performing Arts Board was presented on Tuesday, September 6. Katie Amanda Keane, a 1996 BFA and Topeka native spoke on her journey as a working actor. The Emporia Gazette website has posted her appearance on their website. You can see and hear Katie's presentation at http://www.inkbarreltv.com/inkbarrelCMS/system/networks/ks_emporia_gazette/indexphp?console=open
ESU Theatre honors its 2011 grads
Twelve theatre majors accept their baccalaureate degrees in ceremonies on May 14. Honored at our annual Curtain Call on Sunday May 8, we congratulate Al Daugherty, Desiree Dye, Brenna Fulton, Megan Henson, Levi Howe, Dylan Lewis, Gabe Moyer, Cim Roesner, Brianne Simon, Christina Thomas, Brock Tucker and Emily Warren. (May 2011)
Summer Theatre Season 57 - June 8 through July 23 (Download a copy of the season release)
The 57th season of summer theatre opene Wednesday June 8 with an original musical I Love to Tell the Story by Jim Bartruff. The family comedy Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got the Will? by Del Shores under the direction of Dr. Jim Ryan ran June 22-25. Theresa Mitchell helmed Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park July 6-9 and our annual children's show was The Monster Under the Bed which opened July 20 and closed with a matinee on July 23. Ticket sales were up over the last several seasons. Audiences seemed to really enjoy the variety of offerings and responded in almost record numbers. (May 2011/Updated August 2011)
More success at KCACTF (Read more about it.)
Junior theatre major Lindsay Ward was one of three student playwrights in Region V of the American College Theatre festival to be invited to the regional festival at Iowa State University in January. Lindsay entered her play into the one-act play competition and blind readers selected her play, A Beautifil Lie from 30 entries. The play was given a concert reading in Ames. Other accomplishments at this year's festival: Gabe Moyer was a semi-finalist in the Irene Ryan Scholarship auditions. Josh Taylor and Yui Watanabe earned regional awards in Set Design and Costume Design. Faculty designer Nancy Pontius received a commendation for her set design for The Diviners. (January 2010)
Season 2010-2011 (Download a copy of the season release.)
The upcoming season for ESU Theatre begins with the annual homecoming musical. This year's selection is The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. In December we present the American Classic You Can't Take It With You. The winter production is a student-directed presentation of David Ive's All in the Timing. The season closes in April with Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. (August 2010)
Season 56 of Summer Theatre
A musical, a romantic comedy, a new farce and a children's theatre production were featured in season 56 of ESU Summer Theatre. The season opened on June 9 with Are We There Yet? followed by the romantic comedy Almost, Maine. Unnecessary Farce played July 7-10 and On Froggy Mountain, a new children's theatre show ran the final week of July. Its final performance on June 24 was a 2:00 family matinee. (August 2010)
ESU Theatre honors its 2010 grads
Eight theatre majors accepted their baccalaureate degrees in ceremonies on May 15. They all were able to attend Curtain Call on Sunday May 9 to reminisce about their time at ESU. We congratulate Paul Clements, Kelsey Fredricks, Bob Hart, Naoko Ishizuka, Chris Lohkamp, Lindsay Roland, Scott Swezey and Ben Williams. (May 2010)
Ben Pilat (MFA, 2005) to be honored by USITT as its 6th Rising Star
ESU Theatre alum Ben Pilat will be honored as the 6th recipient of the USITT Rising Star Award at USITT's 50th annual conference in Kansas City in April. A freelance lighting designer, Ben earned his MFA from Boston University and his BFA from ESU in 2005. He studied with noted designer Ken Billington and worked with him on the Broadway production of High Fidelity. He and his wife, Maggie (also an ESU alum), live in New York. (January 2010)
ESU concludes another successful showing at KCACTF-Region V
Two ESU representatives were selected to attend the national festival of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in April. The festival is hosted by the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. 32 ESU students and 6 faculty attended the regional meeting hosted by Johnson County Community College January 17-23. Senior Ben Williams was selected the winner of the Barbizon Award in Set Design for his design for our fall production of Lone Star/Laundry and Bourbon. Ben was also the regional runner-up for the Region V prize for his design for Into the Woods. Joining Ben in Washington will be Director of Theatre Jim Bartruff who was selected as a National Directing Fellow representing Region V at the national festival. Receiving commendations at the festival were alums Cassie Hoppas and Trish Stogsdill for Costume and Make-up Design. Craig Moxon received a commendation for lighting design and Emily Warren for Hair and Makeup Design. Amanda Dura's costume designs for The Rocky Horror Show were featured in the costume parade. Theresa Mitchell was selected as the outstanding director in the Faculty Directing Showcase at the Festival. Three students were semifinalists in the Irene Ryan Scholarship auditions: Kelsey Fredricks, Thomas Govert and Ryan Scully. Former Director of Theatre, Harry Parker was also at the festival in his role as national chair for KCACTF. For a complete run-down of ESU's successes at the festival, download our press release. (January 2010)
Winter 2009 Grads
At Winter Commencement ceremonies held Saturday December 19 at White Auditorium, BSE degrees were awarded to Katie Murphy and Emily Thomas. Emily was hired to fill an open position in the Silver Lake School District. (January 2010)
Alumni Continue to Excel
Our students and alums continue to excel. In January, Grant Geis (BSE, 2008) was one of 31 Kansas educators receiving the Horizon Award for outstanding teaching. Katie Keane, a BFA grad from Topeka starred in the ABC Family Network series “Ruby and the Rockits” which premiered in July. Kyle Land, BFA grad and former TD, is a member of the Red Tape Theatre Company in Chicago. Aaron Kennedy and Jamie Urban returned to campus this summer as members of the summer theatre company. Anna Ryan appeared as a guest artist in our summer theatre production of SUDS. And you've probably seen Aaron Walters (BA '00) on television as Jimmy Football the taligating spokesperson for Bud Light. (Sept 09)
55 Years of Summer Theatre
Our 55th season of summer theatre opened June 10 with the romantic comedy Beau Jest. Present at the Friday evening performance were almost 80 ESU Theatre alums gathered together for a reunion. Former professor Charlie Hill was a featured guest. Alumni organizers Pat Dennis and Lance Brockman helped to raise $1300 in scholarship dollars at a silent auction held during the reunion. The current season also includes Suds, Luv and Leading Ladies. (June 09)
Class of 2009 receives degrees May 16
Eight ESU Theatre students received their degrees at commencement ceremonies at Welch Field on Saturday May 16. On a cool and blustery day, we celebrated the accomplishments of ESU Theatre grads Kaitlyn Davis, Drew Donahoo, T.J. Erickson, Nick Guffey, Cassie Kay Hoppas, Benjamin Howard, Katie Murphy, Susan Samuelson, Katie Schultz, Jule Soroko and Tricia Stogsdill. Julie Soroko was the featured soloist at the ceremonies. We wish them well as they move on to the next phase of their lives. (June 09)
Senior Susan Samuelson wins Barbizon Design Competition at Region V, KCACTF
Senior Susan Samuelson (Burlington) was selected to attend the national meeting of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival when she won the Barbizon Design Competition at Festival 41 - Region V at Kansas University in Lawrence, January 19-24. ESU's production of RABBIT HOLE was presented to two-full houses on the festivals final day. For additional details, download the press release. (Jan 2009)
Congratulations to our Winter semester grads...
At Winter Commencement ceremonies held Saturday December 20 at White Auditorium, BFA degrees were awarded to Emily Young (Parsons) and Camille Schmeirer (Leavenworth). We are also proud to recognize and congratulate three BSE grads: Derek Jensen (Dodge City), Lesli Taylor (Scott City) and Kelly Thompson (Maple Hill). Kelly has already signed a contract to teach theatre at the middle school level. (Dec 2008)
Rabbit Hole selected for Region V-KCACTF
The December production of RABBIT HOLE has been selected for the January 2009 festival for Region V of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. If selected from the region, the production will be presented at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in April. A scene from the play, directed by Jim Bartruff, was invited to be showcased at the region V festival at Kansas University. The production features a cast of five ESU Theatre students and featured costumes designed by Senior Susan Samuelson. The play was designed by Ron Fowlkes with lighting design by Nancy Pontius. Craig Moxon designed the sound.
ESU Stage Management featured in new textbook
ESU Theatre was asked to provide a photo essay for a new theatre appreciation textbook. Written by Sally Shedd of Virginia Wesleyan University and Leslie Durham of Boise State University, the book will feature a photo essay of the homecoming musical SOMETHING'S AFOOT. The photos feature senior Katie Schultz, the stage manager and members of the production team including Theresa Mitchell, Nancy Pontius, Ron Fowlkes, Susan Mai, Amanda Dura and Craig Moxon. The book will be published by Kendall-Hunt in early 2009. The photos were taken by Dick Garvey.