DRAMA INK by Milwaukee Rep

The donor newsletter of Milwaukee Repertory Theater Volume 1 • Fall 2015 WHAT IS DRAMA INK?

BUILDING A BETTER REP Coming off a triumphant 60th Anniversary season, The Rep’s board members and staff entered into a strategic planning process to determine how we can continue our proud tradition of producing exceptional theater created in Milwaukee for Milwaukee – theater that entertains, inspires and enlightens. We are pleased to share that our planning work is now complete and has resulted in a new mission statement:

As donors to The Rep, you are the most dedicated to our work and the most passionate about what we do. Many of you tell us you would like more backstage, behind-the-scenes information about The Rep, and here it is — in the form of Drama Ink! WHY A NEW PUBLICATION? We want to continue our dialogue with you, our donors, to share our exciting news from The Rep and plan to publish two to three times per season. So knowing there is an ongoing thirst for more information, our plan is for Drama Ink to help fill the void.

Milwaukee Repertory Theater ignites positive change in the cultural, social, and economic vitality of its community by creating worldclass theater experiences that entertain, provoke, and inspire meaningful dialogue among an audience representative of Milwaukee’s rich diversity. This new mission statement encapsulates our belief that theater unites us – literally and figuratively – by creating shared live experiences that examine diverse viewpoints, celebrate our commonalities, and help us envision a better tomorrow. We recognize that our statement is aspirational, but this work is not new to us. Through the decades, we’ve fearlessly pursued the belief

on local issues with a national resonance. Guided in part by Ayad Akhtar, Milwaukee’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, we will strive to become a world-class incubator for new plays. World premieres from the last season have gone on to play around the country and reinforce Milwaukee’s stature as an incubator for creativity and innovation. A Commitment to Community Engagement and Citizenship At its most basic, we will call upon the transformative power of theater to better our community. As a collective of more than 200 theater professionals who live and work locally, we’re deeply invested in Milwaukee and are committed to giving back to a community that gives so much to us. We will continue to provide innovative arts education programs, support local non-profits and community development agencies, develop engagement programs that align with programming, and aid neighborhoods with creative placemaking initiatives. The Launch of a New Production of A Christmas Carol Celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, A Christmas Carol has performed to more than 3 million people, making it Milwaukee’s favorite

WHY CALL THIS PUBLICATION “DRAMA INK”? When Mary John formed our theater in 1954, it was incorporated as “Drama Inc.,” operating at the Fred Miller Theater. A few years later in 1964, it became known as Milwaukee Repertory Theater to better reflect our connection to the community, and we have operated under that name ever since. As we contemplated the name for this new publication, we wanted to pay homage to our roots while embracing the future road ahead. We hope to provide you with news and information that will enhance your experiences at the theater and give you an insider’s perspective throughout the season. You tell us that you support The Rep because of the extraordinary productions you see on our stages. We hope that through this publication, you will see that your support makes an extraordinary difference to the work we produce each season. Every dollar makes a difference and, simply put, we could not do what we do without you. Enjoy this first issue and the 2015/16 Season!

Chad Bauman and Mark Clements.

that what we do can change lives. Our vision to create a theater district led us to convert an abandoned power plant into an extraordinary theater complex, revitalizing Milwaukee’s downtown. We boldly forged international collaborations in Japan and Russia, leading to unprecedented artistic exchanges that – regardless of cultural barriers – prove theater is a unifying force. Fifty years ago we launched a training program for emerging artists, inviting the best and brightest to Milwaukee to train with us and create a vibrant theater community. So, you might be wondering, what do we have in the works now? In addition to the top quality productions on which we’ve built our reputation, we are focusing on the following key initiatives: A Robust New Play Development Program We are committed to commissioning, developing, and producing new plays that highlight fresh voices, speak to a growing growing cultural diversity in our city, and focus

holiday tradition. Although Scrooge’s tale is timeless, we re-envision how it is told every 10-15 years to keep it magical and entertaining. The same creative team behind our hit production of Ragtime is already hard at work. To you, our closest friends and strongest supporters, we thank you. Your faith in our work inspires us. Your unwavering support sustains us. Together, we are making a profound impact in our region. All our best,

Mark Clements Artistic Director

Chad Bauman Managing Director

All you gotta do is DREAM... about CLOTHES! An Interview with Costume Designer Alexander B. Tecoma MEET LEDA HOFFMANN, Director of Community Engagement

As Costume Designer Alexander B. Tecoma lays out a shirt pattern on a piece of psychedelic fabric, he reveals his creative process for The Rep’s season opener, Dreamgirls. Dreamgirls follows the journey to stardom of the fictional singing female trio, The Dreams. The production covers two decades: the ‘60s and ‘70s, which are two different eras fashion-wise. “Looking at two decades historically, so much is happening,” said Tecoma. “There are a tremendous amount of gains made during the Civil Rights Movement, and then you enter the Vietnam era.” Tecoma describes Act I, which takes place in the ‘60s, as “sweet, sentimental, idealistic, and conservative.” The Dreams are

starting out, and the audience will see the progression of their careers through the costumes; “It’s a rags-to-riches story.” In Act II, which takes place in the ‘70s, fashion was more “adult and sensual.”

challenges he faced while designing were the multiple costume changes, or ‘quick changes’ in the theater. “With fast costume changes, there will be plenty of magic moments!”

Tecoma gathered inspiration from fashion magazines and video clips of The Supremes, Three Degrees, Soul Train, and various award shows from the time period, basing his various designs on real celebrities who lived parallel lifestyles. In addition, he did extensive research on the original Broadway production and the film adaptation.

Dreamgirls marks Tecoma’s fourth design credit at The Rep, where he has worked for the past 19 seasons. His design work includes The Color Purple, the smash-hit Ragtime, and Assassins. “I am extremely lucky to have the resources I have at The Rep. The artists in the Costume Shop are phenomenally talented and some of the best in the nation. The continuous support allows us to bring glitz and magic to the stage!”

“My designs are more based on the era but I’m making sure I’m not copying.” Some of the

As part of The Rep’s new strategic plan, we have created a new department to focus on programming and conversations that ignite positive change in the community. We are proud to name Leda Hoffmann as the inaugural Director of Community Engagement. Hoffmann can call several cities her hometown – Kathmandu, Athens, Surabaya, Toronto, Kuala Lumpur – but is now proud to call Milwaukee home. She is in her sixth season with Milwaukee Rep, having started as a Directing Intern. Following her intern year, Hoffman served as the Education Coordinator for two seasons developing curriculum, creating content for Play Guides, and teaching in many Milwaukee area schools. Moving to the Artistic Department, she worked as the Literary Coordinator, focusing on obtaining and evaluating scripts, assisting the season planning process, and directing the Powerhouse programs for two Galas. Hoffmann also works as a director across Wisconsin. You may have seen her work on The Amish Project in the Stiemke Studio last season, up at Door Shakespeare in Door County, at The Alchemist Theater with The Chairs or King Lear, or in found spaces in Milwaukee with Phaedra’s Love or The Penelopiad. In her new role, Hoffmann will build relationships with community partners and create a variety of engagement experiences including TalkBacks, discussion series, and special events that place Milwaukee Rep at the center of vital community conversations.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE DONOR

Honorary Trustee Jackie Herd-Barber believes The Rep “Walks the Talk” efforts as one of the three cochairs of Milwaukee Succeeds. Little has changed since then.

Google Jackie Herd-Barber and you may be surprised to see how many times her name appears. A 2014 Milwaukee Business Journal “Woman of Influence,” she aptly received the award for “Behind the Scenes.” At that time, she was serving on 11 boards, visiting schools weekly to read to children, and leading community 2

have been previously underrepresented.

With such strong support across the community, we asked her why The Rep? As Jackie sees it, “The Rep not only talks the talk, but walks the talk in its commitment to diversity of programming, talent recruitment, and inclusive spirit.”

Her involvement with The Rep began in 2003, but she was concerned that she neither had the time nor resources to make a difference. As she tells the story now, however, she was encouraged to both get involved and stay involved and was continually reminded The Rep believes that every gift matters.

Enthusiastic about The Rep’s new strategic plan with its interest and commitment to inclusion, citizenship, and community outreach, Herd-Barber says she stays actively involved because she feels The Rep is making a difference in extending its reach into parts of our community that

Herd-Barber served on the Board of Trustees from 2003-2009 and as Board President 2006-08. In these roles, she contributed to The Rep in so many ways with her time and talent and continues to do so today as a member of the newly formed Presidents’ Council; on the Trustee Committee by helping to

engage further with our diverse Milwaukee community; and as an honorary member of The Rep’s Community Committee that reaches out into the greater Milwaukee community to encourage attendance at Rep productions. Together with her husband Michael Barber, Herd-Barber has generously supported several productions, including The Color Purple and this season’s opening musical, Dreamgirls. Their support is greatly appreciated, and their continued generosity still reflects our belief that every gift matters!

MADE IN MILWAUKEE: A Night of Food, Friends, and Fun

The Rep Welcomes Pulitzer Prize-Winning and Tony-Nominated Playwright Ayad Akhtar Studio); and The Who & The What, a new play The New York Times described as “a fiery and probing new play, crackling with ideas.” In addition to his work as a playwright, Akhtar is also an actor (The War Within) and a novelist (American Dervish). Akhtar will provide guidance and expertise to The Rep’s growing new play development efforts.

Over 400 people joined The Rep on May 9th in a completely transformed Stiemke Studio for The Rep’s annual Gala. This year’s theme “Made in Milwaukee” helped raise a record breaking $433,000. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an active silent auction featuring many exclusive Rep experiences kicked off the evening. Guests then gathered in the Quadracci Powerhouse to participate in a lively voice auction before being treated to an entertaining announcement of our New Play Development program. “Tonight, Milwaukee Rep is proclaiming a commitment to keeping theater vibrant in the present and alive for the future, by telling stories for now, as entertaining as they are thoughtprovoking; that help build audiences and create robust conversations about Milwaukee’s future; and that instill civic pride and community connection,” according to several of the Rep artists assembled. It all led up to the exciting reveal of a four-year partnership with Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Milwaukee native Ayad Akhtar.

The most recent addition to The Rep’s Associate Artist team is Milwaukee native Ayad Akhtar. He attended Brookfield Central High School and went on to receive his undergraduate degree from Brown University and Master of Arts in Directing from Columbia University.

After a delicious dinner, guests wrapped up their evening with a dessert buffet and dancing back in the Stiemke Studio with music provided by 88Nine’s Marcus Doucette. Photo Credits (L-R): 1. Cecilia Gilbert and Ayad Akhtar. 2. Elmo Wendorf, Bruce Kohnke, Joe Rayman, Judy Hansen, and Ron Thrash. 3. Rep Artists took the stage to educate guests about New Play Development. 4. Gala co-chairs Bob & Sue Lueger and Nic & Sally Wahl.

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His plays and stories focus on the theme of the Islamic experience in the United States and reflect specifically on his own experience as a Muslim growing up in Milwaukee. His plays include: Disgraced (2012 Pulitzer Prize, 2012 Obie Award, and 2015 Best New Play Tony Award nomination); The Invisible Hand (which will run February 24-April 3, 2016 in The Rep’s Stiemke

Akhtar is overjoyed by the opportunity to work with The Rep. “The only real way for an American regional theater to remain vital to the national conversation at the same time that it serves its immediate community is through a commitment to producing new work. I grew up in Milwaukee. It’s my home. And it’s very special to me. My way of engaging with the world is through theater – what an honor to have the chance to do that so directly with my hometown.”

Every play was a new play once! You can’t have a titanic classic or groundbreaking work that pushes society forward, and you certainly can’t have a well-loved favorite unless you have a new play first.

–Brent Hazelton,

During that time, The Rep will feature a four-season showcase of Akhtar’s work, beginning with three of his existing plays produced one each season, culminating in the production of a world-premiere commission.

Associate Artistic Director and Director of New Play Development

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GET TO KNOW: JIMMY DeVITA, Star of American Song

A new play may seem like a relatively easy thing to create – turn on the stage lights, and put on a costume or two. The reality is quite different: hours of writing and rewriting, numerous table and staged readings, and countless brainstorming sessions. Successfully creating a new hit play, however, is exhilarating. The Rep’s goal is to produce several new plays over the coming seasons. Check out what we’ve already accomplished over the last 40 years!

What are three things you cannot live without in your dressing room? My script, a family picture, and a good pillow to rest on during double-show days. What is your favorite role you’ve played and why? The next one. If you could have any super power, what would it be? To breathe under water. What is the most played song on your iPod? I don’t have an iPod – I still have a flip phone – but if I had one, it would probably be either a Billy Joel song (a fellow Long Island boy), or Frank Sinatra. If you could have dinner with any one celebrity – past or present – who would it be and why? James Cagney. I idolized him when I was a boy – still do. 3

GET TO KNOW: NOVA Y. PAYTON, Star of Dreamgirls

What are three things you cannot live without in your dressing room? Three things I can’t live without in my dressing room are pictures of my family, music from my iPod, and a pillow/blanket. What is your favorite role you’ve played and why? My favorite role I’ve played was Melpomene in Xanadu. It was the first time doing a comedic character. I thoroughly enjoyed keeping her out of the box. She was sassy, witty, bossy and out of her mind. It was great!

Patty & Jay Baker Theater Complex 108 E Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202

If you could have dinner with any one celebrity – past or present – who would it be and why? Minnie Riperton. I’ve studied her ever since I was a little girl and fell in love with her voice. Her vocal instrument was out of this world. She is definitely one of the greats that left us too soon.

UPCOMING DONOR BENEFIT EVENTS September 26, 2015

Dreamgirls Opening Night & Season Kick-Off event

October 2015 (date TBD)

Magic in the Making: Behind the Scenes ($250+ donors)

November 20, 2015

The Mousetrap Opening Night event

January 14, 2016

Tech Talk: Of Mice and Men ($1,000+ donors)

January 22, 2016

Of Mice and Men Opening Night event

February 2016 (date TBD)

Magic in the Making: Artistic Experience ($500+ donors)

March 18, 2016

American Song Opening Night event

March 2016 (date TBD)

Backstage Tour ($100+ donors)

April 29, 2016

Fences Opening Night event

May 14, 2016

Annual Gala (registration open to the public)

On the MARK

Ask Artistic Director Mark Clements...

Ever had a burning question that you would love to ask Artistic Director Mark Clements? Now is your chance! Each issue, we will feature questions submitted by you, our donors, which will be answered by Mark.

What factors do you consider when choosing a play for the upcoming season? And which shows are you most excited about in the upcoming season? There are many. When developing a season, we have a team who read literally hundreds of plays and then whittle it down to just 11. Each season, we develop a criteria check list within our season that we would like to meet in terms of keeping us on point in our Mission, Core Values & Vision statement. For example, we strive to include a comedy, a classic, and a musical. Then, in terms of themes, we look for pieces that deal with pertinent issues in Milwaukee or stories from underrepresented voices within our community that enhance our understanding of where we live. Above all, each play needs to tell a compelling story that can resonate with a wide group of individuals from across Milwaukee. This season, in addition to the three shows that I’m personally directing (Dreamgirls, Of Mice and Men, American Song) I can honestly say that I’m very excited about everything we are offering. The shows are so eclectically varied that it would be hard to choose one over the other. Why the sudden interest in producing world premieres? Milwaukee Repertory Theater has actually produced about 136 world premieres over its three performance spaces since 1972 – which comes out to about three new plays each year – so we’ve always had a focus on promoting new works. But our current focus is specifically about commissioning and producing original works that have strong local connections, with stories and themes that could also resonate nationally. What is the one thing you would change about Milwaukee? I would like to see our city as one that is less segregated. I was happy to hear that Milwaukee has now become the third most-segregated city in the country, as opposed to the number one slot that it held for many years. However, I’m still made aware on a daily basis of this too large and awful divide in Milwaukee. We have much to do, and I believe the theater can play a small but meaningful part in making change for the better through programming.

*Participation at donor events is by invitation only. Registration is required. You will remain on the invitation list for 12 months from the date of your donation. Invitations are typically sent 4-6 weeks prior to each event. Event dates are subject to change.

What do you like to do in your spare time? To be honest, this job doesn’t offer up a ton of spare time, but I do love spending play time with my beautiful four year-old daughter Amelie and watching soccer – specifically the Premiere league in the UK where I’m from. I’m a north Londoner, so naturally I’m a HUGE Arsenal fan. I also am an avid motorcyclist and spend as much time as I can riding on my Ducati (apologies out there to all my Harley-Davisdon fans).

For event questions, contact Shannon Theiss at stheiss@milwaukeerep.com.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Definitely having the power to be in multiple places at the same time, without the need for sleep. There is so much to be done in life and so little time to achieve it all. Do you have a question for Mark? Submit your questions to onthemark@milwaukeerep.com and see his answers in an upcoming issue!