Kennesaw State Department of Theatre and Performance Studies 2019-2020 Season

Department of

THEATRE and PERFORMANCE STUDIES GREAT

stories

told here

theatreKSU.com

COLLEGE

of the

ARTS

BE TRANSFORMED by the College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University. Home to the School of Art and Design, Department of Dance, School of Music, and the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, we are one of the most artistically vibrant communities in Georgia. A diverse mix of student, faculty and guest artist presentations in the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center, Dance Theater, Fine Arts Gallery, Onyx Theater, Stillwell Theater and the Zuckerman Museum of Art, add to the artistic vibrancy of our region.

We are thrilled to launch the artsKSU professional presenting season across all four disciplinary units in the College of the Arts this year, bringing to Atlanta internationally renowned performers, presenters and companies.

The arts at KSU are vital to the ecology of our campus and Atlanta community, providing opportunities to enrich people’s lives through over 100 artistic experiences, while advancing the mission of our student-centered public institution. We are a community of artists and scholars committed to expanding the boundaries of knowledge, possibility and imagination.

Please join us for our transformational 2019-20 season.

Ivan Pulinkala, Ed.D. Dean, College of the Arts

2

Kennesaw State University | College of the Arts

presents

ArtsKSU presents an exciting professional season in art and design, dance, music, theatre and solo performance, featuring internationally renowned artists and companies.

The artsKSU Gold Star Subscriber Series Select any five of the Gold Star Subscriber events.

Subscription - $125 KSU Community Discount - $99 Add any additional Gold Star event - $20 Fruitful Labors August 24-November 10 Reception August 24 | Mortin Galleries

Unbound January 25-May 10 Reception January 25 | East Galleries

Painting Who? August 24-December 15 Reception August 24 | East Galleries

Minton Sparks February 6-8 Thursday, 7:30 PM; Friday-Saturday, 8 PM Stillwell Theater

Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary Marissa Chibas September 5-7 | Sept. 5, 7:30pm 8 PM | Stillwell Theater Walking Mad/Charlotte Ballet September 27-28 8 PM | KSU Dance Theater (Marietta Campus) Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Robert Spano, Conductor; Tengue Irfan, piano October 4 | 8 PM | Bailey Performance Center Cellist Zuill Bailey Violinist Helen Kim and KSU Symphony Orchestra October 9 | 8 PM | Morgan Concert Hall Anat Cohen Tentet Oded Lev-Ari, Musical Director November 9 | 8 PM | Morgan Concert Hall

Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre March 6-7 8 PM | KSU Dance Theatre (Marietta Campus) Othello: The Remix, The Q Brothers March 12-14 Thursday, 7:30 PM; Friday-Saturday, 8 PM Stillwell Theater Afro-Cuban Jazz Artist Brenda Navarrete March 21 8 PM | Morgan Concert Hall Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Nicholas Sparks, conductor Midori, violin April 17, 8 PM Bailey Performance Center

Looming Chaos January 25-May 10 Reception January 25 | Mortin Galleries ticketing.kennesaw.edu

3

The award-winning Department of Theatre & Performance Studies (TPS) offers a Bachelor of Arts with four concentrations: acting, performance studies, musical theatre, and design/technology. All four areas of study are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Our innovative and diverse season of student work includes plays, musicals, poetry performances, adaptations of classic literature, storytelling, improv comedy, and new works. Performances are staged in two elegant venues on the Kennesaw campus: the Stillwell Theater, our 315-seat proscenium house, and the Onyx Theater, our intimate black box space.

The KSU Tellers, our unique storytelling ensemble and K.I.S.S., the TPS improv troupe, perform around the metro-area at local schools and professional venues like the Atlanta Fringe Festival.

Education abroad experiences include the Gaiety School of Acting, Ireland’s National Theatre School; Montepulciano, Italy; London; and Paris. Learn more at TheatreKSU.com.

4

Students - Lucas Pollitzer & Jovahn Burroughs

5

Image courtesy of www.MarisaChibas.com

6

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

presents

Daughter of a Cuban Revolutionary SEPT. 5-7

Thurs., 7:30 pm Fri.-Sat., 8:00 pm Stillwell Theater | $12-20 Written and Performed by Marissa Chibas Directed by Travis Preston This solo tour de force tells an astonishing tale centered on three towering figures in the life of protean performer Marissa Chibas: her father, Raul Chibas, who co-wrote the manifesto for the Cuban revolution with Fidel Castro; her uncle, Eddy Chibas, who was the frontrunner for the Cuban presidency in 1951 before committing suicide during a live radio broadcast; and her mother, Dalia Chibas, Miss Cuba runner-up in 1959. Zigzagging through her own stories and key episodes in the history of her illustrious family, Chibas gives an impassioned, live-wire performance that is propelled by her near-death experience in the Venezuelan Amazonia.

This production is the opening event for Year of Cuba, KSU’s nationally-acclaimed country study program.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

7

24-Hour Play Festival AUG. 24 | 8pm Stillwell Theater | $5

Coordinated by Amanda Wansa Morgan

Students - Ra’Mya Aikens, Will Garbers & Dylan Carter

5 writers. 5 directors. 25 actors. 24 hours.

Come see the final product of 24 hours of artmaking from inception to production!

8

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

Photo by Sydney Lee

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

9

10

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

SEPT. 24-29

Tue.-Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sat.-Sun. 2 pm Onyx Theater | $5-12

By Karen Weinberg, Chloe Johnston, Genevra Gallo-Bayiates, Sean Benjamin, and Andy Bayiates Directed by Damian Lockhart A wrestling match, a ballet, a jug band, a vaudeville show, a presidential roast, and so much more. In one play? Oh My! 45 Plays for 45 Presidents is a cult classic that expands with each election. Witness 7 actors play our storied presidents from America’s inception to today, bringing obscure tales of our commanders-in-chief to light in whimsical and witty ways.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

Students - Jalen Davidson, Chandler West, L’Oréal Roache, Alice Garriga, & Sully Brown

45 Plays for 45 Presidents

11

Student - Nathan Chen | Photo by Sydney Lee

12

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

The 7th Annual Coming-Out Monologues OCT. 10-11

Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri., 8 pm Onyx Theater | $5 Coordinated by Karen Robinson Directed by Alex Barrella and Ella Hite Co-produced with LGBTQ Student Programs Inspiring, celebratory, and thought-provoking, this performance features coming-out stories from KSU and metro-area communities performed by KSU students.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

13

14

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

Students - Raine Hess, Alex Harding, Beth Farmer, Sormeh Sanaseri, & Kyndal Jacksonn

Bring It On: The Musical NOV. 7-17

Wed.-Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri., 11 am; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sun., 2pm Stillwell Theater | $5-20 Book by Jeff Whitty Lyrics by Amanda Green and Lin-Manuel Miranda Music by Tom Kitt and Lin-Manuel Miranda Directed by Justin Anderson Music Directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan Choreography by Tim Ellis and Joseph Pendergrast If you had one chance to shine, how far would you go to make sure you succeeded? Do the ends ever justify the means? Filled with sass and determination, Bring It On: The Musical—based on the hit film—explores these questions within the cutthroat world of competitive cheerleading alongside the complexities of high school friendships, rivalries, romances, and betrayals.

Cheer captain Campbell is poised to have the perfect senior year at Truman High School when unexpected redistricting forces her to transfer to neighboring Jackson High School. Though the deck is stacked against her, she befriends the dance crew team and their headstrong and hardworking leader, Danielle. Together they manage to form a powerhouse squad that just might take them to the National Championships.

Come for the fresh sound and explosive dance; stay for the hilarity and heart when Bring It On: The Musical storms the KSU stage this fall.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

15

Students - Joseph Ndoum & Kourtney Price | Photo by Sydney Lee

16

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

Holiday Benefit Performance DEC. 8 | 7pm

Stillwell Theater | $10 (Door Sale Only) Coordinated by faculty in the Department of Theatre and Performance Studies A celebratory compilation of beloved holiday songs, music, and stories.

All proceeds benefit Theatre and Performance Studies majors pursuing a study abroad program.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

17

18

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

presents

Minton Sparks FEB. 6-8

Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm Stillwell Theater | $12-20 Minton Sparks fuses wildly original poetry and an intoxicating gift for spinning tales into music and storytelling performances that share her memories of growing up in a small-town southern family.

Her appearances range from the venerable Old Towne School of Folk Music to the Lincoln Center in New York City to the Grand Ole Opry. Sparks’ performances are punctuated with music from the acoustic guitar of John Jackson, who is perhaps best known for having played with Bob Dylan.

“Where to begin with the genre defying Minton Sparks: poet, storyteller, singer, comedienne, educator, writer, activist, essayist, philosopher, painter, performance artist? Ms. Sparks holds a curved mirror to society.” –Huffington Post

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

19

Students - Blake McNeal, Alec Andrew, & Jovahn Burroughs

20

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

The Normal Heart FEB. 18-23

Tue.-Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm; Sat.-Sun. 2pm | Onyx Theater | $5-12

By Larry Kramer Directed by Zachary Elton Based on true events, Larry Kramer’s The Normal Heart is centered on a group of gay men living during the early years of the AIDS epidemic in America. As countless people become infected, the characters must confront interpersonal and political discrimination in order to fight for their rights to live and love. Weaving together a story of romance and politics, Kramer crafts a scalding indictment of discrimination and a poignant story of love and compassion, insisting that only through community and love can we overcome hatred.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

21

Image courtesy of BloggingShakespeare.com

22

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

presents

Othello: The Remix March MAR.12-14 12-14 Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm Stillwell Theater | $20-25 Created and Performed by the Q Brothers Described as charismatic, wildly inventive, funny, and sophisticated, The Q Brothers bring a must-see regional premiere to the Atlanta Metro area.

This “lightning-fast, hip-hop version of Shakespeare’s tragic tale of jealousy and selfdoubt is absolutely brilliant, and immense fun.

Not only does this show’s fire-powered hip-hop lingo fall trippingly from the actors’ tongues, but just as Shakespeare helped shape English, rap has dramatically refashioned it.” - Chicago Sun Times “Brilliant...Othello: The Remix is to be seen—more than once. It’s that great! This show has everything.

Topical humor is worked into the ongoing lyrical verse. Songs bring playful and profound moments.

It’s like your snarkiest thoughts set to an upbeat tune that wiggles and glides.” - fourthwalsh.com

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

23

Student - Ra’Mya Aikens

24

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

Discounted Festival passes are available; visit ticketing.kennesaw.edu to learn more.

Thumbelina APR. 10-12 & 17-19

Apr. 10, 8 pm; Apr. 17, 11 am; Saturdays, 11 am & 3 pm; Sundays, 3 pm Stillwell Theater | $8-14

Devised by KSU Students Directed by Rosemary Newcott, former Sally J. Tomlinson Artistic Director for Youth and Families, Alliance Theatre Composed and Music Directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!”––William Shakespeare Greatness comes in all shapes and sizes. Thumbelina is tiny, beautiful, and delicate. She is also resourceful, creative, and courageous. Join her as she explores the world and discovers her nascent powers in a new musical version of the treasured Hans Christian Andersen story.

NEW WORKS and IDEAS Festival

Our expanded Spring 2020 New Works and Ideas Festival features a rich array of new and original works created by students, faculty, and guest artists. Presented in rotating repertoire, the schedule offers the opportunity to return for multiple performances.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

25

Students - Ashlin Williams, Ethan Bitzis, Alyssa Ozment, & John Brooks | Photo by Sydney Lee

The Genesis Project APR. 8-9 & 12

Wed.-Thurs., 7:30 pm; Sun., 7 pm Onyx Theater | $5-10 Devised by Charles Parrott and KSU students Directed by Charles Parrott This experimental retelling of the prehistories of Genesis is generated by the cast, with improvisation and movement inspired by an eclectic blend of classical art and popular culture. The Genesis Project re-stages these ancient stories through modern eyes to demonstrate the enduring value of myth, metaphor, and poetry as equipment for living.

26

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

APR. 8-9 & 12

Wed.-Thurs., 7:30 pm; Sun., 7 pm Onyx Theater | $5-10 Created by Jim Davis and KSU students Directed by Jim Davis For millennia humans have asked the big questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? What does it all mean? It’s about time to get some answers.

NEW WORKS and IDEAS Festival

Ex Nihilio: The Cosmogonic Puppet Show

Ex Nihilio: The Cosmogonic Puppet Show tells the story of everything and answers literally every question you’ve ever had about anything.

And it does it with puppets.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

27

28

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

Students - Sarah Valero, Alyssa Egelhoff, Courtney McCullar, Sormeh Sanaseri, & Matteen Zibanejadrad | Photo by Sydney Lee

APR. 10-11

Fri., 10:30 pm; Sat., 8 pm Onyx Theater | Free Coordinated by Amanda Wansa Morgan Our resident improv ensemble offers an evening of performances on the fly. Side-splitting, surprising, and at times, absolutely silly.

This event may not be suitable for audiences under the age of 16.

NEW WORKS and IDEAS Festival

K.I.S.S. Improv Showcase

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

29

Cast of The Our Town Collision Project | Photo by Sydney Lee

30

An Evening of KSU Alumni Performances APR. 15-16 | 7:30 pm Onyx Theater | $5-10

Coordinated by Karen Robinson Anything goes in this evening of new and original works by TPS Alumni.

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

APR. 17-18 | 8pm Stillwell Theater | $5 - 10 Coordinated by Karen Robinson

NEW WORKS and IDEAS Festival

An Evening of KSU Student Performances Witness endless creativity and a multitude of genres as TPS students explore any and all possibilities for theatre and performance.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

31

32

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

Students - Hannah Dodson, Sydney Everett, & Kylie Talbott | Photo by Sydney Lee

APR. 19 | 7pm

Stillwell Theater | $5-10 Co-directed by Amanda Wansa Morgan and Tim Ellis Join us for irresistible melodies during our closing event of our 2020 Spring Festival of New Works and Ideas! Join us after the performance for a reception.

NEW WORKS and IDEAS Festival

Musical Theatre Cabaret

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

33

34

College of the Arts | Department of Theatre and Performance Studies

Students - Anna Reichard, Thomas Cox, Greta Goldberg, Ella Hite, Nathan Chen, & Sarah Paige | Photo by Sydney Lee

KSU Tellers Spring Showcase APR 23-24 Thurs., 7:30 pm; Fri., 8 pm Onyx Theater | $5 Directed by Charles Parrott The KSU Tellers invite you to join them as they present their best solo-performances from the spring semester.

ticketing.kennesaw.edu

35

36

Kennesaw State University | College of the Arts

The first College of the Arts Faculty Research Colloquium showcases KSU research projects in which the traditionally distinctive arts are influenced by or are engaged with methods, technologies, and approaches that have been adapted from the world of the sciences, engineering, and technology.

November 14, 2:00pm - 3:30pm, Ruth B. Zuckerman Pavilion

Lecture and Discussion : “The Aesthetic Brain” Dr. Anjan Chatterjee Elliott Professor & Chief of Neurology, Pennsylvania Hospital; Director, Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, Philadelphia Tuesday, January 28, 2020, 3:30pm - 5:00pm, Stillwell Theater, Wilson Building, Main Campus Dr. Anjan Chatterjee will discuss his groundbreaking research using neurology to advance our understanding of the evolution, production and appreciation of art. Is art an accident of our brain function, or is it a fundamental human instinct?

How do we account for art’s universality across the world as far back in time as we can record, while also accounting for its cultural underpinnings, its tremendous variety, local expression, and “art for art’s sake” property? Chatterjee explores these questions and offers new highly innovative ways of thinking about art and neuroaesthetics.

RESEARCH in the ARTS

The Arts Meet Science and Technology: Faculty Research in the Arts Colloquium

37

Undergraduate RESEARCH Join us for these free, original arts-based research presentations by our undergraduate students.

FALL 2019 Department of Theatre and Performance Studies: Friday, November 8, 2019, 12:00pm - 1:30pm, Wilson Building, Room 103 School of Music: Thursday, November 21, 2019, 1:00pm - 2:30pm in Music Building, Room 109

38

Kennesaw State University | College of the Arts

School of Art and Design student Dylan Carter | Photo by KSU University Photographer

Forums SPRING 2020

School of Art and Design: Friday, January 24, 2020, 3:00pm - 4:30pm, Visual Arts Building, Room 222 Department of Dance: Monday, April 13, 2020, 3:30pm-5:00 pm, Chastain Pointe Dance Studios Department of Theatre and Performance Studies: Friday, April 17, 2020, 5pm - 6pm, Onyx Theater Spring 2020 Art History Capstone: Wednesday, April 22, 2020, 12:30 – 3:30pm, Wilson Building, Room 103 39

470-578-6650 | ticketing.kennesaw.edu artsKSU.com