Playing Catchup

The spring semester at SUNY Fredonia is only two weeks old, and already there is so much to catch up on. So without further ado let’s get it done!

First order of business – the Department announced the new season for 2013-14. The shows for the Walter Gloor Mainstage Series are as follows:

Moon Over Buffalo by Ken Ludwig. A farce from 1995 that garnered two Tony nominations and marked the return of Carol Burnett to Broadway. Directed by Prof. Ted Sharon.
The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. A classic 18th century Restoration comedy full of wit, verve, and some nasty characters. Directed by Dr. James Ivey.
The Fredonia Dance Ensemble – another serving of dance innovations from Fredonia’s resident dance company. Artistic Director Helen Myers.
West Side Story. The classic Broadway hit featuring the Sharks and the Jets. Directed by Prof. Tom Loughlin, with choreography by Prof. Samantha Kenney.
The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute. A young woman decides to make a particular art project to surprise her new boyfriend. Directed by Dr. Jessica Hillman.

The department held their first auditions ever in New York City. Spaces filled up fast, and there was a waiting list of about eight people when all was said and done (sorry to those eight – everyone showed up!). An impromptu gathering of recent alums was held down in TriBeCa that evening (thanks, Carlos!) PS – Audition requests are actually at an all-time high; as of this writing only about three more slots for the BFA Musical Theatre auditions remain. We have never had auditions fill up this fast!

Generations mix at an alumni gathering in NYC

Speaking of alumni gatherings, a recent one was held by Fredonia alums from the late 70s-80s era on Feb. 1 at the Landsdowne Pub on 10th Ave. in NYC. A nice mix of “oldies” and “newbies” attended – great to see the generations mixing it up! Check out their Facebook page for more info.

Rehearsals are now in full swing for many activities. The Fredonia Dance Ensemble has begun to swing into high gear in anticipation of their May concert. The first Walter Gloor Mainstage show – Stop The World – I Want to Get Off! – is deep into its rehearsal process. Dr. Jessica Hillman is preparing a host of educational activities around her upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank in April. The set for that show by senior Samantha Sayers will “wow” you – a three-story affair modeled after the actual house that Anne and her family hid from the Nazis in. And the student production of The House of Yes produced by PAC and directed by Marisa Caruso will be presented in no less intriguing a venue than the President’s house! Thanks, President Horvath!

More? Sure! It seems Fredonia alums – and even faculty – are getting into the action of web series. When work is tight to find, a good course of action is to make your own. Here are three web series currently being created by Fredonia alums (Caution – some episodes may not be suitable for the workplace!):

Office Hours – the brainchild of alums Steve Brachman and Pete Byrne, who even managed to wangle Prof. Loughlin into the deal: https://www.facebook.com/Tom.and.Steve.in.OfficeHours/app_218306734858837
Shane and Dave – Alums Dave Ebert and Shane Osgood have created a web series about two somewhat juvenile young adults living in NYC. Guest appearances by many Fredonia alums. https://www.facebook.com/ShaneAndDave?ref=ts&fref=ts
Live from the DZone – Fake news anchor and alum Chris Handley delivers weather reports and other events from the DZONE. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL560F62352011910C

This probably doesn’t cover everything, but at least it gets us rolling. And be on the lookout for a new feature called Marvel Mondays, when we will present a preview of all the happenings taking place that week around the department and the RAC. Keep warm!