SITR Tech Week

Well, the final week of our production has arrived! We have only SIX days until opening, so I will keep you updated on what the daily goings-on are for the remainder of the process.

This past weekend we had cue-to-cue and level set. These are, respectively, when lights and sound cues are built around actors and set transitions are incorporated into the flow of the show. It is a sometimes tedious process, but, like I mentioned in my last entry, it is a time for actors to take a backseat to the tech elements of the show.This is by far the largest undertaking for designers and tech here are URI in recent memory. But, watching these elements become part of the story has only enhanced it ten-fold. Lighting, sound, and sets tell their own story as well as sometimes articulate what song, dance, and acting cannot.

It finally rained on stage! What a fantastic moment to witness. This has been the talk of our cast since the moment the show selections were announced last year. The set and rain-machine that was built for the title song sequence is absolutely incredible. I don't want to give much more away than that, but it is truly breathtaking. You'll just have to see it in person.

At last night's rehearsal, we ran "Broadway Melody," the largest dance sequence in the show, with costumes. This was the first time that we danced in costume, and the story came to life. "Broadway Melody" tells the story of a young dancer who goes to Broadway to hit it big. There are three sequences in the number: the first is daily life on the streets of New York, the second is a "rabbit-hole" moment when the dancer gets lost in the dark underground of NYC life, and the third is a classic tap sequence. Costumes are so integral to this number because there are no vocal moments for each person to say who they are, it is all movement and costuming. For instance, I play a bag lady/homeless woman. I can inhabit this character physically, but the costume tells the audience precisely who I am. You'll see me up there with my bag of garlic and fur stole. ;)

As we move in to the last days of this show, it becomes even more bittersweet. This is my last show in undergrad and because my experience here at URI has been so positive, it's hard to leave. This is a transition time for all seniors. My next move is to go to Boston for a year or so, get a full-time job and continue auditioning. When I made the decision not to go to graduate school directly after undergrad, it was because the life of working and auditioning is what I want for myself at 22 years old. This BFA program has set me up for a transition to an MFA program, but I believe that each student has to decide what is right for them. Just how college isn't the right decision for everyone out of high school, graduate school may not be the direct next step out of university. This all being said, my professors have imported to me how essential continuing education is, whether it be through internships, acting classes, or experiential.

As I mentioned before, Andrew Burnap is at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. this week. He is representing Region 1 of the Irene Ryan Acting Competition. This is under the umbrella of the American College Theatre Festival. We are so proud of his accomplishment, and I think it shows that we are truly one of the strongest undergrad programs in the country. He is participating in workshops and competing for scholarships. An added benefit is networking with other students from around the country and professionals in our field. Because he is playing Don in SITR, his understudy has taken the role on in his absence.

If you've seen the graphic used on our poster, you've probably noticed that it is credited to Tyler DiBiasio, a Rhode Island School of Design student. He is close friends with our Cosmo Brown (Joshua Andrews) and was hired to create this custom drawing for publicity use. The above video is an animation he did based on the original "Good Morning" choreography. I think it is a great partnership between students of two arts programs in the state. Kudos to Tyler for his work! A television will be in the theatre lobby during the run of this show featuring this animation and other work by Tyler.

That's it for today. Remember to get your tickets in advance. We have over 1,000 sold already! You don't want to be the one to miss out on this show.

Julia

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

"Singin' in the Rain" rehearsals have taken a huge leap forward since my last entry. Set pieces are almost fully constructed, lights are hung and focused, and publicity photos have been taken (I'll post those as soon as we have them).

As I'm sure I've mentioned and/or you've deduced, this production is of a magnitude that none of us have ever seen here on the URI Stage. Among other things, this means that we as actors have to take a backseat to the production elements at times. There is no room for calling "line" or missing your blocking. This could mess up cues and you could get run over by a set piece.

Aside from the tangible production elements that the audience gets to enjoy, there is a lot of work being done off-stage by students, guests artists, and faculty that will never be showcased on stage. However, these are crucial to  the success of the production. Something I would like to feature here is work being done by student dramaturg and Assistant Director Kira Hawkridge. Kira is a senior double concentrating in both Acting and Directing. She is talented in both fields, and her dramaturgy for this show is so thorough and well-executed that it is a reflection of how well she understands the need for research. For those who don't know, a general definition for dramaturgy is: research surrounding a show. This can be historical fact such as the political climate or social movements, research on the playwright, information on past productions, structural play analysis - the list goes on. All Directing concentrates are required to be the student dramaturg for on production. Kira's dramaturgy has taken on a much different format than I've seen before. She has it posted on Facebook!

Singin' in the Rain Dramaturgy

It can be viewed at the link above. It is an extremely comprehensive resource for all involved in the production. A great benefit of having this online source is that videos and photos can be easily shared. This Facebook group resource will go along with the "paper" dramatrugy assignment that we are required to turn in.

If you haven't yet, listen to the interview on WCRI with Paula McGlasson (our Department Chair and Director of this production) and Andrew Burnap (playing Don Lockwood). The show features a sort-of talkback about our production and music from the show.

Listen Here

Andrew, who won the Region 1 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Irene Ryan Acting Competition (that's a mouthful) is traveling to Washington, D.C. next week to represent the region and URI. It is such an honor for our department to be represented on the national level. Andrew will be participating in workshops and a scene presentation. We wish him the best of luck, and I know he will represent us well!
I think that's all for now. The production photos should be available soon, and I know they're going to be fantastic. Remember, if you haven't purchased tickets yet you can do that either online, over the phone at 401.874.5843, or come in and visit us at the Box Office. We are open now MWF 10-2 and TTh 10-4.

Til' next time,

JULIA

BACK TO WORK!

Hey all!

Today is our last day of spring break, and that means back to school and back to work for the cast of "Singin' in the Rain." Although, it wasn't a full spring "break" for the production team and many cast members. As you may remember, "Singin" is about the transition from silent films to "talkies." This means that the actual films are a large element of the production.

The films "The Dueling Cavalier" and "The Royal Rascal" were filmed last weekend. These include the two silent film stars Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont, among other cast members. There are elaborate costumes and some impressive combat sequences that you will have to see on film (and stage!) to believe!

Here are some photos taken by cast and production team members last weekend:

On another, more somber note, I'm still going through "Tartuffe" withdrawal. Although it's always exciting to move on to another show and tackle the unique challenges it will bring, when a show ends it is something you will never get back. "Tartuffe" was special to me because it was so difficult and pushed me beyond where I believed I could go. It's also scary that "Singin" will be my last show in undergrad. Then I will make the transition into the unknown - the 'real' theatre world. This transition has already begun for many of us, with auditions for graduate schools, theatre companies, and applications for internships. Nothing is guaranteed in this profession, and the only thing that is certain is uncertainty.

Despite my nervousness, I feel well-prepared from four years of hard work in undergrad. A final spring break treat to myself was a day-trip to New York City to see "The Best Man" by Gore Vidal on Broadway. It was not my favorite play (very similar situation to the film "The Ides of March"), but I got to see such legendary actors as James Earl Jones and Angela Lansbury on stage, as well as the surprisingly fantastic television actor Eric McCormack (Will from "Will and Grace"). Every time I see a professional show of high-caliber I take something away as a student. These actors were so clear in both inner life and technical precision that it reminded me there is ALWAYS more work to be done.

Well, I have to work on my Costume Design project for "A Doll's House." Tomorrow the full cast is back to the grind in dance class with our choreographer Dante Sciarra. And Tuesday we are back to rehearsal. Wahoo! This show will come quicker than we could ever anticipate. (While I'm on the subject: BUY YOUR TICKETS in advance for this one - they will sell out!)

`Til next time,

Julia

SENIOR PROFILE: Jamie Hansen

Sorry for the lack of posts this week! Performances are going so well, and audiences have been so receptive of the work we are doing. If you haven't seen us yet, what are you waiting for?! (:

Here's a profile of another Senior: Jamie Hansen. You'll see her this spring as the glamorous, tempestuous silent film star Lina LaMont in 'Singin' in the Rain.'

NAME: Jamie Hansen

FROM: Matunuck, RI

MAJOR/CONCENTRATE: Theatre - Acting & Stage Management 

WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL? (EX. SM A PRODUCTION, LIGHTING DESIGN FOR 322s ETC): I have been an assistant stage manager, light board operator for One Act Festival, wardrobe crew, house manager, stage manager, and actor! 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE URI THEATRE: The faculty of the URI Theatre Department, with their impressive credentials, were a big draw for me. 

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE PROGRAM: My biggest challenge so far has been the Junior year acting class. The class focuses on classical text with heightened language. This was the first time working on classical material for me, and it was intimidating at first. Luckily, I had an amazing teacher, Tony Estrella, whose impressive knowledge of the material and how to approach it was intrinsic to the appreciation for and understanding of heightened language. 

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: My biggest accomplishment at URI was deciding to add Stage Management as a concentrate. Coming in as a freshman, I was only interested in being an actor. After taking the required Stage Management class, I realized my affinity for it and with the encouragement of Department Chair Paula McGlasson, proceeded to add the concentrate. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made! 

FAVORITE CLASS AND WHY. My favorite classes at URI are every single class I have taken with David T. Howard. All of his classes are focused

on design and costume, neither of which are areas I have ever excelled at or even really been interested in. Through David's passion for the material, engaging personality, and hands-on classroom approach, I have learned about and become interested in  aspects of design and costuming that I never dreamed I would. 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SEMESTER? ROLES/PRODUCTION ETC: This semester I will playing the part of Lina Lamont in April's production of Singin' In The Rain. What a way to end senior year.... I'm so excited! I will also be working the box office for our production of Tartuffe. 

FAVORITE PRODUCTION YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN AND WHY: I think my favorite production I've worked on this far is The Rocky Horror Show. I worked as an Assistant Stage Manager on this show and had a blast! It was directed by Paula McGlasson, who created an atmosphere that was productive, yet fun and virtually stress-free. Not to mention the show is one of my all-time favorite musicals! 

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU: I am hoping to be selected for a Stage Management  internship position at Trinity Rep in Providence, RI. This past summer, through URI Theatre, I was given the opportunity to work on a production as a Stage Manager at Trinity Rep, where I was able to make contact with some very important people in the New England theatre scene. 

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN TEN YEARS: In 10 years, I hope to have made my way through Providence and New York City through to California, having begun a management career in Film and Television. 

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WANT TO SHARE: I love my dog, Brady :-)

Review from the URI Student Newspaper "The Good Five Cent Cigar"

http://www.ramcigar.com/tartuffe-old-fashioned-yet-accessible-1.2795525#.T0mETfX4VI4

Posting this from the Stage Management office, as usual.

In the throes of performance for another packed house!


Julia

Our first Review

http://www.theatermirror.com/TAtartuffeURI.htm

Thanks to Tony Annicone for his kind words!

Back to the show,

Julia

"Tartuffe" Promotional Video

Here's a video made by URI Theatre Alum Jamie Dufault to promote our production. Check it out!

PS. OPENING NIGHT WAS A BLAST!!! Thanks to all who came. Get your tickets soon if you haven't yet. Shows are selling out fast! (:

Julia

TARTUFFE OPENING NIGHT!

Sorry for not writing for a few days, but things are hectic this week! We open "TARTUFFE" tonight! Wow, it's such a crazy feeling. We came back a week early from Winter Break to start this show, and that passage of time has truly felt like a week. We had our first audience last night at our Invited Dress rehearsal. It's nice to have a "training-wheels" audience so we can get a feel for what they will respond to. So much of comedy is timing and allowing the audience to appreciate every moment. Every show will be different, so it is now up to us to keep the show driving while ALLOWING people to enjoy it.

This year ensemble acting has been such a big part of the success of our shows. In "Marat/Sade" it was up to the actors to create their own characters and ailments, while banding together as a troupe of patients in an asylum. I was one of two Assistant Directors on this show and got to watch actors from Freshman year to Senior year band together to tell the story. The next show was "The Sea Gull" where the group of people assembled on an estate all play a pivotal part in communicating the tragedy of their lives - collectively and individually. I played Arkadina and it felt like there was a spiderweb of connections to each character, which I think played a large part in our success. In "Tartuffe," we as a company all trust each other to "keep the ball in the air." The energy in this show cannot ebb and flow - it is always moving forward and upward. To keep an eye on the future, "Singin' in the Rain" would be impossible to pull off unless there was a strong ensemble of characters, actors, dancers, singers, musicians, the list goes on. I know that we as a URI Theatre acting company can bring our ability to work as a team to the next production, and even after I am gone (sad face) next year and the years after.

Off to Costume Design class, then a quick dinner break and its time to get into hair, makeup, and costume for our Opening Night. If you're interested in seeing "Tartuffe," you can go to the left hand side of this page for a link to the online box office, or you can call in during operating hours.

Hope to see you at the shows this weekend!

Julia

SENIOR PROFILE: Allie Meek

So this blog isn't all from my point-of-view, I've sent a questionnaire around to the Class of 2012. Each response will be posted, so you can see how different we all are, and what skills we have developed throughout our four years together. Some you may recognize from our shows, but there are so many others working backstage that you may not recognize by face but you've definitely benefited from their hard work. Here's our first Senior! She's not a major, but she's definitely a part of this department.. ALLIE MEEK!

NAME: Allie Meek
FROM: Providence, RI
MAJOR/CONCENTRATE: English; Theatre Minor, Acting concentrate
WHAT DOES THIS ENTAIL: Acting, understudying,  THE 100 TA, house managing, production assisting, assistant stage managing, Directing 2012 322 one-act!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE URI THEATRE: Well, I didn’t. I started off my first semester freshmen year as a nursing student, which fell through due to the fact that I despise science. I changed to English because of my fear of becoming a theatre major. By the time I realized I really wanted to do theatre, it was a bit too late. Nevertheless, I chose to continue with URI Theatre because of the work I did on productions my freshmen year and the impact the students and faculty had on me.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN THE PROGRAM: My biggest challenge has been proving myself and making a name for myself in the department as a theatre minor, not a major. Not many minors go beyond the 18 credits needed. It’s been hard going up for roles and participating in acting class as a minor because focus is, understandably, given to the majors. Luckily, I think I’ve persevered and have still been able to take part in productions both as an actor and behind the scenes. I really do consider myself an unofficial major because I have more credits in theatre than my actual major and it’s what I plan to get my graduate degree in and focus my career on. I think I’ve overcome this challenge because whenever I tell someone a minor the most frequent response is “You’re a minor? I thought you were a major”.
BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Honestly, I think teaching THE 100 for the second time is one of my biggest accomplishments thus far. I started off my first semester freshmen year as a THE 100 student and I’m very proud to have come so far to be able to teach that same class.

FAVORITE CLASS AND WHY: THE 312 (Intermediate Acting) with Tony Estrella. Not only am I learning a tremendous amount about acting and Shakespeare, but it is such an inspiring class for an actor. The way it’s taught and the discussions we have really remind me why I love acting in the first place and why I want to continue doing it. The greatest lesson I’ve learned so far is that before all else, you need to have passion for acting and the theatre.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS SEMESTER? ROLES/PRODUCTION ETC: Understudying Elmire in Tartuffe, directing a 322 one-act and teaching THE 100.
FAVORITE PRODUCTION YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN AND WHY: My favorite production I’ve been involved in was Marat/Sade. Because I’m technically a minor, It was my first role in URI Theatre that wasn’t an understudy part. I loved the environment because of the amount of ensemble work that we all did as a team. So much research went into the show and it was amazing to be trusted to create and work with the character work, ensemble and director.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU: I’ve applied to a few graduate acting programs but will most likely take a year off before going to get my MFA. I’m in the process of applying to internships at regional theatres across the US for theatre education. I’ve just applied to 11 internships so hopefully I will be doing that! If that falls through, I will be in RI most likely teaching theatre for All Children’s Theatre in my “year off”.
WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN TEN YEARS: In ten years I hope to have gotten my MFA, acting all over the place and starting to teach at the university level.  Ideally I will be living in England for a few years within that ten year time frame. 


Thanks for your answers Allie! I may post again from Tartuffe rehearsal tonight. It's our first dress! (: I lost my voice though, ruh-roh. Vocal rest all day - I have to stay healthy for the next two weeks!

Salutations from the land of OJ and water,

Julia

Tartuffe Tech Weekend Part 2

Hello from the Stage Management office!

As we wrap up tech weekend, everything is coming together perfectly! Today, we did a full run of the show at 1pm and went on a two-hour dinner break. We're back at 6:30 to have our final tech run at 7. Tomorrow, we add in the final tech element: costumes. Then we have the "real" final ingredient: THE AUDIENCE! It's hard to play a comedy over and over to the same audience of management and tech, but we're all still laughing so I hope our new audience will do the same. I think they will. We are all so proud of this show, the work that has gone into this production from all involved has been unlike any I have ever done. When everyone comes in to rehearsal excited and ready to work, real magic happens.

That's one thing that I can say is consistent here at URI. We all take such pride in our work, and have a mutual respect for each other. It feels like a true company and ensemble of theatrefolk. Theatre is one of the few truly collaborative arts. You can make a painting by yourself in a dark room and never show it to anyone, but is it really theatre if there isn't at least an audience? It even stretches beyond that to true full productions with people who specialize in all different things. Something to think about. (Maybe even something to COMMENT about! Hint-Hint, Wink-Wink) [That rhymed! I'm really in rhyming verse mode, eh?] Okay, I'll stop with the parentheticals...

Anyways, I have to go chat with Tom about a moment in the show that ain't really workin'.

Until we meet again......

Julia (:

TARTUFFE CUE-TO-CUE

 Above is the poster designed by Michael Lapointe for our current production of Moliere's "TARTUFFE." We are in the throes of tech weekend. This means all the elements of our show are coming together. The reins of rehearsal have now been handed off from our director, Tom Gleadow, to our Stage Manager (and fellow Senior) Travis Greene! Below, I'll give you a rough sketch of how we are running rehearsal so you can get an idea of what our working weekends are like.

1:00 PM: All cast members arrive for cue-to-cue. Tech has been here since 10AM! Lighting has probably been in this room for about 72 hours at this point. (;

1:50 Break #1

2:00 Back to work! Matt Terry, lighting designer, is busy focusing our lights. We have some "specials" for featured moments in the show that take a little more specificity during the cue-to-cue.

3:45 Dinner break! Here's a quick picture of the actors in the Actor's Lobby eating various delicacies from the Emporium

MEANWHILE @ 3:45 in J Studio : Lighting, management, tech, and director are still working on the show. LAZY ACTORS! :)

4:33 Cue-to-Cue #2 BEGINS! Two actors aren't here today so it makes no sense for us to do a full run! Have to go on stage, brb.

5:20 Just finished Act One Scene One. Our rehearsal was initially scheduled from 1-10pm but we should finish within the next hour.

5:26 Just a side note on why two actors aren't here during tech weekend. During the second semester of our Senior year, many Seniors go to different Graduate Schools to audition for MFA and Certificate programs. Miles Boucher who plays Orgon (pictured below), and Kira Hawkridge who plays Laurent and is also our Assistant Director are both in D.C. today. We send them our best wishes!

5:32 I'm chillin' in the SM office writing this for you lovely folks as I wait for my next entrance. (In case you were wondering....)

5:53 Just finished my last scene in Act 1, so we should be going on an intermission break in 10 or so minutes. Looks like this will be a relatively early night. (Quiet "Yay!")


5:55 Ten-minute break for intermission.

6:07 BACK TO WORK! I'm on stage more in act 2, so I'll try to post again soon.

6:39 DONE!


Here are some publicity shots from the show:

 L to R: Olivia Khoshatefeh as Dorine. Me as Elmire. Birk Wozniak as Tartuffe. Miles Boucher as Orgon.

 Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil.

 Clearly Dorine and Orgon have a Love/Hate Relationship.

 The "Happy Family"

 Tartuffe disgusts me!

We send these out to area newspapers for advance articles on our show and to go with our reviews)

My URI Theatre Life - Inaugural Post

Hello Readers!

My name is Julia Bailey and I'm a Senior Theatre major here at URI only a few months away from graduating with my BFA in Acting. It's hard to fully understand what the life of a theatre major is from the outside, so we've created this blog to give you an inside look on the day-to-day work that goes in to earning this degree. I'll start with a little background on me before we start talking THEATRE (because, as always, there's a ton going on in this department!).

I'm 21 years old and I'm from New Hampshire. This is my fourth and final year at the University of Rhode Island. Acting is my first passion, but I love writing and reading, going to the beach, live music, and I'm also trying to improve my drawing skills at the moment. I came to URI primarily because it is one of the few state universities where you can get a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Theatre as well as a full liberal arts education. This is important not only for practical job-hunting reasons, but also because I didn't want a BFA to pigeonhole me and as actors and theatre artists we need to be conscious of the world around us and life-long learners. It also doesn't hurt that I live a mile from a beautiful beach and get to walk around a gorgeous Quad in springtime!

The BFA program here begins with a broad theatre education; every student, no matter their concentrate, takes the same Core theatre classes. These include, but are not limited to: Stagecraft, Introduction to Acting, Costume Technology, Stage Management, and Introduction to Theatre Design. From there, we branch off into our Concentrations. Because mine is acting, the core class for me every semester is an acting studio. We begin in sophomore year focusing on Contemporary Realism with Claudia Traub, junior year we study Shakespeare and Moliere with Tony Estrella, and Senior year we make the leap to Chekhov, Ibsen, Wilde and others with Bryna Wortman. (These were my acting teachers, and they generally stay the same, but because these Professors are all working theatre professionals, they sometimes take time off to focus on outside projects and Guest Artists are brought in to teach a course.) Along with acting technique training, we also have a Voice and Movement workshop every semester from Sophomore year through graduation. We study different voice and body methods including Rodenburg, Linklater, and Labonne. These change depending on the material we are focusing on in our acting class.

Phew! And that doesn't even begin to encompass all of our theatre courses, forget about the General Education requirements of the University! It's not an easy degree like you may assume, it's time-consuming and stressful - but SO rewarding. The greatest part of our education here is that we are members of a functioning Theatre that is run under Equity-style rules. Because there is no graduate program, undergraduates are cast in all Mainstage productions - we have 4 every year. Along with our Mainstages, we have student-directed productions each semester. Right now we are in the throes of the first show of the semester: Moliere's "TARTUFFE."

I am lucky enough to be involved in this production. Last year was my first introduction to Moliere, and though I was apprehensive to tackle such a huge playwright and style it was the most beneficial experience of my education. It is truly a blessing to be able to use the skills I was taught by Tony Estrella in this production. I won't summarize the play here, but I'm playing Elmire, the lady-of-the-house. It is a huge task but the past 4 years of training have made me confident in my ability to tackle this piece.

The first two weeks of this blog are going to cover the end of the rehearsal process of Tartuffe: from cue-to-cue to our final show. Expect a play-by-play of our cue-to-cue tomorrow.

Til' then,

Julia