Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands named 2011 Artists of the Year

The Director of University Dance Theatre and faculty member Toni Pierce-Sands along with Cowles Visiting Artist Uri Sands were named 2011 Artists of the Year by City Pages.
(see citypages.com Dec. 21)

" More than a couple of talented artists who happen to be life and artistic partners Toni Pierce-Sands and Uri Sands are dancers with a mission. When they combined their initials to form TU Dance in 2004, they were determined to create a company and school that reflected the increasing diversity of the Twin Cities' urban community," writes Linda Shapiro. "In its relatively short life, TU Dance has managed to achieve artistic success, popular acclaim and broad reach in the community."

In the past year, these distinguished artists opened a state-of-the-art dance center offering dance a wide variety of experiences from ballet to Afro-Brazilian Dance, evolved a crack ensemble of performers animating Uri's multilingual choreography which has earned numerous awards attracting national attention and loyal fans, and their Ordway concert last May was the first ever to sell out the 1,000 seat house. Most recently their collaborative talents as choreographer and director were seen in the dance " ...And Let Go " as part of UDT's Dance Revolutions concert at Rarig Center.

Tessie Bundick On Being an Extra in Coen Brothers' "A Serious Man"

When Theatre Arts make-up instructor and designer Tessie Bundick was cast as an extra in the recent Coen brothers' film, A Serious Man, she began taking notes recording the production details of the celebrated writer/producer/directing team in action. She shares her behind-the-scenes observations of the technical aspects of the Oscar nominated film appear in December's online edition of the USITT Northern Boundary News. (http://www.stolaf.edu/depts/theatre/NBS_Dec11/Article2/Article2.html )
Appearing as an extra in two scenes --a funeral and a bar mitzvah--Bundick shares her particular interest in the wardrobe choices and costume fittings with the film's designer Ms. Mary Zophres, who has collaborated with the Coen brothers on many of their films. Zophres's designs were researched for this project by pouring through period photos at the Jewish Historical Society of the upper Midwest. Bundick reveals the designer's meticulous hunt for clothing and eye glasses to achieve an accurate 1967 period look for the film set in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.
Besides describing in detail the work needed to transform a St. Louis Park synagogue location into a setting with sufficient light in preparation for shooting, Bundick allows the reader to glimpse the collaboration between the Coen brothers and Roger Deakins, director of photography and cinematography. A Serious Man went on to win many awards and was nominated for two Oscars for best picture and best screenplay.

What a week for celebrating and enjoying the range of work in the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance.

The BFA Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program Senior Class Company present final performances of their Senior Classic, a Chekhov repertory playing in our intimate Arena Theatre December 8-10. Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard, classic works in the dramatic repertory, fill the space with comedy, pathos (and beautiful costumes). Special note: Frameworks panel discussion on these Chekhovs on December 8, a reception and great talk about Chekhov, starting at 6 p.m. in In-Flux at the Regis. Electronic ticket accounts and comp card systems are in effect for the Chekhovs. Tickets are $5 for any student, $10 for everyone else, with a small ticketing fee. See the events listing on theatre.umn.edu for performance schedule. Still another special note: no late seating for the Chekhovs, due to the configuration of the Arena for these performances.

University Dance Theatre presents its annual concert on the grand stage of the Whiting Proscenium. Four powerful works choreographed by Ananya Chatterjea, Stephen Petronio, Uri Sands and Dianne McIntyre (who recreates Helen Tamiris' 1937 masterpiece How Long Brethren?). Grace and athleticism from youthful dancers in a beautiful evening (or matinee!) December 9-11. An opportunity to taste the very best in contemporary dance. Preview is on Thursday, December 8. Electronic ticket accounts and comp card systems are in effect. Tickets are $5 for any student, $10 for everyone else, with a small ticketing fee. See the events listing on theatre.umn.edu for performance schedule.

Special note: all evening performances, including UDT, at 7:30 p.m. Matinees at 2 p.m. Also, please be aware that on several evenings in the next few weeks, we will have multiple performances in Rarig and there are also activities at Ted Mann. We recommend that you acquire your tickets in advance, and allow yourself plenty of time for parking and arriving.

Tickets: visit tickets.umn.edu or call 612-624-2345.

Also, during this busy period: The X presentation of Stop Kiss in the Xperimental Theatre, December 8-11. See the events listings on theatre.umn.edu for details. Tickets for this event are FREE

Carl Flink, UMTAD Chair & his Black Label Movement @ TEDxBrussels

Carl Flink, University of Minnesota's Theatre Arts and Dance Chair, and his Black Label Movement company of dancers recently performed two pieces in Brussels hosted by an international gathering of cutting-edge technicians, engineers and designers, better known as TED. The first work, "A Modest Proposal" (also titled "Dance, You PhD") featured collaborator and Science Magazine correspondent John Bohannon with Black Label Movement dancers complemented with local performers. A second presentation, "Space Walk" ( also titled "Dancing in Zero Gravity") featured Eddie Oroyan with the Dancernauts, same company plus U of M dance alumna Jessica Ehlert. See the all the action at

TEDxBrussels with BLM

"The Great(er) American Past Time" debuts at Rarig's Xperimental

The Great(er) American Past Time, a new play by sophomore Nico Swenson, makes its debut at the Rarig Center's Xperimental Theatre this weekend, November 17-20.
Meet the Joneses seen through a set of plot lines and symbolic characters like Ignora Ramuse. Swenson's "themes--excess, greed, capitalism,(and) consumerism -- stand up on their own feet in a cultural political and economic landscape marked by conflict between the 'haves ' and the 'have-nots'," writes the Minnesota Daily's Sarah Harper. Theatre-goers take note: tickets are free, but reservations are required. Email thex@umn.edu

Choreographer Annie B. Parsons of BIG DANCE THEATRE speaks Friday 11/18

Annie B. Parsons, co-founder and acclaimed choreographer of the theatre /dance company, BIG DANCE THEATRE, currently performing at the Walker Art Center, will speak to the B.A. Mentoring Student group on Friday, November 18 at 4pm in the Nolte Experimental Theatre. Professor Luverne Seifert, who heads the B.A. performance track will host the event.

THE WAR WITHIN/ALL'S FAIR: "funny, poetic, tragic," Nov-10-13 only!

One director calls it more of an event than a play. The Star Tribune calls it "Storming the walls of academia " (November 6, 2011 p.E3). International artists Dominique Serrand and Steve Epp were engaged by the University to work with 15 student actors to create a totally new performance which opens November 10, for one weekend only. The world premiere of this wild comic, poetic and tragic show represents a new way of energizing the U's theatre program, reports the Star Tribune. Sparking the imaginations of student cast, these two professional directors, formerly of the Tony Award-winning Theatre de la Jeune Lune and now The Moving Company were invited as "outside " pros by the Theatre Arts and Dance Chair, Carl Flink at the request of students. Epps calls the new work " a celebration of our national stupidities" which wrestles with the inner battles throughout society, between individuals and within individuals. Serrand seems intent of about "igniting students with the idea that they can make change" to transcend our national malaise and political paralysis.

THE CRUCIBLE in The Daily

"Fear and Loathing in Salem" is the Minnesota Daily headline today as The Crucible opens for a weekend run. The project comes from the sophomore class of the BFA/Guthrie Theater Actor Training Program. See www.mndaily.com/2011/10/27/fear-and-loathing-salem for the complete story.

MICHAEL SOMMERS Reps US at International Puppet Festival

Today Student Actors share the stage with best-selling author Dava Sobel

Today theater students, Alexander Hathaway and Joseph Pjfferoen, share the stage with best-selling author/playwright Dava Sobel to present with her a dramatic reading from "And the Sun Stood Still," her new play. Ms.Sobel is on campus today to introduce A More Perfect Heaven which explores how Copernicus revolutionized the cosmos. The actors will perform two scenes from her new play which is published as part of this new book. Sobel's talk with the dramatic reading starts at 7:00pm in Coffman's University Bookstore is presented FREE of charge as part of the bookstore's Author Series. It will be recorded and eventually broadcast by Minnesota Public Radio

MARCUS DILLIARD in American Theatre Magazine

In the current issue of the American Theatre Magazine (Oct '11), lighting designer and faculty member Marcus Dilliard, briefly discusses his challenging experience caused by the producing companies financial constraints while lighting The Deception, a 2008 co-production by Theatre de la Jeune Lune and La Jolla Playhouse. A striking color photo by director Dominique Serrand with set by David Coggins and costumes by Sonya Berlovitz shows actress Emily Gunyou Halaas bathed in brilliant light. This photographic image was also featured in a U.S. exhibition as part of a tribute to artists and companies that have vanished in the past four years. The text of Marivaux's The Deception was adapted by actor Stephen Epp and director Dominique Serrand.

MASKS-- A JOURNEY THROUGH CIVILIZATION

Professor Robert Rosen's students using masks and techniques they learned in five weeks in his class recently performed in a creative collaboration for packed houses and wow'em.
Thematically centered around the idea of evolution, the performance was lighthearted and humorous with students" pretending to be animals, people and everything in between" reported MnDaily's Sarah Harper, who concluded this "grand tradition of script-less, narrative-less improvisation-fueled vignette-centric productions " proved intriguing and highly creative.

Theatre/Dance revamps prices:"No Longer a Bank-Breaker"

"U of M theater is no longer a bank-breaker," declares the MnDaily's A&E blog by writer Sarah Harper. "Most theatre events will be free, and any show that isn't free, students will only have to pay five bucks. And that's not limited to U of M students. Any student with any type of (current) student ID will be able to slam down an Abe Lincoln and see a play. Non- students will be charged only $10," reports the blog. And the same deal goes for dance events. Peg Guilfoyle, the Theatre Arts and Dance department's producing director explains," In an attempt to fling wide the doors of Rarig...we've completely revamped the pricing structure. " Great news for everyone pinching pennies and wants the thrill of experiencing live performance. See "the satisfying welcoming list of FREE events and information on the U of M'sTheatre Arts and Dance website suggests the Daily's blogger who knows a good deal, when she sees one.

You can read the full story here: http://www.mndaily.com/blogs/ae-blog/2011/10/03/u-m-theater-no-longer-bank-breaker

Job opportunities at TAD!

ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR. U of M Theatre Arts and Dance (TAD) seeks a full-time ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR who serves as the chief administrative support person in a vibrant University department serving 400 major students by 85 employees. Duties include assistance to the Chair, office and human resource management, curriculum planning and fiscal management. The ideal candidate has 5 years of related experience with two years in a supervisor role. See full list of duties and requirements, and apply online: http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=97840. Learn more about TAD at http://theatre.umn.edu. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

PRODUCING DIRECTOR. U of MN Theatre Arts and Dance seeks a full time PRODUCING DIRECTOR to manage and produce all performance and public events at a dynamic University department, residing in the vibrant Twin Cities arts community. The ideal candidate has a bachelor's degree (masters degree preferred); 3 years related professional experience; knowledge of, experience with and appreciation of traditional and experimental performance production and the promotion and marketing of it; demonstrated ability to problem solve, lead, multi-task, organize, facilitate and think broadly while paying attention to details, communicate, negotiate, budget resources, manage projects, and supervise and manage employees. Compensation is commensurate with experience in the $60,000s Application deadline: October 31, 2011. For more information and to apply visit http://employment.umn.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=98043. Learn more about TAD at http://theatre.umn.edu. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer.

REMEMBERING 9/11 PERFORMANCE SPARKS DIALOGUE

REMEMBERING 9/11: A Performance and Community Dialogue brought together students and faculty from across the university campus to consider how we choose to remember the tenth anniversary of September 11th. This unique production, devised and created by both dance and theatre majors, was directed by two graduate students Mike Mellas and Elliot Leffler, who moderated an engaging and thought-provoking discussion with the audience following the performance. For more details click on Minnesota Daily's news story "The Power of Memory" by Sarah Harper.

University of Minnesota Theatre Arts and Dance Department announces 2011-2012 Performance Season

The University of Minnesota 's Department of Theatre Arts and Dance announced today its upcoming 2011-12 season of performances, which will be directed by a host of distinguished guest artists and faculty, and will feature premieres, new plays, as well as a co-production with the critically acclaimed Theatre Latté Da. New pricing for admission to these events was also unveiled.

"We are thrilled to bring to campus this spectrum of remarkable talent from across the nation and the Twin Cities," said Carl Flink, department chair. "Our season line-up of theatre and dance events shaped by visiting artists, directors, choreographers and collaborators will leave an indelible mark on our audiences and especially our students -- sharpening their skills, stretching their minds, and challenging their imaginations. We are delighted they have accepted our invitation to be guest artists, who together with our distinguished faculty will engage in a truly unique learning community. This season is a fantastic manifestation of our department's Reimagining Community and Arts Partnership as we continue to work to create a learning community without walls."

Reimagining Community and Arts Partnership (RiCAP) is a departmental initiative that has built a series of partnerships and joint ventures over the past two years with local arts organizations. During the past academic year students have participated in productions with numerous community-based professional arts organizations.

The admission prices for the season's 34 performances, many demonstrations, and lecture series have been reduced in an effort to attract, engage and develop new audiences. The new policy is easily explained as "Free, $5, $10." The majority of events, specifically, creative collaborations, BFA studio series, student-run experimental theatre performances, informal dance showings, and public lectures are free. Other ticketed performances are $5.00 for students with a student ID. Other members of the public will pay $10.00. This pricing policy extends to all season events, with the exception of the Spring Awakening musical. UMTAD programs are presented in the Barbara Barker Center for Dance and the Rarig Center on the West Bank Arts Quarter.

The UMTAD 2011-12 Season includes a vibrant array of events and productions:

The War Within/All's Fair, a newly devised work by Dominique Serrand and Steve Epp, former artistic directors of the internationally renowned Theatre de la Jeune Lune, now members of The MovingCompany, kicks off the season. In the war between the stuff that drives us apart and the instinct to hand together, who wins? In this comic work-in-progress, the ferociousness of being right is counterpoised by the ridiculous of being wrong (and vice versa). How do we get driven to the edge, and perhaps, off the cliff of absurdity? Deadly funny, daringly disturbing. The War Within/All's Fair opens November 10 and plays through November 13 only.

Uncle Vanya and The Cherry Orchard will be presented in repertory by the BFA/Guthrie Theater Acting Program Senior Class. In Uncle Vanya, laughter and tears merge while hopes and dreams fade. The playwright etches such genuine and vivid characters that even life's common crises become dramatic and important, then give way to wistful yearning. Joseph Price whose credits include Kansas City Actors Theater, Buffalo's Oasis Theater, and Chicago's A Red Orchid Theater directs this production.

The Cherry Orchard unfolds as an ancestral estate is to be sold at auction, revealing the old Russian nobility's incapacity to cope as a modern world confronts them with the inevitable -- progress. Sari Ketter, whose credits include the Guthrie Theater, Great Lakes Theatre Festival and Intiman Theatre will direct. The two Chekhov masterworks will open December 1 and 2 and play alternately through December 10

Dance Revolutions, a fully produced concert directed by Toni Pierce Sands featuring choreography by Ananya Chatterjea, Stephen Petronio, Uri Sands and Helen Tamiris takes the Whiting proscenium stage December 9-11. The concert is under the guidance of Cowles Visiting Artists Ori Flomin and Dianne McIntyre.

Aristophanes' classic comedy, The Birds, explores a cautionary tale of an ideal city gone wrong. Faculty member director Robert Rosen brings his heightened sense of fun and satire to this outrageous tale adapted by William Arrowsmith. The Birds begins February 23 and plays through February 26.

University Dance Theater will show their fresh thinking and moves in their Spring Concert, March 2 and 3 with two performances per evening.

Spring Awakening, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by Duncan Sheik and Steven Sater, will be staged by Peter Rothstein, artistic director of the critically acclaimed Theater Latté Da, in a co-production. Denise Prosek will provide musical direction and Carl Flink will create the choreography. Spring Awakening is a dynamic rock adaptation of Frank Wedekind's expressionistic play about a group of teenagers coming of age in an uncomprehending world. Banned when the play first premiered in 1891, this contemporary musical is still provocative in its uncompromising gaze at the trials, tears and exhilaration of the teen years. Spring Awakening is a celebration of the rebellious imperatives of youth. Note: this production, which opens April 14 playing through May 6, has special pricing; check theatre.umn.edu for details spring 2012.

A collection of new plays will be performed by the BFA students in the Dowling Studio at the Guthrie Theater, April 19 and close on April 29

The Vampyre! stalks the Minnesota Centennial Showboat which opens June 15, 2012 and performs eight times weekly through August. The dynamic duo of Peter Moore and Vern Sutton returns to stage this tale of true love, high adventure, sword fights and those ever popular olios -- the highly entertaining musical interludes from the days of vaudeville and Tin Pan Alley.

Free special events exploring themes and topics relating to the season's programming are planned. For example, Frameworks Lecture Series presents visiting artists and leading scholars who provide engaging and informative insights. Associate Professor Sonja Kuftinec curates this lecture series. Check the events calendar on this website for upcoming presentations.

The public is free to visit studio performances of creative collaborations guided by faculty members and affiliated faculty members. Throughout the season artists Robert Rosen, Barbra Berlovitz, Luverne Seifert, Carl Flink, Kym Longhi and Joel Sass will lead students in creating original works with masks, Greek poetry, the concept of Valhalla, and Frankenstein.

Theatre arts and dance students produce their own series for the 2011-12 season in the Nolte Xperimental Theatre offering scripted plays, devised works and musical interludes. Scripts slated for staging in the coming weeks are Hamlet, The Great(er) American Passtime, Stop Kiss, and Equivocation. Devised works include Bagging History, The Found Orchestra Project, Animus and 24-hour theatre.

For specific information on performances presented by the University of Minnesota's Department of Theatre Arts and Dance contact this website's events calendar.

Producing Director Tom Proehl Passes Away

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Producing Director Tom Proehl. Although he was only with the department since August 2010, he had a tremendous impact on the faculty, staff, and students. As a mentor, educator, and friend, Tom brought an energy and passion to the Theatre Arts and Dance community that will be carried on through those he inspired.

For more information, read Graydon Royce's obituary of Tom here.

Dance Program and Faculty Enhance Twin Cities Dance Scene

In Caroline Palmer's recent Star Tribune special report Big dance town, the U of M's strong Dance Program was noted as helping the Twin Cities become a top location for dance. She also mentioned several dance faculty member's companies that help diversify the dance scene, including Shapiro & Smith, Ananya Dance Theatre, Black Label Movement, and TU Dance.

UCR "Choreographies of Access" Workshop Featured Assistant Professor Diyah Larasati

The University of California Riverside presented Choreographies of Access: Global dances, Local Knowledges, (Mis)Translated Bodies, Jan 31-Feb 3, 2011. U of M Dance professor Diyah Larasati and Setyastuti (Utik), professor in dance at the Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta (ISI) Indonesia, were brought to UCR, to workshop, present, and discuss with faculty and students their collaborative works.

Associate Professor Lou Bellamy Retires from U

Associate Professor Louis Bellamy will be retiring from the U this spring after 32 years of service. As a scholar, historian, and professor, Bellamy has made a unique contribution to the department, shepherding countless students through their exploration of the black American experience and its influence on the theatre landscape. As a practitioner, Bellamy has left an indelible impression on a generation of young theatre artists including actors, directors, and technicians.

The Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, University Libraries Archives and Special Collections, and Penumbra Theatre will be hosting an event from 5:00-7:00pm on Tuesday, February 22 at the Elmer L. Andersen Library to celebrate the legacy of Lou Bellamy and his contributions to the theatre.

Showboat Auditions Held Sunday, January 30 and Monday, January 31

MINNESOTA CENTENNIAL SHOWBOAT AUDITIONS 2011
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street by C.G. Bond
Directed by Peter Moore
Auditions for the Minnesota Centennial Showboat will be held on
Sunday, January 30, 2011 (12p-3p, 4p-7p) and
Monday, January 31, 2011 (6p-11p)
with callbacks on
Monday, February 7, 2011 (6p-11p)

Specific information and sign-up sheets for audition times will be posted on the Rarig Production Notices Bulletin boards (lower level of Rarig Center by tunnel entrance). Locations for auditions and callbacks for the Showboat Company are TBD

The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is being directed by Peter Moore, Musical Direction by Vern Sutton

PETER MOORE has directed locally at the Guthrie, Torch Theater, Park Square, Actors Theatre of Minnesota, Hennepin Stages, History Theatre, Illusion Theater, The Playwright's Lab, the U of M, and Theatre in the Round. Other directing credits include Off- Broadway's York Theater, the Coconut Grove Playhouse in Miami, the Winter Garden Theater in Toronto, Virginia Premiere Theatre in Williamsburg VA, the San Diego Rep, the film of Autistic License, numerous live industrials and videos and the STAR WARS: DARK FORCES audio-cassette series for Lucasfilm.
For auditions you should prepare a one-minute classical monologue (comic or dramatic). In addition, you should prepare to sing a song accompanied by piano. You will be asked to sing 16 bars, but be prepared to sing the song in its entirety if the whole song is requested. Please bring sheet music with you for the accompanist. Using taped accompaniment or singing a cappella is not acceptable. THE ENTIRE AUDITION MAY NOT EXCEED 5 MINUTES.

Rehearsals are slated to begin Monday, May 2nd. Rehearsals will employ standard U Theatre rehearsal times until Finals Week is over, when they will shift to a 40-hour rehearsal week. Rehearsals will continue into techs, dress rehearsals and preview performances, with the Showboat season opening on Friday, June 17 and performing Tuesday-Saturday until August 27, 2010.

NOTE: Because these are paid positions, there are further eligibility requirements that must be met in order to be cast in the Showboat Company. These are posted here and will also be available at auditions.

For questions, please contact
Christine Swartwout, Production Stage Manager at swart073@umn.edu or
Tom Proehl, Producing Director at tcproehl@umn.edu

SHOWBOAT 2011 AUDITION INFORMATION AND ELIGIBILITY

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Actors who are cast in the Showboat production of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street for the summer 2011 run are employees of the Department of Theatre Arts and Dance, University of Minnesota. The following are the criteria that must be met in order to be hired as a member of the Showboat Company:

Students must be
1) enrolled in a degree-granting program
2) meet the minimum enrollment credit requirement for spring semester (for undergraduates that number is 6; for graduate students, it is 3)
3) registered for fall semester 2011 classes by April 19.
NOTE: If you are graduating in May, you can be hired as a temporary employee -- no summer registration is required. However, you must meet item 2 above.

If you have questions regarding the above information, please ask the stage managers during auditions or check with Shelly Emmel in 580E. If your situation doesn't fit within the above criteria, please inform the stage manager at the time of your audition. Failure to do so could result in the loss of a role.

PERFORMING ON THE SHOWBOAT
You should be aware of the special kind of performance conditions connected to a Showboat production. The performance experience for the audience extends beyond the stage and the performance schedule to include pre-show, intermission and post-show. It is part of the Showboat atmosphere for the audience to interact with the Company in a personable and friendly manner. Consequently, actors and staff greet the audience before the play begins, serve front of house and ushering functions, and may even offer brief entertainments, like pre-show discussions. Following the show, actors and staff say good night and shake hands with the audience as they leave. Many alumni and friends return to see the Boat on an annual basis. It's crucial that they feel welcome and excited about the experience each time. Many of our patrons are long-time Showboaters who have looked forward to the Boat's annual summer production, often attending more than once in a summer. This production will help us to maintain public visibility and demonstrate that the Showboat style of theatre is alive and well.

Additionally, the acting company and staff help run and maintain the production. Company members will be assigned duties connected with running the show (shifting scenery, assisting with costume changes, control board operation, etc.), maintaining the show and the performance space (e.g. sweeping the stage, picking up programs, straightening chairs, cleaning the makeup area and dressing rooms spaces, etc.).

PROMOTIONAL and EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street will be the tenth production on the Minnesota Centennial Showboat in its permanent location on Harriet Island. We need to continue building an audience for the Boat and this unique style of theatre entertainment in this location. Part of the employment contract will require participation in promotional and educational activities. These may include appearances at local parades, festivals, and events, television and radio shows, service club/chamber of commerce type of events, and educational workshops with K-12 students from the community. Details of these events will be discussed as part of the first company meeting.

Understudy Responsibilities
Two students will be cast in understudy roles. The understudies will properly study and execute assigned understudy roles, in order to aid fellow Company Members that may need to be replaced in emergency situations. This includes solid knowledge of all dialogue, blocking, musical numbers, choreography, and audience speeches needed to ensure a smooth performance. Other aspects of understudy preparation include: a comprehensive knowledge of the duties as backstage crew member, technical assistant, and other pre-show and post-show assignments as assigned by the Production Stage Manager or Deck Manager.

CONTRACT SCHEDULE AND PAYMENT
The current contract for the Showboat Company runs from the beginning of rehearsals Monday, May 2, through the end of performances and strike on Sunday, August 28, 2011. The week of May 9-14 rehearsals may be suspended due to Final Exams (though there may be rehearsals late in that week, depending on cast members' finals schedules). The structure of the season will work like this:

May 2- June 16-- Rehearsals, techs, dress rehearsals and previews. Previews will include special complementary performances for company members' families and friends. During this time, there will also be promotional run-outs built into the schedule as well as workshops designed for the company members' benefit, including a vocal maintenance, showboat history, wig maintenance, and audience services. Company members will put in an average of 40 hours per week/six days a week during this period.

June 17 -- Opening Night of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

June 18 - August 27 -- Performances of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street are Tuesdays, Thursday and Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m. only -- Sunday and Monday are days off. This is basically 8 performances a week with two full days off. There may be additional time commitments during this period for promotional activities. A schedule for these events will be released at a later date.

August 28 - Strike of The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. All Company members help with striking the technical elements for the show and returning them to Rarig. A Company post-mortem will be lead to allow company members a chance to give critical feedback of their experiences.

Payment for the contract period is a stipend of approximately $6,120.00. This rate does not take your individual tax rate into consideration. All contracts will be issued before the first Company meeting (tentatively slated for early-February).

For questions or more information, please contact Tom Proehl (625-1052, tcproehl@umn.edu) or Christine Swartwout. (625-6819, swart073@umn.edu).

Faculty Members Receive 2011 Imagine Fund Annual Awards

Congratulations to our faculty members who received 2011 Imagine Fund Awards! 151 awards were distributed representing $755,000 in support for research in the arts, design, and the humanities were made in December, 2010, for the 2011 academic year. The programs are supported by a generous grant from the McKnight Foundation, from new internal reallocations from the University of Minnesota Graduate School and the Office of the Vice President for Research, and from the creation of the chairs through the Permanent University Fund.

Lisa Channer "Three Festivals: Pure Research on European Dance-Theatre trends"

Ananya Chatterjea "Arts against gender violence: performance and social justice"

Marcus Dilliard "2011 Prague Design Quadrennial and USITT Study Tour"

Megan Lewis "Performing Africa Research Residency"

Joanie Smith "Theatrical set for new dance work, When We Last Spoke"