NEWSMiddleburyTheatreAlumni
Volume 6, Number 1 Spring 2005
NEWS FROM THE DEPARTMENT—2004-2005:
Theatre has been shifting and shape-changing somewhat in recent years; our major now includes Theatre History and a senior seminar as part of the course of study. Fall 2004, about 30 faculty and staff headed to New York City to see 'Night Motherand Temptation of St. Anthony.We continue to be enriched by extended visits from alums in the classroom and onstage. Megan Byrne and Carrie Baker taught TH102 and directed the First Year show in 2003 and 2004 respectively, while Stephanie Janssen was the Acting 1 teacher and an in-demand acting coach in spring 2005. Jon Sherman and his company, sprung,joined us in January 2004; Alex Draper was a Guest Artist in An Experiment with an Air Pumpin January 2005 and will return as Doug Sprigg's leave replacement in fall 2005, appearing as Carlos in Peter Barnes' The Bewitched,heading a cast of 30 students. In support of the production, the London Theatre Exchange will return for a three week residency, this time with a focus on Jacobean drama (LTE's Artistic Head, Chris Hayes, will direct for PTP for the fourth season in summer 2005). And in spring 2006 playwright, actress and director Jaye Austin-Williams will be at Middlebury to teach Acting 1 and direct Suzan-Lori Parks' In the Blood.
The Melting Pot by Israel Zangwill, directed by Richard Romagnoli; Lucas Kavner '06.5, Shelia Seles '05.5; fall 2004
As most of you probably know, Middlebury has a new president, Ron Liebowitz, as of last summer. One of the primary initiatives of his first year in office has been the creation of a Task Force to study and evaluate all aspects of the College's mission and operations. It's a prodigious task—anyway,Theatre's meeting with Ron (will take place August 29) to discuss immediate concerns and plans for us and for the arts in general (big talking point: the role and importance of the arts in a liberal arts college). It would be wonderful for your voices to be heard—e-mail Ron at liebowit@middlebury.edu, or the head of the Task Force, John Emerson, at jemerson@middlebury.edu with any thoughts or comments you have!
Carrie Baker '96, Visiting Assistant Professor for Fall 2004. Carrie loved spending last fall back at Middlebury teaching Introduction to Acting and directing the first year show Dive. Her recent New York stage credits include: Clytemnestra in Agamemnon(New Age Classics), Susan in Lemon Meringue Façadeand Wanda in Mergers and Acquisitions(New Perspectives Theatre Company), Dorotea in The Prince(Manhattan Theatre Source), Jackie in Girls' Night Out(Festival of New Works: NYU). Recent TV credits include: Guiding Light.Recent regional credits include: Emilia in Othello, Portia in Julius Caesar, and Silvia in the Two Gentlemen of Verona(Utah Shakespearean Festival). Next fall she heads off to the great white north to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to fill a tenure track assistant professor of performance position in the theatre department.
Melonie Bushey: Middlebury College has been a very busy and exciting place for me during the last year.The most thrilling news is that I have been promoted to Costume Director and will take on this new challenge beginning in June. I am looking forward to the hard work and rewards that this job brings. Of course, I will also continue with my work with the summer Language School productions, and renew many friendships each summer. As for my time away from work, my husband and I are the parents of four amazing young people ranging in age from thirteen to twenty-four.
Jim Dougherty, Associate Technical Director: Jim has moved recently—with the welcome addition of Professor Claudio Medeiros '90, Jim has moved his office to the CFA scene shop, where he constantly reminds himself to be more careful next time he answers an ad promising 'scenic views.' Departmental productions have continued to provide interesting challenges, proving again and again that it is possible to make a silk purse (and fine theater) from a sow's ear. He has also presented a variety of workshops on technical theater at the American College Theatre Festival. At home, it turns out that Owen (7) is a switch hitter, and Sean (4) is an excellent dancer and an amazing story teller. Jim continues to work with the Orwell,VT Fire Department and Rescue Squad while Trish remains very active with volunteer work for the boys' schools.
Jule Emersonhas been busy teaching her amazing students—I have 5 fabulous theatre/costume majors!—and designing The Melting Pot, An Experiment with an Air Pump, The Last Night of Ballyhoo, Waltz #6, Never Swim Alone, and Necessary Targets.This spring term my Costume Design II spent the first half of the semester working with Richard in designing and executing the costumes for his production of Vampire, which was an incredibly positive experience for all.The semester ended with a big retirement party for Lin in the Seeler Studio Theatre. I am pleased to report that she was truly surprised by the party and deeply touched by the notes that many of you sent to her. I put together a slide show of productions from the past fifteen years so, even if you were unable to attend, most of you "made an appearance." Since Lin is leaving us, Melonie has been promoted to fulltime Costume Director and an exceptional local seamstress—Marsha Provoncha—will be taking on the part-time position. We in costume- land are eagerly gearing up for Richard's upcoming epic production of The Bewitched…I can't wait!
Mark Evancho is still teaching intro and advanced scenic and light design courses and designing the college productions The Cherry Orchard, Midwives, The Melting Pot, Experiment with An Air Pump, Necessary Targets, Never Swim Alone/Waltz #6andPerfect Pie.The design program is growing with an average of 10 to 12 set, light and costume design students each year. We are moving slowly into intelligent lighting, with new ETC lighting instruments in Wright and Seeler Theatres. Outside the college, Mark has designed Picasso at the Lapan Agileand Macbethat the Lost Nation Theatre. He also attended the KCACTF Summer Intensive master classes in Scenic Design with Ming Cho Lee at the Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Mark recently completed his duties (2002 to 2005) as Co-Design Chair of KCACTF, Region 1 with Hallie Zieselman.
Cheryl Faraone'srecent directing work includes Sarah Kane'sCrave(2003) and Judith Thompson's Perfect Pie(2004), both for Potomac Theatre Project. Crave'scast included Ben Correale and Tricia Erdmann, while Perfect Piehad Laura Rocklyn (nee Rockefeller), Lily Balsen,Tara Giordano and Jen Driscoll.This summer, 2005, she will direct the professional premiere of Snoo Wilson's Lovesong of the Electric Bear, on the life and times of Alan Turing, mathematician and code-breaker, with Tara Giordano as Turing's teddy bear, Porgy.The cast also includes Middlebury people Jay Dunn, Andrew Zox ,Lucas Kavner,Meghan Nesmith and Julia Proctor. For Olney Theatre Center in 2003 she directed Helen Edmundson's Anna Karenina.Middlebury projects in recent years have (also) included Anna Karenina, Perfect PieandAn Experiment with an Air Pump.Finally, a recent interest in plays about science and/or mathematics (note titles above) has been the inciting spirit for a new course, "Science as Art in Contemporary Theatre," co-taught with Steve Abbott in fall 2004, which also led to conferences in Glamorrgan,Wales, and Santa Barbara, California.
Stephanie Janssen '99, Visiting Assistant Professor for Spring 2005: I just got back to New York after having a terrific spring 05 semester teaching at Midd. I taught an incredible section of Acting I, kept busy helping Richard with his Zoo production of Vampire,and generally availing myself to any student who would have me, which meant I had the privilege of throwing my two cents at some of their independent work. It was a great way to spend the winter and spring, and I'm really grateful to have had the chance to revisit campus and be involved with the ommunity in a new way.And now...I'm still working on that one.
Claudio Medeiros '90 After completing his doctoral dissertation (UC Berkeley) in 2003, Claudio returned to Middlebury and became a tenure-track member of the Theatre Department —finally, some might say! This past academic year he has had the challenge and immense pleasure to develop two new courses. Last Fall he taught "Non-Western Drama," a survey of drama from countries other than those belonging to the so-called dominant West. In its first incarnation, the course included playwrights from Africa, South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. In addition, this spring he taught a senior seminar on the work of Bertolt Brecht. Alumni are welcome to audit any of his courses anytime! Claudio contributed to the department's 04–05 performance schedule with a production of Eve Ensler's Necessary Targets. This summer he will be reading and helping with the renovations of his home in Montreal until early August, when he travels to Sao Paulo to see and research queer performance. In spring 2006 he will be directing the The Wedding Dress by Brazilian playwright Nelson Rodrigues.
Allison Rimmer: I have continued my work as Technical Director with the theatre program. Recent projects include integrating computer-controlled sound playback to our shows, which makes for happier sound operators; instituting a short stage management seminar each semester; and, of course, working with the faculty, staff, and students to produce too many shows to name. In the summer I work with the Language Schools producing eight shows in languages I don't speak, which is always a creative and challenging venture.This past winter I celebrated my 40th birthday by biking around New Zealand.
Richard Romagnoli: Directed Italian American Reconciliation for Project Y: at Olney he directed Private Livesand for PTP he directed Gore Vidal's The Best Manand Pinter's No Man's Land. At the College over the past few years he's directed Havel's The Memorandum, Snoo Wilson's Vampire, Chekhov's The Cherry Orchardand last fall, to help celebrate Hillel's fiftieth anniversary on campus, he directed Israel Zangwill's The Melting Pot. This summer he'll be directing Albee's The American Dreamfor PTP and next fall at the college he'll be directing Peter Barnes' The Bewitched, with Alex Draper '88 in the lead and thirty student actors in the remaining roles. Currently he's been enjoying his second stint as chair of the department.
Douglas Sprigg: 2005 marks his thirtieth year of teaching at Middlebury. Some of the children of his former students are now students at the college. 2005 is also the thirtieth anniversary of the Middlebury College Theatre Department.This spring the college honored Doug and the Theatre Department by appointing him to a newly-endowed chair in Theatre funded by Isabel Riexinger Mettler '39, a chair awarded in recognition of his accomplishments and the accomplishments of the Theatre program which, upon Doug's arrival in 1975, separated from English and became its own independent department. In the spring of 2004, Doug was proud to direct Midwives, the college's first major production of a play written by playwriting teacher Dana Yeaton '79, a play adapted from the best-selling novel by Chris Bohjalian. Last summer, Doug directed The Syringa Treeby Pamela Gien for the Heritage Repertory Theatre in Charlottesville,Virginia.This spring, as part of the local celebration of the 50th anniversary of Hillel on campus and as part of the national celebration of the 350th anniversary of the arrival of Jews to North America, he directed The Last Night of Ballyhooby Alfred Uhry. Doug is on leave for the academic year 2005–2006, and, among other projects, he will be at the University of Virginia directing his eightieth production, The Priceby Arthur Miller.
Lin Waters: With the closing of Last Night of BallyhooI am also closing my career as Costume Director at Middlebury College. It has been a great 15 years and I have enjoyed working with you all. I am going to Kyoto in September for a few months but expect to be back in Middlebury after that—Neil is not planning to retire for a few more years. I'd love to see you when you are in Middlebury.
Dana Yeaton: In the spring of 2004, Dana's play Midwives, based on the novel by Chris Bojhalian, was produced at Middlebury College under the direction of Douglas Sprigg. Midwiveshas now been professionally produced at the Clarence Brown Theatre, North Carolina Stage,Arizona Repertory Theatre, and Vermont Stage Company; it's slated for a five-week run next spring at the Round House in Bethesda,MD. Also in the spring of 2004, Dana directed Let Freedom Sing!,an evening of Martin Luther King speeches and gospel singing at Mead Chapel. Last fall, Dana headed south to the University of Tennessee to research a play about big-time college football.While there, he taught playwriting and directing, tutored students at the athletic center, and served as the football team's first (and last?) "Dramatic Writing Coach." His most recent project at Middlebury was the A Cappella Musical—a new J-term production class, team-taught with musical director Andy Mitton '01, in which students wrote and produced a one-act musical for voices only. Dana now teaches playwriting at the University of Vermont as well, and has just begun a 3-year term as Vice Chair for Playwriting, KC/ACTF Region I.
Hallie Zieselman, Design/Tech: Since returning to the department in 2001, Hallie has designed sets and lights for the Vermont Stage Company, the Olney Theatre Center, and the Potomac Theatre Project in addition to Middlebury. She just completed her 3-year term as Co-Chair of Design for KC/ACTF Region I. Hallie is also developing design projects with Peter Wexler Studios in New York, and the Santa Fe Opera's Education Department in New Mexico. Since the last newsletter, she has thoroughly enjoyed working with returning alums and is now completely addicted to golf.
An Experiment with an Air Pump by Shelagh Stevenson, directed by Cheryl Faraone; Cassidy Freeman '04.5, John Stokvis '05, Alex Draper '88, Conor O'Neill '07, Lauren Kiel '07 and Lucy Faust '07.5; winter 05
RECENT ADDITIONS TO THE MIDDLEBURY ALUMNI COMMUNITY
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASSES OF2003, 2004 AND 2005!
Class of 2003
Zoe Anastassiou
Alaina Buckland
Ben Correale
Tricia Erdman
Ami Formica
Erin Kunkel
Ernest Miller
Kate Pines-Schwartz
Sarah Peters
Alex Poe
Lillian Reeves
Joya Scott
Jacob Studenroth
Damian Washington
Freeman White
Claire Wyckof |
Class of 2004
Parker Diggory
Dan Eichner
Ben Fainstein
Cassidy Freeman
Jan'l Hastings-Robinson
Amanda Knappman
Audrey Laning
Jenny March
Becky Martin
Liz Myers
Marieka Peterson
Dan Pruksarnukul
Laura Rockefeller
Esther Ross
Kate Spector
Erin Sullivan
Leticia Williams |
Class of 2005
Eric Blacher
Laura Eckelman
Liz Hammett
Jay Harbison
John Stokvis
Lucia Stoller
Andrew Zox |
CURRENT THEATRE MAJORS
Class of 2005.5
Eliza Hulme
Rebecca Kanengiser
Kristin Laird
Seda Savas
Sheila Seles
Nell Wright |
Class of 2006
Daniel diTomasso
Rachel Dunlap
Maria Christina Galvez
Retta Leaphart
Meghan Nesmith
Charzetta Nixon
Julia Proctor
Courtney Swanda |
Class of 2006.5
Lily Balsen
Caitlin Dennis
Evan DuMouchel
Haylee Freeman
John Jeppson
Lucas Kavner
Katie Polebaum
Erin Twohig |
Class of 2007
Macleod Andrews
Bill Army
Joseph Barsalona
Leah Day
Paul Doyle
Laura Harris
Jackie Hurwitz
Lauren Kiel
Maria Palmero
Salim Saglam
Brian Siegele
Sally Swallow
Catherine Vigne |
Class of 2008
Rachel Ann Cole
Ted Crecelius
Bruce Davis
Aaron Gensler
Amanda Mitchell
Stephanie Strohm
Alec Strum
Kevin Tierney
Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki |
Welcome to the world
of theatre!
|
Potomac Theatre Project
2003-2005
2003
Season2003 included, for the first time in PTP's history, three productions. After a myriad of considerations, the shows selected were Pam Gems' Piaf(directed by Chris Hayes), No Man's Land, by Harold Pinter, directed by Richard Romagnoli and Crave by Sarah Kane, directed by Cheryl Faraone. Piaf garnered some of the company's largest audiences, and returned in October for a three-week run.The season also boasted two late night events— a response to Deborah Levy's B-File, with Meg Taintor, Jen Driscoll, Katie Miles and Lindsay Haynes and a new work created by Joya Scott and Kate Pines-Schwartz as a response to their semester in Prague, Czechoslovakia Under Ice.
The company, the largest to date in PTP's history, included alums Jesse Hooker, Nick Olson and Jay Dunn, students Tricia Erdmann, Ben Correale, Dan Eichner, Ben Fainstein, Erin Kunkel, Zoe Anastassiou, Parker Diggory and Joya Scott. Professional company members were Helen Hedman, MaryBeth Wise, Alan Wade, Richard Pilcher, Steve Carpenter, Julie-Ann Elliott, Stephen Schmidt, Peter Wylie and Clint Brandhagen. Costumes by Frank Labovitz.2004
2004
PTP's 18th season was produced in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center July 14-August 8, 2004, again with a trio of works. The Potomac Theatre Festival 2004 kicked off with Olney's Copenhagen. Directed by Jim Petosa, the production featured Alan Wade, Chris Lane and Valerie Leonard. PTP opened the following week with Gore Vidal's The Best Man, directed by Richard Romagnoli, which drew real election year crowds; Perfect Pie by Judith Thompson, directed by Cheryl Faraone, and Chris Hayes' controversial adaptation (and direction) of Measure for Measure. Season 2004 was also notable for the expansion of a new late-night series, 'PTP After Dark', with new works directed/devised by Brad Watkins, OTC's Associate Artistic Director, Meg Taintor, Joya Scott and Tricia Erdmann.
The 2004 company included Lily Balsen, Laura Rocklyn, Liz Myers, Lucas Kavner, Cassidy Freeman, Eliza Hulme, Dan Eichner,Amanda Knappman, Erin Sullivan, Ben Fainstein, Dan Pruksarnukal, all from Middlebury.They were joined by local alums Tara Giordano, Jen Driscoll and Katie Miles. Professional company members were Helen Hedman, MaryBeth Wise, Paul Morella, Nigel Reed,Vivienne Shub, Barbara Pinolini, Julie-Ann Elliott, Jim Slaughter, Leo Erikson, Lawrence Daly. Costumes by Frank Labovitz again and Jule Emerson, sets by Hallie Zieselman.
Lily Balsen '06 and Tara Giordano '02 from the Potomac Theatre Project summer 2004 production of Perfect Pie, directed by Cheryl Faraone.
2005
The 19th season of the Potomac Theatre Project will play in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab July 13 through August 7, 2005. The 2005 Potomac Theatre Festival (now entitled 'The Annual Festival of Political Theatre"), will kick off with the Olney Theatre Center's Carmenin the adaptation by Peter Brook, directed by Jim Petosa.The PTP season this year encompasses fourshows: Somewhere in the Pacificby Neal Bell, also directed by Jim Petosa, Edward Albee's The American Dream,directed by Richard Romagnoli, One for the Roadby Harold Pinter, directed by Chris Hayes and the premiere of Lovesong of the Electric Bear by Snoo Wilson, directed by Cheryl Faraone.PTP AFTER DARKwill feature projects directed by Ben Fainstein (Icarus' Mother), Dan Pruksarnukal, Eliza Hulme and CorrineCorinne Slagle. The acting company includes a number of PTP veterans – Vivienne Shub, Richard Pilcher, Valerie Leonard, Nigel Reed, Paul Morella along with Aubrey Deeker, Tim Getman and James Konicek. Middlebury College students and grads: Tara Giordano, Jay Dunn, Lucas Kavner, Rebecca Martin, John Stokvis, Andrew Zox, Rachel Dunlap, Julia Proctor, Meghan Nesmith, Daniel DiTomasso, Bill Army and MacLeod Andrews. Frank will costume the Albee and Pinter plays.
Keep in touch/check performances with
our Web site:
www.potomactheatreproject.org
Midwives by Dana Yeaton, directed by Douglas Sprigg; Seda Savas '05.5, Cassidy Freeman '04.5; spring 2004
ACTF, Region 1 Festival 2004 Awards:
2004 Irene Ryan Candidates
for January '04 Festival
Taken In Marriage:
Liz Myers; Alt.: Marieka Peterson
The Memorandum:
Ben Correale, Claire Wyckoff; 1st Alt.: Becky Martin; 2nd Alt.: Zoe Anastassiou
Perfect Pie:
Becky Martin; Alt.: Lily Balsen
The Cherry Orchard:
Cassidy Freeman, Lucas Kavner; 1st Alt.: John Stokvis; 2nd Alt.: Laura Rockefeller
Naomi Haefner—Regional Winner in Costume Design for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Kate Marder & Leticia Williams—Regional Honorable Mention in Costume Design for Electra
John Stokvis—First National Alternate, regional Irene Ryan competition
ACTF, Region 1 Festival 2005 Awards:
Laura Eckelman—Region I Winner in Scenic & Lighting Design for The Trestle at Pope Lick Creek
Alex Schoen—Region I Honorable Mention in Costume Design for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Perfect Pieby Judith Thompson, directed by Cheryl Faraone; Rebecca Martin '04.5 and Marieka Peterson '04; fall 2003
FROM AROUND THE GLOBE:
E-mail Sector:(notes from 2004 & 2005)
(If anyone is not represented here and has e-mail access, please hook up with us at faraone@middlebury.edu)
California
Clark Freeman '98.5: I have been enjoying the sunshine of Southern California so much, I just bought my first house which officially houses The Sight Unseen Theatre Group with Andy Mitton. Barreling into our 3rd season as the premiere Santa Monica non-profit theatre production company, we are having a Summer Theatre Festival from May 20th thru June 26th. Six shows have been chosen to run in rep, and I will be Festival Producer. I would love to be acting in the festival, but I am leaving at the end of April to fly to NYC for my final test to become the newest Blue Man in the Blue Man Group. I have been training with them for four months now, and I go to NYC for my last test. If I pass, then I go into Blue Man boot camp for 5 weeks, and then they ship me off to one of the Blue Cities: NY, Boston, Chicago,Vegas,Toronto, or Berlin. No matter what happens, they are making me a much better drummer. I also just finished writing and directing my first film entitled Steves, produced by Sight Unseen. It's a horror/comedy shot almost all on location in Livingston Montana (50 miles north of Yellowstone). It will be hitting the festival circuit as soon as we finish our final sound mix at SkyWalker Ranch in a couple of months. I continue to act in many indie films, features, and TV shows when the chance arises. I saw my little sister ski down as a Feb a couple of months ago, and it made the whole Midd experience come full circle for me. Gratifying and nostalgic. I hope to see a lot more of you in the future.
Jesse Holland '01.5 after directing a season of theatre with fellow alum Frank Wildermann in New York City, headed west to LA. If interested in contacting him his cell is (914) 548-6593 and his e-mail is jesseopus@hotmail.com. Good luck to all— Ride the Panther to success.
Chris Marshall '94.5: I am living in Laguna Beach, CA, and teaching theatre at an independent Arts High School in Newport Beach. I teach Theatre II (ritualistic theatre, Shakespeare, intermediate Acting,Theatre History, etc.),Theatre Ensemble (advanced acting, auditioning, directing, movement, voice, production studio) and Movement for Theatre. I also directed Emily Mann's adaptation of The Cherry Orchardthis fall in the Irvine Barclay Theatre, and am beginning rehearsals for The Laramie Projectthis month. I wrapped up a full time acting career this summer doing Jerry in Betrayalat the Aurora Theatre, after having done Blue/Orangeat Pacific Rep and Visiting Mr. Green at the Riverside. I still get on the stage here and there; I am doing a reading of a new play at Seattle Rep this spring, and may travel to Korea this summer to take part in a Korean-choreographed production of The Birds. My wife, Anje, just began working with Project Bandaloop, and is dancing with Mark Stuver (Midd '98(?)) in that company.Things is good! Enjoying SoCal and teaching and traveling, etc. Oh—I also coached JV Girls Soccer this winter.That was super cool— still haven't gotten over "Coach Marshall." Hmmm. I am sure Cheryl is rolling her eyes as we speak...
Sybil Mccarthy-Hadfield '88: Just came from a screening of an animation piece that debuted in 9000 cinemas in May. It's for Pepsi One, a 60 piece that opens the "ONEIFY" campaign—which you may have seen the billboards for starting last month. 12 characters in search of becoming one. Look for it. All's good personally, too. My sons, Talon and Holden (8 & 3) are thriving under our California Avocado tree which they climb daily avoiding falling avocados as they shake her branches. Will be producing an event at 20 Greene Street Gallery space on the weekend of May 14–15th in Soho also for Pepsi.
Edelen McWilliams '94.5: The first year of school out here in lovely, false-sense-of-security San Diego has come to a close. I've learned lots of stuff—namely that you can never eat too many avocados...but you can eat too many tacos. This summer I'll be involved in the Shakespeare rep at the Old Globe Theater. The season will be: As You Like It, Anthony & Cleopatra, and Two Noble Kinsmen. I will be playing Celia in As You Like It.As well, inA&C, I'll be doing my star turn as Caesar's Soldier (I'm thinkin Birkenstocks and toga). We run from beginning of July to the beginning of October. So, if you find yourself in the San Diego area, let me know. There will a troupe of actors performing some Shakespeare under the summer night sky...despite the raucous seals mating at the zoo 14 feet away.
Chicago
Lelia Boyd Arnheim '95: After a brief but memorable (four hurricanes, anyone?) stint in south Florida, Lelia Boyd Arnheim is newly settled in Chicago, where she is a research librarian for the Chicago Tribune.Though Lelia has been out of the world of theatre for several years, she is hoping to take advantage of Chicago's vibrant theatre scene and get back into doing some dramaturgy in her free time.
Jesse Holland '01.5: after directing a season of theatre with fellow alum Frank Wildermann in New York City, is currently perusing an MFA in Theatre Directing at Northwestern University in Chicago. If interested in contacting him his cell is (914) 548-6593 and his email is jesseopus@hotmail.com. Good luck to all—Ride the Panther to success.
Andy Boyer '02:I moved to Chicago at the end of January after spending six months back in Maine getting my license in massage therapy. Right away I was hired to assistant direct a show at the Bailiwick Theater with the artistic director David Zak.The show is called Sin:A Cardinal Deposed. It's directly taken from the deposition of Bernard Cardinal Law with the Boston priest sex scandals. It's very Laramie Project, Execution of Justice. Michael Murphy compiled it from the transcripts. It became a huge hit here and got a lot of national attention. There was a story on the front page of the New York Times Art section on it.There's also been a ton of press in Boston. The original company is touring to Boston in June with it to the Regent Theater in Arlington. Because the run has been extended so many times cast members are starting to get conflicts, so I have stepped into one of the roles over weekends, and will be a full member in mid May and be in the second company that continues the run in Chicago while the original company goes to Boston. I know Bailiwick and the playwright are trying to get it out and about the country. HBO and Masterpiece Theater as well as many major theater companies around the country have already called for information. It's all very exciting. Just on an update note, I was also hired to apprentice in a dance company called Instruments of Movement and am performing in one or two of their pieces. I think the intention is that I am slowly going to take over for the performing duties of the artistic director.
The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov, directed by Richard Romagnoli; Peter Schmitz, Laura Rocklyn '04, Cassidy Freeman '04.5, Liz Myers '04, Ben Correale '04; fall 2003
New York
Annmarie Benedict '93:Still living in Park Slope, Brooklyn (NY) but now as a married woman. Jeff Pagliano and I tied the knot last October—who knew marriage would be so fun?! Also in the past (very full) year I've done three shows in NYC: LUCK!, a ridiculous comedy, Robesona biopic of the actor and activist, and Mind the Gap,a solo show where eight characters journey to ground zero. On top of it all, I work part-time at a foundation, The Atlantic Philanthropies, making grants to human rights organizations. Never a dull moment! Cheers to all—annmariebenedict@yahoo.com
Andrew Boyce '02.5has learned from Frank Wilderman '99, who's become a good friend, that Jesse Hooker '02has made the move to NY. It's pretty great that we have all these Midd grads here. It's quite a scene. I see Frank, Raquel, and Josh most often. Things for me are going pretty well, just assisting and designing here and there, trying to piece together a life. Nothing big yet, although I did just do a gig as the Art Director for a decent size movie called Intervention.
David Caudle: The Sunken Living Roomhas just been named one of four Gold Medal Finalists in the 2004 Pinter Review Prize for Drama. Also, I've got two one-acts in the Samuel French Festival next month, in case anybody's interested. The Sunken Living Roomwas named a finalist at the Lark Theatre Co. in NYC for their Playwrights Week 2004, but I think I will be disqualified because I will be in Miami that week for a workshop with Arthur Kopit and also having a reading of Sunken LRpresented by Gablestage. So, a lot going on. By the way, the first readings of Sunkenhere in NYC featured a Midd alum,Matthew Landfield '99. He was great. I also got voted into a very select private writer's group of which another Midd alum, Rob Ackermanis a member. He's a great guy, very talented writer and generous person.
Alex Cranmer '99:I just booked a Guest Star role on "Law & Order S.V.U". It is 5 scenes and quite a prevalent character. I am killed at the end of the episode (so it won't be a recurring role) but its a nice bit of on camera work and a full week of shooting. (Alex also appeared this season on 'Third Watch.')
Christopher Duva '91spent the last year playing one of the leading men pretending to be women in the world premiere of Ken Ludwig's new comedy Leading Ladiesin Cleveland and Houston, he also teamed up with fellow alum Christian Parker to appear in Arrangementsat the Atlantic Theatre, and most recently appeared in the City Center Encores! revival of the musical Purlie. He and his wife Suzanne have a one-and-a-half year old daughter, Julia.
Lynn Hawley '88: I've started a new theater company—TrueNorth Theatre Project-in and around Cold Spring, New York.Any Midd alums interested in working with or seeing us go to truenorththeatre.org or e-mail me!
Jesse Hooker '02: After graduation Jesse performed in two seasons with PTP and spent a year with the National Players as Orlando in 'As You Like It. He then moved to Kentucky where he was a member of the acting apprentice company at Actor's Theatre of Louisville.There he originated the lead role in the Humana Festival production of After Ashleyand this year returned in the Humana production of Hazard County. Jesse now lives in Brooklyn and happily and quickly responds to emails at jessehooker@hotmail.com.
Scott Janes '94 I have a movie currently running in NYC:New Guy—"Scott Janes and Jonathon Uffelman are wonderfully droll as the kind of ex-frat boy assholes who always seem to be in the cubicles next to ours."—Twin Cities Reader. New Guy premiered at Cinequest San Jose in California. It went on to play at the Istanbul International Film Festival, the Newport Beach Film Festival, and the Raindance Film Festival in London, among many others. It has been nominated for best feature at the Syracuse International Film Festival and the Magnolia Film Festival, and was named by FilmThreat.com as one of the ten best undistributed films of 2003. I also just returned from doing Metamorphosisin Florida.
Erin Kunkel '03 is living in Manhattan with Joya Scott '03.5 and Liz Myers '04. She just completed the year long conservatory at the Actor's Center and is looking forward to a summer and fall of auditioning like a madwoman in New York! She has also recently been certified as a holistic health counselor, having graduated from the professional training program at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.When not in a class of some kind, she can be seen waiting tables at a barbecue restaurant/jazz club.
Liz Myers '04: After having a blast playing Mabel Cantwell in the Best Manat PTP, Liz joined the New York chapter of the Middlebury Mafia, which she has constantly been told is a force to be reckoned with. She is studying at the Actors Center with Earle Gister, has performed with The Creative Mechanics, will play Emily in a Columbia University production of Our Town this spring, and will be at Williamstown this summer. LCMyers@hotmail.com.
Christian Parker '93: back in October I moved into new digs in Brooklyn, where I bought a fantastic fixer upper in a brownstone in Park Slope. I'm still with the Atlantic Theatre Company, where I've just been told I'm being "promoted" to associate artistic director after a few years as director of new play development. I've been directing more and more frequently, and the last few projects I've tackled have both involved other stalwart midd alumni. In the fall of 2004 I directed a short one act prequel to The Cherry Orchardtitled Anya in Paris, by Cusi Cram as part of the Chekhov Now Festival downtown.The play was on a double bill with another play directed by Carl Forsman '93, and mine featured Matt Saldivar '92as Yasha. Then in January I had the great good fortune of working with Chris Duva '91 on a new play in Atlantic's second stage called Arrangements. It was a really wonderful, challenging piece, and it was a treat to turn the tables on Chris, who directed me in Seventy Scenes of Halloweenin the Zoo in 1990. Josh Bradford '93, lighting genius, designed both pieces for me as usual. Other Midd presence at Atlantic has been strong, if I do say so myself. Last spring, Alex Draper '88, appeared in our second stage production of Jessica Goldberg's Get What You Need, and Matt Saldivar '92was featured in our world premiere mainstage production of Howard Korder's Sea of Tranquility. In the fall of 2004, we produced Tina Howe's translations of Ionesco's The Bald Sopranoand The Lesson, and though I did not get to revisit the role of The Fire Chief as I did during my senior spring in the Zoo, I was pleased that this commission project that I had devised with Tina way back when I was at MTC, ended upbeing directed by Carl Forsman '93, who so ably helmed the Keen Company revival of Tina's Museum a couple of years ago (featuring me in fantastic red polyester pants). In other news, Ana Reeder '93 , who can't seem to fall out of bed without getting a job, lit up the stage as Thea Elvsted in New York Theatre Workshop this fall in Ivo van Hove's brilliant take on Hedda Gabler. I was fortunate to catch the show withMelissa Menta '91who was recently promoted to Vice President at United Media, where she is in charge of communications/publicity for all things Peanuts and Dilbert among other things. That's far from all I know and have heard about all the many successes Midd Theatre grads have been enjoying, but it's late and I'll stop there.
But here's more:I've also got a regular gig teaching in the MFA program at Columbia, which is not as much fun as teaching in Jterm at Middlebury, but does help cover the new mortgage. In other news, Kristin Ketterer '93 and I represented for Middlebury at the lovely November wedding of Annmarie Benedict '93 and Jeff Pagliano.They were conveniently married three blocks from my apartment in Brooklyn, and had a gorgeous reception at the Prospect Park Boathouse….Tortured playwright cum marketing director Eric Winick '90, will be heading to Waterford, CT this summer where the O'Neill Theater Center will be workshopping his excellent new play Rearviewmirror, which is a contemporary take on The Bacchae. Carl Forsman '93 is going to direct the workshop.…Melissa Menta '91was recently promoted to Vice President of Communications for United Media, which confirms her status as corporate bigwig. She works most intensely on PR for Peanuts and Dilbert, and serves on the board of the Charles Schultz Museum in California.With the eager assistance of real estate broker Trevor Moran '93 , she just bought a new apartment in the East Village….Matt Saldivar '92, who lives approximately 100 yards from Mel, just scored a big job. He'll be making his Broadway debut in the new musical The Wedding Singer, which begins in Seattle late in the year before coming into NYC in early 2006….Finally Dan O'Brien '96, is going to see the world premiere of his amazing new play The Dear Boyin Second Stage's Uptown Series in August. I wa desperate for the Atlantic to produce the play, but alas, as it happens, Second Stage beat us to the punch.
Thank you Christian for keeping us up to datewith those other Midd alums in the New York area!! cb
Sarah Peters '03.5: This past year has been unbelievable. As you know, I started off working at Signature Theater in the Artistic dept, which was a fantastic experience. I spent the summer writing articles, performing dramaturgical research, typing up scripts, helping actors learn their lines etc...Paula Vogel (who is INCREDIBLE) was the season's playwright-in-residence, and I was able to work very closely with her and the rest of the production team on The Oldest Profession. Paula rewrote most of the script, and it was my job to type out all her changes as she completed them. Signature was also chosen as one of four artistic businesses to comprise the World Trade Center Memorial site, which was incredibly exciting for everyone involved. I am so pleased that a small off-Broadway company, (which focuses on the playwright and the process of theatre rather than profit) as been given the opportunity to expand, and it was really exciting to see the huge amount of support from the artistic community. We had everyone from Ed Norton and Matthew Broderick to Romulus Linney and Edward Albee clamoring on the committee's door to make it possible. I worked at Signature for almost four months, but it became abundantly clear that I could not continue to live in New York on $100/week. So around September, I signed on with an entertainment temp agency which landed me an interview for a permanent position within the week. (I highly recommend this company to anyone who wants to work in entertainment in NY or LA.) I temped at Fox and Miramax for a few days before landing my job at DreamWorks SKG. I now work in the Facilities Operations department as their receptionist/mail clerk/event planner, which has been an incredible learning experience so far. One week, I was able to help out casting for Spielberg's War of the Worlds, the next, I worked as a talent "handler" for publicity. Lately, I've been doing some projects for Consumer Products, showing footage of our upcoming reality show The Contenderto a variety of sports stores in the area, and writing formal reports describing their reactions. I continue to write both plays and screenplays. I may be working on the side as a script reader for Lee Daniel's Productions (he produced Monster's Balland The Woodsman), and you just never know what kind of opportunities may arise.
Kate Pines-Schwartz '03: Since leaving Midd I've been working for with Gregory Mosher on the Columbia University Arts Initiative; I've just left that position. I worked on Peter Brook's production of Tierno Bokarand his concurrent residency at Columbia. Last fall Joya Scott and I launched our own theatre company, Emergency Theater Project with the original Jewboy and the Dirty Dog.I'm looking forward to taking on the role of assistant to various directors at Williamstown Theatre Festval this summer and occasionally flirt with the idea of applying to grad school. Drop me a line at kateps@gmail.com.
Alex Poe '03:I recently finished working for Steven Spielberg on his film, War of the Worlds, I'm currently assisting the director of the new Lindsay Lohan movie, and I'm going to Columbia Film School in the fall.That's about all that's happening out here. Hope things are going well up there, I look forward to hearing what everyone else is up to.
Jess St.Clair '98 I'm doing well—spent the last year working on a pilot for Comedy Central that unfortunately did not get picked up. So now I'm writing a new show, and planning to head out to LA for pilot season. Dan O'Brien '96is up in Rochester, NY, where they're doing his play, Key Westat Geva Theatre, and Mike Doyle '98is heading back to NY in a few short weeks after graduation. And I see Megan Byrne '96at least once a day on an audition for Mr. Clean or some other cleaning product!!
Erin Sullivan '04: Recently directed Keep in Touchby Dan DeMott at the Theatre Studio Inc. (TSI) on 8th Avenue.
Joe Varca '02:Alex (Poe) and I just got into the NY Fringe Festival and it's been a bit of a whirlwind in the last week.The show is a loose adaptation of an obscure book by Kafka called Amerikaand despite the fact that we're a little overwhelmed I think it has a lot of potential. For the time being we are trying to get actors set up, we're doing a very informal reading next week just to hear it for the first time and Jesse Hookerwill be doing that with us and if they're not too busy during summer we hope to have some alums in the show.
Eric Winick '90 currently works as Director of Marketing at Playwrights Horizons in New York City, a position he has held since 1999. A resident of Park Slope, Brooklyn, Eric spends his off-hours writing, shlepping, and shopping for artisanal cheeses. His semi-daily musings can be found online at http://nyjew-guy.typepad.com/jewguy.
Necessary Targetsby Eve Ensler '75, directed by Claudio Medeiros; Caitlin Dennis '06.5 and Rebecca Kanengiser '05.5; spring 2005
Washington DC area
Cara Gabriel '97:I am in my third year as Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Performing Arts at American University in Washington, DC. I am finishing up my dissertation on the variedad, or Spanish language vaudeville, and expect to graduate with my doctorate in Theatre and Drama from the University of Michigan in December. I just bought a house in DC (!), so I guess I'll be here for a while... and would love to connect with any Midd alums in the area—particularly if any Project Y folks are still around.
Peter Makrauer '00: I am currently back to school at the University of Maryland, perfecting my triple lindy and mastering physics and calculus.You may ask,"Peter, what's wrong with you?" or say "You idiot!", but there is a rhyme for this reason and it rhymes exactly with prerequisite. In my never-ending quest to have a never-ending quest I have applied to graduate school for architecture.This is a delightful exercise that I suggest you all undertake, even if you haven't the slightest interest in architecture.This spring will bring news of my worth in the eyes of fine design institutions and hopefully some options. I am living in DC with my girlfriend, Jen and will soon be re-entering the delightful universe of food service for some much-needed income.
Rich Price'99: I'm well. I'm engaged!!! living in Alexandria,VA. As long as I'm a touring musician, I found it didn't matter where my home-base was, so I packed up and moved down here. I'm living off the money I've made on the Shrek 2 soundtrack (I had a song on the movie's soundtrack—and it's sold over a million copies), and recording a new record.
Laura Rocklyn '04: After taking some English Literature courses at the University of Virginia in the fall, Laura is now living in Washington, DC where she is currently working at The Venus Theatre playing the role of Lila in Cigarettes and Moby Dick, a new play by Migdalia Cruz. She will be spending the summer in London taking the Acting Shakespeare Certificate Course at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She will be on tour with National Players as Bianca in Taming of the Shrew and Lucy in Dracula for this upcoming season.!
The Last Night of Ballyhoo by Alfred Uhry, directed by Douglas Sprigg; Eliza Hulme '05.5, Retta Leaphart '06, Nell Wright '05.5; spring 2005
Elsewhere
Michole Biancosino '98: I'm finishing up my second year of my MFA in Directing at Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers. I'm currently opening a new play by one of the playwrights on campus. This summer I'll be spending some time in Paris and in Morocco. I have been so swamped from school, I really can not wait to get back into the world.
Morgan Bicknell '01: I got married in September so Mazzei is my new last name.We are living in Florida for the next couple of years until my husband gets out of the Navy. He's a helicopter pilot instructor down here near Pensacola. The movie that I filmed after graduation is starting to screen now at a few venues in VT and should be coming out on video. It's called Nothing Like Dreaming. It starts at the Savoy in Montpelier April 1st I think. Check out www.nothinglikedreaming.com http://www.nothinglikedreaming.com> (note: Morgan and her film will be at Middlebury for a showing and discussion with director Nora Jacobson in fall 2005)
Beth Claypool '99I still volunteer for theater several times a year. I mostly work with a company that only does shows that haven't been done in Iowa or the Midwest. I am also traveling with work (ITAGroup, Inc.) more. I have moved up to Program Manager, so I am responsible for planning group meetings and incentives. It's a lot like stage managing events, really. This year I've been to Dublin, Palm Springs, Rome and Maui is next month.
Jen Driscoll '02: Following her graduation and an unbelievable summer at PTP in 2002, Jen Driscoll lived in Washington, D.C., participating in theatre in many capacities (most enjoyably working with Michole Biancosino '98, Tara Giordano '02 and Project Y) before taking a short hiatus. Last summer, she had another great experience acting with PTP in their production of Perfect Pieby Judith Thompson. Her interest in theatre was re-invigorated, and in the fall she's heading to NYC to get her MFA in dramaturgy at Columbia University. For the time being she's enjoying some family time in Milton, MA.
Henning Hegland '97 So things very well, www.blindditch.org is the Web site for our group, although in dire need of update since we've done lots of work since then but waiting for our designer to do the redesign of site.The group are doing a project that I signed off on, as it was not quite for me, an interesting project though, (www.vanland.org). so I ended up auditioning and getting a top fun role, peer gynt....the link below is a write up of it...http://www.wandsworthguardian.co.uk/leisure/theatre/ Otherwise all well, writing, getting together with regards to pushing my acting career outside of the theatre company, working on some TV and film opportunities as well as pitching for some other more "mainstream" theatre work. Also working on a short film project with a fellow actor here in London which is quite fun, will give you an update as it progresses. Forever the renaissance man, I am also having an exhibition of my paintings the end of October, realizing that people actually want to pay good money for my work, I got a studio in Battersea which also doubles as a rehearsal space and a nice party space, probably mostly the latter...
Johannes Huseby '98: I have been married now for 3.5 years to my dear wife Diane and now she is pregnant—due in the beginning of October.We are very much looking forward to it. I am now working as the Custom Product Sales Manager at Swix Sport USA which is primarily a ski accessory company— wax, ski poles, apparel (my department), and other ski goods. I have been designing hats and bags for our new 2006–2007 line over the past couple of months and help come up with designs for customers wanting full custom ski suits and hats. I have also been busy designing cycling jerseys for various clubs in the Boston area over the last few years. Additionally, I work as a coach for aspiring cyclists for a company called Cycle-Smart. In all of my extra time, I find a few hours a day to still get out on my bike to train and still race regularly on the weekends. Diane is finishing up her Junior year at Lesley University in Cambridge getting her degree in Education.When time allows, we get out and go to the theatre—we're planning to this weekend.We also had the opportunity to see I am my own wifein NYC a year ago —quite a performance. My step uncle designed the set!
Markell Kiefer '96: Tyson Lien and I just moved to Minneapolis, from Boulder. I'm working on a play about the life of the Dalai Lama (Ty's helping me) and we're aiming to bring it to NYC and perform it in Central Park (I've just applied...we'll see) this September. Go to www.buddhaprince.org for kicks...there are photos and a promo and all that exciting stuff (Ty with a shaved head).Ty and I are also looking into purchasing a "space"...it's a live/workbuilding...has a huge studio. We've done a lot of work together...it's been cool.We're deeply exploring the clown now, with this amazing teacher, who taught the clown segment of my Lecoq training at Naropa. (Great MFA program, by the way...wonderful teachers). His name is Giovanni Fusetti, Italian man. I think he's gonna come to Minneapolis in February to directed Ty and I in a clown love show.
Greg Naughton '90:continues to travel around living out his rock'n roll dreams. (More about his music at http://www.gregnaughton.com).
Nicholas Vail '02: As for myself, I'm graduating from Naropa University with an MA in Indo-Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan language. I like to think of it as becoming a "Master, of disaster." I just finished my thesis, a translation of a 16th century Tibetan text on Buddhist ethics. Quite a hoot. After May, I'll be winging west for six weeks of retreat out Seattle and Vancouver way, and then coming back to Boulder, hopefully to a day job of deskjockeying while moonlighting as a freelance translator, mediator, and general rapscallion.
We've heard...
Zoe Anastassiou '03 just finished her first year at the Actors Studio Drama School and is appearing with of Working Man's Clothes in The Auditionby Paul Desena, June 5-7.
Anna Belknap '94 has had 2 primetime series recently, The Handlerand Medical Investigation.
Kristen Connolly '02 just finished her first year at the Yale School of Drama.
J.B. Riemer '96 (aka Jill Blythe)is a founding member of a new NYC physical theatre company, Theatre Lila and will be appearing in their production The Waltz of Elementary Particlesat American Theatre of Actors, June 3-25.
Andrew Smith '98.5 moves to NYC this month, fresh from UCSD.
Waltz #6 by Nelson Rodrigues, directed by Claudio Medeiros; spring 2004