Never the Sinner perusal scripts

Perusal scripts for Never the Sinner will be available in the University Theatre offices November 3, 2008. Please be prepared to read them in the office or the lobby of Talley Student Center. The University Theatre offices are on the first floor of Talley, room 1202A.

Auditions will be December 1 & 2 at 7pm in Stewart Theatre.

Christmas Belles and other news

It has been a while since I have posted. This blogging thing takes up more time than I thought! University Theatre is well under way with their Christmas Belles rehearsals and it should be quite a rollicking good time. Don't forget that we will be having a cookie and punch reception at intermission for each show, sponsored by Catering Works.

This show is written by the same authors that wrote Dearly Departed, the hit of University Theatre's season last year. Plan on getting your tickets now, in case they sell-out again!

The Frank Thompson building continues to undergo its renovations. We still plan on opening the doors next spring and hope there won't be any hiccups along the way!

The staff is already planning for next season and we hope to get back to our regular number of shows and really take advantage of our new spaces!

Be sure to stay updated by checking out our website www.ncsu.edu/theatre.

Vote September 29 & 30, 2008

Hey, the ARTS called and they want your vote.

Ok people, it is time to vote for the ARTS on campus.The Student Center Operations fee proposal can be found at

ncsu.edu/student_affairs/feereview/video08/

This link will provide you with the Student Center's video proposal as well as powerpoints and pdf's galore about what we, the Student Centers, need to operate and provide programming for our students.The Student Center Operations fee includes all of the ARTS as well as several other organizations that benefit you and that are housed under student affairs ( which = all the fun stuff on campus you get to participate in...).

On September 29 and 30 go to: vote.ncsu.edu and approve the Student Center's fee proposal so we can be better prepared to serve you guys. I'll even create a Facebook event out of it, so you just have to click in the event and invite others to vote too. You can find us on Facebook under NCSU University Theatre.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Podcast

Git yer tickets now y'all!

For tickets, call 919.515.1100.

CHRISTMAS BELLES cast list posted!

The cast list for Christmas Belles has been posted! You can view the cast list outside of the University Theatre office in Talley or check on our website: ncsu.edu/theatre.

Please be sure to audition for Never the Sinner on December 1 & 2 at 7pm in Stewart Theatre.

We're still here!

I've been a bad blogger and haven't kept up like I should! We are in the midst of rehearsals for Whorehouse, just wrapped up auditions for Christmas Belles (cast list will be posted Monday) and are already thinking about next season! How time flies.

I hope to get some more regular blogs going that touch on some more interesting things going on within University Theatre (like the Thompson Building renovation, complete with recent pictures) so keep an eye out as I'll get to that eventually!

Don't forget to get your tickets for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.. and Christmas Belles while you're at it!
Ticket Central is on the second floor of Talley Student center, or you can call them at 919.515.1100. See you at Whorehouse!

Meet the Cast - THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS

Don't miss your chance to see our talented cast Oct. 1 - 5, 2008.

Call 919.515.1100 for tickets.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Cast Bios:

Ashton Harris, Taddy Jo/Colorman, is a sophomore majoring in bio-archaeology and is excited about being a part of this hilarious show at UT. She would like to thank everyone who made her laugh in the play Everyone, and for the wonderful experience. Hopefully there is more to come!

Ella Brooks, Townsperson/Melvin P. Thorpe Singer/Reporter #2, is a freshman majoring in fashion textile management. An alumnus of Huntingtown High School in Maryland, Ella’s previous show credits include various roles in Oliver Twist and The Scarlet Pimpernel. This is her first production at University Theatre.

Kelvin Carter, Cowboy/Aggie #6/Reporter #3, is a freshman majoring in computer engineering and hails from Fayetteville, North Carolina. This is Kelvin’s first production with University Theatre.

Liz Cervantes, Townsperson/Melvin P. Thorpe Singer/Heckler #5, is a sophomore majoring in communications media. Prior to coming to University Theatre, her credits include “Babette” in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, “Flavia/Belinda” in Noises Off, and “Hattie” in Laundry and Bourbon. Liz is making her University Theatre debut.

Robert Chapman, Governor, is making his University Theatre debut. Bass-baritone Chapman has sung leading and supporting operatic roles in Germany and the United States. His most recent major role was the “ Der Lautsprecher” in Viktor Ullman’s Der Kaiser von Atlantis at Meredith College. In 2005, he was “Doctor Bartolo” in Capital Opera’s Le Nozze di Figaro. His musical theater experience includes “Beauregard” in Mame and “Cervantes/Don Quixote” in The Man of La Mancha. Bob is weekend host of WCPE’s Sleepers, Awake!

Chris Cioffi, Cowboy/Dogette/Aggie #7/Heckler #1, is a sophomore majoring in film studies/communications media. A disc jockey at NC State’s WKNC-FM 88.1, this is Chris’ first role in a University Theatre production. Excited to be working with the cast and crew, he thanks everyone for making this opportunity possible.

Steven Deutsch, Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, is a graduate student in applied mathematics. Previous roles at N.C. State include “Judas” in Godspell and “Lt.jg Sam Weinberg” in A Few Good Men. “I’d like to thank University Theatre and everyone who makes these productions possible. I also want to thank my biggest fans, my parents, for all their love and support!”

Alex Donne, Cowboy/Assistant/Aggie #3/Aide, is a freshman in the First Year College. “This is the first show that I have been involved with University Theatre. I would like to thank my parents for helping me get this far.”

Parker Gray, Cowboy/Young Cowboy/Soundman/Aggie #4, is a graduate student majoring in aerospace engineering. He is returning to theater after a long hiatus. The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is Parker’s first time on a University Theatre stage.

Brittany Halverstadt, Beatrice, is a senior majoring in zoology/neuroendocrinology. Brittany would like to thank her wonderful University Theatre family for all the “amazingness” and love shown to her these past couple of years.

Maddison Harris, Shy, is a sophomore majoring in fashion and textile design–product development. “After appearing in Dearly Departed and Godspell last season, I am ready to be deep in the heart of Texas. I would like to thank my fellow whores and cowboys for a heel-clicking time of talent, fun, and laughter! Thank you to my family and friends. Ya’ll are amazing and bring so much support…LYTTMAB! Now ya’ll kick up ya boots and enjoy…!”

Drexel D. Heard II, Shy Boy/Dogette/Aggie #1, a political science/communications major, is thrilled to be back on stage at University Theatre! He was last seen “mooning” the ‘Pack crowd in Grease as “Roger.” Favorite theater credits include Wood: The Musical (NY Workshop Premiere), Jesus Christ Superstar, tick, tick…Boom!, Candide, and Shenandoah. “Many thanks to John, Julie, Cindy, Katherine, Quinn, and all of the crew and cast!”

Amy Hoffner, Doatsey Mae, is a senior majoring in animal science. This is Amy’s first production with University Theatre. Previous credits include the lead in Annie Get Your Gun with the Uwharrie Players of Albermarle. Amy performed throughout high school and in local community theaters as well as at the Arabian Nights Dinner Theater in Orlando, Florida.

David Hook, Chicken Farmer/Cameraman/Aggie #2/Heckler #4, is a senior majoring in materials science and engineering. David currently works as a research assistant for the Institute of Maintenance Science and Technology. Previous University Theatre credits include “Vittorio Vidal” in Sweet Charity and “Teen Angel” in Grease. Thankfully, engineering senioritis (a well-documented disease) has granted him enough time in which to be a part of another show.

Alyssa Leigh Johnson, Ginger, is a sophomore majoring in elementary education. During last season, she played “Juanita” in Dearly Departed and wishes to thank the many girls she knew in high school for giving her the inspiration for “Ginger.” Alyssa gives a shout out to her family and friends for their support, and to University Theatre for allowing her to vent in such a gratifying way.

George M. Kaiser, Edsel Mackey/Aggie #8, is a junior majoring in arts applications–theatre in his fifth production with University Theatre. Credits include A Few Good Men for which he won the “Best First Performance Award,” Dearly Departed, Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead, and The Real Inspector Hound. He is thrilled to be in his first musical and with getting to know so many new cast members.

Marielle Kissick, Angel, is a junior majoring in business management–marketing. Former favorite musical roles include “Helen” in University Theatre’s production of Sweet Charity, “Patty Symcox” in Grease, and “Adelaide” in Guys and Dolls. Marielle has been selected, through the Disney College program, to be a character performer in parades and shows at Walt Disney World. She would like to thank her mommy and daddy, Grandmère and Bacar, Gramma, and all of her family and friends, especially her “Big” and her ever-supportive Delta Gamma and 303 girls!

Rachel McIntyre, Dancer/Durla/Angelette, is a junior majoring in elementary education with a concentration in mathematics. Rachel has danced for seventeen years and has performed in several local productions in her hometown of Asheville, North Carolina. Previous University Theatre credits include “Hostess” in Sweet Charity.

Tenéa Miller, Ruby Rae, is a senior majoring in biological engineering–bioprocess. A member of NCSU’s DanceVisions since the fall of 2004, she performed in the Women’s Center’s production of The Vagina Monologues last spring. While a member of the National Ensemble Theatre, she performed in Images during the National Black Theatre Festival held in Winston-Salem. This will be Tenéa’s first production with University Theatre.

Rachmiel “Rocky” Moss, C.J. Scruggs, is a freshman majoring in computer science. This is Rocky’s first production at University Theatre. Previous theater credits include “Rooster” in Annie, “Ernie Cusack” in Neil Simon’s Rumors, and “Adam” in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged.

Betsy Newsome, Townsperson/Melvin P. Thorpe Singer/Heckler #2, is a sophomore majoring in communication media. A junior transfer student from James Madison University, she is excited to be in her first show at NCSU! Betsy is president of Campus Arts Council and co-president of club gymnastics.

Pamela Nichols, Dancer/Dawn/Imogene Charlene, is a freshman majoring in communication media. This production marks Pamela’s debut on a University Theatre stage. Previous credits include “The Mouse” in If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.”

Laura-Nelle Parnell, Miss Mona, is a junior majoring in political science and is thrilled to be performing in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Previous University Theatre credits include “Marguerite” in Dearly Departed and an ensemble member in last season’s Godspell. Laura-Nelle wants to thank her parents for being her biggest fans. “I love you both so much!”

Brittany Patterson, Dancer/Linda Lou/Angelette, is a sophomore majoring in accounting with a minor in French. Most recently, Brittany was stage manager for The Real Inspector Hound last season. Other theatrical credits include “Dolly Tate” in Annie Get Your Gun and “Mother Abyss” in The Sound of Music at Weddington High School. Brittany would like to thank her family for always being there every step of the way to support her.

Olga Ryzhikova, Townsperson/Melvin P. Thorpe Singer, is a sophomore in the college of management. Olga’s first stint with University Theatre, she has performed the roles of “Puss’n Boots” in Puss’n Boots, “Tinkerbell, Michael and John Darling” in Peter Pan, and “Jack” in The Magic Music all with the Belarusian State Theater.

Nathan Sandlin, Cowboy/Aggie #5/Heckler #3, is a freshman in the First Year College. Nathan’s theater credits include “Jimmy Smith” in East Carteret High School’s Thoroughly Modern Millie, “Prince Dauntless the Drab” in Once Upon A Mattress, and “John Darling” in Peter Pan. This is Nathan’s first appearance on the stage of University Theatre.

Zac Schnell, Old Cowboy/Mayor Rufus Poindexter, is a sophomore majoring in environmental technology. Recently, Zac has performed in Dearly Departed and in other musical and theatre productions — from wearing dresses to a coconut bra, there is a lot that on in theatre. “Days may go by slow, but the years fly by.”

Caroline Seabrook, Townsperson/Melvin P. Thorpe Singer/Reporter #1, is a doctoral student in statistics. This is Caroline’s third musical at N.C. State. She would especially like to thank her ex-roommates Cletus and Buttonface, and all the members of APO for their support.

Rob Steinberg, Melvin P. Thorpe, is a freshman in the First Year College. This is Rob’s first production with University Theatre. Previous theatrical credits include “Harold Hill” in The Music Man, “Cord Elum” in Oklahoma, and “Mark” in A Chorus Line. Rob would like to thank his friends and family for all their support. “Part of the Crew, Part of the Ship!”

Jesse Triplett, Senator Wingwoah, is a junior majoring in arts applications–theater. Jesse’s previous credits, all at University Theatre, include Grease and Sweet Charity.

Jillian Varner, Jewel, is a freshman majoring in chemistry. Jillian makes her debut at University Theatre in this role. Previous credits include “Sharpay” in High School Musical and “Charity” in Anything Goes at Colonie High School; “Factory Girl” in Les Miserables with Cohoes Music Hall. She has studied dance for 14 years with Eleanor’s School of Dance and World of Dance, and competed in numerous regional and national competitions. Thanks to the cast and crew!

Casey Watkins, Miss Wulla Jean/Townsperson, is a senior majoring in arts application–theatre. Casey is usually backstage handling costumes or stage-managing. Most recently she costumed the premiere of Gods of Autumn at HSN. Co-manager of the costume shop at University Theatre, she can be seen onstage “once in a blue moon if the lighting is right.” Love to family, cousin, UT staff and her amazing roommates. Thanks!

Sarah Wood, Dancer/Eloise/Angelette, is a freshman majoring in mathematics education. “This is my first show at N.C. State and I’m very excited. I thank my parents for supporting me over the years and through 14 years of dance.”

Production Bios

John C. McIlwee, Director, has been with NCSU’s University Theatre for more than 20 years. He has worked extensively throughout the United States as an actor, director, costume designer, scenic designer, makeup artist, and playwright. He holds a Masters degree in theatre and a Master of Fine Arts degree in theatre design from West Virginia University. A recipient of the Raleigh Medal of Arts, John is also a national award-winning fashion designer and a two-time winner of the National Arts and Letters Council Award for children’s play writing. He continues to lecture extensively on the history of couture and costume and works with the University Theatre staff to create a varied and exciting theatrical experience available to all university students.

Katherine Fuller, Assistant Director, is the director of ticketing for ARTS NC STATE. She is a graduate of Meredith College with a BS in business administration and a BA in theatre. Katherine continues to pursue her passion for theatre by stage-managing and assistant directing shows with University Theatre. This is her twelfth production at NCSU.

Julie A. Florin, Music Director, has received many degrees from many institutions, all actually educational. She has also done musical direction for the following theatre companies: EbzB Productions (Songs and Letters of WWII, In One Era and Out The Other), Raleigh Little Theatre (The Fully Monty, Carousel, Jacques Brel Is Alive and Living In Paris), University Theatre at North Carolina State University (A Little Night Music, Cabaret, Follies, Grease, The Apple Tree, Sweet Charity, Godspell), Burning Coal Theatre Company (Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Company, Juno and the Paycock, Travesties, Lipstick Traces, Accidental Death of An Anarchist), and Meredith College (Nine, Gypsy).

Cindy Hoban, Choreographer, is happy to return to University Theatre to work with the talented cast and crew of “Whorehouse.” Past show credits at N.C. State include Cabaret, Follies, and Grease. Cindy teaches dance at Leesville Road HS in Raleigh and dance education courses at Meredith College. Cindy thanks Lizzy, TJ, Rocco and the YaYas for inspiration and support.

Charlotte R. Stalls, Stage Manager, is a junior majoring in business administration/marketing. This is her sixth show with University. Charli would like to thank her family, especially her parents, for all of their support.

AUDITION REMINDER

Christmas Belles auditions will be held September 15 & 16, 2008 at 7pm in Stewart Theatre.

ARTS NC STATE launches new website

Check out the new and improved look of ARTS NC STATE! Check back frequently as we will be continuously updating the pages with new stories and features.

www.ncsu.edu/arts
www.ncsu.edu/theatre

Campus Arts Council Interest meeting!

Interested in the arts?

Campus Arts Council is having an interest meeting on September 11, 2008

at 5:30pm in room 3121 of Talley Student Center.

There will be pizza, so please RSVP to betsy at bvnewsom@ncsu.edu by September 8, 2008.

CAC is a small organization of students that supports the arts programs of NC state where your voice is heard and you have a direct impact on helping out the arts programs that are often overloooked by our fellow students. So whether you have a knack for photography, play an instrument, enjoy going to the theatre, or just have an interest in the arts but not enough time pursue it, then this group is for you!

Christmas Belles perusals available

Christmas Belles perusals are now available in the University Theatre (1st floor Talley Student Center, room 1202A) offices. Be prepared to read them in our offices. We are open 9am - 5pm M - F.

CHRISTMAS BELLES perusals

I can't believe it either, but it is already time to get ready for another University Theatre audition! Perusal scripts for Christmas Belles will be available in the University Theatre offices on Tuesday, September 2, 2008. Feel free to stop by and take a look!

Congratulations WHOREHOUSE cast!

Congratulations WHOREHOUSE cast!:

Miss Mona: Laura-Nelle Parnell
Jewel: Jillian Varner
Doatsey Mae: Amy Hoffner
Angel: Marielle Kissick
Shy: Maddison Harris
Linda Lou: Brittany Patterson
Dawn: Pamela Nichols
Ginger: Alyssa Johnson
Durla: Rachel McIntyre
Beatrice: Brittany Hlaverstadt
Taddy Jo: Annie Babcock
Ruby Rae: Tenia Miller
Eloise: Sarah Wood
Ed Earl Dodd: Steven Deutsch
Governor: Bob Chapman
Melvin P. Thorpe: Rob Steinberg
Mayor Rufus Poindexter: Zac Schnel
Edsel Mackey: George Kaiser
C.J. Scruggs: Rachmiel Moss
Senator Wingwoah: Jesse Triplett

Melvin Thorpe singers, Chiors, Angelettes, cowboys, reporters, Dogettes, Townspeople, etc. (to be assigned Monday night).

Casey Watkins
Caroline Seabrook
Ella Brooks
Betsy Newsome
Olga Ryzhikova
Peggy Cervantes
Matt Gromlich
David Hook
Alex Donne
Parker Gray
Jake Hamilton
Nathan Sandlin
Kelvin Carter

Chris Cioffi

What a week!

As expected, this week has felt endless for the UT staff, but we have also gotten the season underway!


On Monday, the Cates Crawl brought out the best of Cates Ave. University Theatre, the Craft Center and ARTS NC State all made an appearance to help get student involved on campus.
George giving a demonstration on the lathe.

ARTS NC State booth.

University Theatre's booth, with a little help from our blow up dolls to promote The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. (Shamless plug: call 919.515.1100 for tickets, show runs from October 1 - 5, 2008 in Stewart Theatre).

There were many other organizations represented and I was excited that Da Chen (the author of this summers freshman reading, Sounds of the RIver) made an appearance since I read the book too!
Da Chen meeting students.

The arts had a pretty good turn out and the dolls definitely generated some interest, especially from our Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, Tom Stafford...
Dr. Tom Stafford.

Tuesday, University Theatre and the Craft Center held an Open House for students (at this point I had forgotten all about the camera; sorry, no pictures! I'll work on that...)

We had a decent group of students show for food and mingling. It was great to see most of them show up later in the evening for our audition workshop for The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (our office still struggles to figure out the best way to abbreviate this show title. I am choosing to just write it all out). The students learned a few song selections from the show to prepare them for the auditions over the next couple of days.

We also had a good number of new and veteran students audition for the show (cast list will hopefully be posted later on today... keep an eye out). I'm excited to see this show come alive!

On that note, don't forget that in only 3 short weeks (September 15 & 16) we have auditions for Christmas Belles, so if you're not in (oh what the heck...) Whorehouse, start preparing for the next show. Christmas Belles is written by the same author of Dearly Departed, which was a complete hit on campus (and the rest of the community that put it on) last year, so you don't want to miss being a part of this one either!

Our Christmas Belles logo - 919.515.1100 for tickets. They went like hot cakes last year, so get 'em while you can!

That's it for this week, but who knows what will come in the following weeks. Stay with me to find out!

Broken Legs

Break a leg everyone who is auditioning for THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS!

We look forward to working with the new cast and starting the new year off with this fun musical!

Busy, busy, busy!

It is a big week for the arts on campus... well, for everyone on campus!

Yesterday a large group of students from the Arts Village attended the musical Personals at the Kennedy Theatre. Afterward, there was a short talk-back session with the actors, director and even a couple of Tony winners in the audience. Overall, the students had a good time and the show was a success!

The Arts Village is a group of about 120 students housed in Turlington residence hall who are involved in or appreciate the arts. They attend several performance and exhibits, as well as take arts classes, to fulfill hours for academic credit. I encourage any students who are interested in the arts to check this out! It is a great way to be exposed to the arts on and off campus as well as begin to build a community of artists (and make the arts a priority!!) on NCSU's campus. The arts supporters on campus look forward to watching the Arts Village grow in the future.

University Theatre continues to get ready for its abbreviated season as the Frank Thompson building wraps up its renovation. We're also taking part in all of the fun activities going on to welcome students to the campus and encourage them to get involved! Today we will be lining Cates Avenue for the Cates Crawl and tomorrow we have the University Theatre/Craft Center open house to introduce students to our rehearsal space and craft studios.

I'll post pictures of these events this week!

"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" perusal scripts

Students:

Perusal Scripts for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" are now available in the University Theatre offices (1st floor of Talley Student Center, room 1202A). Please be sure to sign them out, eventhough we ask that you read them in the office.

Please contact us if you have any questions!

Welcome

Hi everyone,

This is our new attempt to join the 21st century! I hope to continually update this page with news and events that are happening at University Theatre or within the theatre world as a whole. I hope you all will subscribe to the blog and share it with friends!

Currently, we are getting ready for our upcoming season. Although we will only have 3 shows and a student studio this season, we look forward to focusing on these productions and moving back into the Frank Thompson Building at the start of the new year.

Season tickets are now on sale for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "Christmas Belles" and "Never the Sinner." Call Ticket Central at 919.515.1100 to reserve your tickets!

We also have several upcoming events especially for students:

August 18, 2008

Cates Crawl: Come see our "...Little Whorehouse..." themed booth to get more information about UT as you crawl along Cates Ave.

August 19, 2008

University Theatre/Craft Center open house (4pm - 7pm): Join UT and the Craft Center in their swing space, Brickhaven, for a meet and greet, door prizes, refreshments and a great way to meet the staff and see the space you'll be rehearsing in! (Contact us if you need directions).

Audition workshop, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (7pm - 9pm) in Stewart Theatre: Learn a little song and dance before the actual audition! Be dressed to move and ready to sing.

August 20 and 21, 2008

Auditions, "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (7pm - 10pm) in Stewart Theatre: Be prepared to sing, dance and read. Perusals of the script will be out VERY shortly and I'll be sure to update you all as soon as they are hot off the press.

We hope to build a foundation of communication through our "new media" attempts, but we are also available in our offices and look forward to hearing from you!

Of course, you can find us on Facebook and MySpace too!