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