KU Theatre Newsletter 2015

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Spring 2015 Issue 1

University Theatre wraps up one great season and promises an exciting 2015–2016 The 2014–2015 season gave KU audiences a dynamic mix of classic and contemporary theatre. For the first time in University Theatre history, Lorraine Hansberry’s 1959 masterpiece, “A Raisin in the Sun,” was produced. Two vintage classics were also presented: “Tovarich,” Jacques Déval’s 1933 comedy about displaced Russian nobility, and “Flora, The Red Menace,” the rare 1965 musical that launched the Broadway careers of John Kander and Fred Ebb. University Theatre also produced a newly “discovered” classic. “The Last Cyclist” was created and produced in 1944 by prisoners at Terezín, a Holocaust ghetto near Prague.

For the revived version produced in the Inge Theatre, playwright Naomi Patz reimagined and reconstructed this ironic, spirited and hilarious send up of the abuses of power in the face of overwhelming horror.

Featuring more contemporary drama, the season opened with a production of the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning “Proof,” a powerful play about a young woman coming to terms with both her own mathematical genius and the possibility of mental illness.

Dan LeFranc’s “The Big Meal,” fresh from the stage of the Playwrights Horizons in New York in 2012, moved audiences with the story following one family for several generations.

Finally, the season came to a glorious close with Mozart’s “Marriage of Figaro,” produced in collaboration with the School of Music. The production featured the design talents of both faculty and graduate students.

Scene from University Theatre production, “A Raisin in the Sun.”

During the 2015–2016 season, the University Theatre will offer the most culturally diverse and expansive season in its history, telling stories focused on race and inner cities and on women triumphing over violence.

Opening with “Detroit 67” by Dominique Morisseau (2013), University Theatre will look at life in this American City at a crucial turning point in our history. “Johanna: Facing Forward,” the new play by visiting director Tlaloc Rivas, will recount the real-life events surrounding a brutal attack on a teenage girl and her struggle to regain a normal life.

In “Welcome to Arroyo’s,” a 2010 drama by Kristoffer Diaz, a brother and sister struggle to carve out their futures while dealing with a past that may change their lives – and

Scholarship opportunities essential for students today The Department of Theatre understands the importance of scholarship and affordability for students today. Michael Wysong, a junior from Larned, Kansas, has experienced this dedication firsthand.

Wysong initially started out in the School of Music on a trombone scholarship, but after realizing his heart truly resided in the theatre, he knew he wanted to switch programs. The theatre found a way to make it happen.

In just two years here at KU, Michael Wysong has performed in six productions, played trombone in six different music ensembles, wrote and staged his own musical, and received

a Student Interdisciplinary Research Grant to research new forms of musical theatre.

“As a student in theatre, I have been exposed to a variety of different methods, techniques and genres,” Wysong said. “I have been given a classroom setting that allows me to explore, as well as the freedom and support to create outside of the classroom.”

This exploration led Wysong to build connections with other artists in the performing arts, find new artistic and academic avenues, and ultimately to find his passion for musical theatre songwriting.

the history of hip-hop – forever. The dark Christmas comedy “Reckless,” by Craig Lucas (2004), follows the remarkable journey of a woman who discovers her husband has hatched a plan to have her murdered.

The upcoming season will also provide an opportunity to rethink classics. Henrik Ibsen’s “A Doll House” will be produced in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in the fall, while a unique pairing of two plays by Molière, “The Rehearsal” and “The Hypochondriac,” will provide a backstage look at 17th-century French comedy.

Finally, the season ends with “Little Women: The Musical,” in which Louisa May Alcott’s enduring story of the March sisters during the Civil War is brought to life through song.

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New professor provides additional layer of innovative instruction to department It is clear that assistant professor Jane Barnette truly loves to teach. She has made it an integral part of her life’s work and research.

As a professional dramaturg, she was excited to add classes in dramaturgy and adaptation courses to the theatre curriculum when she joined the KU faculty last fall.

Barnette has a distinctive approach to the scholarship of teaching and learning. She combines “traditional” lectures with activitybased peer work and lively discussions, but the importance of individual consultations with each of her students lies at the core of her teaching strategy.

“For undergraduates, I am passionate about teaching writing through oral presentation rather than traditional papers,” Barnette said. “My focus for graduate students is on mentoring them to make connections with the content and methodology of what they are learning, as well as with the field itself.”

In addition to adding new courses this year, Barnette hopes to serve as a role model for

students who want to combine scholarship with practice in theatre and who are passionate about interdisciplinary learning. She wants to provide a strong base in the study of dramaturgy.

“I believe that excellent teachers are great storytellers and even better listeners.”

-Jane Barnette, assistant professor of theatre “Both of those things – the hybrid scholarartist and the interdisciplinary practitioner – are crucial dramaturgical skills,” Barnette said. “My work here will help undergraduates recognize that dramaturgy is a field they can embrace.”

Barnette was excited that two of her

students are attending the Literary Managers & Dramaturgs of the Americas conference in New York this summer and are hoping to land dramaturgy-based internships soon.

Joining the faculty at KU has been a great transition for Barnette. She’s been inspired by the number of scholarships and awards available to students, stating, “It’s clear that the community really believes in the potential of these students.”

Barnette is happy to be adding even more dimensions to the already innovative and vibrant culture of the department. From the award-winning faculty, student opportunities such as the Interactive Theatre Troupe and the Jayhawk Initiative for Student Theatre to the students gathering outside her office in the green room to share stories and bond between classes, Barnette feels she has found a welcoming niche in academia.

KU Theatre says “Happy Retirement!”

This year, KU Theatre is saying goodbye to two valued members of the department as they set off to enjoy retirement.

Professor Omofolabo Soyinka Ajayi came to KU in 1990 after receiving her Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Ife in Nigeria. Folabo is an interdisciplinary scholar.

Her teaching, research and creative work as performer, choreographer and director encompassed theatre, performance, literary and gender studies. Over the years, she taught fascinating theatre courses for both undergraduate and graduate students including "Race and the American Theatre," "African Theatre," "African Dance," "Myth and the Dramatist," and "Post-Modern Theory and Criticism."

She published a number of books, including “1998 Yoruba Dance,” and dozens of articles and reviews. Her accomplishments as a teacher and scholar have been recognized in many ways. She was inducted into KU’s Women’s Fall of Fame and served as president of the African Literature Association.

Technical Director and Director of Operations Jim Peterson leaves the department after 34 years of dedicated service. His contribution to the quality of University Theatre productions these past three decades cannot be overestimated. It will be hard to imagine the Crafton-Preyer Theatre without him.

He protected the students by providing safe stages and taught them what it means to treat theatre with professional standards and commitment. Jim was a valued staff member and alumnus (M.A. 1978), and like all theatre alumni, he will undoubtedly continue to be a great supporter of the Department.

Happy retirement, Jim and Folabo!

Join us this summer!

Sherlock's Last Case Directed by Scott Glasser July 17, 18, 19*, 30, August 1, 2015 Stage Too! The Mousetrap Directed by Doug Weaver July 24, 25, 26*, 31, August 2*, 2015 William Inge Memorial Theatre Unless noted, all performances are at 7:30 p.m. *2:30 p.m. matinees

Spring 2015

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Guest artist and theatre alumnus, Eric Avery, observes a student performance.

A classroom for artists The biggest buzz surrounding the KU Theatre curriculum this year was a new course made up entirely of guest teaching artists. Known as the “Master Class” and curated by Professor Leslie Bennett, the course featured nearly a dozen local, national, and even international (represented by a voice and speech specialist from Korea) performance professionals with expertise in physical theatre, movement, voice, solo performance, vaudeville and more.

Some of these artists were department

alumni, including Matt Chapman, Eric Avery, and Amy Buchanan. These alumni lent strength to the students’ perceptions of their education.

The alumni act as role models, demonstrating the wide variety of possibility and potential that result from pursuing a theatre degree, and they may become contact sources for the students when they graduate.

Most importantly, these professionals are all individuals who participated in the core theatre experience here at the University

Undergraduate Highlights Our theatre students accomplished so much this year that highlighting just a few accomplishments means leaving out so many others; here are just a few of the students’ noteworthy achievements: • • • • • • •

Gabriel Alaniz was admitted to the prestigious McNair Scholars Program, which grooms exceptional students for graduate school.

Laura Fagen undertook a research project with Professor Jeanne Klein, and she was selected to present her project titled, “Women in Theatre: A Look at Successful Female Theatre Practitioners,” for the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Lily Lancaster was selected for a summer internship at the Creede Repertory Theatre in Colorado.

Cale Morrow and Thomas Tong wrote and directed their own plays for the “Black Box” series in the Inge Theatre.

Isabella Hampton was accepted into a one-year study abroad program in Spain for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Ten students in the Audition Techniques course won contracts with local agents for representation.

Michael Wysong undertook a research project with Professor John Staniunas on “Exploring Musical Theatre Song Cycles,” and he was invited to present his research for the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

We are so proud of the creative and scholarly accomplishments of our students!

while developing their own unique creative voices.

What could be more wonderful for undergraduate students than a semester spent studying with a parade of professionals, who opened the students’ eyes each week to a new area of performance? “This class has changed my life,” wrote one student about the course, echoing the sentiments of many others.

ALUMS?

C’MON BACK! Plans are underway for the next Alums Come Home event! ACH VI will be held in the spring of 2017.

Don’t miss out! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram under KU Theatre!

Spring 2015

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KU Theatre covers the world The 2014-2015 academic year was filled with national and international activity for the faculty of KU Theatre. Summer 2014 saw a record number of students enrolled in the Summer Theatre in Greece program, under the direction of Dennis Christilles. At the same time, professors Peter Zazzali, Mechele Leon and Rebecca Rovit participated in a theatre research conference in Warwick, England. Leon then went to the Edinburgh Theatre Festival to scout opportunities for student performance venues.

Meanwhile, closer to home, John GronbeckTedesco produced his newest play, “The French Bernadone Show,” at the Kansas City Fringe Festival. Starring professor John Staniunas, the play was awarded “Best of Fringe.” Del Unruh continued his fascinating research for his book on costume history by visiting archives in New York City and Vienna.

In addition to directing in New York and New Jersey, Zazzali went “down under” to direct Neil Simon in Australia. Staniunas directed American Musical Theatre in Lithuania. Leon visited Singapore to meet with theatre companies to develop international opportunities for KU Theatre students.

Artistic director and professor, Dennis Christilles, poses with students in Greece.

Professor Nicole Hodges Persley launched theatre’s newest study abroad program in Regensburg, Germany.

What does this all mean? Lawrence is fantastic, but in looking outside the immediate community and working in theatres from

Kansas City to Singapore and from Vilna to Perth, faculty bring back experiences and opportunities that serve the theatre students and build international recognition for the department.

In Memoriam

SUPPORT KU THEATRE

Ronald A. Willis Ronald A. Willis was a beloved professor of theatre for 30 years. He served as both Playwriting Awards Chair and National Committee Chair for the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, and he received a Gold Medallion for Outstanding Service. He was a member of the College of Fellows of the American Theatre, a nationally recognized theatre adjudicator, author of “Fragile Magic: A Guidebook for Theatre Respondents,” and a mentor to hundreds of students. Willis’ family would like to endow a teaching award in his name for the Department of Theatre. Contributions may be made to KU Endowment Association c/o Department of Theatre in his memory. See more at: http://bit.ly/RonWillis

Jed Davis Professor Emeritus Jed Davis left an indelible mark on KU as a scholar and the director of KU Theatre for Young People from 1960 to 1986. He published works challenging theorized practices in the field of theatre for young audiences and affirming the integral inclusion of young adults in theatre. Davis co-founded the endowed Children’s Theatre Foundation of America in 1956, and he was the first president of the American Theatre Association. He also was a co-founder of the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ). In addition, Davis left his mark on the community of Lawrence as a founding member of the Lawrence Arts Center in 1975.

If you would like to support the Department of Theatre’s students and programs, please consider contributing to one of our endowment funds.

To honor our beloved Emeritus Professor Ronald A. Willis, we recently established the Ronald A. Willis Memorial Teaching Award. You may donate to this fund or another by visiting theatre.ku.edu and clicking on “Support KU Theatre.”