Choreographers: Kevin Olivares, Abigail Fernandes, Makenna Rondro, Savanna Lang, Courtney Ozovek*, Debra Noble*, Boroka Nagy
Scenic Designers: Gina Kim, John Corde
Costume Designer: Kayla Beining,
Samera Abdelrhman, Reset De Angelo, Katie Leahy, Karin Worley
Lighting Designer: Anabella Piner, Andre Polo, Miranda Carpenter, Connor Huch, Samera Abdelrhman, Mickey Narez
Sound Designer: Maya Reed
Technical Director: Harold Kast
May 1 –10, 2025 • Hallberg Theatre
*Faculty
RONALD S. ROCHON
President, California State University, Fullerton
AMIR H. DABIRIAN
Provost and VP for Academic Affairs
ARNOLD HOLLAND, EDD
Dean, College of the Arts
FULL-TIME FACULTY | Theatre
Acting
Maria Cominis
Svetlana Efremova*
Eve Himmelheber
John Short
Design and Technical Production
Scott Bolman^
Hyun Sook Kim
Fred Kinney
JR Luker
Omar Ramos
Jamie Tucker
Kathryn Wilson
Directing
Mark Ramont*
Musical Theatre
Josh Grisetti
Marty Austin Lamar*
Theatre Studies
Dr. Heather Denyer*
Amanda Rose Villarreal, PhD
Voice and Movement
Anne James
David Nevell*
FULL-TIME FACULTY | Dance
Muriel Joyce
Lisa D. Long
Debra Noble
Alvin Rangel-Alvarado*
KATHRYN WILSON
Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance
ALVIN RANGEL-ALVARADO*
Vice Chair, Department of Theatre & Dance
FULL-TIME STAFF
Department of Theatre & Dance Administration
Denean Dyson
Technical and Production Staff
Michael August, Production Manager
Lois Bryan, Master Electrician
Matt Connelly, Amanda Horak
Staff Scenic Lab Forepersons
Heidi Enzlin Cole, Charge Scenic Artist
Jen Frauenzimmer
Business/ Production Coordinator
Terri Nista, Costume Lab Manager
Lori Koontz, Costume Lab Techncian
Carson Julian, Costume Coordinator
Eric Sheehan, Video & Projections Technician
Jeff Lewis, Production Sound Engineer
William Lemley, Audio/Lighting Technician
Bob West, Properties Master
Brigitte Bellavoine, Jennifer Schniepp & Ben Rempel, Accompanists
Stephanie Tancredi
Box Office Manager & Safety Coordinator
Josiah Sanchez, Night Mgr./Lead House Mgr.
Charlotte Bouck
Audition Coordinator and Production Assistant
* denotes area coordinator | ^denotes graduate coordinator
Land Acknowledgement: The Department of Theatre and Dance acknowledges our presence on the traditional, ancestral and unceeded territory of the Gabrielino/Tongva Nation. We pay our respects to the Indigenous land caretakers past, present, and emerging. For more information please visit the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe website.
Welcome to the College of the Arts Spring 2025 Season. As we come together to enjoy incredible art, dance, music and theatre programming from across the college, I know we are all still reeling from the recent fires that tore through the communities of Altadena and Pacific Palisades. In many ways, we are all Angelenos and when our city breaks, we break. Many of our students, faculty, and staff are finding comfort in processing complex thoughts and emotions the only way we know how: through the arts. It is our calling and what ties us to our community. Through our programming, we hope to provide a bit of respite to all of you during this time of regrouping and rebuilding.
In the College of the Arts, every note, every movement, and every word spoken on stage brings opportunity for discovery and connection. Whether you are a fellow Titan, family member, or community supporter, we are thrilled to have you here. You are now part of something much larger than this single performance. You are joining a vibrant and diverse collective of artists and technicians working together to push the boundaries of their craft.
Spring 2025 brings us a season of fresh programming to challenge our perceptions and immerse us in new perspectives. Later this month, the School of Music presents “Hajar,” a contemporary opera synthesizing ancient Jewish and Islamic stories into a modern immigration tale. Theatre begins their season with “Significant Other,” a heartfelt tale of love and longing in 21st century New York City. If you haven’t yet seen our spectacular new gallery building, make time to see “Chris O’Leary: Gravity Well” – an exploration of the cosmic phenomena of gravitational waves using video, sound, and images. In May, our dancers and choreographers return to the intimate Hallberg Theatre in “Spring Dance Theatre: From All Sides,” where viewers will experience a variety of dance forms from every angle of the stage.
It takes more than just the emotional support of friends, family, professors, and mentors to enable students to take creative risks of expression. As a college, we remain committed to providing these aspiring arts professionals with scholarships, financial assistance, and the industry-ready equipment, facilities, and opportunities to further develop their skills outside the classroom. Our resolve is steadfast, but we need your continued support to sustain and expand our educational mission, ensuring our students have the tools necessary to succeed. Please consider a donation of any amount to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence today.
I thank you for being here, for your ongoing support, and for your conviction in the power of the arts. Together, we can accomplish the extraordinary.
Music: “Butterflies (Piano Sonata)” and “We Are One” by Tony Anderson, edited by Maya Reed
Costume Designer: Kayla Beining
Lighting Designer: Miranda Carpenter
Set Designer: Gina Kim
Program Note: “As a woman tries to find her way into adulthood, as the oldest child, she is faced with hardship from her mother. They fight and have times of love, but the child is overcome with fear and anxiety. This is her story.”
Are You Kidding Me? | Choreographer, Lisa D. Long and Dancers
Dancers: May 1, 3 at 8 PM; 8, 10, at 2 PM: Abby Smelko, soloist
Understudies: Maliha James, Emma Stroud-Castro, Kait Stuve
Music: Dandy del Sur, Nortec Collective, Rosarito: Nortec Collective+Bostich+Fussible, Tengo la Voz, Nortec Collective
Costume Designer: Dianne Graebner and Lisa D. Long
Lighting Designer: Miranda Carpenter
Program Note: “For my Grams, Aunt Rosie, and Uncle Butch who lived through tragedies and hardships and never ever lost their sense of joy and humor. Thank you for teaching me that laughter is medicine.”
Just Once More | Choreographer, Abigail Fernandes
WARNING – sensitive content: This dance contains depictions of addiction.
Dancers: Mary-Kate Bigornia, Emmalee Idler, Sierra Moses, Makenna Tondro, Abigail Valdivia; Understudies: CJ Bailie, Dubhe Motta
Music: “Glossolalia: Scat and Scatter” by Wet Ink Ensemble, Alex Mincek; “To Nowhere, From Nowhere” by Wet Ink Ensemble
Program
Costume Designer: Samera Abdelrhman
Lighting Designer: Connor Huch
Set Designer: John Corde
Program Note: “The cycle of addiction; its urges constant, with the persistent need for more and more and more and again and again anp back agun over and oper and opef aguin aud again.”
Unveil (excerpts) | Choreographer, Boroka Nagy
CAUTION: Strobe lights are used in this production.
Music: “Live in Prospect Park” (selections), Ben Rempel and Justin Gunter
Designer: Katie Leahy
Lighting Designer: Samera Abdelrhman
About the Guest Choreographer | Boroka Nagy,
M.F.A.
Boroka Nagy is a dancer, choreographer, and multimedia artist born in Budapest, Hungary and now based in Orange Country, CA. She started her movement career at the age of 4 with rhythmic gymnastics. After continuing the sport in the U.S., she was selected to be in the National Team as one of the top 8 gymnasts in the country, and trained at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, N.Y. She began her formal dance training at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in New York City and continued onto the Ailey/Fordham B.F.A. Program to obtain a degree in dance, with a second major in film communications. Additionally she has studied performance and choreography at the London Contemporary Dance School, and Integration Among the Arts at the University of Rome Tor Vergata, including Max/ Jitter video processing and the Active Space program, developed by John Crawford of the University of California, Irvine.
In 2009, Nagy performed Bertram Ross’s Nocturne at the 75th Anniversary celebration of the 92nd Street Y, and in 2011, she was selected to perform Alvin Ailey’s Memoria with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York City Center. In 2011 and 2012 she danced in the tribute to the late Denise Jefferson at the Apollo Theater in New York. Additionally she has performed works by East Coast choreographers such as Paul Taylor, Alvin Ailey, Robert Battle, Milton Myers, Desmond Richardson, Dwight Rhoden and many more. She has performed in New York and California, as well as in various prestigious locations in Rome, Italy in site specific and concert stage settings.
As a choreographer, Nagy is interested in exploring the relationships of emotions and memory to the world around us. Her choreography has been shown at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, the Salvatore Capezio Theater in New York City; at the Claire Trevor Theater in Irvine, California; at the National Academy of St. Cecilia, and the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Rome, Italy. She is a choreographer for the Indie Ballet Collaborative, a NYC based company using dance in synergy with other art forms.
In February 2014, her short dance film, “Oublier le temps,” was screened at the 42nd Annual Dance on Camera Festival in New York City. “Moonville Tunnel,” which she choreographed, performed, and co-edited, was presented at the International Film + Video Festival in Athens, Ohio in April 2014, and at the Columbus International Film + Video Festival in Columbus, Ohio in September, 2014.
In 2015, Nagy obtained her Master of Fine Arts degree in dance from the University of California, Irvine, where she researched screendance, curation, and choreography. In her investigation, she created what she calls an “interactive performance exhibition,” which combines live performance, screendance, and projection art in an audience interactive setting. Nagy is currently a freelance dancer, choreographer, and multimedia artist, exploring her deeper artistry of movement and film, and how it can connect to the everchanging world. In 2015, she founded her contemporary dance company and artist collective, Re:borN Dance Interactive, which challenges the conventional audience-dancer relationship and transforms it into an interactive experience, while exploring the interconnectedness of movement and emotions.
Joining Our Dance Faculty Fall 2025
Hassan Imam Syed
Hassan Imam Syed, native of New York City, brings with him a rich background as a performer, educator, and choreographer, both nationally and internationally.
Hassan received his BA in Dance from Georgian Court University, where he had the privilege of performing works by acclaimed choreographers such as Sidra Bell, Rennie Harris, Stefanie Batten Bland, and more. His outstanding talent was recognized with a four-year Dance Merit Scholarship and a prestigious Choreography Award.
Completing his academic journey, Hassan earned an MFA in Choreography from Temple University, where he was honored with the Rosenick Fund Award for his exceptional thesis work, “Andromeda.” Additionally, he has trained under the worldfamous Les Twins for ten years, attending workshops in various cities across the globe. Hassan has attended summer intensives such as Jacob’s Pillow, ADF, David Parsons, and Sidra Bell’s Module.
As an active member of the street dance community, Hassan has competed and battled in numerous events worldwide such as Juste Debout, Breakin Convention, and World of Dance. His choreographic creations have graced esteemed venues like ACDA, ADF, Fringe Arts, NY Live Arts, and The Apollo Theatre, among others.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, Hassan has displayed his commitment to social impact by creating a mental health awareness program that toured throughout Pakistan’s educational schools. Through education, community engagement, and collaboration, he aims to foster a society that prioritizes mental well-being and accessible mental health services for all.
Student Production Staff
Assistant Stage Managers: Taylor Bryan, Jadynn Gray
Assistant Costume Designer: Alyssa Gauss
Lighting Programmer: Anabella Piner, Andre Polo, Miranda Carpenter, Connor Huch, Samera Abdelrhman, Mickey Narez
Lighting Board Operator: Ethan Green
Sound Board Operator: Jonah Camacho
Costume Crew: Brooke Hernandez, JuanCarlos Arellano, Ulises Jimenez, Madison Williams, Jacob Villaruz, Edith Castro
Costume Maintenance Crew: Miles Peters, Payton Garber, Cameren Foley
Scenic Crew: Parker Claudio, Andreia Sales, Anou Her, Gregorio Barasorda
Prop Assistants: Avis Constantino, Sierra Campoy, Anthony Casas, Henry Esteva
Lighting Assistants: Conner Hyman, Miranda Carpenter
Scenic Lab Carpenters: Lily Andrada, Alexa Aure, Logan Ayala, Nat Bull, Kate Checkwood, Isabella Cruz, Kiran Desai, George Diaz Mejia, Elizabeth Doubrovski, Cole Johnson, JJ Lopez, Henry Passo, Georgia Rau, Elliot Rosenthal, Julissa Tucker, Madison Williams, and students from THTR 276 and THTR 372.
Special thanks to Caitlyn Nguyen as fill-in ringer carpenter, stitcher, and all-around lifesaver
Lead Scenic Artists: Mickey Narez, Yanira Loera, Diego Banda, Alizée Carlson, Mariia Tumasova, Nev Bumgarner, Kristen Pereyra
Scenic Artists: Ella Davis, Eric Rodriguez, Nathan Camacho, Paige Oberholtzer, Breanna Lange, Jonah Camacho, Cameren Foley
Proceeding Safely: Clayes Performing Arts Center will match all current COVID-19 recommendations and guidelines provided by local health agencies. When purchasing a ticket to a Clayes Performing Arts Center event, you agree to adhere to all COVID-19 safety entry requirements in effect at the time of the event.
Commitment to Diversity: The Department of Theatre & Dance affirms its commitment to inclusiveness in student learning and success in all areas of theatre based on merit and achievement, and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical appearance, mental or physical disability, marital status or age.
Cell Phones & Electronic Devices: Cellphones and other electronic devices must be turned off prior to the start of the performance and at the beginning of the second half to minimize disruptions in the theater and ensure the enjoyment of all patrons in attendance.
The video and/or audio recording of this performance by any means whatsoever is strictly prohibited, and any recordings will be asked to be deleted.
Food & Drink Policy: Food and drink is not allowed in the venue, with the exception of bottled water.
If you do not follow these guidelines, you may be asked to leave.
Professional Artist Unions
Faculty, Staff and Guest Artists of the Department of Theatre & Dance are specialists in their respective disciplines. Within these groups, the following professional artist unions are represented:
AEA (Actors’ Equity Association)
AGMA (American Guild of Musical Artists)
AGVA (American Guild of Variety Artists)
IATSE (International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees)
SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Radio and Television Artists)
SDC (Stage Directors and Choreographers Society)
USA (United Scenic Artists)
$500,000 +
Mrs. Junko Klaus
$100,000-$499,999
Johnny Carson Foundation
$50,000-$99,999
CSU Northridge Foundation
Leo Freedman Foundation
Ms. Susan Hallman in Memory of Ernie Sweet ‘77
Mr. Matthew Scarpino & Ms. Karyn Hayter
Mr. Steve & Mrs. Robin Kalota
Dr. Sallie Mitchell*
Dr. Tedrow & Mrs. Susan Perkins
Mrs. Louise Shamblen
$25,000 - $49,999
Mr. Darryl Curran
Mrs. Lee C. Begovich
Mrs. Marilyn Carlson
Ms. Mary A. and Mr. Phil Lyons
Mr. Bob & Mrs. Terri Niccum
Mr. Ernest & Mrs. Donna Schroeder
Dr. Ed & Mrs. Sue Sullivan
$10,000-$24,999
Dr. Joseph & Dr. Voiza Arnold
Mr. John Aimé & Ms. Robin de la Llata Aimé
Dr. Marc Dickey
Mrs. Evelyn Francuz
Mr. Edward & Mrs. MaryLouise Hlavac
Ms. Kathleen Hougesen
Ms. Kathy Mangum
Mr. James & Mrs. Eleanore Monroe
Mrs. Norma Morris
Mr. John Brennan & Ms. Lucina Moses
$5,000-$9,999
Mr. Nick & Mrs. Dottie Batinich
Continuing Life LLC
Ms. Harriet Cornyn
Mr. William S. Cornyn
Dedicated 2 Learning
Mr. Richard &
Mrs. Susan Dolnick
Ebell Club of Fullerton
Friends of Jazz, Inc.
Dr. Margaret Gordon
DONOR APPLAUSE
Mr. Norm & Mrs. SandyJohnson
Ms. Teri Kennady
Mrs. Jill Kurti Norman
Morningside of Fullerton
Mrs. Bettina Murphy
Mr. David Navarro
Dwight Richard Odle Foundation
Dr. Stephen Rochford, DMA
Southern California Arts Council
Swinerton Builders
Mr. Framroze & Mrs. Julie Virjee
$1,000-$4,999
Mr. John A. Alexander & Mr. Jason Francisco
Mrs. Judy Atwell
Mrs. Lois Austin
Mr. Tod Beckett-Frank
Ms. Karen Bell
Mr. John &
Ms. Shanon M. Fitzpatrick
Dr. Keith & Mrs. Renae Boyum
Mr. Allan & Mrs. Janet Bridgford
Mrs. Marion Brockett
Mr. James & Mrs. Diane Case
Mr. Stephen Collier & Ms. Joann Driggers
Mr. William H. Cunliffe, Jr.
D Barry Schmitt Trust
Ms. Jeannie Denholm
Mr. Gordon & Mrs. Lorra Dickinson
Mr. Kenneth & Mrs. Stacey Duran
Mr. Greg & Mrs. Shawna Ellis
Ms. Judi Elterman
Dr. Anne Fingal
Fullerton Families & Friends Foundation
The Jane Deming Fund
Mrs. Marsha Gallavan
Mrs. Terie Garrabrant
Dr. Leon & Mrs. Annette Gilbert
Mrs. Janet M. Green
Mr. James Henriques
Mr. David &
Mrs. Margret Hoonsbeen
Mr. Mike Ibanez
Mr. Darren &
Mrs. Tatyana Jones
Ms. Michelle H. Jordan
Ms. Gladys Kares
Ronald L. Katz
*deceased
Very special care has been given to the prepartion of this donor list. For questions or concerns, please contact: Ann Steichen | 657-278-3347
Family Foundation
Mr. Raymond & Mrs. Masako Kawase
Mr. Jeffrey & Mrs. Gayle Kenan
Dr. Kristin Kleinjans & Mr. Anthony Dukes
Mrs. Shirley Laroff
Mr. Lynn & Mrs. Susan Lasswell
Mrs. Marilyn Little
Mr. Juan Lopez
Mr. Paul Coluzzi & Mr. John Martelli
Dr. George& Mrs. Karen Mast
Mrs. Thelma Mellott
Mr. Michael & Mrs. Mary Miguel
Mr. Carl Mrs. Patricia Miller
Stifel Nicolaus
Mr. Ujinobu & Mrs. Yoshino Niwa
Mr. Colin Connor & Ms. Debra Noble
Dr. Arie & Mrs. Deanna Passchier
Mr. Jarrold Petraborg
Mr. John Phelps & Mrs. Kerry Laver-Phelps
Mr. Jim Plamondon
Mr. E. B. & Mrs. Linda Powell
Mr. Robert Rennie & Mrs. Nancy Rennie
Ms. Christine Rhoades
Ms. Mary Rupp
Mr. Thaddeus & Mrs. Eleanor Sandford
Mrs. Rita Sardou
Mr. D. Schmitt
Mrs. Martha Shaver
Mrs. Ingrid R. Shutkin
Ms. Barbara Kerth & Ms. Lorena Sikorski
Ms. Janet Smith
South Coast Repertory
Ms. Ann Sparks
Mr. Robert & Mrs. Roberta Sperry
Mr. Douglas Stewart
Mr. Tom & Mrs. Carolyn Toby
Liqi Tong
Viet Tide
Ms. Verne Wagner
Dr. Sean & Dr. Tina L. Walker
Dr. Robert & Mrs. Teri Watson
Dr. Wayne & Dr. Ruth Zemke
Gifts received from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024
ONTIVEROS SOCIETY
The Ontiveros Society includes individuals who have provided a gift for Cal State Fullerton through their estate plan. We extend our deep appreciation to the following Ontiveros Society members, whose gifts will benefit the students and mission of the College of the Arts:
ANONYMOUS
JOHN ALEXANDER
LEE & DR. NICHOLAS A.* BEGOVICH
GAIL & MICHAEL COCHRAN
MARC R. DICKEY
JOANN DRIGGERS
BETTY EVERETT
CAROL J. GEISBAUER
& JOHN* GEISBAUER
SOPHIA & CHARLES GRAY
MARYLOUISE & ED HLAVAC
GRETCHEN KANNE
DR. BURTON L. KARSON
ANNE L. KRUZIC*
LOREEN & JOHN LOFTUS
ALAN A. MANNASON*
WILLIAM J. MCGARVEY*
DR. SALLIE MITCHELL*
ELEANORE P. & JAMES L. MONROE
LYNN & ROBERT MYERS
MR. BOB & MRS. TERRI NICCUM
DWIGHT RICHARD ODLE*
SHERRY & DR. GORDON PAINE
*deceased
DR. JUNE POLLAK
& MR. GEORGE POLLAK*
DR. STEPHEN M. ROCHFORD
MR. STAN MARK RYAN ‘75
MARY K. & WILLIAM SAMPSON
LORENA SIKORSKI
DOUGLAS G. STEWART
ANDREA J. & JEFFREY E. SWARD
RICHARD J. TAYLOR
VERNE WAGNER
RICHARD WULFF
DR. JAMES D. & DOTTIE YOUNG*
The College of the Arts Proudly Recognizes the 300+ Members of Our VOLUNTEER SUPPORT GROUPS
ALLIANCE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS: The Alliance for the Performing Arts (formerly MAMM) benefits performing arts students through underwriting visiting artists; special theatre, dance, and music performances; and other unique experiences for members.
SPECIAL SUPPORT AND EVENT UNDERWRITING
Judy Atwell
Drs. Voiza & Joe Arnold
Dr. Margaret Faulwell Gordon
Susan Hallman
Norma Morris Richard Odle Estate
Kerry & John Phelps
Jeanie Stockwell Verne Wagner
ART ALLIANCE: Art Alliance promotes excellence and enjoyment in the visual arts, and their fundraising efforts contribute to student scholarship, gallery exhibitions, opening receptions and sculpture acquisition on campus.
SPECIAL SUPPORT AND EVENT UNDERWRITING
Fay Colmar
John DeLoof
Joann Driggers & Steve Collier
Loraine Walkington
MUSIC ASSOCIATES: Music Associates maintains a tradition of active involvement and community support, and raises scholarship funds for School of Music students through annual fundraising events and membership dues.
SPECIAL SUPPORT AND EVENT UNDERWRITING
Marilyn Carlson
Evelyn K. Francuz
Sandy & Norm Johnson
Marti & Bill Kurschat
Karen & George Mast
Thelma & Earl Mellott
Bettina Murphy
Grace & Ujinobu Niwa
Kerry & John Phelps
Mary & Jerry Reinhart
Ann & Thad Sandford
Dodo V. Standring
Carolyn & Tom Toby
John Van Wey
MORE INFORMATION: Haley Sanford • 657-278-2663
There are many ways to support the College of the Arts, the School of Music, Department of Theatre and Dance, and Department of Visual Arts
theatre.fullerton.edu
YOU ASKED; WE LISTENED! In an effort to provide more of our patrons with printed programs, we have moved some content online. Scan this QR code for the complete program, including the Dean’s message, University credits, Department Notes, College of the Arts events and more!