“...what‘s past is prologue; what to come, In yours and my discharge.” -William Shakespeare
School of
COMMUNICATION, MEDIA & THEATRE ARTS 2018-19 Year in Review
Please enjoy this edition of CMTA’s Annual Year in Review 2018-2019. As you turn the pages and read about the accomplishments of our students, staff and faculty, remember we are carrying the torch of our predecessors and shining the light for those who will follow. The School of Communication, Media & Theatre Arts over the past couple of years has experienced a number of losses (Terry Heck Seibert, Judy Sturgis Hill who is pictured on the cover, Timothy Dyer, Marla Gouseff ) and retirements/departures (Mary Anne Watson, Geoffrey Hammill, Arnold Mackowiak, Keon Pettiway, Gerald Pesta). These CMTA family members remind us of those who came before them and the indelible impact they all have made on our students and us. Hence, the theme of this Year in Review is “… what’s past is prologue…” They have set the stage and challenge us to continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our students, CMTA, EMU and the community. We want to thank our donors. As always, we take your investment seriously and do our best to maximize all contributions to benefit our students and programs. We could not do all that we do without your continued support. You have our deepest gratitude. Sincerely, CMTA Faculty and Staff Front Cover Photos- Left: Judy Sturgis-Hill when she attended Eastern Michigan University. Judy became EMU’s first national Forensics champion in 1972 in “After Dinner Speaking”. Center: Judy speaking at her retirement from EMU. Right: Nathalie Estiverne, current EMU student, who took 5th place in “After Dinner Speaking” this year. Back Cover Photos- Left: Dressing room shot from “Summer and Smoke”, 1960. Right: Dressing room shot of Emma Colleen Doyle from “Holes”, 2018. 2018-19 Year in Review compiled by Shelby Seeley, Kathy Stacey, CMTA Office staff, and assistance from CMTA faculty, staff, and students. Special thanks to Parker Nolan, who writes the Tuesday News and was a major source.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2018 September 4-5 October 6-7 November 8-9 December 10-11 2019 January 12-13 February 14-15 March 16-17 April 18-19 May 20-21 June 22-23 July 24-25 August 26-27 2018-19 Donors 28-29 2019-20 Theatre Season 30 Donate to CMTA 31
EMUCMTA
2018-19 BY THE COMMUNICATION, MEDIA & THEATRE ARTS NUMBERS 22
CMTA Students at Undergraduate Symposium
4300
58
Commnication Student›s Hours of Community Service
First place Forensics Tournament Wins
71
1156
86
Scholarships Awarded
Undergraduate CMTA Majors
Placques hanging in Quirk
1952 - First Players at EMU Award Ceremony
1986 - Sponberg Theatre was built
1959 - Quirk Theatre was built
1997- PRSSA EMU Chapter Founded
1966 - First “Drama Day” 2009 - AMP! Founded 1972 - EMU Forensics First National Championship Win
2013- EDT Major Established
Romerhausen Becomes Director of The Equality Research Center
CMTA Saddened by Loss of Dr. Timothy Dyer
Dr. Nick Romerhausen stepped down from his role as Director of the Forensics team to take over as Director of the EMU Equality Research Center (ERC). The ERC seeks to advance social justice for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer people by providing information, education, and promoting awareness.
Dr. Timothy Dyer passed away on April 12, 2018. With his generous contributions, the Equality Research Center was founded and is sustained. Dr. Dyer believed that “education is the most effective way to eliminate prejudice, ignorance, discrimination, and hate”. Dyer received his undergraduate and graduate degrees at EMU. He served on EMU‘s Board of Regents for twelve years, and as mayor of Ypsilanti. Dr. Dyer was among the inductees to EMU Forensics Hall of Fame. He leaves behind the legacy of his acclaimed career in education and public service. He will be greatly missed.
ERC: The Michigan Academy Conference for Arts & Sciences The Equality Research Center presented research on digital LGBTQ+ oral history archives at the Michigan Academy Conference at Alma College. Research focused on Narrative preservation strategies in the digital archives of the LGBTQ+ community. From this research, the ERC learned that digital archives collect everyday LGBTQ+ experience that have long been omitted due to their vernacularized nature. These archives effectively captured a variety of LGBTQ+ experiences that are rarely accessed by the broader public.
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EMU Theatre Ranked in the Top 25 BA Theatre Programs OnStage Blog ranked Eastern Michigan University Theatre #15 in the United States of colleges and universities that only offer a B.A. Theatre Program (no B.F.A.). OnStage is a blog dedicated to Broadway and Community Theater Show Reviews as well as discussing the famous stage directors, actors, and technicians. Forensics Start Strong The Forensics team started off their 2018-19 season strong, taking home an array of awards from the Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League Mini Tournament, “Back to the Nest” Invitational, and the 49th annual“Age of Aquarius” Tournament in September. These included multiple individual, duo, and team awards.
Ward Joins CMTA Dr. Jamie Ward is an Assistant Professor of Public Relations in the School of CMTA and serves as the Faculty Adviser for Eastern Michigan University‘s Eleanor Wright Chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Dr. Ward joined CMTA this year.
september 2018 what‘s past is prologue... By 1983, Professor Eleanor Wright had created both public relations and written communications programs at the university. Today, the PRSSA Eleanor Wright Chapter at EMU, led by Dr. Ward, seeks to develop its members’ knowledge and skills, so that every practitioner has the expertise necessary to succeed in the professional world.
Seick Becomes Director of Forensics Team Patrick Seick took over as the director of the EMU Forensics Team! Seick holds national Forensics champion titles in “After Dinner Speaking” and “Impromptu Speaking”. He received his undergraduate degree from EMU and is currently finishing his Ph.D. at Southern Illinois University. Ward Becomes Associate Director of Forensics
CMTA Welcome Back Picnic
Tim Ward took over for Brandon Bumstead as Associate Director of Forensics. Ward received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from EMU in Communication. He was a national quarter-finalist in “Exemporaneous Speaking”.
Every year we welcome back both returning and new students and staff for another incredible year in the School of Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts with our annual Welcome Back Picnic. The year was ushered in with food, laughter, Musical Theatre Trivia, buttonmaking, and excitement for whatever the 2018-19 school year had to offer. 5
Faculty Honored with Emeritus CMTA faculty members Terry Heck Seibert and Dr. Geoffrey Hammill were honored with Emeritus Status and a ceremony as their plaques were placed on the Wall of Emeritus inside the Quirk Dramatic Arts Building. Terry‘s husband, CMTA FTL John Seibert, and her sister, Maria Heck, were there to receive the honor in memory of Terry. Dr. Chris Wood Foreman was also honored, having received her Emeritus Honor last year.
“She Loves Me” The 2018-19 EMU Theatre season opened with She Loves Me, a musical about sound, scents, and emotions that are simply intoxicating. Directed by Phil Simmons with musical direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis, audiences couldn‘t help but fall in love with the classic comedy.
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october 2018 Drama Day 2018 “Drama Day” invites high school theatre troupes from across Michigan to attend a day of workshops that allow them to learn and work alongside experienced factulty, staff, and Eastern students. This year there were 317 students from 22 schools; 22 workshops were offered including Musical Theatre Dance/ Acting, Stage Combat, Costume Basics, Projection Design, Stage Manager‘s Bootcamp, and many more. After workshops and lunch, the high school students attended a private performance of She Loves Me. “Drama Day” leaves a lasting effect on many students, even influencing some of them to attend EMU and participate in EMU Theatre productions.
Dressing the Scottish Court what‘s past is prologue... The official beginning of “Drama Day” at EMU was in 1966/67. In the late 1990s, the new Assistant Managing Director Pam Cardell took on the role of coordinator for “Drama Day”. In 2017 the department experienced the highest attendance since it‘s conception, with approximately 350 high schoolers in attendance.
Dr. Melanie Schuessler Bond published her book, “Dressing the Scottish Court, 1543-1553”. The book is “...designed to make the rich material in the Accounts from the regency of the Earl of Arran (whose ward was Mary Queen of Scots) available to those interested in the study of dress and accessories.”
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what‘s past is prologue... The AMP! Student Org was created by the CTAR 552/452 class ten years ago. One event turned into a full year of cultural programming planned and delivered to the EMU community by students, and still continues today. NCA 2019 Annual Conference: “Communication at Play” The annual meeting of the National Communication Association was held in Salt Lake City, Utah November 7-11, 2018, with the theme “Communication at Play”. EMU faculty and students who presented and/ or participated in panel discussions include: Jon Carter, Jessica Elton, Jenny Kindred, Lauren Mitchell, Dennis O‘Grady, Keon Pettiway, Nick Romerhausen and Tim Ward. Communication MA student Lauren Mitchell presented a top three paper in the Master‘s Education Division.
Josh Landon Speaks to EMU Students Emmy Award-Winning journalist and CMTA alum Josh Landon spoke to journalism students about his experiences on the track to a successful career in media and journalism. Landon is currently working for FOX 2 News and received his degree in broadcast journalism from EMU. The experience was a great learning opportunity for all students interested in broadcasting, media, and journalism. Landon also attended a production of E-TV where he provided professional tips to the students in front of the camera. Fantastic Fresh Forensicators The Forensics team attended the 71st Annual L.E. Norton Memorial Tournament, where all competitors broke into the final rounds. This was especially significant because for many on the team it was their first tournament. Patricia Terhaar best exemplified the fantastic, fresh forensicators by earning the title of Novice Informative Champion.
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november 2018 AMP! Java Jam Java Jam, presented by AMP! was an opportunity to showcase the latest music, poetry, and visual art produced by EMU students and alumni artists, while enjoying some java at the Starbucks in the Student Center. AMP!lifying the Arts is a student organization that regularly presents a diverse array of programming, dedicated to connecting EMU student artists with audiences, venues, and professional opportunities. Six Figures Playback Theatre Company
“The Boy at the Edge of Everything” The Theatre for Young Audiences program‘s touring production was The Boy at the Edge of Everything directed by Mark Isler. The production performed for elementary schools throughout the school year. Pictured right.
Playback Theatre is an improvisational form of performance which invites audience members to share stories from their everyday lives; the company then spontaneously transforms them into theatre. EMU‘s playback theatre company, Six Figures, took members of their company to Allen Park High School to teach workshops to three of their drama classes. Workshops included fluid sculptures, tableau stories, and full stories. Six Figures was also invited to do a workshop at the University of Michigan to explore “Serious Play”, in which students explored the role of musicians and actors in hopes to use interactive theatre methodologies to explore serious issues.
“Milk Like Sugar” Milk Like Sugar was the first production of EMU Theatre‘s 2018-19 Second Stage Series. Directed by Ariel Pompey, the production told the story of Annie Desmond and her friends, who were desperate to escape the inner city, but have difficult choices to make along the way. Pictured left. 9
CMTA Saddened by Loss of Recent Inductee to Forensics Hall of Fame The Forensics team inducted Joan Schrepper Leininger into the EMU Forensics Hall of Fame in December 2018. Leininger was the 1945 Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League state champion in oratory and interpretive reading, making her EMU‘s earliest recorded champion. Leininger went on to be an active member of the Michigan Speech Association and the National Communication Association, which awarded her the teacher of the year, and she was the recipient of numerous other honors. Joan passed away in June 2019.
“James and the Giant Peach” is the First Accessibility Show James and the Giant Peach, directed by Christine Tanner, was EMU Theatre‘s first production to incorporate accessibility design into the production‘s framework. Accessibility services included American Sign Langauge, open captioning, assistive listening, tactile tours, audio description, and sensory friendly performances. This production received praise and excitement from audiences of all abilities. This massive effort was done by Accessibility Designer and Coordinator, Professor Elena SV Flys, and her crew of students. This is the first step toward more accessible productions at EMU. 10
december 2018 CMTA Students Partner with SASS CMTA senior and football captain Kyle Rachwal and CMTA senior Ka‘john Armstrong partnered with Student Athele Support Services (SASS) this semester to organize the “Dress for Success Fashion Show”. The innagural event hosted 150+ guests.
what‘s past is prologue... Originally known as Reading Hours, Performance Hour has taken place for over 50 years initially under the tutelage of Emeritus Dr. Annette Martin. Dr. Anita Rich has carried the torch for the past two decades, keeping the unique, diverse, and valuable forum for performance alive.
Performance Hour Each month, Performance Hour (hosted by undergraduates Aric Brid and Kaitie Taylor) offered to give anyone at EMU the opportunity to perform all types of texts, including monologues, readings, music, poetry, and more. Performances brought in full houses with themes like Come Out, Stay Frosty, Be Heard and Don‘t Give Up, Give Back. “Snow Place Like Playback” The Six Figures Playback Theatre Company produced Snow Place Like Playback for a full house in the lab theatre. Six Figures proudly announced the addition of eight new members to their company shortly after!
Students Perform for St. Joseph Mercy Holiday Ball EMU Theatre students Lindsey Scheidler (Dorothy), Parker Nolan (Scarecrow), Darien Vaughn (Cowardly Lion), and Rory Quist (Tin Man) were hired to perform three songs from The Wizard of Oz for the 2018 St. Joseph Mercy Holiday Ball. Fellow students Sarah Gunter (makeup artist) and Heather Adair (stage manager) also had the chance to work on the event.
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Pam Cardell Recognized for Excellence Pam Cardell recieved the Michigan Thespians Standing Ovation Award at the 2018 Michigan Educational Theatre Association‘s (META) Thespian Festival for her significant contributions to the teachers, directors, and students associated with META. Cardell was also recognized by the EMU Human Resources department for her dedication and commitment to EMU Theatre over the last 22 years. CMTA Students Shine at Martin Luther King Jr. President‘s Luncheon
EMU Today TV interviewed Cardell about the award-winning B.A. Theatre Program, as well as the community, diversity, and CMTA students Victoria Fields and Shayler Barnes Jr. were selected to serve creativity that EMU Theatre provides the school of CMTA. as the 2019 MLK Jr. President‘s Luncheon emcees. Fields was a double major in Communication and Sports Management; Barnes was a senior studying Media Studies and Journalism. Honore Washington was priviledged to introduce MLK Jr. Keynote Speaker Keith Boykin. Washington was a Public Relations and Marketing double major. Six Figures Performs for MLKJ Day Program Six Figures was invited by the College of Education Diversity and Inclusion committee to craft an MLK Jr. Day program for youth and families. The company devised a workshop to address our stories of diversity, equity and inclusion. It was well received. Afterwards the committee and Dean Sayler said the following: “ We want to thank you immensely for the work you did in providing a truly compelling event to which the attendees responded with due interest and enthusiasm. It was a powerful and impressive session.” 12
Dance Concert
january 2019
Theatre Arts and Entertainment Design and Technology collaborated with the school of Music and Dance for the January 2019 Dance Concert. Professor Phil Simmons choreographed a routine for the event. EDT student Becca Bedell was the stage manager and lighting designer; lighting designers and crew also included Professor Brian Scruggs and EDT students Jaqulin Stauder and Sam Schikora. One Act Festival The Winter semester kicked off with the annual Student Written/Student Directed One Act Festival. The festival included: Subal Vesh Lila, written by Makoto Takata and directed by Tyler Calhoun; Melancholy, written by Gabrielle Reed and directed by Nathalie Estiverne; The Refugee‘s Lament, written by Kaylee Lavalley and directed by Kelsey Booth; and Something‘s Gotta Give, written by Linise Washington and directed by Haylie Pryson.
what‘s past is prologue... The One Act Festival began in 1991, and is held every year in the Laboratory Theatre, which was dedicated to Frank Ross in 1993. Starting in 2020, the festival will be renamed to the Dr. James Gousseff One Act Festival to honor Dr. G and his wife Marla‘s contributions to EMU Theatre. 13
“Sweat”
Tony Winner Provides Insight for Students
Sweat, directed by Pirooz Aghassa, was produced in February in the Sponberg Theatre. The set was designed by senior Entertainment Design and Technology student Jacqulin Stauder and starred graduate student Taylor Jones; seniors Darien Vaughn and Megan Liepa; juniors Jackie Marlett and Ali Ghannam; sophomres Davion Cameron, Cal Winning and Jayla Fletcher; and freshman Rory Quist. “Sweat” marks Aghassa‘s 20th show at EMU!
Tony award playwright and actor Lisa Kron watched students from the Narrating The Self class perform, and provided critiques prior to her public presentation at EMU in partnership with the Center for Jewish Studies.
Students Perform at the Henry Ford Museum In partnership with the Henry Ford Museum students from CTAO Narrating Self class developed autobiographical/autoethnographic performances for its exhibit the Four Freedoms. The class was asked to present their performances at the closing of the exhibit. 14
Forensic State Championship, Back to Ypsi!
february 2019
The Forensics team hosted the State Championship here at EMU! The 2019 Forensics State Champions were: Nathalie Estiverne, Sarah Dolohanty, Steven Suarez, Samira Taylor, Aric Bird, Kaitie Taylor, and Steven Suarez. The theme was “Back to Ypsi”. At Northwood University, the 2019 Novice State Champions were Rebecca Davis, Jocelyn Jones, John-Michael Garcez, Patricia Terhaar, Colton Blanton, and Gavin Allen. Chris Davis Retired Chris Davis celebrated her retirement after fourteen years of hard work at EMU (one of which she spent with CMTA). We wish her joy and happiness in her retirement.
what‘s past is prologue... Chris‘ retirement reflects the long history of exceptional CMTA staff. Virginia Majeske Ellis (Mrs. M) was one of the first in a long line of outstanding CMTA staff members. She began in 1966 when we were the Speech and Dramatic Arts department and retired in 1992.
You Li‘s Research Published Professor You Li published her research work, “The Role Performance of Native Advertising in Legacy and Digital-Only News Media” in the Journal of Digital Journalism on February 13, 2019. Dr. You Li is also an invited panelist on “Communication Beyond Boundaries” at the 69th Annual International Communication Association Conference. Li will be continuing her research in conjuntion with a team of commputer science and advertising professors in order to develop a machine learning program that will recognize native advertising. 15
Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity Showcase
Relay for Life Players at EMU and Alpha Psi Omega joined together to participate in Relay for Life this year, winning the Best Decorated Tent and Most Spirited Team awards! AMP Presents: Pop Up Concerts! In collaboration with the school of Music and Dance, AMP held pop up concerts in Quirk for staff and students to enjoy. Dramatopia! This year, EMU Theatre for the Young put together Dramatopia, a special event for youth in grades 4-8 where they could experience a couple hours of drama and arts activities. The activities were followed by a performance of “The Boy at the Edge of Everything” and a talk back with the cast. 16
Dr. Jessica Elton presented and was recognized for her co-authored work, “What if you die?‘: Skipped-Generation Caregivers‘ Conversations with Their Grandchildren about Death” at the 2019 Faculty Scholarly and Creative Activity Showcase. The paper received a Top Paper award by the Communication and Aging Division at the Nathional Communication Association Annual Convention in 2018.
“Songs Unsung” This musical revue featured selections that were cut from broadway shows. Songs Unsung was an engaging, entertaining, cabaret-style performance. The cast included freshmen Kathleen Cicero and Rory Quist, sophomore Parker Nolan, juniors Sarah Gunter and Lindsey Scheidler, and senior Savannah Damoth. Directed by Phil Simmons and Music Directed by R. Mackenzie Lewis.
march 2019 what‘s past is prologue... CMTA‘s very own Wendy Kivi was the symposium event coordinator for 25 years. Amy Bearinger took over in 2018, keeping it in the CMTA family! Grad Research Conference CMTA graduate students Meagan Winkelseth, Guadiana Karina, Vanessa Kestner, and Nafeesah Symonette presented at the EMU graduate research conference. Student Vanessa Kestner won Best Abstract for her project. Professors Jeanette Kindred and Susan Booth were two of the faculty mentors.
Undergraduate Symposium and Design Expo The Undergraduate Symposium and Design Expo showcased student research and creative projects. This year 22 CMTA students presented. These students were: Chayton Bobee, Will Bogen, Hannah Brenneman, Amer Brenton, Hannah Burke, Shayla Card-Nowlin, Camren Couthier, Elana Graessley, Alexis Hatchard, Alissa Kennedy, Amber Killingbeck, Gwenyth Deiter, Max Leidlein, Lorant Peeler, Sarah Poteracki, Julie Selig, Jessica Sherwood, Jacqulin Stauder, Julia Stevenson, James Wohlfert, Kathryn McIntyre, and Angela Zielinski.
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CMTA Student‘s Story Aired on WEMU Programming CMTA undergraduate Pedro Esteva‘s story, “Report on Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti‘s Folk Music Scene”, was aired on WEMU. For nearly two years, Dr. Sadaf Ali and Patrick Campion (WEMU) have successfully created an AS-L partnership with Ali‘s CTAT 334 Radio-TV News Writing class and WEMU. CMTA Graduation Reception Family, friends, faculty, and staff attended the annual celebratory reception for graduating CMTA students after commencement. Good luck Grads! Forensics Wrap-Up The Forensics Team wrapped up their season at the National Forensics Association‘s National Championship Tournament in California. Junior Nathalie Estiverne placed 5th in After Dinner Speaking, Senior Steven Suarez placed 6th in Informative, and the EMU Forensics Team placed 12th in the nation. Most notably, the team dedicated their performances to their very first EMU national champion, Judy Sturgis Hill, who passed away earlier this year. Pictured above, they are wore T shirts and used the hashtag #doitforJudy to commemorate her legacy. what‘s past is prologue... Players at EMU was founded in 1952 “... to promote dramatics at [EMU]; to stimulate interest in the various phases of play production; and to further apprecation of the theatre. The first annual Players awards banquet was in1957, and has been called many names since, such as Notscars and, currently, the Fauxnys! 18
april 2019
“Much Ado About Nothing” Is Second Accessible Show of Season Directed by Lee Stille, “Entanglements, twists and turns abound in this Shakespearean romantic comedy. Drawn together through hopeful rumor, witty warriors Beatrice and Benedick become unlikely lovers. Meanwhile, betrayed through treacherous lies, the idealistic young pair Hero and Claudio finds themselves at war. Set in the Sicilian city of Messina, this uproarious tale of love against all odds, takes its title from how “eavesdropping” can bring about “much ado”.” Much Ado About Nothing was the second mainstage show this season that offered accessible services. These services, led by Professor Elena SV Flys and her crew of students, included: hearing loop, assistive listening services, sign language interpretation, open captioning, audio description, large print and braille programs, curb to seat services, tactile tours, sensory friendly performances, noise reduction headphones, and sunglasses.
Fauxny Awards Fauxnys is an annual celebration put on by the student organization Players at EMU to celebrate their accomplishments as an organization alongside EMU Theatre. Fauxnys includes dinner and a “Faux-Tonys” style show with skits, reflections on the past season, the 2019-2020 EMU Theatre season announcement, senior send-off, and an award ceremony. This year, Players took the event off-campus for the first time to the historic Ypsilanti Freighthouse. 19
Student Advocacy Center “Tellin‘ Tales” Graduate students in ADTY Jill Mac Martin and Tayler Jones created a theatrical piece for the Student Advocacy Center‘s Annual “Tellin‘ Tales After School” event. The piece addressed the influences of media, and policy on student expulsion and suspensions. Woodland Correctional Outreach Program Dr. Anita Rich and facilitators worked with the men at the Woodland Correctional Facility to generate two productions. They met bi-weekly to teach performance skills, assist in crafting original poems, exploring literature through performance, and developing orignal songs along with community partner/music therapist and so much more. This couldn‘t be done without the help of the office of Academic ServiceLearning for supporting this important program, Dr. Rich, and the students who continue this communicty outreach, which first started 15 years ago at Huron Valley Men‘s Correctinoal Center. Erikson Elementary Village Project Graduate student Jenny Rogers worked with Erikson Elementary‘s Village Project (a trauma focused initiative to support students whose parents or family members are incarcerated) in the development of drama and storytelling experiences to encourage confidence and personal ease. Alum Win at International Filmapalooza Film Festival CMTA digital media alum produced the film, “Motorcoach”, which won Best Set Design at the International Filmapalooza Film Festival in Orlando, Florida. This is following many awards won at the Detroit 48 Hour Film Fest, including Overall Best Film, and Best Cinematography, among others. 20
Judy Sturgis Hill Memorial
may 2019
Communication Assistant Professor Judy Sturgis Hill passed away on January 17, 2019. Throughout her career, she was a champion for students, especially students of color. She believed in helping students find their voice, as exemplified in her years of serving for EMU’s Forensic Team. Judy Sturgis Hill’s passion for Forensics dates back to her undergraduate years at EMU when she became EMU’s first national Forensics champion in 1972. Judy was most known for “having a personality to rival the sun and for giving hugs with the power to melt away any trouble”. She will be missed.
what‘s past is prologue... EMU Forensics began its tradition of success with its first national championship in 1972. Those Forensicators, including Judy, laid down the groundwork that helped bring the team to where they are today. Now it‘s up to current students to define “what is to come” and leave their mark. 21
Mary Ann Watson Retired Dr. Mary Ann Watson retired after 30 years of teaching at EMU. Watson joined CMTA as an Associate Professor in 1990. Her commitment to research is evident through the accolades she has received through the years. She was a recipient of the EMU Distinguished Faculty Award for Scholarly and Creative Activity and has received research awards from the Rockefeller Foundation and National Endowment for the Humanities. She is the author of The Expanding Vista: American Television in the Kennedy Years, which has become a widely cited work in the literature of the field. She is also the author of Defining Visions: Television and the American Experience in the 20th Century. Dr. Watson has contributed book chapters to many works, including The Columbia History of American Television. She is the co-editor of Norman Corwin’s One World Flight: The Lost Journal of Radio’s Greatest Writer. Many of Dr. Watson‘s articles have been published, she has worked as a consultant on several documentaries, worked on many museum exhbitions and archival seminars, and is often called on for expert commentary on media issues by news organizations. Dr. Watson brought all of her experiences and passion for examining the power of television into the classroom. She challenged her students to become great writers who write with integrity, accuracy, and literacy. Students who studied with Dr. Watson left the class knowing the principles of grammar and writing techniques, but also the power of television and mass media. We thank her for her years of service to CMTA, she will be missed!
Unicorn Capstone Project Kristin King, a Grad student in Dennis O‘Grady‘s CTAC 495L Communication Capstone course, created and planned a fundraising event for the Monroe County Denim & Dust 4-H Group. The event was an “Enchanted Unicorn Celebration & Photo Shoot” in which children could wear princess costumes and get their pictures taken with miniature horses disguised as unicorns. She raised a total of $2,900 for 4-H. The fundraiser was so successful the group plans on repeating it and making it an annual event. 22
Two CMTA Students Win Alumni Awards
june 2019
Amalie Nash recieved an “Alumni Achievement Award” at the 58th Annual EMU Alumni Awards. She was recently promoted to vice president for local news and audience development for the USA TODAY Network, directing 109 local newsrooms across the US and one in Guam. She recieved both her bachelors in journalism in 1998, and her master of arts in social science in 2003, from EMU. Jawan M. Jackson recieved an “Outstanding Young Alumni Award”. He is currently on Broadway in “Ain‘t Too Proud- The Life and Times of The Temptations”. Jawan recieved his bachelor‘s degree in Communication from EMU in 2011. “She Kills Monsters” Grieving the loss of her younger sister Tilly, Agnes Evans embarks on an adventure to discover Tilly’s truest self in the role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. This action-packed dramatic comedy leads Agnes and audiences through a funny, fantastical world of love, loss, friendship, fairies, and the occasional homicidal cheerleader. Directed by Pam Cardell, featuring Kelsey Booth, Kaitlyn Frawley, Marlene Goss, Megan Liepa, Celah Convis, John Milkovitch, Liana Abela, Cameron Graham, Morgan Hoeffel, Kevin Abbott, Linise Washington, and Aric Bird. Projection design by Dustin D. Miller, lights/set/props by John Charles, costumes by Madeleine Huggins. what‘s past is prologue... In 1990, Dr. Mary Ann Watson joined Dr. Lucy Liggett as an instructor in Telecommunications and Film (now Digital Media, Cinema Studies and Journalism). Liggett was the first female instructor in that area at EMU.
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Louie the Lightning Bug This summer there were 105 Louie the Lightning Bug shows booked with an average of 55 youth per show learning about electrical safety. This means the talented group of student presenters, along with student coordinator Heather Adair, reached over 5000 youngsters. Thank you to Dr. Rich, who manages this active and important community outreach. Go Louie!!
A Second Chance at Being A Parent Dr. Jessica Elton co-authored a manuscript, “A second chance at being a parent: Grandparent caregivers”, which was published in a special issue of Journal of Family Communication. The articles examines how grandparents who serve as primary caregivers to at least one grandchild communicate with their grandchildren. EMU Theatre Students Find Summer Opportunities The Penny Seats Theatre Company, a professional theatre in Ann Arbor, employed multiple CMTA students, faculty, and alumni for their summer shows. “Man of La Mancha” was co-directed by professor Phil Simmons and undergraduate Shelby Seeley. Undergraduates include Heather Adair (Stage Manager), Evan Jaslow (Sound Designer), Sarah Gunter (The Houskeeper), Monte LeGrant (Pedro), Parker Nolan (Anselmo), Jackie Marlett (Muleteer), and Lindsey Brown (Run Crew). Alumni include Dustin D. Miller (Technical Director), Tyler Chinn (Lighting Designer), Dan Johnson (Sancho), and Tyler Calhoun (The Barber). “Fortinbras”, was also directed by CMTA lecturer Joseph Zettelmair, and had a run crew of undergraduates Lindsey Brown and Celah Convis. Undergraduates Shelby Seeley (director), Megan Liepa (Lexi), Liana Abela (Rainbow), Lindsey Brown (Stagehand) and Davion Cameron (Ambrose) participated in BoxFest Detroit and won the Mentorship Award (with A Host of People Theatre Company) for their production of “Pizza Slut”.
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Thank You, Keon Pettiway Dr. Pettiway joined the EMU CMTA department in Fall 2016, but will be stepping away this Fall. CMTA says thank you and good luck with all your future holds! In his short time in CMTA, Dr. Pettiway worked dilligently advancing issues of diversity and inclusion at EMU. Thank You, Gerald Pesta Part-Time Lecturer Gerald Pesta, after ten years of service to the School of CMTA, will be stepping away and pursuing new opportunities this Fall. He shared his knowledge and passion for film with over 1500 students during his tenure. We thank him for his service and wish him the best! Arnold Mackowiak Retired After 29 years of teaching at EMU, full-time lecturer Arnold Mackowiak is reitiring. During his teaching tenure he was also a copy editor on the news desk with the Ann Arbor News from 1990 until the paper‘s close in July of 2009. From 1972 to 1990 Mackowiak wrote, reported and edited for Michigan community weekly newspapers in the Newaygo County, Manistique and Gaylord areas. We thank Arnie for the years of service he contributed to the journalism program at EMU, he will be missed! Papers Accepted for Fall 2019 National Communication Association Conference
july 2019
what‘s past is prologue...
Louie the Lightning Bug is a long-standing program which harkens back to Wendy Kivi who wrote the first grant to the DTE Foundation in 2005. The program is still vibrant at EMU today. “Like” CMTA on Facebook This summer, CMTA launched a brand new Facebook page to promote and share all the incredible things the school‘s faculty, staff, students and student organizations do throughout the year. If you would like to be featured on the page, or have something you would like to promote, please do not hesitate to email emu_cmta@emich.edu with the subject “Facebook Post”, or inbox the page directly. Don‘t forget to like, comment, share, and follow the page “EMU School of Communication, Media & Theatre Arts” at www.facebook.com/cmtaemu for updates!
Graduate student Micah Huff had Struggling to Identify: A Rhetorical Analysis of the Videogame Rust Kenneth Burke Society and Antifeminist Code: The Rhetoric of Programming Languages accepted for presentation at the Fall 2019 National Communication Association. Antifeminist Code received a Top Paper award for the Critical and Cultural Studies Division. Graduate student Meagan Winkelseth had her research paper Power Dynamics within Dementia Caregiver Communication: A Critical Literature Review accepted to present in the Master‘s Education Division.
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Dr. James and Marla Gousseff Legacy CMTA is saddened by the loss of Marla Gousseff. After years of being a generous supporter of EMU Theatre and the arts, Marla Gousseff passed away in July 2019. She created an enormous family of friends from her organizations, neighborhood, theatrical ventures, and creative endeavors and was a huge part of the art community in Ypsilanti. Marla Gousseff donated $500,000 to EMU Theatre in honor of her late husband Dr. James Gousseff. Beginning in 2020, the Student Written, Student Directed One Act Festival will be renamed to the James W. Gousseff One Act Festival in his honor. This annual one-act festival offers a venue for completely student led productions through direction, playwriting, design, stage management, and acting. During his 32 year career at Eastern Michigan University, Dr. G was an educator who provided both valuable service to his students and leadership to his profession. As a supporter of student led productions and dedicated director/producer himself, the one act festival reflects the ideology and legacy of Dr. Gousseff.
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2019-2020 Fulbright, Sabbatical, and Fellowship Announcement Dr. Jessica Elton recieved a 2-semester sabbatical (“Physicians’ End-of-Life Communication Experiences and Training”) will assess end-of-life (EOL) communication training in medical schools and examine physicians’ experiences engaging in EOL communication with patients and their families.
august 2019
Jeromy Hopgood received a Faculty Research Fellowship for the Winter semester to work on his new book project, “The Digital Media Designer’s Toolkit.” Jeromy will be conducting a series of interviews with many professional projection designers working on Broadway, the music industry, theme parks and more. Professor Susan Badger Booth recieved a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award for the Winter semester to teach a graduate course with field work in Cultural Planning at Hongik University, the foremost arts university in South Korea. Christine Smith Tanner received a two-semester sabbatical to study puppetry and write an original script for young audiences. She will be hosted by Northwest Polytechnical University in Xi‘an, China where she will be a member of the faculty for nearly eleven months! what‘s past is prologue... Marla created a scholarship given to support student directors at EMU to honor the legacy of her late husband, Dr. G. Now with the renaming of the One Act Festival to the James W. Gousseff One Act Festival, his legacy, and Marla‘s generocity, will live on for the future generations of directors at EMU. 27
thank you! We extend our warmest appreciation to those who supported numerous Communication, Media & Theatre Arts initiatives and increased opportunities for our students to excel. Your contributions made a significant impact.
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Adult Learning Institute Ahmed Khalil Alexander and Haley Landen Alpha Psi Omega Pi Alpha Amanda and Matthew Patterson Andrea Kenski Anita Bohn Anne and Mark Michaels Anthony Ferzo Anthony Wahlman and Carole Bennett April and Andrew Callis Armeka Nelson Barbara Torretti Bert and Phyllis Greene Bonita Tholl Brandon Bumstead Brent Hunt Brian and Debra Fitzgerald Carmen Flys-Junquera Carol Schlagheck Cary Cato and Pamela Cardell Cato Casey Sabella Catherine and Richard Nezwek Cecilia and David Eastman Charles and Kerri Stephenson Charles and Pansy Coleman, Jr.
Cherry Sabella Gary Decker and Shelley MacMillan Clarabelle Harris Gary Evans and Katherine Strand-Evans Dale and Gloria Heydlauff George and Judith Massingill Daneen Zureich Gloria Robbins David Orlin and Diane Winder Gloria VanAlstine David Smith Glynda Moorer Deborah Mitchell Gregory Graham Debra Cleland Heather Mapstone Dennis & Charline Beagen Ian Craig Dennis O‘Grady Ilona Tobin Derek Tulowitzky J. Joseph and Nola Bishop Diane Burden Jacob Dailey Donald and Nancie Loppnow James and Marni Patterson III Donald Ritzenhein and Katherine Grenda James and Mary Streeter Douglas Brinker Janice Franklin Dr. William E. Fennel Jason Karas and Claire Sparklin DTE Energy Foundation Jean Lepard E Thomas Jeanette Hassan and Donald Pearson Edward D. Jones Investments Jeff and AnnMarie Simonson Elbert Clark Jill and Van Hunsberger Elena Sanchez Vizcaino John and Marlene Barr Eric Hohnke John and Persephone Pappas Evan Mann John Deturk Felisa Flys Jonathan Skidmore Floyd Walton Joseph and Joyce Jennings Fred and Loretta Blum Joy Ubah Bing
our 2018-19 donors Joyce Matthews Karinda Washington Kathleen King Kathleen MacKenzie Kathleen Stacey and Robert Sneddon Keith and Marilyn Stanger Kelly Ehlert Kenneth Stevens and Wuanita Delaney Kevin Mardirosian Kristen Todd Kristin Howard Kyle Zrenchik Lauren M. Mitchell Lee Stille Leisa Anslinger Leslie Carpenter Lisa Samra Lois and David Wheeler Lori Nelson-Kraft and Paul Kraft Lucy Liggett Mable Jones Marie Strahan Marisol Greenwald Mark Sadzikowski Marla J. Gousseff Mary Dolan
Mary Krieger Mary Linblade Mary Ottman Megan Costello Melissa Rinehart Mercedes Junquera Meredith Miller Michael and Leighanne Denja Michael Fortunato and Rachel Parke Michael Storr Michael Tew and Dale Domke Michael Wilder Milton and Laura Mack, Jr. Mimi Bird Miriam Glantz MLM Charitable Foundation Nathan and Amy Bearinger Neal Belitsky and Charlene KawchakBelitskyu Nicole Johnson Parker Nolan Patricia Austin Patricia Sturgis-Johnson Patrick and Cheryl Barry Patrick Seick Paul Bancel
Paul Edel Phyllis Carey Ponder & Co. Priscilla Watson Rachelle Guernsey Ramona Caponegro Raymond Quiel and Laurie Walker Rhonda Butler Richard and Janet Schwarze Richard Brophy Richard Bush Richard Byrd Rieth Jones Advisors LLC Rita Bullard Robert Digiovanni Robert Laine Robert Smith Robyn Tennison Rocky Sulfridge Rosalyn and Robert Benson Sally McCracken & Bette Warren Sandra Ryder Sherry Bracket Shirley and Larry Wentz Steven and Carolina Terhaar Steven and Joann Spencer
Steven and Madeline Thiry Sue Biermacher Susan and William Booth Susan Robinson Terence Duncan Thea Glicksman Theresa Crnkovich Tiffany Morningstar Timothy and Leslie McMacken Timothy Ward TLS Productions Tobin Hissong and Christine Purchis Todd Ambs Ty James Virginia Edwards Wallace and Jeanette Bridges Walter Kraft Wendy and David Kivi William and Christina Shell Zenah Mitchel
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EMU THEATRE 2019-2020 Season www.emich.edu/emutheatre Mainstage & Second Stage Productions She Kills Monsters By Qui Nguyen Directed by Pam Cardell SPONBERG THEATRE — September 6 & 7 at 7pm and September 8 at 2pm Suggested for ages 16+
Yellowman By Dael Orlandersmith Director Casaundra Freeman SPONBERG THEATRE —Second Stage November 22 & 23 at 7pm and November 24 at 2pm Suggested for Mature Audiences
Cabaret Book by Joe Masteroff, based on the Play by John Van Druten and Stories by Christopher Isherwood, Music by John Kander Lyrics by Fred Ebb Directed by Phil Simmons Music Direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis QUIRK THEATRE — October 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 at 7pm and October 20 & 27 at 2pm Drama Day performance Oct 26 at 2pm Suggested for ages 16+
Still Life with Iris By Steven Dietz Directed by Patricia Moore Zimmer QUIRK THEATRE — December 6, 7, 13, 14 at 7pm and December 8, 14, and 15 at 2pm School Matinees on December 10 and 11 at 10am Suggested for Ages 7+
The Snowy Day and Other Stories by Ezra Jack Keats By Jerome Hairston Directed by Emily Levickas SPONBERG THEATRE— DTFY Tour Fall Public Performances November 15 at 7pm & November 16 at 2pm Suggested for ages 4+
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North Star By Gloria Bond Clunie Directed by Wallace Bridges SPONBERG THEATRE — February 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 at 7pm and February 9 & 16 at 2pm School matinees on February 11 & 12 at 10am Suggested for ages 12+ [Something Between] Devised Theatre Piece with various authors Directed by Amy Johnson SPONBERG THEATRE — Second Stage March 6 & 7 at 7pm and March 8 at 2pm Suggested for mature audiences
And Then... This Happened! Stories by Michigan Students Directed by Heather Utsler-Smith SPONBERG THEATRE— DTFY Tour Winter Public Performances March 20 at 7pm & March 21 at 2pm Suggested for ages 5+ Tartuffe By Molière, translated into English verse by Richard Wilber Directed by Lee Stille QUIRK THEATRE — March 27, 28, April 3, 4 at 7pm and March 29, April 4 & 5 at 2pm Suggested for ages 14+ Edges Music and Lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul Directed by Pam Cardell Music Direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis SPONBERG THEATRE — June 5, 6, 12, 13 at 7pm and June 7 & 14 at 2pm Suggested for ages 16+
Supporting Students: Give to CMTA After reading through our 2018-19 Year in Review, we ask you to consider a gift to support our programs and EMU/CMTA students.
Payment Method:
I would like to set up a multi-year pledge as follows:
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$ ________Communication, Media & Theatre Arts (CMTA) 00576
Gifts can be made online: www.emich.edu/foundation/give
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Mailing address: EMU Foundation PO Box 972057 Ypsilanti, MI 48197
at $ per year
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124 Quirk Ypsilanti, MI 48197 734.487.3131 emich.edu/cmta