Dear Friend of Festival Playhouse,

While we typically send our Festival Playhouse newsletter at the end of most weeks, sometimes we have news that is best shared separately.  Such is the case here, and, allow me to share our Guest Artist lineup for the remainder of our season and remind us of our 58^th Festival Playhouse Season.

Guest Artists for Festival Playhouse

In Winter, Janai Lashon will be guest directing BLACKS+PHATS by Kevin Renn.  Kevin will be joining us for a one-week guest residency during our final production week, attending Senior Seminar, and being our host facilitator for our opening night talkback, as well as meeting with student groups and coordinating with ARCUS.  That’s right, the playwright will be here with us, and Janai will also be visiting Senior Seminar as well as working with our students.

Janai Lashon is a thespian, poet, teaching artist & activist. She has intentionally crafted her work to share a variety of experiences and stories from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Her overall vision is to continue her craft at a professional level of mastery, working with creativity and activism to provide transformative experiences. 

Kevin Renn writes plays that challenge minds and tickle comfort zones from his small, overpriced apartment in Manhattan.  Recently Kevin was the featured masterclass guest for Blacklight Community’s Spark Seminars.    ‘BLACKS+PHATS‘ is a satirical, vignette play about black cultural issues, body image, fetishism, and their representation in modern society.

Also in Winter, Festival Playhouse will be producing and providing free to our greater Kalamazoo Community a capstone celebration MLK Week event – Dwandra Lampkin’s The Conviction of Lady Lorraine and will be directed by Dee Dee Batteast.  Dwandra Lampkin will do a one week residency with us, will be meeting with our Senior Seminar students, and we are offering The Conviction of Lady Lorraine to our greater community in celebration of MLK week.  

Dwandra Nickole Lampkin  is an actress, playwright, Associate Professor of Acting and Director of Multicultural Theatre at Western Michigan University.  She is the author and performer of “Lady Lorraine.”  More about Dwandra here.

Dee Dee Bateast is an actress, writer, director, social activist, and youth advocate.  She has worked with Girl Be Heard, a non-profit theatre company dedicated to social justice and issues affecting young women.  She has TV, film, and multiple stage credits (Goodman, Clarence Brown, PlayMakers Repertory Company, etc.).  Dee Dee will be working with Dwandra and staging “Lady Lorraine” on our Nelda K Balch Theatre stage and meeting with our Senior Seminar students.

In Spring, Anthony Hamilton will be guest directing Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet by Tarell Alvin McCraney.  Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet is a beautiful view into the life of a young man who just wants to feel like he belongs. But before he can understand his place, he must first uncover his father’s past.  Our very own Dr. Quincy Thomas will be the lead dramaturg assisting the production.

Anthony J. Hamilton received the 2019 Broadway World Regional Award for Best Choreography, and the 2020 Broadway World Regional Award for Director of the Decade.  He is a performer, director, and choreographer.

Quincy Thomas earned his Ph.D. in theatre and his performance studies certification from Bowling Green State University. His research centers on subjects including counter-storytelling, Black performativity in American culture, representations of the marginalized in popular culture, comedic and solo performance and performative writing. At K, he will teach directing, theatre history and playwriting, with further prior experience teaching theatre, performance studies and film.

Not a bad line up, and, we so look forward to working with these wonderful artists.  As a student, I encourage you to MEET and greet, SEE and learn, and spend your time with each of our guest artists during their time with us.  #luckyyou for the opportunity, and, it is up to YOU to make the most with each guest.  

I will close this very long email (have you even made it this far?) by reminding us of our incredible 58^th Festival Playhouse Season (below)… Black is Beautiful:  An Ode to Black Life, Love, and Strength.

And to remind you of OUR FIRST production coming up in just over one week – Rebecca Chan’s musical Unzipped, written and performed by Rebecca and directed by Milan Levy.  We are so proud to kick off this season with what always remains most important to us:  the work of our students.

I’m looking forward to making some great theatre with each of you this year.  Let’s get to it.

Best,

Lanny

Artistic Director of Festival Playhouse Theatre | 

Theatre that is always provocative… theatre that is always thoughtful…

Lanny Potts | he, him, his

Our 58th Festival Playhouse Mainstage Season:  Black is Beautiful:  An Ode to Black Life, Love, and Strength

Well-Intentioned White People | (fall)

Unzipped by Rebecca Chan k’22 | SPS (senior performance series production) | fall

MLK Celebration with Dwandra Lampkin in “The Conviction of Lady Lorraine” | winter

BLACKS+PHATS | (winter)

Acting Shakespeare with Mathew Swarthout k’22 | SPS (senior performance series production) | winter

Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet | (spring)

For more information, visit: 

Festival Playhouse of Kalamazoo College | 

Theatre that is always provocative.  Theatre that is always thoughtful.

Our 58^th Season | Black is Beautiful:  An Ode to Black Life, Love, and Strength

Fall

SPS: Unzippedby Rebecca Chan ’22

Week 6 | Oct 21-24

Unzipped, an original show of alternating music and monologues, explores the perception of East Asians in the dominant United States’ culture and Rebecca’s own coming-of-age as a queer Chinese-American. The production is directed by Milan Levy, ’23, and will also feature set and projection design from Angela Mammel ’22, and lighting design by Sara Elfring ’25.

Well-Intentioned White People by Rachel Lynett

Week 8 | November 4-7, 2021

Directed by Ren Pruis.

After experiencing an anti-Black hate crime, college professor Cass wants to forget about it and move on with her life. But her white roommate/ex-girlfriend and the dean of the university push her to “do something” about it. Suddenly, Cass is roped into planning an Equality Day/Unity Week while trying to convince her roommate not to plan a sit-in. Well-Intentioned White People explores how liberals attempt to deal with discrimination not directed at them and how sometimes “well intentions” can be just as problematic. The stereotypical white saviors, white liberals, and white allies seem humorously over-exaggerated, but those caricatures aren’t too far, if different at all, from the truth. 

Winter

Diversity Guest Artist Series:  The Conviction of Lady Lorraine by Dwandra Lampkin

Week 3 – MLK Week | January 21-21, 2022

An original one-woman play written and performed by Dwandra Nickole Lampkin

Directed by Dee Dee Batteast

Set in Memphis, TN near the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated—a writer (Lampkin) has a brief but powerful encounter with a homeless woman, Lady Lorraine. She finds herself transformed by Lady Lorraine’s more than 20-year quest to right a social wrong.  One year later, the writer returns to Memphis, hoping that Lady Lorraine will share her full story of conviction. But the writer quickly finds herself asking new questions about many things, and finding that Lady Lorraine is not the only one on a quest for recognition.   Dwandra Nickole Lampkin serves as Associate Professor of Theatre at Western Michigan University.  Directed by Dee Dee Batteast.

SPS: Acting Shakespeareby Sir Ian McKellen

Week 6 | Feb 10-13

Performed by Matthew Swarthout

Matthew Swarthout ’22 will be undertaking Sir Ian McKellen’s one-person show Acting Shakespeare. This show will encompass both Matthew’s and McKellen’s insight into Shakespeare’s plays, featuring monologues and scenes from Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s dream, Hamlet, Macbeth and more.

BLACKS+PHATS by Kevin Renn

Week 8 | February 24-27, 2022

Directed by Janai Lashon.  Special one-week residency with playwright, Kevin Renn.

Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Black Panther Party, and Michael Jackson? BLACKS+PHATS is a satirical, vignette play about Black cultural issues, body image, fetishism, and their representation in modern society. This quick-witted comedy is sure to challenge your mind and tickle your comfort zone, touching on various themes like beauty ideals, relationship dynamics, and levels of attraction–all while attempting to find enlightenment in the stereotypes placed on minorities and full-bodied people.

Spring

Marcus; or the Secret of Sweet by Tarell Alvin McCraney

Week 7 | May 12-15, 2022

This production will will be directed by Anthony J Hamilton with dramaturgy leadership by Dr. Quincy Thomas.

Marcus is sixteen and “sweet.” Days before Hurricane Katrina strikes the projects of Louisiana, the currents of his life converge, overflowing into his close-knit community and launching the search for his sexual and personal identity in a cultural landscape infused with mysterious family creeds. The provocative, poignant, and fiercely humorous coming-of-age story of a young gay man in the South, Marcus is the stirring conclusion of The Brother/Sister Plays.

Hello Theatre folks,

As we head into fifth week, the MIDDLE of fall quarter already, we have just a couple of items to share.

USHERS NEEDED for UNZIPPED is the priority right now, opens and runs 6^th weekend in our Dungeon Theatre.  Please contact Laura.Livingstone-McNelis@kzoo.edu, 

to get details and help out.

WIN $100.00 by entering (and then also winning)  a monologue competition offered through our friends at Face Off Theatre! Deadline is this Saturday, October 9^th at 11:59PM.  

For details: https://fotcmonologuecompetition.square.site/

That’s it.  Have some fun.  Stay safe and healthy.  

Ren

Hello, hello! 

Here we are beginning a new month, in a new era: we are together here on campus and can connect in person again. What a gift! Thank you for being here. 

So now for this week’s news and updates! 

1. ArtHop! Tonight! 5-8pm Downtown Kalamazoo. Area artists’ work (all kinds!) will be featured in numerous galleries—mostly in walking distance from the College. Enjoy art and music with friends! No admission charge—just enjoy your community’s vibrance! Jon Reeves, Technical Director for Festival Playhouse here at K, has a studio  in Park Trades Building, 436 N Park St Studio 123. Check out Combat Ready Art here! 
2. Skeletour! While you’re downtown for ArtHop, have fun taking photos with skeletons hanging out on sidewalks, park benches, or at a café! (Hey, you’re never too old to enjoy some Halloween spirit! BOO!) 
3. Festival Playhouse t-shirts and crew sweatshirts are available in the Bookstore! Both feature our logo on the front, our signature thrust stage and motto on the back. Theatre that is always provocative. Theatre that is always thoughtful. 
4. Ushers needed for both Unzipped (Week 6) and Well-Intentioned White People (Week 8)! Please contact Mabel Bowdle (Mabel.Bowdle21@kzoo.edu), House Manager, or Laura. Livingstone-McNelis@kzoo.edu if you can help us out! It’s a great way to get involved, make friends, become connected, and serve the greater community. Thank you for considering!! 
5. Monkapult! Monkashops are held Tuesday, 10-midnight, in Recital Hall. Come and play fun improv games, or just come and watch! All are welcome—no experience necessary! 
6. Monkapult Show! Homecoming Weekend! Week 5, Friday, Oct. 15, 10pm, Recital Hall! You’ll laugh your socks off! 
7. Theatre Kalamazoo: Did you know we at Festival Playhouse are one of the co-founding theatres of Theatre Kalamazoo (TK)? TK is a group of theatres from the Kalamazoo County who share the love of theatre, and are eager to support one another’s work. You can get the scoop on all member theatres’ seasons at one website (easy, right?!): TheatreKalamazoo.com. Several are in within walking distance, so consider supporting thespians in the greater Kalamazoo Area and get out and see some shows off campus; you’ll be glad you did! 

That’s it for this week! Thanks for reading, and thanks for sharing! If you have any theatre or arts-related news you’d like posted here, just send it to me at Laura.Livingstone-McNelis@kzoo.edu. Have a great weekend! 

Dear Friend of Festival Playhouse,

Welcome to Week Two Festival Playhouse news!

A reminder that PSAC (Play Selection Advisory Committee) meets today at 4:10pm in the Dalton Seminar Library….

And, onto the news!

1. How to get off this list:  Anyone who is reading this and does not want to be on this (usually) weekly Festival email, please email Theatre Arts Coordinator and our Company Manager Laura.Livingstone-McNelis@kzoo.edu and we will get you off the list as soon as we can…. Likewise, if you know of student(s) who have interest in the arts and theatre and they are not on the list, encourage them to “sign on” by contacting Laura and adding their name to the list.
2. What is the Festival Playhouse newsletter?  Well, we do not always send one every week, and, different members of the department will compose the email during the term.  The content is both a sharing of what is happening in the arts here at Kalamazoo College, and arts opportunities and events that are happening elsewhere within the community or nationally.  We live in an extremely active arts community.  And, we want our students to take advantage of all our greater community has to offer.  So, that’s a summary of what content is typically contained in this “newsletter.” (BTW, the “Festival” alias is not for student use… thanks.)
3. Our Play Selection Advisory Committee (PSAC) meets TODAY at 4:10pm in the Dalton Seminar Library.  Here’s your chance to sit around with other students and faculty, talk about plays, and eat bad snacks.  The purpose of the committee is to discuss a possible combination of plays for next year’s season.  Although the department faculty make the final season determination, it is the work of this committee that provides the plays for consideration.  Occasionally a play may be added to the season due to special circumstance (Student Body was our last such), and, our program needs to hear from the work of this committee.
4. The deadline to register for a THEA200 is 5:00pm TODAY.  If you have been contacted about a Production Position for this term, be sure to sign up for a THEA200.  You may access the drop/add form at the bottom of the webpage here: https://registrar.kzoo.edu/forms/formsforstudents/drop-permission-to-add-form/
5. Dr. Chris Ludwa still has some voice lesson slots available.  If you are able and have interest, please contact Dr. Ludwa!  Also, we are on schedule to produce a musical next season – so – polish up those vocal instruments!  Dr. Ludwa is also still seeking talent for the Homecoming show! Contact him!
6. Face Off Theatre (founded in 2015 by five African-American women) is sponsoring a monologue competition!  Info here: Face Off Theatre  FYI, Marissa and Bianca (two co-founders of Face Off Theatre) are frequent guest artists at Festival Playhouse, and, Ynika Yuag (‘k21) and Teyia Artis (‘k21) are currently employed by the company!
7. The Arts Council of Kalamazoo is seeking some part-time help.  K alum and Executive Director of the Arts Council Kristen Chesak shares:  We have very part-time opportunities here at the Arts Council to help out in our Community Box Office.  While Tessitura experience would be great, we are willing to train.  We pay $15 an hour.  Shifts are for 2-4 hours here downtown.  I am reaching out around town to local theatres first to see if they have staff and students looking for opportunities.
8. Art Hop.  Did you know that Kalamazoo CELEBRATES the arts?  The first Friday of every month there is a downtown Art Hop.  It’s pretty cool.  So, next Friday, October 1, there is an Art Hop.  Information here:  October Art Hop.  Many times you can find our own local legend Jon Reeves in his studio at that time:  Jon Reeves | Combat Ready Art
9. Remember we love to work with students!  Questions about production, see Lori Sands, Jon Reeves, or Lanny Potts.  Questions about PR, Marketing, Work Study, and Arts Organization see Laura Livingstone-McNelis.  Questions about anything academic or performance, see Ren Pruis.  Questions about directing, playwrighting, or PSAC, see Dr. Quincy Thomas.  Or, about any of the above, contact our Departmental Student Advisor (DSA) Rebecca Chan, who knows everything.
10. CONGRATS to all of the cast, crew, designers, and musicians for Unzipped and Well Intentioned White People.  We are REALLY looking forward to working with you this term!

If you are a first-year student and receive this email twice, MY APOLOGIES.  I was unable to confirm if your names have yet been added to our Festival alias.  We will have this sorted about by next week for sure!  Thanks for your patience.

Have a great weekend.  

On behalf of the department,

Lanny

Dear Most Wonderful, Intrepid, Creative Explorer and Friend of Festival Playhouse..

Welcome to Week One Festival Playhouse newsletter!!eland

We PROMISE they are not all this long, and, we “share the wealth” amongst our department colleagues during the term so that you have an opportunity to hear each of our “voices.”   Meaning – while we don’t always send a “weekly” email every week – when we do, various members of the department will be creating.

First things first:  WELCOME BACK and WELCOME TO “K”!!!  We REALLY mean that.

And, onto the news:

1. How to get off this list:  Anyone who is reading this and does not want to be on this weekly Festival email, please email Theatre Arts Coordinator and our Company Manager Laura.Livingstone-McNelis@kzoo.edu and we will get you off the list as soon as we can…. Likewise, if you know of student(s) who have interest in the arts and theatre and they are not on the list, encourage them to “sign on” by contacting Laura and adding their name to the list.
2. We are so thankful to have been able to successfully produce a full season of “in-person” and “livestream” theatre this past academic year.  And, we are thrilled to be able to do so again this year.  Of our many challenges, one will be to not only reengage with theatre and with one another, but to also understand what it means to do theatre AT “K.”  We have a very long history of doing “theatre which is always thoughtful, theatre which is always provocative” and also doing that work in a thoughtful, relational way.  Remember, it isn’t just the work that we do, but most importantly, it is the way in which we do that work.  I’m excited for the opportunity to reconnect with our students in the classroom and production environment, and to relearn how to be a great theatre arts family.
3. Remember WHY we do theatre…. I know that it’s different for everyone, and, I can not think of a BETTER and more important time than being able to say we are DOING theatre.  Theatre CAN and DOES make the world a better place – whether that is through disturbing content, enlightening stories, enthralling productions – there is nothing more important than sharing content through a story.  Remember that during the first Spring of COVID we wrote and devised a play, and last fall, we produced it.  That play, “K” and our play production of Kokoro, were magic to my heart.  And guess what, this fall, we are PRODUCING TWO PLAYS.  We have once again partnered with Cody Colvin k’18, of Colvin Theatrical in Grand Rapids (more on Cody here) to be our producing partner this year and assist with our online streaming content.  We will be requiring all in-person audience members to have proof of vaccine, wear a mask, and we will once again implement all Actors Equity COVID Safety Compliance procedures.
4. With regards to our two play productions:  Kudos and Congrats! to company members of Unzipped and Well Intentioned White People.  We will notify production crew and staff of their participation roles Monday via email, and please note there will be an ALL COMPANY meeting for all members of both productions Wednesdsay, September 22, at 6:30pm.   If you submitted a production application, YOU ARE ON THE TEAM.  We look forward to producing some great work this fall term.
5. We still have need of production staff!!  If you have turned in a production application – please assume that YOU ARE DOING SOMETHING for the theatre department this fall.  And, if you are NOT involved in working on one of our productions – WE NEED YOU.  It’s still not too late to participate by either 1) completing a paper production application (found by the mailbox area by the main theatre office (all the way to the end of the ramped hallway); or, 2) completing an electronic application, found here:  Production Application
6. And, here’s a bit about the theatre arts department:
   • A bit of background on Festival Playhouse:  https://festivalplayhouse.kzoo.edu/about-us/
   • A bit of background on the 12 active producing theatres in Kalamazoo!  https://www.theatrekalamazoo.com
   • Ren Pruis.  (All Performance classes and Chair of the Dept). As department chair, see Ren about academic type issues, like theatres arts courses and/or credits.  Co-Founder of the Queens Company in NYC (the all female company devoted to classical theatre, which she co-founded http://queenscompany.org/ ), Ren has served as a Posse Advisor, is currently Senior Class Dean, and is brilliant in her work with performers.
   • Lanny Potts. (All Design classes, Senior Seminar, and Artistic Director of Festival Playhouse Theatre). See Lanny about all production issues such as budget, production opportunities, or independent studies in technology, production, and design. Lanny serves on the board at Farmers Alley Theatre, have received numerous awards for his design work, and enjoys outdoor activities like Ultimate Frisbee and triathlons, and indoor activities like cooking and reading.
   • Dr. Quincy Thomas.  (Directing/Theatre History/Playwrighting).  See Dr. Thomas about dramaturgy, participating on our Play Selection Advisory Committee (PSAC), and how you can be involved as a playwright in the community.  Dr. Thomas has multiple professional credits, some super cool research interests, and is a new colleague!  Make sure you stop by and say hello!  Welcome Quincy!!
   • Jon Reeves.  (Director of Technical Theatre for Festival Playhouse and Dalton Theatre).  See Jon about all crews and technical theatre issues as well as student work in our sound, lighting, props, scenic shops and staffing for Dalton Theatre.  Jon operates a blacksmith studio in the Park Trades building teaching Damascus steel knife making (a “billet” knife) as well as many team-building classes (including multiple Stryker executives) and has offered more the 500 clients classes since January.  He is a master of many things.  Jon was the first design/technical theatre person to ever receive the Kalamazoo Community Medal of Arts Award – the areas’ most prestigious award for regional artists.  (Who was the FIRST recipient?  Nelda K. Balch).
   • Laura Livingstone-McNelis (Company Manager and Theatre Administrator).  See Laura about Work Study administration, booking spaces in the dept, and basically running the entire show. Laura is a writer, a performer, a community activist, author of a master’s thesis, proud alumna of Kalamazoo College, and even prouder mother of two.
   • Lori Sands.  (Resident Artist, Costume Designer, and Costume Shop Manager).  See Lori about all things costume, wig, hair, makeup, and costume shop.  Lori is a fantastic artist and designer/scholar who creates, or works with students to create, our visual costumes for our productions.  She has more “Mickey Mouse” ears that she has created for wardrobe or events than the Disney store.
   • Katherine Harte-Decoux.  Katherine is an adjunct Theatre professor and has been a Teaching Artist, and worked in NYC for fifteen years as actor, director, educator, stage combatant, playwright, producer, and monologue coach; she also founded her own company, Mortal Folly Theatre, and earned her MFA in Directing Theater from Brooklyn College. Since returning to Kzoo, she has worked with Bare Backstage Productions and Great Escape Stage Company, appeared as the infamous dread queen in Macbeth and is a new colleague to the department.  Stop by and say “hi.”  Welcome Kate!
   • Rebecca Chan.  Currently writing, performing, and producing Unzipped as part of our SPS series, Rebecca is our Departmental Student Advisor (DSA) and knows just about everything about the theatre department!
7. PSAC.  A reminder that we NEED student volunteers for PSAC – our Play Selection Advisory Committee.  Interested?  Please contact Dr. Thomas Quincy.Thomas@kzoo.edu.  PSAC will meet on even weeks (2, 4, 6, 8, 10) at 4:30pm, in the Dalton Seminar Library.  Expect amazingly bad snacks and brilliantly engaging conversation.
8. Here’s something cool – thanks to Rebecca Chan for sharing: “there is a new scholarship called the Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program , and it’s specifically for BIPOC students pursuing degrees in theatre management, theatre design, and other non-acting concentrations.   If you ARE a member of Festival Playhouse, you are “getting” a “degree” in theatre management, theatre design, and “non-acting” areas.  I suspect we have many BIPOC students who would be great candidates.  Check out the materials, and then contact Lanny if interested.
9. And another something cool – are you a creative?  Then, this might be for you:  https://airtable.com/shriWbqbkZOFyXSTn

So,  I PROMISE they are not all this long.  

Let me end by simply sharing something which I firmly believe – there is NO ONE better equipped for problem-solving than people who are engaged in the creative arts.  No.  One.  It is what we do, every day, every play, every rehearsal, and every tech.  We problem SOLVE.  So.  Don’t give in, give up, or give away your creative spirit and love for the arts. 

The world needs you.

Welcome back.

From Lanny and the entire Theatre Arts Team…

It’s Week 10 and our last week of the school year, if I can get a little sappy over here about 2 things:

First, Congratulations Theatre Seniors! Of course every senior class is special, but I was hired in 2017 so this is the first class I’ve watched go from little wide-eyed freshman to full fledged adults ready to take on the world. I personally am SO PROUD of each and every one of you and on behalf of the department we wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.

Second, we have an amazing Prof that we need to lift up with the biggest “Thank YOU!” I’m talking about C Heaps. Not only did they take the daunting task to step into some of the biggest shoes left empty after the retirement of Ed Menta, but they did it in such a warm, thoughtful and collaborative way. C has dedicated much time and commitment to the department and this is their last quarter here. If you have taken a class, served on a committee, or been directed by C at some point in the last 3 years, please send them an email or note of thanks and wish them well. THANK YOU C!

Whoa….déjà vu? Yes, you heard this in week 9, it’s a repeat- so nice it needs to be heard twice. Put down the finals flash cards and soak up a little sun and art.​
On Friday (that’s tonight!), June 4 6-8pm Art Hop happening in downtown Kalamazoo. There’s so much to see and do during Art Hop they developed an app. Download the Kalamazoo Art Hop app on your smartphone to get the full schedule or go to: https://kalamazooarthop.org/​. May I recommend a stop by our own, Jon Reeves at the Parks Trades Center to see his blacksmith talents in person?June 4 and 5 is also Art on the Mall in downtown Kalamazoo, over 35 local and regional artistic booths to wander and shop and live performances as well. For more details go here: https://www.kalamazooarts.org/art-on-the-mall/

Well, that’s the last of 2020-2021 year’s newsletters. You are probably already thinking Summer thoughts. This is a reminder from your Prof to read over the break. May I recommend the entire Brother/Sister triptych of plays by Terrell Alvin McCraney? We will be producing Marcus, Or the Secret of Sweet next Spring and it would be great to have all that background info sitting in your head in time for auditions. I’ve got the McCraney plays on my list for sure but first, I think I’m going to finally get to a book I’ve had that’s just utter fluff. Seriously, I don’t remember the title, but it’s about…idk, romance on the Oregon Trail. All I know is some locked legs are sticking out of a covered wagon on the cover, and that feels about right for a beach read.

P.S. You also have my permission to read some utter fluff just for the fun of it.

Have a wonderful Summer everyone, see you next Fall!

Professor Lori Sands

Are you thinking about the end of the school year yet? Wrap up those papers and finish up those projects- you’re in the home stretch because it’s the end of WEEK 9 y’all!

Before we get down to all the amazing things happening this weekend and upcoming week, I want to give a big warm hearty CONGRATULATIONS to the cast and crew of Water by the Spoonful led by guest director, Bianca Washington who wrapped up their beautiful and emotionally powerful show this past weekend. It was a delight to see this Pulitzer Prize winning work brought to life onstage.

Graphic Design team met this week to work on poster designs for next seasons shows and I can’t wait to see the new artwork by our talented team: Chris Diaz ’21, Angela Mammel ’22, and Jorence Quiambao ’21!

Upcoming Events: 

Thursday, June 3 at 12:10pm, the Directing class is showcasing their work. Performances will be in the courtyard in front of the Playhouse. In the case of inclement weather, it will move into the Dungeon.

​More theatre going on, just down the road. Western Michigan University is doing outdoor performances of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee this weekend and A Midsummer Night’s Dream next weekend at the Richmond Center for Visual Arts Miller Fountain Plaza. More info here: https://wmich.edu/theatre/spring-season

So much local art happening, set your calendars for June 4 &5! 

On Friday, June 4 6-8pm Art Hop happening in downtown Kalamazoo. There’s so much to see and do during Art Hop they developed an app. Download the Kalamazoo Art Hop app on your smartphone to get the full schedule or go to: https://kalamazooarthop.org/​. May I recommend a stop by our own, Jon Reeves at the Parks Trades Center to see his blacksmith talents in person?

June 4 and 5 is also Art on the Mall in downtown Kalamazoo, over 35 local and regional artistic booths to wander and shop and live performances as well. For more details go here: https://www.kalamazooarts.org/art-on-the-mall/

Everyone enjoy this last (upcoming week) week of classes before finals and the end of the school year!

Professor Lori Sands

Hello everybody and welcome to the end of Week 7!

We’re so excited for Water By the Spoonful coming up next week and speaking of Water By the Spoonful we still need ushers for this production; please contact Daniel Whitcomb, House Manager, at Daniel.Whitcomb17@kzoo.edu

As we’re thinking about our next show, we’d like to mention our ACTF nominees from last quarter’s The Compass. Emma Fergusson ‘22 and Matthew Swarthout ‘22 both received the Irene Ryan nomination for their lawyerly performances. In addition, Sam Ewald ‘24 was nominated for a Certificate in Stage Management and Angela Mammel ‘22 for a Certificate in Scenic Design for her work on the projections. Overall, our respondent thoroughly enjoyed the show and hopes we continue to make great theatre.

This weekend, Saturday, May 15^th, at 7pm, K’s Monkapult and the Jazz Band will be performing as the opening acts for comedian Josh Johnson on the Quad. Only students can watch in-person, but streaming is available to faculty and staff. Registration is available here.

The Graphic Design Team for next season’s shows met this week! Thanks to Angela Mammel ’22 Chris Diaz ’21, and Jorence Quiambao ’21 for continuing this wonderful work for our department!

Rebecca Chan ’22 was asked to produce a track for a recording artist named Mt. Etna. No release date yet, but the track is done and we can’t wait to hear it!

The Arts Council is looking for volunteers to assist at Art on the Mall on June 4 & 5! Art on the Mall is a two-day, outdoor Arts Festival in conjunction with Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership’s JumpstART weekend. Volunteers can help with event set-up, clean-up, traffic monitoring, assisting artists, and more. Year after year, returning volunteers say that this is one of their favorite events of the summer! 

They are also looking for volunteers for Art Hop on the first Friday of every month. Volunteer roles for Art Hop include helping with set-up and clean-up, greeting guests, assisting artists, and more. This is a great opportunity to get those volunteer hours in and have some fun! 

That’s all for this week. See you next week at Water By the Spoonful. Get your tickets!

Internships available!
Check out Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, MI: bluelake.org as well as Meadow Brook Theatre, MI.
Stop by and check out the postings on the bulletin boards near the main office for more information and ideas!

Art Hop tonight!-Friday, May 7. Enjoy a walk downtown to the different galleries. Jon’s studio, Combat Ready Art, is in the Park Trades Building.

Monkapult–Sat., May 15—outdoors! Stay tuned for more details!

Water by the Spoonful tickets: There are only a small number/night, so don’t miss the chance to see live theatre in person! Streaming options are also available. Please spread the word to your family and friends—and faculty! Check out our website for more info.

Ushers needed for Water by the Spoonful: To do our play, we need ushers! It’s a fun job with small time commitment! Please contact House Manager Daniel Whitcomb ’21 for more information.

Great music—live with the band, Blueback! Mark the dates for two gigs so far this summer. Please come if you can:
a.     Wednesday July 7, 2021 5:30pm-8:30pm: Beats on Bates in downtown Kalamazoo.

b.     Saturday July 17, 2021 6pm-9pm: Bourbon, BBQ, and Blues in Coloma -Mountain Road Estate Vineyard in Coloma, MI (more info on this as it becomes available)

More info. here.

 
Video footage needed: If you’ve got short clips you are able to share, we’d love to have some candids on our website! We also have been invited to submit videos to Theatre Kalamazoo (aka, TK!) for inclusion in two different professional videos we’re working on, so don’t miss this chance to celebrate what we do here in theatre at K. Send to festivalplayhouse@gmail.com with subject line, “VIDEO” by Wed., May 12.

Current students’ plans this summer (PLEASE SEND YOUR UPDATES to the TAO Staff too at festivalplayhouse@gmail.com, subject line, “UPDATE”):

Angela Mammel ’22: I’ll be working at the Ghostlight Theatre in Benton Harbor as the Scenic Design Intern for their second-ever season! I’ll also be helping with administrative duties during my internship, as well as filling various crew positions as needed throughout the three shows they’re doing that line up with K’s summer break (The Light in the Piazza, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?, and Much Ado About Nothing). 

Teyia Artis’21 has been hired to be the production manager for FaceOff Theatre Company (which, by the way, was co-founded by Bianca Washington!) and Ynika Yuag ’21 has also been hired as a director! 

Milan Levy ’23 will return to NYC to continue working for the Lee Strasberg Institute this summer before heading off for study abroad in Australia next winter/spring.​

Congratulations to you all!!!

Green Room and Seminar Library makeovers: Did you know we are updating these two special places? Check them out when you’re in the building…it’s exciting to see what is happening here! Thanks to Teyia, Ellie and Angela for spearheading these efforts!

That’s it for now—have a great weekend!
Laura

What a glorious day–and weekend ahead! Get out and enjoy the spring air and bouquets of flowers in gardens! Take a walk to WMU’s campus…the Waldo Pond (just a ¼ mile or so from our athletic center) is a great destination point, complete with benches near the water for reflection, and turtles in the pond to entertain. Swans usually nest near the west end of the pond too. ; )

Now on to the news of the week!

1. Tickets are now on sale for Water by the Spoonful! Seats for both in-person as well as virtual performances will be available next week. Reserve your spot here.
2. In case you missed it, our season has been announced! The 58^th Season Theme is Black is Beautiful: An Ode to Black Life, Love, and Strength. The mainstage plays will be Well-Intentioned White People by Rachel Lynett (FA’21); Blacks and Phats by Kevin Renn (WI’22); and Marcus, or the Secret of Sweet by Tarell Alvin McCraney (SP’22). Thanks to PSAC for your involvement in this process.
3. Check out the latest feature from Channel 13 about Steven Yeun (and including some familiar current students’ faces too!).
4. Send your summer updates—plans, jobs, internships—to me to share in next week’s newsletter.
5. Chris Ludwa has generously offered to host a one-hour virtual Q & A with a friend of his (the lead in Jagged Little Pill on Broadway) at no charge to the theatre department on May 14, 4pm. Contact Chris to get the link! (Theatre alumni have also been invited! Thanks, Chris!!)
6. Some of our special spaces in the department are being renovated and updated! The Seminar Library hosts new tables and new (purple!) chairs and the Green Room will be a comfortable, cozy to wait before or during shows. Thanks to Teyia and Ellie for doing the selection and the Scene Shop Crew for assembling!

That’s it for now—thanks for reading, and have a great weekend! Don’t forget to invite friends and faculty to watch Water by the Spoonful! Invite now—watch later!

Best wishes,

Laura