This Week in Pictures: Staff Edition part II plus Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Load In

This week I have a few more pictures of staff along with just a small blurb about them and a quick glimpse into the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Load-In.

 Andrew Korhonen: Operations and Event Coordinator

UT: How long have you been with University Theatre?

Andrew: Two years.

UT: What are you most excited for this year?

Andrew: I am looking forward to Alice in Wonderland.

UT: How did you get your start in Theatre?

Andrew: I was interested in theatre before high school and I volunteered in high school with light crew. 

Jayme Mellema: Scenic Designer/Scenic Painter
I promise he is smiling in the photo I just had a bad angle.

UT: How long have you been with University Theatre?

Jayme: This is the beginning of my fourth year.

UT: What are you most excited for this year?

Jayme: Alice of course.

UT: How did you get your start in Theatre?

Jayme: I studied art in high school and in freshman year of college I was an art major. My sophomore     year I took a design class where I discovered you could bring art to theatre. I knew I wanted to do art, but theatre seemed more monetarily stable. Once I found it, it was okay, this what I am going to do and thats what I did.

Also this week was the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels load in. I wasn't able to be there unfortunately however, one of the cast was very kind and sent me this picture.

Its a small photo because my phone is not amazing, but you can at least see a few of the cast in the scene shop preparing to take some paint to Stewart. The cast and crew are an amazing group of people and the show is going to be wonderful. I recommend if you haven't gotten your ticket yet to get it while you can. The show will run September 26-30 and is going to be hilarious. 

Stay tuned for next weeks post, the final staff edition and other happenings in the theatre as we get closer to opening night of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. 

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 7^th 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 28^th with  the 125^th 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

            Website: http://www.ncsu.edu/theatre/index.html

            Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ncstateuniversitytheatre

            The New Twitter Site: http://twitter.com/ncsutheatre

For more on the Gregg Museum Campaign check out:

            http://www.ncsu.edu/gregg/greggcampaign.html

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!

Student Spotlight - Brett Williams

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!

Today, we'll get the inside scoop about TheatreFest, from auditions to rehearsals,
from Brett Williams, who played Cindy in WMKS: Where Music Kills Sorrow.

Brett is currently a Junior majoring in Zoology.

I auditioned for WMKS: Where Music Kills Sorrow, because quite frankly, I can’t keep away from the theatre! I knew I was going to be on campus in the morning for summer classes and I knew that if I didn’t audition, I’d be missing out. The audition was definitely different from what I was used to. We had to go into the theatre one at a time and perform a monologue and two songs. I accompanied myself on the guitar for both songs, something I had never done before as I had only been playing the guitar for about six months prior to the audition.

The rehearsals were about 4 hours long, though they actually seemed less stressful than most shows I’ve done. Probably because I was only taking one, instead of five, classes at the time. We even got at least one day a week without rehearsal, which we often used to see the other TheatreFest shows. A good portion of the rehearsal process was spent mainly on the music, which is understandable as the show had about 30 songs. This often took up time that would have otherwise been spent on characterization, time that you often have more than enough of in straight plays. Thankfully, most of the actors came into the first rehearsal with a pretty good idea of who their characters really were, and if they didn’t, they figured it out by the end of the first read through. That was immediately one of the benefits I found working with professionals in the business. There was a certain level of ease and confidence that just radiated from the other actors. I’ve always found that dialogue means nothing until the actors start listening and responding. Everyone in the cast seemed to know that, and I didn’t feel like I needed to try to make sense out of what they were saying. Much of the time I found that we were communicating more without saying anything. Acting comes easy when you have such talented people supporting you out there.

We seemed to have professionals from every corner of show business (acting, singing, playing music), except for dancing. I took tap dancing lessons in high school, but I wouldn’t say that that makes me a dancer. Thankfully, clogging isn’t a far cry from tap and I picked it up pretty quickly. I met up with the captain of NC State’s clogging team, Derek Starnes, a few times and he showed me some basic moves. I also got a little help from another University Theatre actor, Jill Varner, who showed me how to Céilidh dance, who had conveniently just learned how for her role in Dancing at Lughnasa.

I would certainly encourage students to audition for TheatreFest if they can, especially if they are thinking about going into the theatre business professionally. I have come out of this experience with a brand new set of skills (clogging and playing the guitar and the dulcimer), and it has allowed me to not only grow as an actor, but as a performer. It has been a truly unique experience for me, and I know that it is something that I will never forget.

Thank you for telling about your experiences with TheatreFest, Brett!
Do you have questions about TheatreFest? Come ask us!

This Week in Pictures

I'll admit, I'm behind already on my "this week in pictures" posts, and it's only the second week of classes! Does anyone else already feel behind?

In case you are new to this blog, I'll catch you up. Each week I make an effort to capture the goings on around the building and with University Theatre. If you happen to catch anything from your classes, rehearsal or anything else to do with University Theatre, send your pictures on to me!

Here's what we had in store from last week:

 Campus Crawl

Set up/a view from the bridge!

The Crafts Center working hard

Some of our fearless APO members spreading the word about the open house (thanks guys!):

busy, busy!

The pipers played:

It was a great event, despite not being on Cates Ave. this year!

Open House:

Yours Truly and Nancy greeting everyone at the door:

Our production staff answering questions about crew and everything else!

The directors taking a quick break from answering questions about the productions.

Thanks to everyone who stayed for the Info Meet Up!

If you somehow missed it, you must check out the video 

we made from those who attended and participated at the video booth!

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

Here's to a great semester!