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 :-)