Alumni Updates
Our students and alums continue to excel. Katie Keane, a BFA grad from Topeka stars in a new ABC Family Network series “Ruby and the Rockits” which premiered in July. She co-stars in the series with David and Patrick Cassidy seen locally on cable channel 37. 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.
Kyle Land leaves ESU Theatre
Craig Moxon hired to replace him as ESU Technical Director
ESU Theatre grad Kyle Land (BFA, '04) who has served as Tech Director since the fall of 2004 will leave ESU this summer. His final assignment will be to direct THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA abridged. He will also run the shop and design lights for the first two productions of the summer season. (See our summer theatre link.) A stalwart with ESU Theatre as a student and staff member, he will be missed. Fortunately, we were able to hire a capable and experienced TD to take over Kyle's position. Craig Moxon, from Bismarck State College in North Dakota will join us in July. An MFA from Southern Illinois University, he takes over fulltime this fall. Congratulations to Kyle as he moves on to new adventures and welcome to Craig. (May 08)
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September 22-27