PAGE 6 * THE STERLING KANSAS BULLETIN * THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012
The offical student-run newspaper of Sterling College
Volume 115 issue 10
A brilliant career : Diane DeFranco-Kling By BAY BAKER Staff Writer For many years, students have been blessed by the enthusiasm Diane DeFranco- Kling has for her work. Her vision for her pupils has been continuously challenging and encouraging. She has fond memories of late nights in the theatre and trips to New York City with the Musical Theatre class. Watching students grow has been rewarding to her and in her mind all the hard work onstage and backstage has been well worth the time. “When you see students catch the ‘theatre bug,’” Defranco-Kling said, “and see it infect them to develop the passion and the work ethic that is required to produce art – that’s the most exciting [part].” Kling started dancing at an early age and then had the opportunity to choreograph several productions in high school. “In college, I started out in Speech Therapy, but my teacher told me I was too empathetic for that kind of work and sort of flippantly said
Students reflect on fond moments with the Klings “After two years here at Sterling, I can safely say that Gordon and Diane have significantly influenced my college career. From attending their classes to performing in plays to working long nights in the theatre to relying on these two people to get me through my day to day life, I would have a substantially different college experience if the Klings were not here to get me through it. Gordon and Diane Kling are much more than theatre professors to their students;; they are advisors, mentors, role models, jedi masters, and friends. Sterling College has most definitely been blessed by having the Klings on campus for the past 40 years, and they will be greatly missed for the next 40 years and way beyond.”- Ryan Ehresman, Claudio, Much Ado About Nothing (2012) See Moments, Page 7
‘try theatre’,” Defranco-Kling said. “So I did, and I loved it.” Diane’s career in theatre blossomed as she began to realize her passion for it. “It was a place where I felt at home and where my skills could be utilized,” Defranco- Kling said. “Oh, there are days when I wish I had chosen a less complicated and less time-consuming area, but I really love what I do and I don’t fit in anywhere else.” Diane listed several things she wishes to see a student gain from his or her experience in the theatre at Sterling College, whether the student works as an actor, a set designer, or a costume shop worker. Those things are empathy, compassion, and understanding. “And in that order,” Diane said. She believes that if an actor can develop these things, he or she may be able to truly portray characters well, and begin to view people with a more open and loving approach. “Sometimes students develop a zeal -- but, more often, they come with it,” Defranco-Kling said. “One cannot
spend numerous hours in the theatre without a certain commitment. Students who want a career in theatre see very early - what it is going to take to compete. It takes passion and strength of character to pursue that dream.” Diane told us that her least favorite parts of the theatre are costuming and working the box-office. “It’s the work;; it’s the rehearsals that I love the best,” Defranco-Kling said. “The discoveries, and the moments of ‘ah ha’ are great.” We asked Diane to reflect on the most significant thing she has learned from working with students. “They are capable of doing great things,” Defranco-Kling said. “You have to learn how to communicate with each individual and get them to trust you. Students teach you so much but you have to listen.” Diane’s hope for the future of Sterling College is that it will continue a solid production program and get even better with young blood. There is joy in knowing there’s a deadline. “The show will go on, and
Gordon Kling and Diane DeFranco-Kling exited the 2010 Commincement ceremonies in the same manner they will be departing from Sterling College--together. Photo Courtesy of the 2010 Warrior. then there will be another one,” Defranco-Kling said. “My encouragement comes from a song called ‘Give of Your Best to the Master.’ Trying to live up to that in times of stress can keep you pretty humble!” Students experience undeniable growth when they walk into the theatre at Sterling College. They are
stretched mentally, emotionally, and physically as the demands of the theatre present themselves. Diane De-Franco Kling has been instrumental in fostering that growth and encouraging each individual to embrace the challenges. All the memories made in Culbertson Auditorium will live forever in the hearts and souls of those instructed by Diane.
Synthesizer of people and arts, Gordon Kling, to retire By PATRICK WRIGHT Staff Writer
theatre began to grow. Gordon got married to Diane As many are already well DeFranco and moved to Steraware, Gordon Kling, theatre ling. Diane started teaching at professor here at Sterling Colthe Sterling High School, but lege and head of the Commusoon joined Gordon at the Colnications and Theater departlege. Since then, the couple has ment, will be retiring at the been teaching students about end of the Spring semester this the Theatre Arts for years year after 44 years of service. and has directed a staggering In that time, he has directed number of plays and musicals. around eighty plays and muThe theatre has grown exposicals. Gordon Kling has done nentially due to Gordon and much for Sterling College and Diane’s influence. has impacted, not only the Gordon’s favorite part of staff of the college, but countworking in the theatre is when less students as well. the actors and the audience Gordon knew that he wantcome together. ed to make a career of theatre “That’s why we’re doing this in graduate school. To Gorstuff,” Kling said. “To bring don, the theatre seemed like a people together.” “wonderful synthesis” of peo- Diane DeFranco-Kling and Gordon Kling examine a book toGordon’s favorite moments ple and the arts. “I kinda got gether early on in their tenure together as professors of the- are when the audience rethe bug,” said Kling, referring atre. Photo Courtesy of the 1973 Sterling College Catalogue. ceives the effort put forth by to his love for the theatre. the actors and actresses on After Gordon finished graduate school, he was looking for stage. Gordon loves when the emotions on stage are felt by a good place to gain some experience teaching theatre. He re- the audience. According to Gordon, the theatre is a place for ceived an offer from Sterling College while at the Chicago Cen- people to see events that they cannot normally experience tral States Speech Convention. When Gordon first arrived in and to feel emotions that they would not normally feel. GorSterling in the Fall of 1968, he had every intention of Sterling don has done this time and time again and he shall be truly College being a temporary position. At this point, the Sterling missed when he retires at the end of this spring semester. College theatre department was in bad shape. The theatre was Gordon leaves Sterling College with just a few short words not very active. But due to Gordon’s passion and influence, stu- of wisdom: “Support the theatre, come to the plays, and get dents and community members began attending plays and the involved.”
‘Much Ado About Nothing’ opens tonight By TIM LUISI Editor-in-Chief Representing the culmination of over forty years of service to Sterling College, Gordon Kling and Diane Defranco-Kling will unveil their final production tonight at 8:00 in Culbertson Auditorium. With a cast of over twenty students and countless hours logged away in the theatre workshop, Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing has been an exciting challenge for everyone involved. “The hardest part of my role was definitely trying to figure out what the heck I was saying in general,” Sophomore Shane Rodgers said. “This is probably the most different role I’ve ever had, because I’ve never done classical theatre in my life.” While the Shakespearian language has been one hurdle
the actors have faced in the production, the very nature of the show, which switches from comedic to dramatic and back again has been another. “The biggest challenge has definitely been just being able to bring out all the emotions on stage every night,” Senior Stuart Parman, who plays Leonato in the show and who has been behind a lot of the work backstage, said. “You’ve got to go from being happy and jovial and smiling in one scene to being this raging lunatic in the next, panting, getting all worked up, maybe even crying a little. You know, I think it’s like that for most of the characters in the show.” Aside from the obvious strength in the director’s chair (Gordon and Diane have produced over 80 shows together), one of this production’s greatest assets is its cast,
which brings several of Sterling’s most talented thespians together. Starring Sophomore Ryan Ehresman as Claudio an Italian Prince who falls for Hero (Junior Jackie Wilkerson), the play follows the chaotic events surrounding their engagement including a villainous plot conceived by Don John (Senior Alum Michael Danski) to separate them in an attempt to get back at his brother and Claudio’s friend Don Pedro (Junior Vance Stegman) as well as the exploits of Benedick (Freshman Shane Rodgers) and Beatrice (Junior Samantha Davison) who fall in love amidst all the confusion. In addition to the cast, the show also boasts a very intricate set, which includes a full-sized house, a working fountain, a chapel, and additional staging on the audito-
Hero (Jackie Wilkerson) faints into the arms of Beatrice and Ursula (Samantha Davison and Cara Spencer) as Leonato (Stuart Parman) rages with anger. Friar Francis (Timothy Luisi), Antonio (Mike Redondo), Margaret (Chelsea Moore), and the ‘Ladies In Waiting’ (Chloe Wooten and Darsha Bechard) look on. Photo by Nathan Ehresman rium floor that will bring the that will challenge us as stuaudience closer to the stage dents in our building, in our than ever. painting, and in our contribu“Every set is different just tions. Every time he tries to because every show is so dif- design it in just slightly different,” Parman said. “I feel ferent enough ways that it’s like with every show Gordon never the same and teaches designs for the department us new techniques.” that he tries to do something See Show, Page 7
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* THE STERLING KANSAS BULLETIN * THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2012 * PAGE 7
OPINION
sterling.edu/stir-newspaper
Moments from page 6
“I know the huge impact that these two have had on me, but where it gets crazy is when I stop and realize that they have been helping students of Sterling find their way for over forty years. I am better in all I do because I was lucky enough to call them both Professor, and I will cherish their friendship always. Best wishes and lots of love to you both, whatever it is you choose to do now, you have long earned it.”- Houston Smith, Pirate King, Pirates of Penzance (2010) “The classic favorite memories of Gordon are any of the silly things he’d say. However, I will never
forget trying to read his notes at the end of rehearsals. I remember feeling so accomplished when I could help the newbies read Gordon-ese. It was like a rite of passage. Diane helped me with so many things while I was at Sterling. She was always the first to applaud my accomplishments or listen and give advice when I really needed someone. She is one of the main reasons that I went to, stayed at, and graduated from SC. I owe so much to both of them. Even after graduating, they support me and encourage me to follow my passion in theatre.”- Amanda Denning, Stage Manager, An Italian Straw Hat (2009) “During a rehearsal for Hello, Dolly! the chorus was unable to hear the piano from their starting po-
sition offstage and was completely out of sync with the music. Gordon, who was working on a set piece (yes, during the middle of the rehearsal) at the rear of the stage, picked up a hammer and began literally pounding out the beat while singing at the top of his lungs. Diane has some creative ways of convincing the sewing machines in the costume shop to work...my personal favorite entails either insistent barking or feline hissing. All joking aside, some of my other favorite memories of Gordon and Diane are the conversations we had in their offices, often replete with intellectual engagement, patient counseling, and lots of laughter.”- Jean Bosch, Golde, Fiddler on the Roof (2008)
Academy Awards predictions for 6 major categories By TIM LUISI Editor-in-Chief For the past two weeks I’ve been telling you about my favorite films from 2011. On Sunday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, aka the Academy Awards or Oscars, will do the same. In what has become one of my favorite traditions then, here are my predictions for the top six categories stating what will win as well as what would in an ideal world:
Best Supporting Actress
Best Supporting Actor
Will Win: Octavia SpencerThe Help Should Win: Jessica ChastainThe Help Reasoning: While Spencer creates a very memorable character in her own right, it was Jessica Chastain who owned the cinema in 2011, turning in no less than five fantastic performances this year, none of them more mesmerizing or heartfelt as her turn in The Help.
Will Win: Christopher Plummer- Beginners Should Win: Max Von SydowExtremely Loud and Incredibly Close Reasoning: This is no slight on Plummer, but rather all in praise of Sydow who without any words whatsoever is able to create a fully fleshed out and heartbreaking character. It’s all there in his eyes: the pain, the fear, and the tiny hope that it can all get better. One of the finest performances of a brilliant career, this is as Oscar-worthy as they come. Plummer, however, is just as due as Sydow and should have no problem taking home yet another trophy on Sunday.
Top Ten quotes from Professor Gordon Kling By MIKE REDONDO Guest Writer
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Every day interactions with Gordon and Diane, whether on the set of a show or in the classroom, usually turn out to be quite humorous. It is really difficult to narrow all the funny one-liners I have recorded down to ten, but here are the quotes I think everyone can appreciate, even if they are not theatre students or have had no interaction with Gordon or Diane before: 10) During dress rehearsal for Working, Matt Hastings misses his entrance. Gordon shouts from the audience, “You’re ruining the show!!!” 9) On the subway during the January 2010 Interterm New York City trip, Diane asks, “Gordon, do we get off now?” Gordon responds, “When it STOPS.” 8) At dress rehearsal for Mandy Nichols’ senior production of Cocktails with Mimi, Gordon (standing in front of the video camera feeding into the green room) tells Mandy, “Would you tell them to pick up the pace?! It’s like they’re walking through Jello up there!” 7) At a set-building night for Merchant of Venice, Gordon and I search the theater basement for a pipe to extend one of the overhead flies. Frustrated at our lack of success, he declares, “Let there be pipe!” 6) Gordon, going over the syllabus for the Theatre History class, explains,
“Attendance is 15% of your grade...and if you stay awake I might give you extra credit.” 5) During rehearsal for Children of Eden, Gordon tries to speak over the chorus members chatting in the wings. “I don’t see anything in my script about general rhubarb coming from the chorus...” 4) In Stagecraft class, Gordon sketches examples of the different uses of legs and borders in a set design. “Let’s get some LEG action up in here!” 3) Again in Stagecraft class, Melzora Towne presents her design for a set in which a wagon has to be moved onstage between two legs. Gordon doesn’t find it sensible. “You’re going to need a shoehorn and a can of PAM to get that through there!” 2) During Playwriting class, Gordon goes on a ramble and forgets what his point was. “Where were we? Where was I? Well, hopefully you were there too.” 1) At the Atlanta Airport at the end of the 2012 Interterm New York City trip, Gordon approaches junior Lynette Bosch. “Lynette, did you get my text message?” Lynette replies, “Oh, I don’t get texting Gordon...” “Well, that explains why you haven’t answered any of my messages this week.” Gordon then turns to me and says, “She doesn’t get texts and she doesn’t answer her phone; She might as well carry around a cup and string.
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Best Leading Actress Will Win: Viola Davis- The Help Should Win: Rooney Mara- The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Reasoning: Meryl Streep could just as easily win for The Iron Lady (which even though I haven’t seen it, I will be rooting for; seriously just give her another Oscar already), but it seems like Davis has more heat at the moment. Embarrassingly it must be noted that I’ve only seen these two nominees in this particular category, but of the two it was Mara who did more to create an original character. While these two performances are difficult to
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compare, it is Mara’s that is far more memorable and which will likely be remembered more in ten years time. Best Leading Actor Will and Should Win: George Clooney- The Descendants Reasoning: While Jean Dujardin is equally as likely for The Artist and Brad Pitt could definitely still surprise with Moneyball, I believe it will be Clooney’s career best performance which will ultimately take home the prize. Moving beyond the George Clooney persona, much as Jack Nicholson did in Alexander Payne’s About Schmidt, Clooney is stripped down to a normal guy who doesn’t have everything figured out. Emotionally messy and entirely real this moves Clooney entirely if however briefly from star to actor and should be recognized for the achievement it is. Best Director Will and Should Win: Martin Scorsese- Hugo Reasoning: This prediction may well prove to be wishful thinking on my end as out of the nominees this was definitely the greatest piece of work bringing Scorsese’s dreams completely alive for the audience, but I also believe that some Academy members likely still feel bad for snubbing Scorsese continually
throughout his career and that just one win in 2006 wouldn’t make up for all the missed masterpieces. Hugo, Scorsese’s most visually arresting and persona film to date, is just that: another Scorsese masterpiece. By Sunday we’ll know whether it joins the ranks of The Departed or Raging Bull, Taxi Driver, and Goodfellas. Best Picture Will Win: The Artist Should Win: Hugo Reasoning: Unlike The King’s Speech last year The Artist will be a legitimately great best picture winner. It’s funny that it would be these two films that the prize would ultimately come down to as both are ultimately about the same things: finding your purpose in a world that never quite makes sense, celebrating the past, and ultimately embracing the future. Both are beautiful films and well-worthy of the prize, but ultimately it has been the story of the orphan, not the failed silent film star, that has stuck with this viewer. The Academy Awards are one of my favorite annual events ranking right up there with the Superbowl. While this is not the most exciting year for film the Oscars still represent one of the few occasions where films are celebrated as a serious art form. As out of touch as they are at times, I’ll still be tuned in with anticipation.
he Freshman
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While Shakespeare is not the most exciting thing to most college students, everyone in the cast has been having a great time and thinks it can connect with a modern audience. “Our audiences tend not to
By SAMANTHA DAVISON Cartoonist
react to Shakespeare tremendously well,” Danski said. “But, I truly think that this is a show if people come out and see, even if you can’t understand the language, there’s a lot for everybody. There’s physical comedy, there’s a vengeful plot, it’s going to be a lot of fun and I think everybody should come out.”
S S Established in 1889
Editor-in-Chief.................................................................................Tim Luisi Assistant Editor.........................................................................Ryan Corwin Sports Editor..........................................................................Katie McGrath Staff Writers.............................................................................Patrick Wright Bay Baker Nathan Ehresman Jon Faulkner Ben Wright Cartoonist.........................................................................Samantha Davison Faculty Advisor........................................................................Felicia Squires
Much Ado About Nothing will be performed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00 PM and will have an additional 1:00 PM matinee on Friday. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children, students, and senior citizens, and free to all Sterling College students and faculty.
The Stir is produced by Sterling College students and printed weekly in and by the Sterling Bulletin, Sterling, Kansas. We seek to serve the Sterling College community with news and information. We work toward goals of honesty and integrity while always seeking the truth. We also work with an understanding of service to a Christian community. Letters to the editor must be signed and legible. Letters are subject to editing for style and spelling and will be printed at the editors’ discretion. Letters should not be longer than 350 words. Letters must be received by 3 p.m. the Tuesday before the print date (Thursday). Opinions presented on the Opinion page do not necessarily represent the views of Sterling College. Address letters to The Stir, SC Box 8, 125 W. Cooper, Sterling, KS 67579.