Performing Arts August 2026 Newsletter

AUGUST, 2026

ROCKFORD UNIVERSITY PERFORMING

ARTS

https://www.rockford.edu/academics/ departments/performingarts/ PerformingArts@Rockfrod.edu

NEWSLETTER What’s Happening On Campus?

August 15th & 16th Freshman Orientation August 17th First Day Of Classes August 18th FOPA Picnic August 22nd Orchesis Auditions August 23rd Orchesis Callbacks August 28th & 29th Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Auditions September 4th-6th We Got The Beat: Epic 80's Cabaret 7:30 Thursday-Saturday & 2:00 Sunday

Sneak Peak Of Summer Vacation

AUGUST, 2026

COMING UP THIS SEMESTER THE EPIC EIGHTIES: FROM BILLBOARD TO BROADWAY An original show devised by our very own performing arts student’s, director Timm Adams, and choreographer Marissa Barnathan, this cabaret takes audiences on a journey to the past with epic performances of the eighties most beloved songs. From radio hits like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” to show stopping numbers that redefined Broadway, you’re sure to be blown away by RUPA’s take on the iconic eighties. Come meet our incredible in coming class, watch the performing arts students you know and love, and be captivated by the return of special guest alumni!

Onstage with Artist Ensemble Theatre, the Equity Theatre in Residence at RU! Two cops, three crooks, eight doors— GO! This laugh-out-loud doorslamming comedy from the playwright of The Angel Next Door centers around two adjoining motel rooms. A sting operation has been carefully set up. Detective Eric Sheridan (a smart guy who keeps getting caught with his pants down – that’s not a metaphor) has set up video surveillance on the adjoining room where he hopes to get evidence of corruption at City Hall. He is aided by Billie, an eager rookie who makes up for her lack of skills with incredibly misplaced confidence. Add in a nervous accountant, a befuddled mayor, an insecure head of security and, well, things don’t go exactly as planned.

Turns out our heroic cops have run afoul of an outlaw Scottish clan and a fierce highlander assassin has been summoned to “take care” of the situation. Yikes!

Curtain Call!

Keeping up with Our Alumni We want to hear from our Alumni and spotlight you with current projects that you are working on or have booked.

Keep us up to date so we can celebrate with you and shout you out for all of your talent! Please fill out the form from the QR code or click this link.

THIS SEASON RUPA PRESENTS

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

AUGUST, 2026

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: MEET THE DEPARTMENT CANINES LOKI Person: Zoe

Meet the handsomest boy: Loki.

He is a rescue but “we didn't rescue him he rescued us!” He LOVES cuddles, long walks to the fridge and his favorite snack is ice chips.

NEWTON Grandma: Beth This cutie is Newton! He's only 9 weeks old but had perfected his piranha impression. He has jaws of steel and snuggles to die for!!

MILO Person: Jayda

Meet the adorable Shizpoo, Milo. He LOVES food and will try to eat anything really. He loves attention-- especially from girls. His favorite person Jayda says, “If you pet him… I suggest not stopping… he’s a cancer and will whine your ears off.” And in case you were wondering his voice part, he is a baritenor.

AUGUST, 2026

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: MEET THE DEPARTMENT CANINES Photo Credit: Ethan Sullivan

LEO Father: Timm If you’ve been around the RUPA department long enough, then you know Leo! Leo loves walks with his dads, attending vocal collective rehearsals, and giving students pointers in their voice lessons. If you hear soft jingling coming down the halls of Clark Arts, know you are about to be greeted with kisses and the wagging tail of this fluffball.

Photo Credit: Ethan Sullivan

TEDDY Person: Jourdain

Meet Teddy, a classic “man’s-best friend” type of dog-- wait a minute... well, he’s a dog in his heart and in ours. He loves to go on his morning walks in the front yard and loves taking his time smelling every plant! So we’ll let it slide.

MURPHY Person: Emmarie Despite being the size of a small bear, Murphy is just a lap baby deep down. He loves sticks, eating table scraps and bringing lunch to Emmarie while she’s at work. He’s a smarty pants with lots of tricks who would spend all day cuddling with his parents if he could.

AUGUST 2026

Curtain Call! -Alumni Spotlight

Ryan Moller- BA Theatre, Class of 2003 Costume Designer and creator Ryan Moller holds his MFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, and a BA from Rockford University. Now based in Chicago, his designs can be seen around the country.

He has been awarded the USITT Midwest Section Founders Award, won the Innovative Theatre Award for Outstanding Costume Design (The Drowsy Chaperone, 2010), won numerous Broadway World Awards and nominations including Twelve Angry Men (2013), Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2016), and Guys and Dolls (2017) to name a few. He was also nominated for the Innovative Theatre Award for Outstanding Costume Design for his work on the premiere production of The Cottage (2014). He has been recognized for his work at the Fulton Theatre and Maine State Music Theatre with numerous audience choice awards.

He has worked with: Tuacahn Amphitheater for multiple seasons, including designing for the regional premiere of Frozen, The Metropolitan Opera, The Santa Fe Opera, Broadway Cares Equity Fights Aids, The Fulton Theatre, Norwegian Cruise Line, The John W. Engeman Theatre, Maine State Music Theatre, The Childrens’ Theatre of Charlotte, The New York Musical Theatre Festival, Westchester Broadway Theatre, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Prospect Theatre, and The National Theatre of Bermuda.

In addition, he has worked as a dresser for over 25 Broadway shows and international tours. During the 2023-2024 school year, Ryan served as the Rockford University interim Costume Design Professor, where he taught many classes and designed shows like Exit the King, Lucky Stiff, Songs For A New World, and The Games Afoot.

When Ryan is not costuming, he enjoys playing Rugby with the Chicago Dragons, baking, promoting his swimwear line Werk Wear Clothing, and posting his infamous “hat of the day” pictures on Instagram!

AUGUST, 2026

Photo Highlights From This Summer