Department of Theatre and Dance

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Tue, 14 Jan 2014 22:44:00 +0000

The Department of Theatre and Dance Welcomes MTV's Quinn Marcus

Chasing Ballerinas makes its New Orleans debut in the Lupin Theater

Quinn Marcus is an uninhibited, hilarious Emerson College graduate whose comedic shorts led her to become the host of “Quinnterviews” on mtvU, where she has interviewed Tina Fey, Betty White, Paul Rudd, Tegan & Sara and the cast of ABC's "Happy Endings" and NBC’s “Community.” Quinn is a cast member of the popular MTV show, “Girl Code,” where her commentary and humor has become iconic for young women all across the country. She has been profiled by Extra's Maria Menounos, Teen Vogue, Out, and The Boston Globe.

Her one-woman show, Chasing Ballerinas is coming to New Orleans for a two-day engagement at Tulane
University. Chasing Ballerinas is a ridiculously enjoyable, brutally honest monologue about coming out
as gay in the south. Quinn brings you to therapy sessions, awkward dates with boys, and regretful college
parties. On this hilarious, heartfelt ride, Quinn explores what it means to really be yourself.

The intent behind producing this piece and presenting it in New Orleans is to invite audiences to examine
what it means to be yourself and how to share individuality with others. The rehearsal process and
performances in New Orleans are considered a first step towards preparing the monologue to tour college
campuses nationally, so these themes can be examined with a larger diverse audience.

Marcus says, “The New Orleans performance is very exciting to me, because I get to take another look at
the show after having moved to New York City and after being on a hit MTV show. I love that Chasing
Ballerinas can evolve with me and I can’t wait to show this new version to an audience.”

In addition to performing Chasing Ballerinas, Quinn will be offering a special sneak peek of the
independent short film, "Alone With People," which is inspired by her monologue. Tickets allow audiences
to watch Chasing Ballerinas and then view Alone with People immediately afterwards.

Directed and produced by New Orleans native Alex Ates, Chasing Ballerinas: A Coming of Gay Story will run January 24th and 25th, in the Lupin, at both 7pm and 9pm. Friday's performances are Pay-What-You-Will, with donations being collected at the door. To purchase tickets to Saturday's performances (student rates available), please contact our Box Office at (504)865-5106 or follow the link below:

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Dmitry Troyanovsky, one of our new professors, was recently interviewed by Marcy Arlin and featured in her Artist, Immigrant series on the blog TCG Circle.

What do you love about theatre in the U.S. for yourself and in general?

At its best, American theatre brings together people who take a lot of pride in their craft. I love the feeling of walking through the backstage areas of a busy theatre buzzing with activity. You know that behind every door and every cubicle there’s someone who’s contributing in a meaningful way to the future production/s. It’s like a very well oiled machine but with a real soul at its core. I don’t like to idealize life in the theatre. It can be harsh and infuriating. But there are moments when American theatreartists really form these ephemeral communities full of generosity and humanity and creative joy.

What do you miss about working in your homeland?

I was a teenager when my family left Russia (still USSR in those days). So I never got to work there before moving to the United States although I directed in Moscow and St. Petersburg later in life. However, I grew up watching a lot of theatre. I was obsessed with theatre ever since my first exposure to puppetry at the age of four. As I got older (Click here to continue reading)

2013-2014 Season

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 15:01:00 +0000

We are happy to announce the upcoming Season for the Department of Theatre and Dance!

Still Life with Iris
Written by Steven Dietz
Directed by Sara Valentine
Lupin Theater
October 15-20, 2013

Above the Oaks
300 McWilliams
October 31-November 2, 8pm
November 3, 2pm

Waiting for Godot
Written by Samuel Beckett
Directed by Jes Podewell
Lupin Theater
November 12-16, 8pm
November 17, 2pm

Young Performers
300 McWilliams
December 5-6, 6:00 pm

Chasing Ballerinas: A Coming of Gay Story
Including a Special Screening of Alone With People
Written and Performed by Quinn Marcus
Lupin Theater
January 24th* & 25th, 7pm & 9pm
*Friday Performances are Pay-What-You-Will

Eurydice
Written by Sarah Ruhl
Directed by Sarah Beth Schultz
Lab Theater
January 28-February 1, 8pm
February 2, 2pm

An Evening of Dance
Newcomb Dance Company
Dixon Hall
February 7-8, 8pm
February 9, 2pm

Mauritius
Written by Theresa Rebek
Directed by Ron Gural
Lab Theater
March 18-22, 8pm
March 23, 2pm

The Golden Dragon
Written by Roland Schimmelpfennig
Directed by Dmitry Troyanovsky
Lupin Theater
April 8-12, 8pm
April 13, 2pm

Young Performers
300 McWilliams
April 24-25, 2014

In Memory

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 17:21:00 +0000

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague, Buzz Podewell. He was a member of our department for almost four decades, and his influence has spread far beyond our doors. He will be sorely missed.

You can read the Times-Picayune obituary here.

Original Score puts New Face on a Familiar Story

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 20:32:00 +0000

This February, Dmitry Troyanovsky directs Leah Napolin and Israel Bashevis Singer’s play Yentl. Yentl focuses on the story of an intelligent young Jewish girl who defies tradition, disguising herself as a man in order to continue her education. Napolin and Singer’s examination of relationships and identity make Yentl both an unorthodox love story and a parable for our time.

While audiences may be familiar with the Barbara Streisand film, this production will feature an original contemporary score featuring a blend of Klezmer and American folk music, written by Jill Sobule and Robin Eaton. Sobule and Eaton’s score relies on a nontraditional orchestra and allows for instrumental improvisation. Former Tulane student Ken Goode returns to Tulane as Musical Director. The play will feature live performances provided by musicians from the Tulane and New Orleans communities.

Choreographer Jeffrey Gunshol emphasizes both ritual and breaking from tradition, mirroring the play’s plot in movement. “The movement in Yentl is the heart of the play's community. The style and movement of the show are slightly askew from the norm” to reflect the central conflict in the show.

When asked what audiences should expect from Yentl, Troyanovksy says, "In my mind the story is an intricate combination of the Jewish Twelfth Night (with its slightly bitter comedy of gender masquerading and appearances) and the teenage angst of Spring Awakening. Jill Sobule's music adds powerful layers of heartbreak, humor, and irony. While directing the show, it's important for me to fashion a unique style that balances these elements; the show should feel both, expansive (in the way that musical theatre can be) and intimate like an eloquent short story."

Feb 26-Mar 2 at 8pm
Mar 3 at 2pm

Newcomb Dance Company Presents Gogol's Waltzes

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Guest director Lev Shulman arrives from St. Petersburg to lead the student choreographers, Delia Constantino, Shea Donovan, Jessie Kardos, Natsumi Sugiyama, and Anna Tan, in the physical theatre piece, Gogol’s Waltzes.The Newcomb Dance Company will be working with Shulman and movement director Melissa Ellberger to create pieces based on five of Nikolai Gogol’s Petersburg Tales: Nevsky Prospekt, The Nose, The Portrait, The Overcoat, and Diary of a Madman.

Nevsky Prospekt tells the story of two different men who each follow a woman who has caught their eye down the Nevsky Prospekt, the central avenue in St. Petersburg. Both men are foils to one another: one being sentimental and romantic, the other crude and realistic.

Set in three parts, The Nose is about a barber who wakes to find a nose in his breakfast. Elsewhere, a major wakes up to find his nose is missing; as he searches for his nose, the major finds his nose is pretending to be human. In the third part, the major wakes to find his nose is reattached and the barber is shaving him.

The Portrait is about a struggling, young artist who finds a lifelike portrait in an art shop. He purchases the art, only to find thousands of gold rubles in the frame. The artist opts to live a fortunate life, abandoning artistic pursuit in favor of artistic fame. Late in life, he regrets his decision seeing the artistic genius of a contemporary. The portrait is set to be auctioned off; the portrait’s provenance has been discovered and, as it is set to be destroyed, it disappears.

The Overcoat centers on the life and death of an impoverished government clerk and copyist who is mercilessly teased for the shameful condition of his overcoat. After he purchases a new coat, he is robbed and left in the snow— sans coat. In an effort to retrieve his coat, he appeals to the “Very Important Person,” who berates him to the extent that the clerk later falls to his death. The clerk’s ghost begins to haunt St. Petersburg, stealing the coats from people, including the VIP.

Diary of a Madman, considered Gogol’s greatest story, recounts the story of a low-level civil servant who falls in love with the beautiful daughter of a high-ranking official. Through his diaries, we discover that he is slowly going insane, and only in his insanity does he finally achieve greatness.

Gogol's Waltzes runs November 15-17 at 8 pm, and November 18 at 2 pm.

Tickets are available through the Lupin Theater Box Office, Monday through Friday, 10-4 pm, or online:

Newcomb Dance Company works with Guest Directors on Gogol's Waltzes

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 18:53:00 +0000

The Newcomb Dance Company has the privilege of working with the Jill Karp Guest Director, Lev Shulman, and Movement Director, Melissa Ellberger, on the original piece movement piece Gogol's Waltzes. Gogol's Waltzes is based on The Petersburg Tales by Nikolai Gogol, a series of five short stories about St. Petersburg, Russia.

About Nikolai Gogol and The Petersburg Tales: Nikolai Gogol, a Ukrainian playwright whose works span 1840-51, is considered one of the preeminent figures of the natural school of Russian Literary realism. Marked as a writer with romantic sensibilities, his works contain strands of Surrealism and the grotesque. Though the collection was not titled by Gogol, The Petersburg Tales is a collection of short stories that he wrote between 1830-1840, including Nevsky Prospekt, The Nose, The Portrait, The Overcoat, and Diary of a Madman.

About Lev Shulman: Russian director and the Jill Karp guest artist, Lev Shulman joins the Newcomb Dance Company this fall in Gogol’s Waltzes. Founder of one of Russia’s first contemporary dance companies, “Provincial Dances,” he has continued to be an innovator and creator for dance. He holds the title of Knight of Dance from Russia’s Ballet magazine.

By training and education, Shulman is a drama director, though he began to focus on directing and producing dance and movement pieces in 1990. Since then, he has founded “Provincial Dances,” acted as Director for the Yekaterinburg Contemporary Arts Center, head of the Contemporary Dance Department at Yekaterinburg Liberal Arts University, guest lecturer in the Choreography Department at St. Petersburg State Conservatory of Music and Opera (Russia), and guest artist at the Danish National School of Contemporary Dance (Cophenhagen).

About Melissa Ellberger: Melissa Ellberger is a choreographer who combines elements of breakdancing, post-modern dance, circus, physical theatre and visual arts. She graduated in 2003 from the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, majoring in aerial acrobatics at The Circus Space. Consequently she performed internationally in the fields of dance and contemporary circus with companies such as Cirkor Events (Sweden), Accrorap/Kader Attou (France), ISH Dance-Theater and The Dutch National Ballet (Netherlands).

Her choreographic activities began in 2008 while collaborating with choreographer Andrea Boll (Artistic Director Tanzhaus Zurich), resulting in the successful show Flying Tea, Floating Women, produced by the Frascati Theater in Amsterdam. Since 2011, her choreographic work has been funded by national and international arts organizations and commissioned by a number of organizations and companies including Breakthrough Dance Festival, Roundhouse London/Collectif and Then, Dansgroep Amsterdam/Krisztina de Chatel, Fontys and Codarts Dance Academies, Tanzhaus Zurich and Cinedans/NTR TV Channel.

Gogol's Waltzes runs November 15-17 at 8 pm, and November 18 at 2 pm.

Eugene Ionesco's "The Lesson" SLAYS this Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:51:00 +0000

This Halloween, Antony Sandoval directs Eugene Ionesco’s one-act play, The Lesson. The Lesson focuses on the interaction of a Professor who grows increasingly frustrated with his new Pupil and her perceived ignorance. The Professor’s anger causes the Pupil’s health to deteriorate: what begins with a toothache leads to an explosive reaction from the Professor, and the show ultimately ends where it begins.

The Lesson is considered a critically important work in “Theatre of the Absurd.” In Theatre of the Absurd, it is believed that human existence is meaningless and, as a result, human communication breaks down. Ionesco is considered a pioneer of this movement, along playwrights like Tom Stoppard and Samuel Beckett.

When asked what audiences should expect from The Lesson, Sandoval says, "broad comedy, similar to Vaudeville, mixed with horrific or tragic images; characters caught in hopeless situations forced to do repetitive or meaningless actions; dialogue full of clichés, wordplay, and nonsense; plots that are cyclical or absurdly expansive; either a parody or dismissal of realism and the concept of the “well-made play.”

The Lesson features Khiry Armstead as The Professor, Emily Russell as The Pupil, and Erin Cessna as The Maid.

The Lesson runs October 30- November 3 at 8 PM, and November 4 at 2 PM in McWilliam's Lab Theater.

Tickets are available by calling the Lupin Theater Box Office at 865-5106 or online:

Chekhov's "Little Vaudevilles" Open the Tulane Season

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:59:00 +0000

Jessica Podewell makes her directorial debut at Tulane University with a Night of Chekhov: The Bear and The Proposal. Both shows are playful farces focusing on courtship and romance through disastrous means, and the most well-meaning plans and intentions easily go awry. Though comedic, these one-acts get at the heart of how men and women interact and communicate with one another.

On directing Chekhov, Podewell says, "These one acts are different than his other more grand and gorgeous works. To use Chekhov’s own words, they are “stupid little vaudevilles.” Wonderfully stupid vaudevilles, if I may say so myself. They live in the ridiculous world of farce. Like Faulty Towers or Black Books, they house characters so wrapped up in their own passions, logical thinking and reasoning become sidetracked."

The Bear tells the story of widow in mourning, Elena Ivanovna Popova, on the seven month anniversary of her husband’s death. As her footwoman, Luka, encourages her to leave the house and end the mourning process, she is interrupted by Grigory Smirnov. He has come to collect the 1200 rubles owed to him by Popova’s late husband, which Popova cannot pay until her steward arrives the next day. Smirnov refuses to leave until he is paid, which results in an argument over the state of her mourning and true love. Outraged by her Popova’s insults, Smirnov demands a duel—to which Popova enthusiastically agrees. The surprising result of their duel and arguments shows the irrational and radical nature of love.

In The Proposal, Ivan Lomov comes to propose to the daughter, Natalia, of his long-time neighbor Stepan Chubukov. After receiving permission to ask for her hand, Lomov and Natalia begin to argue about a meadow that is a disputed piece of land between their houses. Lomov, a hypochondriac, develops heart palpitations and numbness in his leg as a result. Hearing the argument, Chubukov sends Lomov away, in disbelieve that Lomov would dare ask for Natalia’s hand in marriage. Surprised by the news, Natalia begs her father to bring back Lomov—which only results in another argument. Disgruntled and disheartened by the process, Chubukov forces the two to accept the proposal…only for their engagement to begin with an argument.

A Night of Chekhov runs October 16-20 at 8 pm, and October 21 at 2 pm.
Tickets may be purchased by calling 504-865-5106, Monday through Friday, 10-4 pm, or online:

Announcing the Stephanie Dawson Memorial Fund & Award

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Tue, 18 Sep 2012 14:39:00 +0000

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Stephanie "Stevie" Dawson Memorial Fund and the Stephanie "Stevie" Dawson Memorial Award. This award is for Excellence in Technical Theatre as exemplified by continuous dedication and service to the performing arts while maintaining a positive and professional attitude in the face of challenging obstacles. It epitomizes Stevie's love and dedication to theatre. This award will be given at the department's annual spring picnic.

Just a reminder, we also have the Monroe Lippman Founders Award in Acting and the John I. Sutherland Jr. Memorial Fund that have accounts for which we make awards at our annual spring picnic. Donations are always welcome.

For further information, please contact Marty Sachs at msachs@tulane.edu. Read more about Steve Dawson here.

Tulane University Announces 2012-2013 Season

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 19:59:00 +0000

Tulane University’s Department of Theatre & Dance proudly announces their 2012-2013 season which explores classical and contemporary performance in equal balance.

A Night of Chekhov One-Acts
October 16-21 – Lupin Theater
Written by Anton Chekhov
Directed by Jessica Podewell
This evening of Chekhov’s one acts features two farcical pieces: The Proposal, about the courtship process and marriage, and The Bear, the story of an indebted widow, an angry landowner, and an argument about the nature of love.

The Lesson
October 30-November 4 – Lab Theater
Written by Eugene Ionesco
Directed by Antony Sandoval
Ionesco’s absurdist comedy weaves a story about failed communication between a Professor and his Pupil only for it to tragically end and begin again.

Gogol’s Waltzes
November 15-18 – Lupin Theater
Directed by Lev Shulman
Lev Shulman, Russian guest artist, directs this evening of dance is based on Nikolai Gogol’s Petersburg Tales. The performance is choreographed by students and faculty in the Newcomb Dance Program.

Yentl
February 26-March 3 – Lupin Theater
Written by Leah Napolin
Directed by Dmitry Troyanovsky
In this retelling of Isaac Bashevis Singer’s classic story, Yentl, a brilliant young scholar, defies tradition by disguising herself as a man so she can continue her studies. Featuring contemporary music by Jill Sobule, this is both an uorthodox love story and parable for our time.

Above the Oaks
April 4-7 – McWilliams 300
Choreography by the Newcomb Dance Program Faculty
Performed by the Newcomb Dance Company
The Newcomb Dance Company presents their spring dance concert in the intimate performance space of McWilliams Room 300, which is nestled above the oaks on Tulane’s Newcomb campus.

Almost, Maine
April 16-21 – Lupin Theater
Written by John Cariani
Directed by Sara Valentine
Set in the small, mythic town of Almost, Maine, this romantic play is a series of 9 short vignettes exploring love and loss.

Welcome Back!

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Tue, 04 Sep 2012 18:52:00 +0000

Welcome back for the 2012-13 season. We're excited, as always to have new faces join us and to see those familiar faces yet again. I hope you all enjoyed your brief vacation from classes and that everyone was safe from Hurricane Isaac.

We have a few events coming up this week, so be sure to stop by for them!

Theatre Auditions:

Wednesday, September 5, beginning at 5:30 PM
In the Lupin Theater

Sign up on the call board outside McWilliams Hall, and please have a 1-1.5 minute monologue prepared.
Callbacks will be Thursday, September 6, beginning at 5 pm.

Dance Auditions:

Thursday, September 6, at 6:00 PM
McWilliams Room 300

Auditions will be a 2 hour technique class in modern and ballet.

Departmental Meeting and Party:

Friday, September 7, at 5:00 PM

Join us in the McWilliams Lab Theater (Room 105) to meet the faculty, your new classmates, hear about the upcoming season and performances.

After the meeting, meet us in the Lupin Theater Lobby for pizza, snacks, and drinks.

We look forward to seeing you this season!

Fall 2012 Department Announcements

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 18:41:00 +0000

Department Party:
August 31st at 4 pm in McWilliams Lab Theatre with party to follow in the Lupin Lobby.

Meet the faculty and staff, along with your fellow classmates. Find out about the program, auditions, and events going on in the department.

Fall Theatre Auditions:
September 1st from 1-4 pm.
Auditions will be in the Lupin Theater.
Sign up for a time slot on the green bulletin board in McWilliams Hall. Plan to arrive early to fill out paperwork.

Please prepare a one-minute monologue.

Call backs will be Sunday, September 2nd beginning at 1 pm.

In Memory of Paul Schierhorn

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 19:05:00 +0000

It is with great sadness that we report that former Department of Theatre and Dance faculty member and one of the founders of the Shakespeare Festival, Paul Schierhorn, passed away on Sunday, July 8, in Asheville, NC, after a long and valiant fight with cancer.

Paul taught voice, speech, and acting at Tulane from 1988 until 2007, as well as directing such productions for the department as Glad All Over, Cymbeline, Working, A Flea in Her Ear, Macbett, and The News (that he wrote and which played on Broadway in 1985). In 2007, he took the position of Director of the BFA Program in Musical Theatre at Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC.

He was a gentle soul whose wit and wisdom will be missed.

There will be a Memorial Service for Paul Schierhorn on Saturday, November 24, from 10:00 - 11:30 am in Rogers Chapel on the Tulane University Uptown Campus.

Dance Composition Takes to the Streets

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Recently Alice Pascal Escher's Composition II class took to the streets of New Orleans. The students in this class spent their final day in the semester creating site-specific improvisations on Tulane's campus and at the nearby Audubon Park. Interacting with sculptures, statues, and fountains, the students drew the attention of fellow students and park goers as they engaged with their surroundings and each other.

Student Written and Directed, "Monopolis," Runs April 13-15th

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 19:11:00 +0000

The play Monopolis is running from April 13-15 in Tulane's Lupin Theater. Shows Friday and Saturday night at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

This play is entirely student produced and is written, produced, and directed by Tulane student Hope Barnard as her Honors Thesis for a B.A. in English and Theatre. She will be acting alongside local professional actors David Sellers, Beverly Trask, Keith Launey, and Lyndsay Kimball and student actors Colin Burns, Mary Katherine Brake, Joe Eichner, and Ofir Caspi in this one-act ensemble drama.

In Monopolis, the young daughter in a large family led by its cantankerous and unyielding patriarch yearns to escape from her inherited job running her mother’s after school program and go back to art school. But in order to do so, she must abandon her students and, to quote her father, “betray her family.” When her final interview for the scholarship she needs in order to afford tuition falls on the anniversary of her mother’s death, which is commemorated by a previously unbroken tradition of Monopoly Night, the family is thrown into chaos. This play, about the concept of selfishness, responsibility to others versus responsibility to self, and the suffocating lull of monotony, exposes the people behind the Mulligan family to painful and humorous results.

Reserve tickets by emailing your name, number of tickets needed, phone number, and date to monopolisplay@gmail.com or by phone at (504) 865-5106.

Student-Produced "Beautiful Bodies" Opens This Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:17:00 +0000

Beautiful Bodies by Laura Shaine Cunningham
FREE ADMISSION!
March 29, 30, and 31 at 8pm in the Lupin Theater

Written by Laura Shaine Cunningham, Beautiful Bodies tells the story of six old friends who come together for the first baby shower of one of their own. While in the company of their fellow thirty-something’s, these women find themselves in an evening of laughter, arguments, and lots of wine. Through Cunningham’s elegant, feminist voice, these vibrant characters share their experiences of love, career, growing older, and the triumph of womanhood in the late 80’s.

Directed by Maebetty Kirby as an Honors Thesis Project.

Cast includes Julia Friedman, Becky Howsam, Elisabeth Mitchell, Anna Rojo-Miller, Emily Russell, and Hannah Wood.

SPECIAL TALK-BACK with PLAYWRIGHT LAURA SHAINE CUNNINGHAM following the performance on Friday, March 30!

Honoring Professor Stevie Dawson

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:50:00 +0000

It is with great sadness and regret that the Theatre & Dance department share that Stevie Dawson, Technical Director and Faculty, passed away on March 15th, 2012. Her endless enthusiasm, hard work, and passion will be greatly missed.

Stevie Dawson joined the faculty at Tulane University as Technical Director in August of 2009 and then added the role of Production Manager in November of that year. She received her MFA in Technical Direction from The University of North Carolina School of the Arts and has worked professionally in theatres across the country including The Virginia Stage Company, The Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, The Utah Shakespearean Festival, The East Carolina Summer Theatre, The Alliance Theatre Company, and The Arkansas Repertory Theatre, among others. She has taught at Old Dominion University, Louisiana State University, and at her alma mater, NCSA. Her areas of special professional interest include automation, engineering, and the production of new works for the stage. More in memory of Stevie here.

The department will be setting up a fund in honor of Stevie to be given out each year as a book award at the annual Theatre & Dance picnic. If you would like to contribute to this fund, please contact Marty Sachs, Theatre & Dance Chair, at 314-7744 or via email at msachs@tulane.edu.

An Evening of Dance Opens March 30th

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:25:00 +0000

This March the Newcomb Dance Company stages their annual An Evening of Dance concert, with original choreography from the Newcomb Dance Faculty. This year will feature a performance from Lusher Charter School, and special guest choreographer Stevan Novakovich, who will be staging a ballet.

Among the faculty presenting new choreography are Jeffrey Gunshol, Diogo de Lima, and Michaela Cannon.

An Evening of Dance
March 30-31 at 8 PM
April 1 at 2 PM

Ticket Prices:
$12 - General Admission
$9 - Tulane Community
$8 - Students & Seniors

Buy tickets online or through the Lupin Theater Box Office at 865-5106.

"Two Gentlemen" Photo Gallery Featured on the Tulane New Wave

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:50:00 +0000

Ofir Caspi as the Host, Stephen M. Eckert as Proteus, Gabriella Cerqueira as Sylvia, and Erin McCluskey and Maddie Dean as Sylvia's Posse.

Last night Two Gentlemen of Verona opened to standing ovation, and this morning the New Wave ran a photogallery featuring images from the production.

Two Gentlemen of Verona focuses on the fraternal friendship between Proteus and Valentine, two foolish young men with their hearts set on equally lovelorn young women, Julia and Sylvia. The loyalty of their friendship is sworn off as Proteus pursues Valentine’s love interest, Sylvia, and forsakes his relationship with Julia.

This production will feature festival actor Martin Covert, directed under festival actor and director Gary Rucker, and actor Jim Wright, who appeared in The NOLA Project's Romeo and Juliet.

NDC and Guest Choreographer, Stevan Novakovich, featured in the New Wave

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 18:58:00 +0000

Guest choreographer Stevan Novakovich rehearses with the Newcomb Dance Company on a piece for An Evening of Dance.

Yugoslavian-born Novakovich explores the core of the human experience through the essence of its freedoms and constraints. Novakovich combines high technical prowess and attention to details to choreograph pieces that are offer intense complexity and mesmerizing simplicity. He believes in the accessibility of the art form and stages pieces that engage audiences through ballet and minimalist movement to Contemporary, Modern, and Butoh. Novakovich was educated at California State University, University of Utah, and the Ballet Academy in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, and has trained at Martha Graham School, Brigham Young University, and the Alvin Ailey School of American Dance. His has performed with Joffrey Ballet, Alwin Nikolais, Battery Dance Company, the New York City Opera, and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.

See more images from the rehearsal at the New Wave.

SFT & TUTD Present: Two Gentlemen of Verona

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Tulane University Department of Theatre & Dance and The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane announced their first ever coproduction, this February's Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Two Gentlemen of Verona focuses on the fraternal friendship between Proteus and Valentine, two foolish young men with their hearts set on equally lovelorn young women, Julia and Sylvia. The loyalty of their friendship is sworn off as Proteus pursues Valentine’s love interest, Sylvia, and forsakes his relationship with Julia.

This production will feature festival actor Martin Covert, directed under festival actor and director Gary Rucker, and actor Jim Wright, who appeared in The NOLA Project's Romeo and Juliet.

Performance Dates:
February 28-March 3 at 8 PM
March 4 at 2 PM

Ticket Prices:
$12 General Admission
$9 Tulane Faculty, Staff, Alumni
$8 Students & Seniors

Buy tickets through the Lupin Theater Box Office at 504-865-5106 or online:

Caryl Churchill's feminist piece, The Skriker Opens November 29th

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:25:00 +0000

Combining theater and dance, along with mask work and puppetry, Frank directs Churchill's desperate fairy tale of love and revenge. The Skriker, an ancient fairy and shapeshifter surrounded by creatures of the underworld, haunts, seduces, and entraps two teenage mothers.

Featuring a live, original score by Ratty Scurvics.

November 29 - December 3 at 8 pm, December 4 at 2 pm in Lupin Theater.

Buy tickets online:

Or through the Lupin Theater Box Office at 865-5106.

Above the Oaks Opens November 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:26:00 +0000

This fall, the intimate space of the McWilliams Room 300 dance studio is transformed in to a performance space, providing audiences the opportunity to experience the energy and passion of the Newcomb Dance Company up close.

Guest artist Adrienne Clancy, Artistic Director of ClancyWorks, has a choreographic residency in October, and will set the piece, “Back to the Wall,” for the Newcomb Dance Company. Clancy’s work focuses on partnering, which blends contact improvisational techniques and structural ideas based on architecture.

Above the Oaks features choreography by Newcomb Dance Faculty Alice Pascal Escher, Barbara Hayley, Jeffrey Gunshol, and John Allen, along with guest artist Adrienne Clancy.

Above the Oaks
November 1-5, 8 pm
November 6, 2 pm

Tickets are available at the Lupin Theater Box Office at 865-5106 or box@tulane.edu

The Assembly Women Opens October 18th

noreply@blogger.com (Tulane Department of Theatre and Dance) — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:37:00 +0000

Set in ancient Athens, a group of women disguise themselves as men to vote in favor of giving women control over the government. Once they gain control, the women create a totalitarian-esque government that provides shelter, food, and basic care for every Athenian citizen. Sexual freedom also is granted to the citizens, and in the name of equality, every man may sleep with every woman—provided he sleeps with the ugly women before sleeping with a beautiful one.

Though the show is rooted and set in Ancient Greece, the audience can expect a few modern touches woven in to the production.

Aristophanes' The Assembly Women
Ocotber 18-22 at 8 pm
October 23 at 2 pm.

Tickets are available at the Lupin Theater Box Office at 865-5106 or box@tulane.edu