DECEMBER 16 & 17, 2021 7:30PM EJ THOMAS PERFORMING ARTS HALL
P R O D U C T I O N C O L L A B O R AT I V E PA R T N E R S
Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director Richard Dickinson MFA, Associate Artistic Director
Special thank you to the Ohio Light Opera, Richard Dickinson of Verb Ballets, and Inna Stabrova of the Ohio Conservatory of Ballet for the generous use of costumes.
Cover photos: Bill Naiman
We are honored to welcome you to The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall for the world premiere of The Akron Nutcracker: A Holiday in the Rubber City. This program is produced by the Dance Institute at UA and features dancers from the Dance Institute, UA Dance Program students and faculty, Verb Ballets and ArtSparks, along with community participants. We are particularly thankful to experience these performances in person as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. This new production represents a collaboration of some of the best of Northeast Ohio’s arts community. In addition to the dancers, the production includes the Firestone High School Choir and the Akron Symphony Orchestra, which will bring to life Tchaikovsky’s magical score. Not only are we grateful UA has this occasion to work closely with these community organizations and groups, but we are also excited our students have this unique opportunity to perform alongside professional dancers and musicians to gain real-world experience. We are also appreciative of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens for production support. Thank you for attending this performance. We wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year.
Gary and Georgia Miller
The University of Akron extends its sincere appreciation to donors and sponsors whose generous financial support made The Akron Nutcracker production possible. This public-spirited expression not only celebrates and uplifts the arts in the Akron community, but showcases the region as a place where arts expression is both deeply appreciated and honored. Executive Producer The Donald M. and Mary E. Jenkins Family Trust Acme Fresh Market and Albrecht Family Foundation The Mary S. and David C. Corbin Foundation Producer Mr. Thomas R. & Mrs. Mary Lynn Crowley Co- Producer The Rollin S. and Doris Redmond Reiter Unrestricted Fund Underwriter Mr. James P. & Mrs. Maureen C. Kovach Mr. Kenneth I. & Mrs. Joyce S. Poast Partner Mr. Herbert and Mrs. Dianne R. Newman The Richard & Alita Rogers Family Foundation Dr. Linda Ha Mr. Michael J. & Mrs. Julia H. Pasternak
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William Cole Assistant Vice President, Principal Gifts Phone: 330-972-5407 Email: wcole@uakron.edu
Kasey Willener Assistant Director of Development Phone: 330-972-7520 Email: kdw53@uakron.edu
Dance Institute at The University of Akron offers recreational and pre-professional programs for students ages 7 through high school. Founded in 1967, Dance Institute is nationally recognized for its curriculum which prepares students for careers in concert dance performance and dance education. The University of Akron is an accredited member of The National Association of Schools of Dance. Learn more at https://www.uakron.edu/di/ The University of Akron Director, School of Music, School of Dance, Theatre and Arts Administration Marc Reed, DMA
The Akron Nutcracker logo Design Janice Troutman, School Director and the Mary Schiller Myers School of Arts Concept and Founding Producer for The Akron Nutcracker Kara Cea
Dance Institute Producer Lisa Henderson
Dance Institute Assistant Manager Leslie Sullivan-DelPrince
Administrative Assistant, School of Dance, Theatre, and Arts Administration Katherine Logsdon
Dance Institute Faculty
Mary Kay Finn Pauline Howe Alec Lytton Julie Schullo Molly Bagatto (Student Assistant) Special thanks to William Cole, Sarah Steidl and Matt Schafer at the University of Akron who made this evening possible. Special thanks to our volunteers with the boutique and banquet Mary and Anna Knauf, Candice Komlanc, Jill May, Abby Murray, Chloe Redman, Quinn TothCseplo and Brenda Mahaney.
1987
2021
Dr. Margaret Carlson, Producing Artistic Director Richard Dickinson, MFA, Associate Artistic Director Verb Ballets Dancers Emily Dietz, Hunter Hoffman, Kelly Korfhage, Lieneke Matte, Antonio Morillo, Benjamin Shepard, Kate Webb International Cultural Exchange Artist: Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni Apprentices: Isaac Hileman, Kia Jimmy Intern: Ashley Forché Trainees: Lily Cole Director Verb Ballets Center for Dance
Director of Marketing & PR Jennifer Garlando Promotional Video Watsted Talent Media Photography Kolman Rosenberg Jackie Sajewski Bill Naiman
Company Administrative Manager Spring Healy
Richard Dickinson, MFA Coordinator, Dance For Everyone & Youth Programs Christina Lindhout Education & Outreach Desmond Davis
Grants Nakiasha Moore-Dunson Finance Michelle Gregorczyk
Paul Jarrett, Executive Director
Sharon Smith, Ticket Services Manager
Anthony Paggett, Director of Artistic Operations
Brenda Justice, Administrative Assistant and Coordinator of Choral Programs
Megan Sevastos, Director of Development
Lori Conant, Finance Controller
Jen Walencik, Director of Marketing
Jerry Miskell, Personnel Manager
Orzella Matherson, Director of Education and Outreach
Cory Smith, Orchestra Librarian
Courtney Bonifant, Grant Writer
Betsy Frasure, Assistant Orchestra Librarian
Kimia Ghaderi, Development Manager
Sarah Husak, Assistant Orchestra Librarian
WELCOME BY THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR From all of us, welcome to The Akron Nutcracker! We are happy that you are here to experience the first ever Akron-centric twist on the Nutcracker! As the Artistic Director of the production, I have worked with many artists in the community to recreate the sights and sounds of Akron in the 1930s and to celebrate the cultural backgrounds of Akron’s citizens. I previously served as the Director of the School of Dance at The University of Akron from 1985-93 and it was a delight to return to UA to put together this collaborative project for the community. From the beginning stages of research, to writing a story that reflects Akron’s history and bringing new light to the dances, this production has taken the past year to come to life. Your attendance here today is a powerful expression of support for the performing arts community in Akron. We are so proud of this immense collaboration with over 100 dancers, actors, and musicians on stage and in the orchestra pit with Verb Ballets, the Dance Institute at the University of Akron, University of Akron Dance Program, ArtSparks, Akron Symphony, and Firestone High School. And, in all, eight choreographers from the community have created these dances for you! Thank you to everyone on the team! Prior to WWII and the explosion of the rubber industry, Akron was the hub for toy manufacturing. Drosselmeyer, a legendary figure in the Nutcracker, was perfectly suited to be cast as the owner of the Akron Toy Company. The classic party scene is set at Stan Hywet Hall, in the Seiberling Mansion’s parlor. Typically, Clara and the Prince are members of a wealthy family. In this version, I wanted to celebrate Akron’s working class—those who have done so much to shape Akron into what it is today. In our version, Clara is the daughter of the Maid and the Nutcracker Prince is the son of the Butler. Traditionally, the second act of the Nutcracker portrays a Eurocentric view of the world. My vision was to employ authentic choreography to celebrate the beauty of the world’s many cultures and people. Mother Ginger, with her skirt full of children, has been reimagined as Mother Earth. This scene highlights the various nationalities of some of the cast members. Other departures from the traditional performance include the Arabian dance, which has been reimagined to evoke a theme reminiscent of the hypnotic Turkish Whirling Dervishes, and the Reed Pipe or Mirliton dance, which has been refreshed with a South African interpretation, thanks to the artistic creativity of Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni. Please enjoy yourselves tonight as we take you on a fantastical journey of the world’s cultures and Akron’s history!
Dr. Margaret Carlson Artistic Director of The Akron Nutcracker Producing Artistic Director of Verb Ballets
Story Synopsis
Story by: Dr. Margaret Carlson, Artistic Director of The Akron Nutcracker PROLOGUE It is Christmas Eve, 1935, in downtown Akron. In front of the Loews Theatre, (now the Akron Civic), Main Street is bustling with last-minute shopping at O’Neil’s and Polsky’s department stores. The street is alive with holiday spirits as friends are celebrating a renewal of life after surviving the Great Depression. As if metamorphosing from a pandemic, normal life gently returns to our hometown, the Rubber Capital of the World, with a sense of joy, security and hopefulness. ACT I On the west side of town, residents of Akron from all walks of life have been invited to a Christmas Eve celebration at Stan Hywet–the magnificent and luxurious home of F.A. and Gertrude Seiberling. The Seiberlings are known for their generosity and inclusiveness, and many families are welcomed into the grand parlor for an unforgettable evening of food, drink, and dancing. The Seiberling children are in attendance, as are Clara and William. Clara is the daughter of the Seiberling’s maid, Betty, a young widow, along with William, a most naughty boy, who is the son of the Butler. The lovely evening is interrupted by the mysterious and dramatic arrival of Drosselmeyer, who is really the owner of the Akron Toy Company in disguise. As the owner, he has spent nearly a year making clay and glass marbles, blue Santas, dolls, and musical instruments for all the children. After entertaining the children with a puppet show and a life-sized Raggedy Ann doll, he gleefully distributes toys to each child. But the most special toy of all, a Nutcracker, has been lovingly crafted for Clara, whose mother he holds a special place for in his heart. Clara dances joyfully with her new treasure until William, the naughty boy, grabs the Nutcracker from her and breaks it. Drosselmeyer is quick to offer his assistance to repair the toy and returns the Nutcracker to Clara. The party draws to an end and it is time to say farewell to the Seiberlings. After the guests
have left, Clara sneaks down the steps to the empty parlor, picks up the Nutcracker, and falls sound asleep with it lovingly in her arms. Gong! Clara’s troubled slumber is interrupted as the clock strikes twelve. Tiny mice and soldiers are suddenly scampering about. As they proceed to grow bigger, the Mouse King, with his team of mice taunts Clara. But William, the naughty boy, now dressed as a Nutcracker, unexpectedly comes to the rescue leading a troop of soldiers. After a fearsome battle, the Nutcracker wins, but he is very weary. Compassionate Clara attends to him and helps rebuild his strength. To her amazement, the Nutcracker reveals himself as a Prince and offers to take her on a magical ride. Their trip begins in the Cuyahoga National Valley National Forest, where they are greeted by the sparkling Snow King and Queen. After an evening among the swirling snowflakes, Clara and the Nutcracker Prince begin their magical travels. Off they go! ACT II Amidst the clouds, the Dewdrop fairy and her angels find Clara and the Nutcracker Prince and offer to escort them on their adventure. As the clouds disperse, Clara and the Prince find themselves in a magnificent new place. Dewdrop becomes their guide through many lands and adventures. First, Mother Earth introduces them to the lands that members who attended the party represent. From there, they visit dancers in Spain, Turkey, China, Ukraine, and South Africa. Clara and the Prince watch happily and even join in on the celebrations. Clara and Prince’s travels continue to a lovely garden, where they are met by a flurry of breathtaking butterflies and dancing flowers. Their travels are nearing an end when they are taken to a mystical castle in the sky and the Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier perform a beautiful Grand Pas De Deux. At the conclusion of the dance, Dewdrop tells Clara and the Prince that it is time to say their goodbyes. They bid a fond farewell to all their new friends as they begin their journey home. Magically transported to the Seiberling parlor, Drosselmeyer and Betty, who have been partying well into the night, and followed by the Butler and William, discover Clara asleep and wonder why she has somehow acquired a crown! Together, they make sure all is well as Clara slumbers with her dear Nutcracker doll and the indelible memory of a most special Christmas Eve dream.
The Dance Institute at The University of Akron presents EJ Thomas Hall December 16 & 17, 2021 7:30pm The Akron Nutcracker (2021)
Story by: Dr. Margaret Carlson Choreography: Richard Dickinson, Mary Kay Finn, Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni, Pauline Howe, Alec Lytton, Erica Piper, Julie Schullo, Yin Tang Music: Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky The Akron Symphony Conducted by: Maestro Christopher Wilkins Lighting Designer: Dennis Dugan Set & Props Designer: Ben Needham Projection Designer: John S Alexander Costume Designer: Irene Mack-Shafer Artistic Director of the Production ............................ Dr. Margaret Carlson Dance Institute Producer ...................................................Lisa Henderson Concept and Founding Producer ................................................Kara Cea Production Stage Manager ........................................... Christopher J. Ha Student Rehearsal Director ....................................................Julie Schullo Props Construction ................................................................... Dred Geib Master Carpenter...................................................................... John Ebert Props Master .............................................................................. Casey Ha Projection Mapping ......................................................... Jonathon Hunter Wardrobe Mistress ........................................................ Kendra Strickland Assistant to the Wardrobe Mistress .................................Kimberly Haslam Costume Stitchers................................. Mark Snyder-Schulte, Emily Karr, Victoria Sallot, Sydney Dematteis- Geib ACT I The Prologue Drosselmeyer .................................................................... Marc Ozanich^ Carolers ................................................................... Zaia Ahmad, La’Terra Anderson, Norah Barua, Sonya Barua, Lilly Burns, Ava Butcher, Ava Conrad, Clara Feyes, Liana Powers, Abby Schullo Caroler Conductor ................................................................ Pauline Howe
Temperance Ladies .........................Lily Adams, Abbey Boenig-Dombek, Lauren Ferster, Carolyn Lott, Makenna Zelenak Parents ................................................ Kennedy Gordon, Antonio Morillo* (12/17), Hunter Hoffman*, Noria Nuru, Aaron Butcher, Margaret Mahaney, Isaac Hileman* (12/16), Rachel Carpenter, Larry White Teens ...................................................Sebastian Garlando, Kylie Jacobs, Megan Kalail, Ali Knauf, Cassandra Komlanc, Abby Mormino, Emma Pletcher, Alex Smith, Emma Smith Children ............................................... Molly Bagatto, Emilyann Dustman, Isabelle Howerton, Claudia Mancilla-Zulueta, Olivia May, Jessica Yi The Party Scene Clara................................................................................... Lieneke Matte* Mr. and Mrs. Seiberling ....... Jana Sindelar-Martin^, Benjamin Shepherd* Seiberling Children ..............................Liana Powers, Sebastian Garlando Grandma and Grandpa ������������������������������������Elena Li^, Brian Bagatto^ Betty, the Maid and Clara’s Mother ������������������������������������ Mary Kay Finn Butler and William’s Father ������������������������������������������������������ Alec Lytton William, a naughty boy �������������������������������������������� Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni* Parents ................................................ Kennedy Gordon, Antonio Morillo* (12/16), Hunter Hoffman*, Noria Nuru, Aaron Butcher, Margaret Mahaney, Isaac Hileman* (12/17), Rachel Carpenter, Larry White Temperance Ladies .........................Lily Adams, Abbey Boenig-Dombek, Lauren Ferster, Carolyn Lott, Makenna Zelenak Children .................................. Molly Bagatto, Norah Barua, Sonya Barua, Ava Butcher, Emilyann Dustman, Isabelle Howerton, Megan Kalail, Claudia Mancilla-Zulueta, Olivia May, Jessica Yi, Abby Schullo Clara’s Friends .........................Kate Webb* (12/16), Emily Dietz* (12/17), Kelly Korfhage*, Lily Cole*, Kia Jimmy* Drosselmeyer ...................................................................... Marc Ozanich
Raggedy Ann Doll .....................Emily Dietz* (12/16), Kate Webb* (12/17) Entertainment Dancers (ArtSparks Dancers) �������������������������������������������� Salina Lingden, Katrina Collier, Delaney Dunn, Lily Duve, Sherry Jiang, Eliza Newman, Luca Ratay, Ariana Taylor, Carmin Trent Maid ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Julie Schullo Clara’s Dream Clara ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Lieneke Matte* Mouse King.....................Antonio Morillo* (12/16), Isaac Hileman* (12/17) Nutcracker Prince ��������������������������������������������������� Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni* Mice .....................................................Sebastian Garlando, Kylie Jacobs, Megan Kalail, Alison Knauf, Cassandra Komlanc, Abby Mormino, Emma Pletcher, Alex Smith, Emma Smith Soldiers (ArtSparks Dancers) ..........Maurice Ballard, Gideon Coop, Katie King, Jason Moore, Luca Ratay, Macy Smith, Oliver Trent, Addy Ward Cuyahoga Valley National Forest Snow Queen and King ���������(12/16) Kelly Korfhage*, Benjamin Shepard* (12/17) Kate Webb*, Antonio Morillo* Corps de Ballet ................................................ Lily Adams, Molly Bagatto, Abbey Boenig-Dombek, Rachel Carpenter, Lily Cole*, Emily Dietz*, Emilyann Dustman, Lauren Ferster, Ashley Forché*, Kennedy Gordon, Isabelle Howerton, Kia Jimmy*, Kelly Korfhage* (12/17), Carolyn Lott, Margaret Mahaney, Olivia May, Noria Nuru, Kate Webb* (12/16), Jessica Yi, Makenna Zelenak Firestone Community Learning Center Choir ............................................. Martha Chestnut, Fiona Coughlin, Talia Greene, Alix Hernandez, Wesley Howell, Ilona Kitchen, Skye Kubinski, Esther Lamb, Grace Ruggiero, Briel Soujourner, Brendon Willis Railroad Conductor ���������������������������������������������������������������� Sal Citraro^ Railroad Engineer �������������������������������������������������������������������� Alec Lytton ~15 minute intermission~
ACT II Peoples of the World Angels ....................................................Zaia Ahmad, La’Terra Anderson, Lilly Burns, Ava Butcher, Ava Conrad, Clara Feyes, Liana Powers, Abby Schullo Dewdrop ............................... Kate Webb* (12/16) Kelly Korfhage* (12/17) Mother Earth (Featuring the nationalities of our cast members) South Africa ......................................... Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni* Cuba .............................................................. Antonio Morillo* France.............................................................. Ashley Forché* Mexico ........................................... Claudia Mancilla- Zulueta Bangledash ........................................................Sonya Barua Thailand .............................................................. Norah Barua Puerto Rico.............................................. Sebastian Garlando USA........................................................................ Larry White Land of Spain Soloists............................................................................. (12/16) Kia Jimmy*, Hunter Hoffman*, Lily Cole*, Antonio Morillo* (12/17) Kate Webb*, Isaac Hileman*, Lily Cole* , Hunter Hoffman* Corps de Ballet
Lily Adams, Abbey Boenig-Dombek, Lauren Ferster, Ashley Forché*, Kennedy Gordon, Carolyn Lott, Olivia May, Noria Nuru, Makenna Zelenak
Sufi Dancers of Turkey....................................Kylie Jacobs, Megan Kalail, Alison Knauf, Cassandra Komlanc, Abby Mormino, Emma Pletcher, Alex Smith, Emma Smith Land of China ���������������������������������������Molly Bagatto, Rachel Carpenter, Emilyann Dustman, Isabelle Howerton, Margaret Mahaney, Elena Li^, Jessica Yi, Makenna Zelenak Land of Ukraine Soloists ����������������������������������������������������������������������������� (12/16) Antonio Morillo*, Benjamin Shepherd*, Hunter Hoffman*, Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni* (12/17) Antonio Morillo*, Isaac Hilman* , Hunter Hoffman*, Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni*, Corps de Ballet ............................................... Lily Adams, Abbey BoenigDombek, Lily Cole* (12/16), Lauren Ferster, Ashley Forché*,
Kia Jimmy* (12/17), Carolyn Lott, Olivia May Land of South Africa ............................................... Molly Bagatto, Rachel Carpenter, Emilyann Dustman, Kennedy Gordon, Isabelle Howerton, Margaret Mahaney, Claudia Mancilla- Zulueta, Noria Nuru, Larry White, Jessica Yi Waltz of the Flowers Soloists................................... Lily Cole*, Kia Jimmy*, Kate Webb* (12/17), Kelly Korfhage* (12/16), Antonio Morillo*, Hunter Hoffman*, Isaac Hileman* (12/17), Benjamin Shepard (12/16) Corps de Ballet................................................ Lily Adams, Molly Bagatto, Abbey Boenig-Dombek, Rachel Carpenter, Emilyann Dustman, Lauren Ferster, Kennedy Gordon, Isabelle Howerton, Megan Kalail, Alison Knauf, Cassandra Komlanc, Carolyn Lott, Margaret Mahaney, Claudia Mancilla-Zulueta, Abby Mormino, Olivia May, Noria Nuru, Emma Pletcher, Jessica Yi, Makenna Zelenak A Magical Castle Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier ����������������������������������������������� Emily Dietz*, Isaac Hileman* (12/16), Benjamin Shepherd* (12/17) Apotheosis Final goodbyes ............................................................................. Full Cast Return to Seiberling House Clara................................................................................... Lieneke Matte* Betty, the Maid and Clara’s Mother...................................... Mary Kay Finn Drosselmeyer .................................................................... Marc Ozanich^ Butler and William’s Father ������������������������������������������������������ Alec Lytton William, a naughty boy �������������������������������������������� Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni* * Verb Ballets ^ Community Dancer Thank you for joining us this evening. Tonight’s program is approximately two hours long. A very special thank you to our team at EJ Thomas Hall Margo Ohlson, Joe Shannon, and the entire EJ staff. Local #48 Union Stagehands for making these outstanding performances possible on stage.
Christopher Wilkins, Music Director & Conductor First Violin Sara Rule Schaft, concertmaster Yejee Kim Susan Britton Second Violin Amy Glick Eunho Kim Viola Caleb Cox Mark Heinzen Cello Eri Snowden-Rodriguez Julie Myers King
Clarinet Amer Hasan Thomas Reed Bassoon Todd Jelen Mark DeMio Horn Meghan Guegold Tom Park Lisa Fink Trumpet Justin Kohan Gary Davis Trombone Thomas Pylinski
Bass Ann Gilbert
Bass Trombone Sean McGhee
Flute Barbara O’Brien
Timpani John Curtis
Flute/Piccolo Jenny Robinson
Percussion Matthew Larson
Oboe Terry Orcutt
Harp Jody Guinn
Oboe/English Horn Cynthia Warren
Celeste Robert Mollard
Verb Ballets Company Dancers
Emily Dietz
Hunter Hoffman
Kelly Korfhage
Lieneke Matte
Antonio Morillo
Benjamin Shepard
Kate Webb
Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni
Apprentices
Isaac Hileman
About Verb Ballets
Intern
Kia Jimmy
Ashley Forché
Trainee
Lily Cole
Verb Ballets engages our community through bold performances rooted in contemporary ballet and strives to be a vital community asset by providing access to dance opportunities and education to the Great Lakes region and beyond. The professional company is comprised of dancers Scan to read bios from across the nation and globe. The company strives to commission choreographers that elevate marginalized voices and reflect our times. Verb Ballets aims to bring programs out to the public, meeting people where they live, work, and learn. Verb Ballets continues to act as a cultural ambassador by collaborating with international companies to both tour in their respective countries and to bring those companies to Ohio.
Adrienne Rose Photography
The Dance Institute at The University of Akron
Kennedy Gordon^
Maggie Mahaney^
Noria Nuru^
Jessica Yi
Megan Kalail
Alison Knauf
Cassandra Komlanc
Abby Mormino
Emma Pletcher
Kylie Jacobs
Sebastian Garlando
Emma Smith
Alex Smith
Norah Barua
Sonya Barua
Ava Butcher
Liana Powers
Abby Schullo
Zaia Ahmad
The Dance Institute at The University of Akron
La’Terra Anderson
Lilly Burns
Ava Conrad
Clara Feyes
Best Wishes to our Dance Institute Graduating Seniors^ Kennedy Gordon -Kennedy has been a dancer with the University of Akron Dance Institute for 8 years. She attends Firestone CLC and is a part of Akron School for the Arts. She plans on pursuing a career in Dance and Nutrition. Maggie Mahaney - Maggie has studied with Dance Institute for 10 years and is grateful for the many opportunities to perform. Maggie is currently a senior at NIHF STEM High School and plans to attend The University of Akron to study Environmental Science and Law. Noria Nuru - Noria has been dancing for 15 years, 6 of them studying with the Dance Institute. She is very grateful for all the performance opportunities Dance Institute has offered. She appreciates all the guidance she has received from her many teachers and plans to continue dancing at the collegiate level.
Community Dancers
Brian Bagatto#
Aaron Butcher#
Jana Sindelar-Martin
Sal Citraro
Elena Li
Marc Ozanich+
# Dance Institute Parent Former Ohio Ballet dancer
+
University of Akron Dance Department
Lily Adams
Molly Bagatto*
Abbey Boenig Dombek
Rachel Carpenter
Isabelle Howerton
Lauren Ferster
Carolyn Lott
Olivia May*
Claudia MancillaZulueta
Larry White
Makenna Zelenak * Dance Institute Alum
Dance Institute at The University of Akron Faculty Cast
Mary Kay Finn
Pauline Howe
Alec Lytton
Julie Schullo
Maurice Ballard
Katrina Collier
Gideon Coop
Delaney Dunn
Lily Duve
Sherry Jiang
Katie King
Salina Lingden
Jason Moore
Eliza Newman
Luca Ratay
Macy Smith
Ariana Taylor
Adalina Waid
Oliver Trent
About ArtSparks
ArtSparks is an educational outreach organization that provides access to high quality dance programming for all children. The dancers in tonight’s performance have been chosen from their in-school ArtSparks programs to receive a scholarship to study dance. Possessing leadership qualities, a desire to learn, and an enthusiasm for dance, these superstars come from the Akron Public and Cuyahoga Falls City schools.
Adrienne Rose Photography
ArtSparks
Biographies Dr. Margaret Carlson Artistic Director of the Production Producing Artistic Director of Verb Ballets Dr. Carlson has worked internationally in performing, teaching, choreographing, and in arts administration. Dr. Carlson was an original member of the Cleveland Ballet, serving as a Principal dancer from 1972-1983. Also a member of Actors Equity, she performed in numerous musical theatre tours throughout the 1970’s, including Sweet Charity, Ballroom, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Brigadoon, Mame, Hello Dolly! and The Merry Widow. For many years, she choreographed for the Cleveland Opera. Dr. Carlson served as Director of the School of Dance at the University of Akron from 1985-1993. In 1993, she became Dean of the School of Dance at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, until she returned to Cleveland in 1999. She then served as the Development and Education Director for the Cleveland San Jose Ballet. She consulted both nationally and locally through her company, Carlson Consulting Group, Inc., with groups that have included The American Dance Guild, Chinese Performing Artists of America, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Ohio Ballet, Dancing Wheels, Ohio Youth Ballet, Ohio Conservatory of Dance, Tom and Susana Evert Dance Theatre, and White Cloud Studios. Dr. Carlson founded the American Alliance of Dance Artists and served as its first President. She has served as a Board member and officer for Fairmount Center for the Arts, Kids on Broadway, DANCECleveland, the Cleveland Ballet Council, the American Dance Guild, the Council of Dance Administrators, the Hong Kong Ballet, the Hong Kong Dance Company and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Music and Dance Fund. She served as the secretary of the International Organization for Transition for Professional Dancers, a sub-committee of UNESCO, based in Switzerland from 1998-2006, and was a Board member of the American Dance Guild in NYC for 20 years and served as its Treasurer and vice-president for 10 years. Dr. Carlson currently serves on the board of trustees of Cleveland Dance Movement and the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. She is known for her work as the regisseur for the works of Ian (Ernie) Horvath and has been working with Nel Shelby Productions on the documentary film, No Dominion, about his life. She received her doctorate from Durham University in the United Kingdom. Richard Dickinson, MFA Verb Ballets Associate Artistic Director, Choreographer A former dancer with Ohio Ballet in Akron, OH, Dickinson’s association with that company began in 1988. He later became ballet master and director of company touring. He currently is Associate Artistic Director of Verb Ballets. Richard has served as Artistic Associate for Hubbard Street Dance Chicago. He was most recently the Artistic Director of Ballet Western Reserve (Youngstown, OH) and the Artistic Director of Great Lakes Festival Ballet (Warren, OH). Dickinson has also directed Boston Ballet II and was a soloist with Boston Ballet for eight years. At age fifteen, he joined the Pasadena Dance Theatre and was awarded a National Endowment for the Arts Emerging Choreographer Award for a work premiered by the same company. He performed in the PBS television production of Frankie and Johnny with the Chicago Ballet and danced principal roles in Asian, European and American tours with Rudolf Nureyev and the Boston Ballet. In
Biographies Richard Dickinson, MFA cont.
addition to an extensive dance career, including principal and soloist roles with Ohio Ballet, Boston Ballet, Honolulu City Ballet, various regional companies and Chamber Dance Theatre in Milwaukee, where he was also Artistic Director. Dickinson has adjudicated four Regional Dance America festivals held throughout the United States. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Dance from Case Western Reserve University in 2005. Christopher Wilkins Music Director and Conductor Christopher Wilkins became Music Director of the Akron Symphony in the fall of 2006. Since then the orchestra’s programming has reflected his strong interest in communityoriented projects. He has developed partnerships with many artists and organizations based in Northeast Ohio, including the Akron Art Museum, AkronSummit County Public Library, Firestone High School, Summit County Historical Society, YEPAW 365, GroundWorks Dance Theater, Neos Dance Theatre, and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. In recent seasons, Mr. Wilkins and the orchestra have developed programming with an emphasis on diverse and underrepresented voices. The 2021–2022 season begins a multi-season exploration of the work of Akron-based, mid-20th century composer Julia Perry. Major collaborative projects during his tenure have included fully staged performances of Porgy and Bess, The Rite of Spring, Titanic, South Pacific, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream, and Carmina burana. Mr. Wilkins also serves as Music Director of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra, a summer orchestra performing weekly on Boston’s Esplanade and throughout the neighborhoods of Boston. As a guest conductor, he has appeared with many of the leading orchestras of the United States, including those of Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh, and San Francisco. He haalso appeared regularly with orchestras in Latin America, New Zealand, Spain, and the UK. He previously served as Music Director of the San Antonio Symphony and the Colorado Springs Symphony, and is currently Artistic Advisor to the Opera Theatre of the Rockies in ColoradoSprings. Mr. Wilkins also served as resident conductor of the Youth Orchestra of the Americas, helping launch that orchestra in its inaugural season, and leading it on tours throughout the Americas. Mr. Wilkins was winner of the Seaver/NEA Award in 1992. He served as the associate conductor of the Utah Symphony, assisting his former teacher Joseph Silverstein; assistant conductor of the Cleveland Orchestra, as assistant to Christoph von Dohnányi; conducting assistant with the Oregon Symphony under James DePreist; and was a conducting fellow at the Tanglewood Music Center. Born in Boston in 1957, Mr. Wilkins earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College. He received his master of music degree from Yale University, where he studied with Otto-Werner Mueller. As an oboist, he performed with many ensembles in the Boston area, including the Tanglewood Music Center Orchestra, and the Boston Philharmonic under Benjamin Zander.
Biographies Kara Cea Concept and Founding Producer for The Akron Nutcracker Kara Cea is a graduate of The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and earned her B.A. in Psychology, B.F.A. in Dance, and M.A. in Arts Administration from the University of Akron. She performed as a member of The Ohio Ballet, The Eliot Feld Ballet, Long Island Dance Theater, The Washington Opera, Toledo Opera, and The Cleveland Opera companies. Kara is a Visiting Assistant Professor in the School of Dance, Theater and Arts Administration at The University of Akron and the Founder and Executive Director of ArtSparks, an educational outreach program that brings dance to non-traditional arts participants and individuals with disabilities. Her research, which has been presented at The Kennedy Center, has focused on using the arts to develop social, emotional, and behavioral competence and the ways in which the arts may minimize impulsive behavior in individuals with developmental disabilities. Kara is currently working with The Center For Arts Inspired Learning to design a professional development series for teaching artists who work in K-12 settings. She was the proud recipient of the 2016 Arts Alive! Outstanding Arts Administrator Award and serves on the Board of Directors Summit Art Space. Lisa Henderson Dance Institute Producer, Adjunct Faculty Lisa Henderson works as a teacher, training and directing future performers to develop strong skills and a deep appreciation of the arts. She has performed, choreographed, and produced a variety of productions in theatre, dance, and interdisciplinary projects. She also is a certified ballroom dance instructor, having competed and performed at the professional level. Henderson has studied dance and theatre at the University of Akron, Kent State University, Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Broadway Dance Center, and Gus Giordano Dance Center. Outside of her passion for dance and theatre, she is a mom, loves yoga, and is a protector of the earth and oceans. She holds a BA in Communications and a MA in Theatre Arts from the University of Akron. Currently, Lisa is pursuing a MFA in Theatre Pedagogy with an emphasis on Dance Dramaturgy from the University of Idaho.
Dance Institute Faculty Leslie DelPrince (Asst. Manager) Leslie DelPrince received her early training from Nan Klinger and was among the first group of students in the newly-formed Dance Institute at The University of Akron. She became a member of the Chamber Ballet, which was later renamed the Ohio Ballet Company. After moving to California, Ms. DelPrince was the school director for the San Jose Cleveland Ballet and upon returning to Ohio, is currently the Assistant Manager of Dance Institute. Mary Kay Finn (Faculty, Choreographer, Cast) Mary Kay Finn began her dance career at the fledging Dance Institute housed in Memorial Hall at The University of Akron under the tutelage of Heinz Poll and Katherine Firestone. She became a member of the Chamber Ballet, which was later renamed the Ohio Ballet Company, and was a company member and principal dancer until 1976. Mrs. Finn left the Ohio Ballet to pursue a career in law but returned to Dance Institute as a valued teacher in 1999. Pauline Howe (Faculty, Choreographer, Cast) Pauline Howe holds a B.A. in dance from The University of Akron and an M.A in dance from The University of Iowa. After dancing for St. Paul City Ballet, Mrs. Howe returned to Northeast Ohio where she has taught ballet for over 30 years. She is currently UA adjunct faculty for The School of Dance and also a teacher for Dance Institute. Alec Lytton (Faculty, Choreographer, Cast) Alec Lytton was born and raised in Houston, Texas where he attended the Houston Ballet Academy and graduated from Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Upon graduation, he danced with the Houston Ballet for one season before moving to Boston to pursue a B.F.A. at the Boston Conservatory. Mr. Lytton then moved to New York where he danced with New York Theatre Ballet and performed as a soloist with the New York Metropolitan Opera Ballet Company for three seasons. He danced for five seasons with Company C Contemporary Ballet in San Francisco and another four seasons with the modern dance company, Liss Fain Dance. Mr. Lytton has dance both nationally and internationally in works by Paul Taylor, Jose Limon, Martha Graham, Twyla Tharp, Ben Stevenson, Trey McIntyre and Ohad Naharin. He is currently UA adjunct faculty for the School of Dance and teacher for Dance Institute. Julie Schullo (Faculty, Choreographer, Student Rehersal Director, Cast) Julie Schullo, after receiving her B.A. in dance from The University of Akron, has taught dance, pilates and choreographed throughout Northeast Ohio. In addition to teaching for Dance Institute and as UA ,adjunct faculty, Mrs. Schullo has taught and choreographed for the City if Beachwood, Actors’ Summit and other local dance studios.
Choreographers Richard Dickinson, MFA (See bio on previous page) Mary Kay Finn (See Dance Institute Faculty bios) Pauline Howe (See Dance Institute Faculty bios) Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni (Verb Ballets Dancer, Choreographer) Sikhumbuzo Hlahleni is from South Africa and began his training at Cape Academy of Performing Arts and then later participated in an intensive at South Africa International Ballet. He studied in the United States, training in California at Dance for All and went to Kaatsbaan International Dance Center under the guidance of Stella Abrera. Professionally, he has danced with the Joburg Ballet and Mzansi Ballet. Sikhumbuzo joined Verb Ballets in 2021 as a part of Verb’s International Cultural Exchange Program. He will be sharing South Africa’s dance traditions with Verb Ballets. Alec Lytton (See Dance Institute Faculty bios) Erica Piper (ArtSparks Artistic Director , Lead Teaching Artist, Choreographer) Erica graduated summa cum laude from The University of Akron with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Dance and a Bachelors of Arts in Dance Education. During her time at the university, she had opportunities to perform in works by professionals from The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Memphis, Hubbard Street Dance, Neos Dance Theatre, and Alexandre Munz’s S.A.F.E. Project as well as taking classes from the many companies in residence each year. As an officer of the student dance club, Terpsichore, Erica produced, choreographed, and performed in many student productions. She also traveled to the American College Dance Festival and participated in community events with the Akron Children’s Hospital. Erica’s passion for quality dance education has led to some amazing experiences. She is a member of the National Dance Education Organization and has attended their national conference. She also attended intensive teacher training with the acclaimed National Dance Institute in New York City. Erica is excited to share her love of dance through ArtSparks! Julie Schullo (See Dance Institute Faculty bios) Yin Tang (Choreographer) From Northeast Ohio, Yin Tang started dancing at the age of three with her mother—trained in Classical Chinese dance. Over the summers during her high school and college years, she trained with professionals in China. In the states, she always finds a local ballet studio and attends class whenever possible. She’s taught Chinese dance (ethnic and classical) at various area Chinese schools since 1999, and has run an efficient performance troupe known as the Yin Tang Dance Company. She’s since retired from performing, but continues to guest teach at universities. She prefers to blend ballet technique into her choreography. Her mission is to spread culture through dance.
Production Staff Dennis Dugan (Lighting Designer) He has worked with GroundWorks, Ballet Met, Ballet Theater of Ohio, Canton Ballet, Cuyahoga Valley Youth Ballet, Verb Ballets, Ingenuity Festival, the Heinz Poll Dance Festival and The University of Akron. His fascination with light began in the 70’s at Ohio University. It has led him to work in all forms of live performance in theater and dance venues from New York to Los Angeles and all the states in between. Although dance is his favorite performance art, Dennis also enjoys exploring sculpture, photography and lighting public art. Dennis is a Board Member of Ohio Dance, a membership and service organization serving the dance community of Ohio. He was a recipient of the Ohio Dance Award for outstanding contributions to dance in Ohio in 1997. Ben Needham (Set & Props Designer) Ben holds an MFA from the University of Georgia in Scenic Design and Computer Animation for Performing Arts); He has a BA from Case Western Reserve University in Theatre Arts. He served as Adjunct Professor for the University of Georgia, Lakeland Community College, Lake Erie College, and Kent State University) As the Owner and Principal Designer of Digital Squirrel Studio. Ben has designed over 550 theatre productions for theatre’s across the country. In addition to his theatre work Ben has been a set designer on several Film and TV series including, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, Kill the Irishman, Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy and the 1st and 2nd seasons of AMC’s TURN - Washington’s Spies. Currently Ben is also the set designer on the upcoming feature film Ithaca, directed by Meg Ryan, ABC’s The Kingmakers fall pilot and the new PBS drama Mercy Street. John S Alexander (Projection Designer) John Alexander is a video producer from Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. John worked for a Cleveland media production company from 1989 – 2006 where his responsibilities included shooting, editing and supervision of production personnel. While there he gained extensive corporate documentary location shooting experience throughout North America and Europe. John received numerous awards from the Cleveland ITVA chapter and an Emmy nomination in 2001 for his work on a documentary for WVIZ. Since starting his own company in 2006 John has continued to produce videos for clients in diverse industries and he has worked with Verb Ballets for almost twenty years. John received a BA in Telecommunications (Television Production) from Kent State University in 1988. Irene Mack-Shafer (Costume Designer) As a professional patternmaker and cutter/draper, Irene assists area fashion designers and costumers in various independent projects, and designs and builds gowns for weddings, cotillions, and christenings. In addition to using her craft to support productions at the University of Akron, she has also executed designs for Georgia’s Jekyll Island Musical Theatre Festival, Florida’s Show Palace Dinner Theatre, Ohio Light Opera, and Cleveland Public Theatre. Ms. Mack-Shafer holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music from The University of Akron, a Master of Taxation Degree also from The University of Akron, and is a member of I.A.T.S.E. Local 48.
Production Staff Christopher J. Ha (Production Stage Manager) From Cleveland to Pasadena, Christopher Ha is recognized for his interdisciplinary expertise in non-profits and the performing arts. An Akron native, Christopher is a graduate of the Dance Institute and received his B.A. in Psychology from The University of Akron (Summa Cum Laude, 4.0). He has served as a production/ stage manager for Dance Institute since 2015, and the UA Dance program since 2018. Christopher has also worked for organizations such as Neos Dance Theatre, I.A.T.S.E. No. 48, the Akron Civic Theatre, Verb Ballets, and the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. In addition, Christopher is an accomplished musician and author on the subject of American theatre pipe organs. He serves as an curator and organist at Playhouse Square, Grays Armory, and the Akron Civic Theatre, performing for thousands of patrons to this day. Christopher is a Fellow of the Honourable Company of Organists (Canada) and board member of the Akron Chapter of the American Guild of Organists. www.ChristopherJHa.com