To Alumni of the Marietta College Theatre Program

Theatre Newsletter

Fall 2010 Volume 13, Issue 1

About This Issue Happy Holidays! It has been another year of rapid changes in the theatre department. As a result this is the first newsletter since the fall of 2009. Many apologies for the pause in publication and for the lateness of this issue. The Theatre Department is immensely grateful for your continued support through donations of money, time, and skill as we strive to offer students a 21st century theatre education. We hope to return to our normal publication schedule with issues in late winter and early summer.

This issue features updates of all the changes that have occurred. There is an update about faculty and curricular changes by the department chair and facility changes by the technical director. Page three is donor recognition for the 2009-10 academic year. These donations have made many of these changes possible. Thank you!

Department Update from the Chair During the last year, the Theatre Department faculty focused much of its attention on two issues: Faculty Search and Curriculum Revision.

The search for a permanent, tenure-track replacement for Steve Rader was finalized as an offer was extended to and accepted by Andy Felt, who had been in the one-year position for the 2009-10 academic year. Andy earned an MFA in Directing from Ohio University in 2009 and a BA in Theater from California State University, San Bernardino, in 2002. He has acted and directed professionally with Monomoy Theatre in Cape Cod, Mass., and with various companies in California.

We also learned in the Spring semester that Jane Wilder-O’Connor, Assistant Professor/Costumer, would resign effective the end of the 2009-10 academic year. Jane left to return to her family in southern California, so the department entered into a national search to fill this position. Reneé M. Bell accepted the position and has begun teaching and designing for the department. Reneé had served as a Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre at the University of Iowa, 2008-10. Prior to that Reneé had worked professionally in Iowa, New York, Austin, Texas, Pittsfield, Mass., and Newark, Ohio. Renee earned a MFA in Theatre Arts Design from the University of Iowa in 2004 and a BA in Theatre Design and Technical Production from Western Michigan University in 2001.

During much of the last academic year, the Theatre Department faculty has also been engaged in a thorough revision of the curricular offerings of the department. We began with a look at a new suite of practicum courses. Our goal is to expose our students systematically to the broad discipline of theatre at an experiential level, including acting, directing, design, and execution of theatrical productions. We also turned our attention to fleshing out our design and production-related courses, and introducing theatre history courses. Our challenge is to fit all of these into our existing offerings in acting, directing, and literature in a sequence that makes sense for our students in terms of what they would take through each year of their major. Our work on this was suspended as we brought the new faculty searches to a conclusion. Our goal is to finalize this process with the submission of the complete package to the college’s Curriculum Committee during the Fall 2010 Semester.

Dr. Douglas Anderson Chair, Theatre Department

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A Newer, Safer Fly System When the fly system was installed in the Friederich Theatre in 1966, it was the top of the line and designed to be as flexible as the stage mechanics below. More than 500 productions have been mounted in the space, with the fly system getting more than its fair share of use. Ron Loreman recognized the system was showing signs of age and contracted inspections in 1997 and in 2002. He and Steve Rader communicated with the administration to make them aware of the looming work. The system was patched and kept useable until 2008, when components of the system began to fail. Coincidentally, this was the same time the department was undergoing a program review by an outside consultant. The consultant’s report stressed the importance of bringing our fly system up to current standards, spurring an inspection in the spring of 2009. The inspector concluded that the system had exceeded its operational life and was in need of replacement. The administration and Board of Trustees responded immediately, making the necessary funds available for the project.

Designing a fly system is a little more complicated than one might think. Do we use a double-purchase or a single-purchase? Do we continue to use the motorized lighting bridge? What type of brakes, ropes, and hardware get used? How do weights get loaded and where? Answer any of these questions and a new series of questions arise. With months of planning and consultation with contractors, we designed the best system for the space and its usage.

The first step was the installation a loading platform. Remember the days of trying to reach the arbors so you could load the weights? Did you ride the arbor? Don’t answer, that’s not OSHA approved. Do you remember having to get a pile of people on a 5 foot section of rope so you could muscle a 1,000-pound piece of scenery out for loading weight? This fall, students coming from the program will not be able to answer yes. Our new loading platform enables weight to be loaded on the arbor while the pipe batten is at the stage. This means no out-of-balance movement of pipes, and

Season Photos Clockwise from top: Quilters, February 2010; Cupid Rising, November 2010; Romeo and Juliet, October 2010

no worry of getting taken away on a runaway line. In addition, weights are loaded at the level of the arbor. One person can load weights for an entire line set with no one below to worry about getting a 15-pound chunk of pig iron dropped on their head. This is the safest a manually operated fly system can get.

The second step, and largest part of the project was the replacement of the fly system. In four weeks, the old system was removed and the new system was put in place. From the competitive bids, we chose the installer of the 1966 system, Tiffin Scenic Studios. Using the same manufacturer means they were able to rebuild and reuse some of the loft blocks. This not only saved money, it kept us from having to throw as much material away.

The new system is single-purchase, making operation more efficient and easier to balance. Instead of the previous 32 fly lines of varying length and shape, we now have 47 identical line sets. In place of the motorized light bridge is a single motorized batten, freeing up prime real estate downstage for masking and scenery. A dimmable index light strip with blue and white bulbs allows operators to see the ropes while working on stage or running a show. As before, rope brakes are rated at 1,000 pounds, keeping operators and anyone on stage safe from runaway lines.

Design of the new system revolved around the safety. At a price tag

of around $150,000 this renovation was funded entirely by the college

administration, showing their dedication and commitment to the safety

of students. We are excited to begin using the new system for the

next 500 plus productions.

A Whirlwind of Improvements Much has happened since the last newsletter update that related to facilities and equipment updates. I will attempt to be brief.

Last year the Division Coordinators granted $4,000 to purchase 10 new wireless microphones. The older microphones operated in the 700Mhz range, which because of the Digital TV transition, are now illegal to operate. This much-needed funding will allow us to continue to support performers with microphones.

In addition to microphones, the Division Coordinators of Marietta College also made it possible to purchase a new lighting control console. The Strand 300 was purchased more 10 years ago and the hardware was beginning to fail and reliability was in question. Thanks to an infusion of $5,200, we were able to purchase an ETC Element. It is at the forefront of technology and appropriately sized for our venue. With expansion and upgrade potential, it should serve us well for all conventional needs as well as automated and DMX-controlled devices.

With the Friederich Fund we have made incredible gains in positioning the Marietta College Theatre Department competitively with similar schools. In the past two years the Fund has enabled us to upgrade each of the artistic departments—scenic, costume, lighting, and sound.

Recent purchases for the scene shop include: a complete set of cordless tools (including a circular saw, jig saw, hammer drill, and planer) that use the same type of battery as our drills, a set of small and a set of large wagon brakes, pneumatic stapler, finish nailer, and paint sprayers.

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Late this summer, the costume studio underwent a complete transformation. To make the space more efficient and usable, the north storage room was removed and the space opened up to the main room. Fabric storage is now located along the north wall of the shop, providing easy access to fabric from the adjacent cutting table. In addition to a complete repurposing of space, new purchases include a much-needed industrial serger and a set of portable tables, chairs, and vanity mirrors for makeup.

Falling under the lighting category, several special effects devices have been added to our “artistic arsenal”: DMX fog machine, DMX strobe lights, and 20 inch mirror ball with DMX motor. While we have not added lighting instruments to the inventory in more than two years, we have had to make some difficult choices regarding priorities. It is our hope that in the next year we will be able to continue our lighting replacements.

Sound for productions has taken on a more professional angle with the addition of a dedicated sound computer running Q Lab. A recently purchased Firewire interface box will provide more control over speakers and enable us to create dynamic soundscapes with surround-sound qualities.

The last improvement is the recent work done in Studio 101. The ceiling and proscenium arch have been painted black to allow the space to “disappear” and surrounding walls are now a deep blue, coordinating nicely with our audience seating. A new house/work light control station has been installed, giving greater control over stage lighting in classroom settings. With the improvements of the past several years, the Studio Theatre now stands ready as a professional environment in which students and audience members can feel comfortable.

Equipment and space upgrades have been invaluable in providing the tools needed in the educating of our students. Much of the projects and new equipment would not have been possible without your help. Thank you!

Communication

It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since we began the communication system upgrade in Hermann. As you may recall, production was facilitated by a set of walkie-talkies, a simple party line system, or a closed-circuit phone system. In order to prepare students for professional work and improve backstage communication, we embarked on the process of upgrading to a full scale party-line system. For those unfamiliar, it’s like having a three-way, five-way, or even 10-way telephone call. Everyone is able to speak and hear at the same time. This is especially useful for live production as operators await their cues from the stage manager and respond with important information.

The first installment came in 2007 with a $3,000 grant from the Division Coordinators. This enabled the purchase of equipment to get the system up and running. Basic infrastructure from the original system was still in good condition and useable. With some rewiring and new connections, we saved an incredible amount of time, labor, and money. Over the last two years we slowly added equipment and mapped out how the final system would serve production.

This summer marked the final phase of our system upgrade. More than 150 feet of conduit, several junction boxes, and a sizeable amount data cable were installed in the Friederich Theatre. Speaker stations (monitors) are now located in the costume shop, green room, scene shop, and box office. Plug-in stations are located SL and SR of Friederich proscenium, three fly system locations, Studio backstage, Studio booth, dimmer platform, and grid. Wall stations are located in the Friederich booth and stage manager station backstage. With the purchase of a new power supply and additional belt packs and headsets, production can accommodate over 12 operators simultaneously. A two-way interface allows use of additional walkie-talkies if needed. With all of the upgrades, this system is ready to facilitate all production communication needs for years to come.

David Makuch Assistant Professor/Technical Director

Above: Views of the new fly system loading platform, battens, and electrics

Royalty Earmark Donation Recognition

Feb. 6, 2010 performance of Quilters — Connie & Michael Humphrey Entire run of “The Author’s Voice” — Janet Matthews Cohen Entire run of “The Appointment” — Janice Rexroad Kindelberger Mar. 27, 2010 performance of The Mineola Twins — Amber Vanwy

The Royalty Earmark

To offset annual royalty expenses, the royalty earmark for donations to the Friederich Fund was established. Earmarked donations allow the department to devote more of its budget to facility upgrades and to enhancing production values. At the same time, these donations allow you to see concretely the effect of your donations. Your gift literally ensures that the show will go on and, in recognition of that support, your name will be listed in the program of the play(s) for which you earmarked royalties. Note: At this midpoint in our season, please consider an earmark donation for No Exit, A Funny

Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, or the One-Act Festival

Current Royalties

$35 — Performance of a one-act play $75 — Performance of a full-length play $140 — Entire run of a Studio Series one-act play $140 — Performance of a Mainstage musical $300 — Entire run of a Studio Series full-length play $450 — Entire run of a Mainstage full-length play $850 — Entire run of a Mainstage musical

To submit your donation, cut out and mail to: Marietta College Advancement Office, 215 Fifth Street, Marietta, OH 45750.

���� Yes, I wish to continue my support of the Theatre Program and the College with the following tax deductible gift.

$____________ to the Friederich Theatre Fund.

I wish to earmark (circle one) all / part of that amount for royalties. Partial amount: $ _______________ I would like to sponsor the following show(s) and date(s) through my gift: (leave blank if you prefer us to allocate)

___________________________________________________________

$____________ to the Ronald L. Loreman Theatre Scholarship/Prize Fund

$____________ to the Marietta College Annual Fund

$____________ Total amount enclosed Name as you would like it to be listed in programs or newsletters (please print):

______________________________________________

To use your American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa, call toll-free: 1-800-274-4704, or locally: 740-376-4704. On-line giving: www.marietta.edu/advancement

Season Photos Left: “The Author’s Voice” February 2010, Middle: “Overtones” February 2010,

Right: The Mineola Twins March 2010

Cast and Crew ($50-$99)

Ms. May M. Coryell§*

Mrs. Marcia Davies Key§*

Mr. John I. Robertson§*

Ms. Amber E. Vanwy⌂

Ms. Daniela D. Vidal§

Ms. Katherine M. Windle∞

Usher ($1-$49)

Mrs. Janet Tom Collins§

Ms. Heather Glunts Kaval§

Mr. Ralph L. Krasik &

Mrs. Doris Austin Krasik*

§ The Friederich Fund ⌂ The Royalty Earmark * The Ronald L. Loreman Scholarship and Prize ∞ Gifts made in memeory of Brett M. Fauver ’94

Theatre Donor Recognition (9/1/09-7/1/10)

Producer ($1000 + )

Mr. & Mrs. Charles M. McMillan§

Artistic Director ($750-$999)

Director ($500-$749)

Mr. & Mrs. Timothy O. Cooper§

Assistant Director ($250-$499)

Mr. Jeffrey M. Cordell§

Mr. Michael A. Gigante, III§

Mr. G. Robert Jackson§

Stage Manager ($100-$249)

Mrs. Janet Matthews Cohen &

Mr. Neal P. Cohen⌂*

Friends from Sprague & Sprague∞

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Gross*

Mr. Gregory Honachefsky∞

Mr. & Mrs. Charles E. Howell, III*

Mrs. Connie L. Humphrey &

Mr. Michael L. Humphrey⌂

Mrs. Janice Rexroad Kindelberger⌂

Mr. Olin W. McConnell∞

Mrs. Janet McLean Rabin &

Mr. Richard A. Rabin§

Vineland Public Charter School∞

Season Photos

Left: “The Appointment”

February 2010

Right: Boom

November 2009

Interested in Serving on the Theatre Advisory Board? The Theatre Advisory Board is looking for new members. Appointments are a three-year commitment with two meetings a year. The fall meeting coincides with Homecoming and the spring meeting coincides with a spring production. This spring’s meeting will be on March 26 from noon to 3:00pm. Whether you are working in theatre or have chosen another profession, the Advisory Board can use your experience! Look for more information on the Board’s goals in the next newsletter. Contact Jeff Cordell (jeff.cordell@marietta.edu) for more information or to express your interest.

Visit the Theatre Department website for contact information, special announcements, and more! www.marietta.edu/~thea

Department of Theatre

215 Fifth Street Marietta, OH 45750

NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION

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PAID

MARIETTA, OH

PERMIT NO. 36

Fool for Love by Sam Shepard, Oct. 1-3, 2010 Our Season opener featured the capstone work of two senior BFA theatre majors.

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Oct. 29-Nov. 7, 2010 Over 600 attended the regular run and nearly 700 local middle

and high school students attended exclusive student matinees.

Cupid Rising by Dan Kehde, Nov. 19-21, 2010 This studio production featured a post-show talkback with the

playwright and members of the original production.

Beat the Sunset by Michael Lewis MacLennan Directed by Jeffrey M. Cordell (Studio)

Jan. 14 at 8pm / Jan. 15 at 2pm & 8pm / Jan. 16 at 2pm Scarred by their past and uncertain about their future, boyhood blood brothers Adam and Sacha reunite 10 years later as Adam recovers from AIDS-related pneumonia. This life-affirming play pulses with tales from the history of human epidemics, the strength of memories, and the transformative power of intimacy. This show is underwritten by a grant from Provost Rita Smith Kipp for its relevance to

Marietta College’s year-long focus on Health & Wellness.

No Exit by Jean-Paul Sartre, trans. by Paul Bowles Directed by Chuck Bonakoski (Studio)

Feb. 11 at 8pm / Feb. 12 at 2pm & 8pm / Feb. 13 at 2pm Tensions flare as three strangers in a closed room confront one another with the

consequences of their lies and cowardice. Is this a living nightmare? Or have they been cast as each other’s eternal tormentors? This classic one-act from the father of existential philosophy delivers powerful punches to the consciousness.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Burt Shevelove & Larry Gelbart Directed by Andy Felt, Music Direction by Dr. David Tadlock (Mainstage)

Mar. 18 & 19 at 8pm / Mar. 20 at 2pm & Mar. 25 & 26 at 8pm / Mar. 27 at 2pm A mix of Roman farce and vaudeville, this hysterical award-winning musical follows the escapades of a young man and his wily slave, Pseudolus, after they strike a deal to exchange freedom for help in wooing the courtesan next door. The Theatre & Music Departments join forces to bring you

the glorious Sondheim score including “Love, I Hear,” “Everybody Ought to Have a Maid,” and “Comedy Tonight!”

Theatre Box Office: 740-376-4678 for ticket reservations.

Students at the 2009 West Virginia Theatre Conference State Screening Auditions where four students qualified for audition slots at the 2010 Southeastern Theatre Conference in Lexington, Ky.

Announcing the 2010-2011 Season: “Tough Love”

2009-2010 in Brief

- 31 nights of performance with more than 1800 attending

- roughly 6 percent of campus involved in some way with production

- more than 50 acting roles and 200 technical positions available between seven different plays and two festivals

- 10 theatre majors graduated in AY 2009-10

- Seven theatre internships completed the summer of 2010

The Illusion, Homecoming 2009

Spring 2011 Festivals: Annual One-Act Festival—Apr. 8 & 9 at 7pm & 9:30pm & 5th Annual 24-Hour Play Festival—TBA