This Week in Pictures Returns: Staff Edition
Even though Ellie is not specifically with University
Theatre we would like to continue with This Week in Pictures. It was a great
idea by her and a shame to not keep it going, and to start it off I wanted to
let people know a little more about UT staff. I asked just a few short
questions and took their pictures. I am sure if there is anything else you wish
to know they would be happy to talk to you. So here’s to the first This Week in
Pictures post of 2012.
John
McIlwee: Director of University Theatre
UT: How long have you been with University Theatre?
John: Since 1987
UT: What are you most excited for this year?
John: I am looking forward to see how we do Alice and
excited to direct An Inspector
Calls,
but really looking forward to Alice.
UT: How did you get your start in Theatre?
John: I always like theatre even when there wasn’t any to
have. As a little kid I read books about theatre and as soon as I could be in a
play I was in one in junior year of high school. I haven’t done anything else
except as a designer on 7th Avenue.
UT: What was that first play?
John: Muggsy’s Merry Chrismas. I played Muggsy.
Nancy
Breeding: Business, Marketing Manager and Special Projects
UT: How long have you been with University Theatre?
Nancy: 14 years
UT: What are you most excited for this year?
Nancy: Alice in Wonderland, and excited to finally work in
the same building as
everyone and see all the activity and students.
UT: How did you get your start in Theatre?
Nancy: I answered an ad in the newspaper for marketing
assistant just as they created University Theatre. The first show of University
Theatre at Stewart was “Bus Stop”.
Before that in high school
I went on stage twice and decided to be backstage after that.
UT: What was Thompson Like before it was renovated?
Nancy: The inside stages and offices faced differently. The
area where the box office is was open to the outside. The Titmus faced towards
the street and you entered at the back of the house rather than around the
side. The studio was in the back where the scene shop and Dave’s office is
located.
Ron Foreman: Marketing, Special Projects, and Graphic Design
UT: How long have you been with University Theatre?
Ron: Since 1987
UT: What are you most excited for this year?
Ron: Most of the real work was done over the summer, so all
that is left is
manipulating it and getting it out to
the places it needs to go. And just doing
what needs to be done.
UT: How did you get your start in Theatre?
Ron: In about 1986 I went to an audition with a friend who
asked me to accompany
him on the piano. I met Dr. Caple and
hit it off and was cast in a show as a piano
player. After that I wished I had
done it earlier and was taught a whole lot
about myself. I thought it should be a requirement for
everyone to do theatre
because it had such a great impact on
me. After that I designed a poster
for “
Seven
Guitars” and John noticed.
UT: What was that first play?
Ron: “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom”. I have now done the show
twice here, twenty
years apart.
Ellie
Cooke: Program Assistant ARTS NC STATE
Ellie isn’t directly with University Theatre anymore, but
she is still in the area and with ARTS NC STATE and it was a great opportunity
to catch up with her and see what she is into now.
UT: How long have you been involved in the Arts?
Ellie: I got a student degree in the arts with a focus in
theatre. I graduated in 2006
after I transferred from ECU. After a
couple jobs outside of North Carolina State
University in 2007 I started with UT and worked there for four years
before
transferring to
ARTS NC State where I have been a year.
UT: What does your job entail?
Ellie: I process gifts and make sure all the thank you
letters get sent. I work on
events which includes organizing,
meetings, and the silent auction , which is
the
largest event of the year. I am also the facilities liaison and coordinate
what the residence might need,
bookkeeping, helping write playbill articles,
manage the Gregg campaign
website, which is new and exciting, and anything in
between.
UT: What are you most excited for this year?
Ellie: The big event on October 28th with the 125th Anniversary of
State. Its open to
everyone. We will have different
bands, artists, food and it will let people see
the
new site where the museum will be built.
I am also excited for moving
forward and seeing the new Gregg
Campaign.
UT: How did you get started in the ARTS?
Ellie: I was involved in high school drama and love musical
theatre. My dream was
to be the next Bernadette Peters. In
college I learned I loved the administration
and I am proud to say I have always
had a job.
Also this past week was the Entertainment Innovation
Conference featuring Cirque du Soleil and Disney among other companies. Here
are just a few glimpses of the conference
The conference was at the North Carolina School of the Arts
where Jayme is an alumnus. In the picture you can see his foot on some scenic
painting that he painted while there.
Kathleen Price
who is an Artistic Makeup Supervisor for Cirque du Soleil was kind enough to
let me take her picture with two costumed mannequins with makeup on. If I recall correctly both these characters are found in the Cirque show "O" in Las Vegas.
Some concrete busts and faces that were outside of the Design and Production building. I am not sure what they are for, or why they are there, but I thought they were interesting.
Be sure to check back next week to meet some more of the UT
Staff and see what is happening as we get ready for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
For more information on NC State University theatre check
out the
For more on the Gregg Museum Campaign check out:
