FALL CONCERT UNIVERSITY DANCE COMPANY
FEATURING GUEST ARTIST JESSICA CHEN AND FACULTY CHOREOGRAPHERS
SHANNON STEWART, ASHLEY BRITTINGHAM, MARISA PLASENCIA & JUSTIN HARBAUGH
NOVEMBER 14, 15, 16, 2025
Department of Theatre & Dance Land Acknowledgment
Translation from Menominee to English
The KU Department of Theatre & Dance acknowledges that our performances take place on the ancestral homelands of several Tribal Nations, including the Kansa/ Kaw, the Osage. Specifically, the University of Kansas occupies land forcefully ceded in an 1825 treaty with the Kansa/Kaw Nation and a later treaty removing the Delaware/Lenape people.
This traditional territory was not a single property with border lines but rather maintained by Tribal peoples as traditional stewards, and we recognize an enduring relationship exists tying Tribal peoples to the land. Elements of the land remain embedded into their Tribal identities, culture, and language. The Department emphatically recognizes and supports the sovereignty of the four federally recognized Tribal Nations present in Kansas today: the Potawatomi, Kickapoo, Sac and Fox, and Iowa.
As we gather in this community space, we ask that you all take a moment to give thanks for this day as we celebrate and honor the contribution of this production by the KU University Dance Company. We ask that you feel the good energy, passion, and commitment of the students and help us to honor their gifts they will share today. We wish for you to be rejuvenated and take this good energy and find a way to share a little with your community and others. The world needs laughter, music, dance, and the arts–the language of universal love. The land is home to us all. In the name of humanity, we ask for a final moment of reflection as we recognize and honor the past, and most importantly the arts and culture of the original people of this land.
The Department looks forward to future partnerships and collaborations that honor this land acknowledgement. Enjoy the production and safe travels to all.
In Recognition
This production is made possible in part by generous support from the Janet Hamburg Visiting Artist Fund and the John M. and Frances R. B. Peterson Visiting Artist Fund.
A R T * I F I C E
Choreographer: Justin Harbaugh
Music: A R T * I F I C E by Matthew Kurniawan
Costume Design: Joey Albano
Scenic Design: Kelly Vogel
Lighting Design: August Rowse
Dancers: Nicole Fronek, Kaitlyn Harris, Aidan Hill, Jadyn Kaufman, Alexandria Lefler, Madi Seelye, Joslyn Vetock, Stephanie Wirth (understudy)
ART*IFICE is my critique on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in art and music. Although AI technology does work far quicker than humans, it sacrifices quality and coherent ideas. In the first section, the musical ideas flow out very quickly, but we do not understand what it is trying to tell us. The second section is filled with emotion. My aim in this part is to represent the beauty of human creativity. If we do not acknowledge how important human expression is, we risk becoming dominated by soulless machines, a warning that is reflected in the final section of the entire piece…
~ Note by Composer Matthew Kurniawan
Temporal Motion
Choreographer: Ashley Brittingham
Music: Optimist by Zoe Keating, Nix by Zoe Keating, Jerk Driver by Gabriel Prokofiev & Peter Gregson (remixed by Marcas Lancaster)
Costume Design: Joey Albano
Lighting Design: August Rowse
Dancers: Rhubarb Brubacher, Sofia Dunkelberger, Penelope Guezuraga, Sophia Harrison, Jillian Housh, Sloane Smith, Sydney Thomann, Stephanie Wirth, Claire Yarborough
Temporal Motion is a contemporary new work that pushes the boundaries of traditional ballet by challenging classical technique rules. Throughout rehearsals, we explored complex movement sequences that test physicality, speed, direction, and orientation. Our focus on manipulating time, tempo, and rhythm—integrating syncopation and unexpected emphasis—has added depth, artistry, and emotional intensity to the piece. The result is a work that is both visually stunning and fiercely demanding, showcasing each dancers’ strength, precision, and commitment. Thank you to the dancers for your hard work and collaboration. It has been a privilege to create and evolve this piece with such a talented group.
Support our Work for Seasons to Come! kuendowment.org/centennialfund Gifts to the Centennial Production Fund foster a culture where the Department of Theatre & Dance is empowered to pursue challenging new plays and original choreographic works, workshops with industry pros, and state-of-theart equipment all to enrich the student experience. Our enduring promise has been to provide ample opportunities for students to practice their craft, on stage and behind the scenes, at high standards of artistry and professionalism proven to help them in them post-graduation. Support performing arts education in action with a gift to this endowed fund.
Upstream
Choreographer: Shannon Stewart in collaboration with the dancers
Music: Varisevalehti by Cucina Povera
Scenic Design: Rana Esfandiary
Video & Projection Design: Rhea Penny
Costume Design: Joey Albano
Lighting Design: August Rowse
Narrator: Christian Boudreaux (Nick)
Participants: Caitlin Belmont (Jordy) , Rylee Brown (Sivocka), JT Czoch (Michael), Thomas Jensen (Kiki), Abigail Lorenz (Sarah), Linnaea Radley (Paula)
This piece tries to make sense of the tension between the need to being grounded, centered, and find one another in our more and more isolated spaces while absorbing and reacting to news, information, and content nonstop. It can feel like going upstream. But upstream is also a place. Mary Oliver says this in her essay of the same title, “One tree is like another tree, but not too much. One tulip is like the next tulip, but not altogether. More or less like people—a general outline, then the stunning individual strokes. Hello Tom, hello Andy. Hello Archibald Violet, and Clarissa Bluebell. Hello Lilian Willow, and Noah, the oak tree I have hugged and kissed every first day of spring for the last thirty years. And in reply its thousands of leaves tremble!”
These students created choreography, structure, and logic within all of these overlapping ideas with patience, care, and focus. I thank them, Christian Boudreaux, Rhea Penny, and Rana Esfandiary deeply. Thanks also to Maya and our amazing production team. Shout out to Nick Cianfrogna whose daily videos inspired the text. Varisevalehti translates to shuddering leaf.
#53
Choreographer: Leon Collins, set by Justin Harbaugh
Costumes: the dancers
Lighting Design: August Rowse
Dancers: Nicole Fronek, Kaitlyn Harris, Aidan Hill, Jadyn Kaufman, Alexandria Lefler, Madi Seelye, Joslyn Vetock, Stephanie Wirth (understudy)
Leon Collins (1922-1985) was an American tap dancer and teacher. As a performer, Collins performed with Count Basie’s Orchestra, Earl Hines, and Tito Puente. His tap pedagogy has become the foundation for rhythm tap. #53 is one of his most well known routines.
Sobre madera (Fandangos de Huelva)
Choreographer: Marisa Plasencia
Music: Una vela por tu amor (Fandangos de Huelva) by Brenna McDonald and Yeshe Wingerd
Costume Design: Joey Albano
Scenic Design: Kelly Vogel
Lighting Design: August Rowse
Dancers: Maren Benz, Sofia Dunkelberger, Mia Godinez, Ella Nadeau, Marisa Plasencia, Dylan Pope, Whit Walker, Mallory Price (understudy)
Inspired by the dance practices of flamenco bailaoras that perform for audiences in tablaos in Seville, Spain, Sobre madera works to create small spaces in a large theater. Wooden floorboards illuminate the sounds of dancers’ footwork. As a collective, the dancers embody the rhythmic possibilities of Fandangos de Huelva, the song form that drives their movements. Below is a partial list of translated words and images that appear in the song’s verses: full moon, light, absence, thirst, candle, cry, land, weather, and joy.
WONDER
Choreographer: Jessica Chen
Music composed by Salvador “Suavecito” Zamora
Costume Design: Joey Albano
Scenic Design: Kelly Vogel
Lighting Design: August Rowse
Dancers: Nicole Fronek, Mia Godinez, Kaitlyn Harris, Sophia Harrison, Keaja Hodge, Alexandria Lefler, Kaylee Lempke, Ella Nadeau, Dylan Pope, Mallory Price, Madi Seelye, Maggie Stephan, Elizabeth Wellman, Stephanie Wirth, Rizzy Rénzy Xiong
WONDER is a new dance work inspired by the awe-inspiring experiences of astronauts in space. We explored themes of unity, diversity, and collaboration. Just as a space crew relies on each member’s unique skills and background to succeed in their mission, a dance ensemble comes together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. The piece draws from the words of astronauts like Leland Melvin, who described the overwhelming beauty of Earth’s colors from orbit, and Sunita Williams, who reflected on how witnessing our planet from space could dissolve animosity. These stories informed the movements and the ideas we wanted to convey.
WONDER invites the audience to embark on a journey to the frontier of space and the human spirit. This initial iteration, performed by the KU dancers, marks the first stage in the development of a full production that will be mounted by my New York City-based dance company, J CHEN PROJECT. As we continue to expand and refine the work, I am excited to share this early chapter with you.
I am immensely grateful to the dancers for their dedication in bringing WONDER to life. I hope it sparks your sense of awe and connection, and I look forward to having you along for the next stage of this adventure.
For Your Information...
The use of photographic, video, or recording equipment during livestream performances is strictly prohibited.
University Dance Company Fall ‘25 Concert Production Team
Producer/Rehearsal Supervisor (Wonder): Maya Tillman-Rayton
UDC President: Sophia Harrison
Production Stage Manager: Jenna Link
Calling Stage Managers: Seth Bruey, Giselle James, Kate Long, Esther McBride, Katie Noll
Assistant Stage Manager: Carolyn Brotherson
Crew Swing: Natalie Loftus
Costume Design Mentor: Kelly Vogel
Lighting & Projections Design Mentor: Ann Sitzman
Graphic Designer: Chris Millspaugh
Photographer: Luke Jordan
Crew Supervisors: Katie Cooley, Josh Gilpin, Abigail Dearing
Wardrobe, Hair & Makeup Crew: Kaitlyn Chang, Jordan Rasmussen, Alex Reimer, Luke Turner
Scenery/Properties Crew: Brandon Heflin, Kiera Hodges, Cohen Partain, Abby Young
Fly Chief: Nicholas Sibert
Light Board Operator: Matthew Rice
Projection Operator: Seth Bruey
Sound Operator: Cole Dickey
KU DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE & DANCE
Henry Bial Department Chair
Markus Potter Artistic Director
Maya Tillman-Rayton Director of Dance
Jenna Link Production Manager
Jim Dick Managing Director
FACULTY
Erin Barnett • Jane Barnette • Ashley Brittingham • Theresa Buchheister
Claire Buss • Dennis Christilles • Rana Esfandiary • Justin Harbaugh
Michelle Heffner Hayes • Alex Haynes • Laura Kirk • Mechele Leon
Webster McDonald • Michelle Miller • Marisa Plasencia • Rebecca L. Rovit
Ann Sitzman • Shannon Stewart • Kelly Vogel • Jeremy Watson • Tom Zhang
PROFESSIONAL STAFF
Technical Director Alex Weston • Scene Shop Manager Dave Wanner
Costume Shop Manager Gail Trottier • Marketing Communications Coordinator
Lisa Coble-Krings • Administrative Associates Lowen Millspaugh & Jack
Rischer • Advising Specialist Christian Boudreaux • Accounting Specialist
Christina Fowles • HR Specialist Emily Hockel • Budget Analyst Karla Williams
STUDENT PRODUCTION
ASSISTANTS
House Managers & Event Staff: Seija Bailey, Noah Hastings, Aiden Howell, Evan Lugo, Camryn Purtle, Kinzie Wilmes
Administrative & Box Office Staff Clara Childs, Noah Hastings, Paige Hinca, Aiden Howell, Camryn Purtle, Elizabeth Wellman, Kinzie Wilmes
Marketing Assistant Maren Meneley
Costume Assistants Joey Albano, Lacey Marr, Lizzy Packard, Alaina Rossell
Lighting/Projections Assistants Sean Ingram, Nicholas Sibert, Katie Missel
Scenic Assistants Logan Fixsen, Chloe Pennington, John Stecher, Jr,.
Sam White
Sound Assistant Anthony Jennings
Production Management Assistant Jordan Cabuay
Technical Assistant Sam Angell, Ian Maxfield
Friends of Theatre & Dance
If you would like to become more involved with the Department, join our Friends of Theatre & Dance organization. FROTH members are active in supporting and assisting the University Theatre and University Dance Company programs and the Department’s students, faculty, and staff. If you’re curious to learn more about FROTH and how you can join, contact Jack Rischer, administrative associate at the University Theatre, call 785-864-3381 or visit kutheatre.com/froth.
2024-2025 FROTH Officers
President: Greg DiVilbiss
President-elect: Ashley Lafond
Treasurer/Past Pres: Julia Hardin
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Beth Chambers
Pam Eglinski
Kate Giessel
Cindy Hart
Michelle Heffner Hayes
Frankie Haynes
Joan Hoffman
Kristen Miles
Markus Potter
Tonya Waller
Judy L. Wright
Ex Officio
Henry Bial, chair
Jim Dick, managing director
Jack Rischer, administrative associate
Season Sponsor Truity Credit Union
Members
Executive Producers
Randy Adams
Sarah Bishop & Jeremy Mullis
Lendley C. & Connie Black
Harvey S. Bodker
Julia Hardin & Ryan Butts
Joyce Castle
Marilyn & Thomas Dobski
Jon & Vicki Jamison
Sandi & Allan Miller
Jerry Nossaman
Bobby R. & Eleanor Patton
Lucy J. Price
Gene Puckett
Janet Riley
Janice M. Carlisle & Joseph R.
Roach
Linda & Scott Robinson
Susan L. Traub
Eleanor A. Woodyard
Jack & Judy Wright
Benefactors
Henry Bial & Jane Barnette
Vicki & Joe Douglas
Kelly & Julie Dunkelberger
Peggy & Larry Johnson
Jacob W. & Maia A. Kennedy
Jacob W. & Maia A. Kipp
Dave Marden & Judy Niebaum
Darren Sextro
Carol Shankel
Erin Spiridigliozzi
Jim & Thelma Taylor
Patrons
David & Mary Kate Ambler
Beverly A. Smith Billings
Tonya Ebner
Kelly Fonkalsrud
David Gaston
John & Ines Gilbert
Webster & Joan Golden
John & Susan GronbeckTedesco
A. Kip & Kay Grosshans
Allan & Louise Hanson
Cindy Hart
Michelle Heffner Hayes
Heather Hoy
Elaine M. Kautsch
David & Carol Kyner
Sheila Connelly & Suzanne Morrissey
Lynate Pettengill
Jim Peterson & Katherine L.
Pryor
Tom & Debbie Pryor
Teri Pierce & Susan Scannell
Marc V. Scrivo
Peter & Lisa Stobie
Larry Tenopir
Producers
John E. Bechen
Dean & Judy Bevan
Gigi Gibson Bolt
Nathan Bowman
Mindy James & Rex Buchanan
Michael Butell
Peter & Rosalea Carttar
Anne Chapman
Janice Craft
Jacqueline Z. Davis
James L. Dick
Will Dietz
Laura Kirk & Paul Fellers
Iris Fischer
David M. & Ann Gardner
Dan & Carolyn Harden
Dick & Sue Himes
Jean Schrader & Jason Hornberger
Robert & Sheryl Jacobs
Don & Alice Ann Johnston
Lesley Ketzel
Diane & Robert Knapp
Gerald J. Koellsted
Thaddeus & Margaret Kramar
Ashley Lafond
Sacie & David Lambertson
Susan Levine
Mary Loveland
John & Linda Lungstrum
Laura Anne Meyer
Kristen Miles
Jean & Bill Mitchell
Bridget Murphy
Barbara Clarke Nash
Mark & Susan Osborn
John & Janice Pattinson
Mark & Jane Potts
Mark Reaney
Rick Riffel
Sherry Ann Roschitz
Dr. Janet S. Rose
Mary & Fred Sgroi
Jean Shepherd
Kathy Smith
Robert M. & Margo
Campbell Szabo
Kathryn & William Tuttle
Thomas & Melody Volek
Virginia Waldorf
Alice Weis
Jerome Yochim
Laura Zabel
Friends
Catherine Campbell
Beth Chambers
Candice Davis
James C. Dunn
Pam Eglinski
Benjamin Furnish
Bernie & Renee Gerstmayr
Francesca Haynes
William & Cynthia Hislope
Karen Hummel
David R. & Diana Ice
Betty Laird
Mechele Leon
Fred & Carolyn Madaus
Lorraine Michel
Courtney Moffitt
Katherine Patz
Markus R.. Potter
Rebecca L. Rovit & Robert Rohrschneider
Georgann H. Eglinski & Ronald W. Schorr
Dick & Barbara Schowen
Richard Sengpiehl
Sally Shedd
Kalen Stockton
Anne E. Stronach
Audrey Kamb-Studdard & John Studdard
Gail Trottier
Judy A. True
Austin H. Turney
Senior Citizens/KU Students
Mary K. Digby
Richard & Virginia Hardin
Richard Jones, III
Susie Nightingale
Esther Smith
Julie A. Trowbridge-Alford
Ione Unruh
Linda Joy Watts
This list does not include members who have joined since November 4, 2024.