Ellie's going back to...Talley

After almost four years with University Theatre, I am excited to announce that I will be moving back to Talley Student Center to work with ARTS Development as the ARTS NC State Development Specialist beginning September 19.

I will be sad to leave the place I spent many hours working and taking classes as a student. I have many fond memories with the UT staff as a student and, more recently, a colleague. I have learned so much in my time here. Without a doubt, I will miss seeing all the current UT students who frequent the building and stop in my office to say "hello." However, I am looking forward to working in a new capacity with ARTS NC State and hope to maintain contact with the students as they become alumni and supporters of the arts.

For now, if you have general questions, contact Nancy Breeding and questions regarding reservations or the calendar should go to Nick Purdy.

Thank you to everyone who has made my experience at University Theatre so memorable: students, patrons and staff!

If you ever need to find me, I'll only be a few steps away!

This week in pictures

Happy Friday everyone! Here is this week in pictures:

(I'm cheating, this one is from last Friday!)

Nat came in to grill me on things that were interesting about me while he was pledging for APO!

I also got to hear his Shylock monologue from The Merchant of Venice - so good!

I've said it before and I'll say it again - our students rock!

Our scene shop is building palatial items for The Philadelphia Story.

Like this 6 foot fire place...

And these giant columns...

Oh yeah, and the President of the United States of America came for a visit next door.

The traffic prep:

Part of the line:

The rest wrapped around to Pullen Road. You'd think he was famous or something.

Ellie's box o' stuff!
Moving to Talley as of Monday to work with the ARTS Development office!

Here's to next week...

This week in pictures

Happy Friday everyone! This week in pictures...

We weathered Irene well, the only damage being a few branches here and there:

We've got calendars on the brain, already planning a year in advance!

The Philadelphia Story is underway! 

Our crews are building, painting and getting costumes ready!

We are really looking forward to this year's productions, getting to know the new students and working with our "regulars" again!

Here's to next week...

The New Guy

In August, University Theatre hired a new Lighting and Sound Designer and we are excited to start hanging, focusing... and pranking with the new guy!

Read on to learn more about our new lighting and sound guru!
(I already learned we share a North Carolina education and NEED for organization!)

UT: Give us a quick synopsis of your educational/professional background.

JR: Well, I am originally from Raleigh, undergrad at UNCG. Went out into the world for a few years as a designer then took two years off from it, thought I was done with the starving artist lifestyle. But, I started doing smaller shows here and there and decided to go back to school for my MFA in lighting design. So two years at CCM in Cincinnati I moved back to NC and found a job at Campbell University. Two years later I showed up here.

UT: What drew you to University Theatre?

JR: The atmosphere, the people, and the level of artistry produced here.

UT: What are you most excited about accomplishing this year as the new lighting and sound designer?

JR: Right now... organizing! I'm such a neat freak. But once that's out of the way, I'm excited about finding my way, meeting new students, and putting on a couple of shows.

UT: What aspect of working with the students are you looking forward to most?

JR: That "oh" moment they have when they learn something new.

UT: What do you love most about lighting design? Sound design?

JR: I love the movement of lighting, and sound. They are both a living things that constantly change and grow throughout the performance.

UT: How did you decide to go into lighting and sound design?

JR: Again, I think it's the living part of lighting and sound, it's not static. I also like the idea that this week I will work hour after hour to create something that will be gone next week - its once in a lifetime. But the best part is I get to do something completely different the following week!

UT: What was your initial reaction to the UT staff on your first day, especially after seeing your modern office set up?

Our UT staff has a strong tradition of pranking each other.
On Josh's first day, he was met with a state-of-the-art office.
Complete with typed letter explaining the budget cuts...

(note: the phone works and is now in Jayme's office.
The ring can be heard a mile away, take it from the girl whose office is right next door...)

JR: Honestly, at first I didn't notice it, David had to point it out. I was still in the "okay, I came through that door, now where am I in this building?" But after seeing what the staff I did I knew I was in the right place - and looking forward to my turn in someones office.

UT: When you are not in the theatre, what do you like to do in your spare time?

JR: Spare time... really? Well, I like to be outside. Golf, fishing, or in my garden. Sunshine, that's what I like to do in my spare time.

UT: What are some of the most important lessons you learned in undergrad and do you have any advice for students, either in general or if they are planning on pursuing theatre after college?

JR: Do what ever you want to while you're in undergrad, it is your time to discover yourself. Continue to do something outside of your field, as many undergrads here do by participating in University Theater. If you plan to pursue theater after college, find something else you like to do while your here at NCSU. I have found the greatest lessons I have learned about my career came from classes or activities that had nothing to do with theater.

UT: Over your entire career, what show have you enjoyed working on the most? Why?

JR: Madame Butterfly at the Cincinnati Opera. Before I assisted on this show, I didn't know the first thing about opera and thought I knew all there was to lighting design. After this show, I had learned so much and gained not only an appreciation for opera but a thirst for it.

UT: What else should we know about you?

JR: Well, we are expecting out first child, a little girl, at the end of September.

__________________________________________

Thanks for sharing, Josh!

We all look forward to working with you and expect to see 100 wallet-sized photos of your child's first day in the world very soon!

Student Spotlight - Kenny Hertling

This summer, a handful of our students took advantage of our 2011 TheatreFest season (3 shows in rolling repertory), Southern Comforts. From acting, to working backstage, to filling in as understudies, our students had the opportunity to work together and with professionals from the community to create a wonderful summer of shows!

Kenny Hertling, Sophomore in Political Science, was able to participate in TheatreFest for class credit, something University Theatre offers every summer. Below, Kenny gives us the low-down on what it took to complete the course successfully and everything else he discovered along the way!

Among other backstage duties, Kenny played the role of "guard" in
WMKS: Where Music Kills Sorrow.

UT: Why did you choose to participate in TheatreFest for class credit?

KH: I chose to participate in TheatreFest for class credit because it gave me a chance to develop my skills as an actor as well as a stage hand.

UT: What did you have to do in order to get class credit?

KH: In order to get class credit, I was the light board operator for Dixie Swim Club and an actor in WMKS: Where Music Kills Sorrow. I enjoyed this because it allowed me to be on both the acting and technical side of theater. It also gave me the opportunity to work with many actors that I would not have had the chance to work with otherwise.

UT: How did the rehearsal process differ with this being a play and musical rolled in one?

KH: The rehearsal process for WMKS varied for me because I was not one of the singers, but I enjoyed going to the music portions of the rehearsals just to get to know the songs and my fellow cast members.

UT: Describe your experience working with professional actors and stage manager. Have you come away learning anything new or taking on any new practices before, during or after a show?

KH: Through TheatreFest I learned a lot about ways to rehearse lines that I had never heard of and I also learned some theatrical lingo that had once been foreign to me.

UT: Would you encourage other students to be a part of TheatreFest in the future and why?

KH: I would encourage other students to participate in TheatreFest because it is a great opportunity to meet actors from outside of campus and to work with people that did not have enough time during the year to audition for any shows.

Thanks for sharing, Kenny!

Interested in being a part of TheatreFest? Keep an eye out for more information this spring or ask our students about it!