2021 -22
Performing Arts Center university at albany
State University of New York
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Performing Arts Center Music Program Theatre Program
(518) 442-3995 (518) 442-4187 (518) 442-4200
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Cover photo: Ashwini Ramaswamy by Ed Bock Photo this page: UAlbany Performing Arts Center by Patrick Ferlo
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Only 1.5 miles to University at Albany Minutes from I-87, 787, and I-90 Walking Distance to Crossgates Mall
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Photo: Ashwini Ramaswamy’s Let the Crows Come by Jake Armour
for a full listing of this season’s events.
About the Film
A Note from the Company Welcome back! The production you are about to experience is a collection of work in progress snapshots adapted from two fully written one act plays by UAlbany students Claire Dell-Priscoli and Yetunde Babalola. For the past few weeks, the playwrights, actors, design team and I have embarked on a journey together within the shifting landscape of COVID 19. Inside our laboratory environment, we have focused on process and been guided by experimentation, creative risk and the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration. As artists, educators and students we are living through a moment of unprecedented social, political and economic upheaval. In reflecting on this moment and the power of live performance as a tool to ignite change, foster justice, and build resilient communities, I would like to call forward some potent words from playwright, actor and educator Nikkole Salter: “The theatre has not been insulated from the chaos this year has brought. All of our audiences, artists, institutions and infrastructure have been affected. All of the assumptions upon which our industry is built, all of what we consider to be “normal”, all that we have accepted as “fact”, all of the rules of engagement that have governed how we do our work and serve our communities are now wide open for examination and radical change. We the people- who work to gather, preserve, create and steward the American narrative-the same narrative that defines who we all are to ourselves, to each other and to the world; the same narrative that serves as the organizing principle for our collective consciousness and experience— we are the midwives of the birth of this examination and change…. We are essential to the successful ushering in of new realities…”
One of the reasons I am so passionate about developing new work is that it creates space for new stories, new voices and vital new realities that shift and expand our collective consciousness and radical imagination. As we return to live performance for the first time in two years, we invite you to step into this new arena with us as a witness to our evolving process! Thank you for being here and for choosing to spend this time with us. ~ Sara Katzoff, Director and creative process
facilitator on behalf of the company
Part I Excerpts from
There Was a Dent Here, it’s Gone Now by Claire Dell-Priscoli
A NOTE FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT “No live organism can continue for long to exist sanely under conditions of absolute reality." -Shirly Jackson, The Haunting of Hill House
SETTING The Newman home, in American suburbia, throughout the 1950s into the 1960s.
ENSEMBLE Susan Newman - Isabel Sanchez Robert Newman - Jason Brown Veronica “Ronnie” Newman - Emily Markel Pandora - Kyle Tunney Carol - Eva Kottakis Deborah - Honor Kilpatrick Julian/Lee - Donnie Frazier Virtue - Shanell West
Part II Excerpts from
Josephine
by Yetunde Babalola
A NOTE FROM THE PLAYWRIGHT “Happiness can only be achieved through a true finding and acceptance of oneself” -Yetunde Babalola
SETTING 2018. Long Island, NY. The Land of the eerie.
ENSEMBLE Virtue- Shanell West Josephine - Ajsia Cabrera Shola/Aeris- DeAsia Clarke Yolanda- Mariam Sanou Ramsey/Nya - Donnie Frazier Wanda/Nurse -Emily Markel Doctor, Soldier - Kyle Tunney Alex, Soldier - Eva Kottakis Demi, Soldier - Honor Kilpatrick
Production Team Production Manager..…………………………………...STEVE MICHALEK Scene Shop Supervisor…………..…………………………….JOHN KNAPP Costume Shop Manager…………………….……………..RENEÉ M. BELL Assistant to the Director……………………………….DIEGO MAROTTA Acting Coaches/Alumni Mentors……………….MICKEY O'DONNELL AVA O’DEA, INIABASI NELSON Marketing……………………………………………….KAT SCHERMERHORN Light/Sound Operator……………………………………DIEGO MAROTTA Deck Crew…………………….………..………………………….EMILY CHOON Dressers…………………………………….JULIA AIREY, ISABELLA OKOSO Scene Shop TAs….…EMMETT COSTELLO, DEANNA GREENBLATT MJ JOHNSON, OLEG BALITSKIY Carpentry Crew…………ANDREW MERCADO, WILLIAM FREERICK Properties Crew………………….SMRITHY MUDAVANGATTIL SAJAN Costume Shop TA………………………....…………………EMILY ENGLISH Costume Shop Crew………………………………………………JAKE EVANS Scene Shop Lab Students…..JOHN MARQUAYE, OLEG BALITSKIY KEN REIBMAN, EVA KOTTAKIS, EVELYN LEE LIAM MENGLER, CRISTOPHER SOS AMANDA SPRINGER, DONNIE FRAZIER JORDAN DANNER, BB BANGURA, BRIA KNOX CALEB LEE, LUCY MORGAN, GABRIELLE CORTEZ ZARAH GLAZE, NATE KETCHUM, JAKE PERLMAN Costume Shop Lab Students………………….….BRIANNA IACOCOVE MEARA MCTAGUE, BIANCA MALAVE HONOR KIRKPATRICK, IAN LEE CATHERINE MCDOWELL, NAISHA VELEZ GALAN ERIN FORD, JAIDEN EDWARDS, LENA DZIALAK House Manager………………………………………………….KEN REIBMAN Ushers………………………………………….………..…….JAIDEN EDWARDS SHANNON GILPATRICK, CATHERINE MCDOWELL, AMANDA MO, ALEXA MUNOZ, JAKE PERLMAN
Who’s Who - Cast JASON BROWN (Robert Newman) is a freshman at UAlbany who is majoring in English and minoring in Creative Writing. He was previously in Seven Guitars as Canewell. Thanks to his entire crew and cast. AJSIA CABRERA (Josephine) is a junior at UAlbany who is majoring in Psychology and minoring in Theatre. She is making her debut in New Play Arena. She gives thanks to her cast, crew, friends and family. DEASIA CLARKE (Shola/Aeris) is a sophomore at UAlbany majoring in Economics/Business. Deasia’s last performance was on the Hamilton stage (FUNNN!). Thanks to her entire crew and cast. DONNIE-LEE J. FRAZIER (Julian/Lee/Ramsey/Nya) is a junior at UAlbany with a Theatre major and Creative Writing minor. This is the first time he’s participated in a production. KYLE TUNNEY (Pandora, Chief Soldier) is a senior at UAlbany who is majoring in English with a minor in Theatre. He has prior acting experience through the Night of One Acts performances at Hudson Valley Community College. HONOR KILPATRICK (Deborah/Demi/Soldier) is a freshman Theatre major at UAlbany. Past roles include Sally Brown in You're a Good Man Charlie Brown and Kate Rushton in Working. Many thanks to everyone involved! EVA KOTTAKIS (Carol/Sue Understudy/Solider/Waiter) is a freshman at UAlbany who is double majoring in Human Development and Theatre with an intended minor in Acting.
This is her first UAlbany production and she couldn't be more excited. Thanks to everyone who made this performance possible. EMILY MARKEL (Veronica/Wanda) is a junior at UAlbany who is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Sociology. She previously worked stage crew for The Wiz. ISABEL SANCHEZ (Sue Newman) is a sophomore and is ecstatic to be participating in her second production with the UAlbany Theatre Program. She wishes the cast and crew the best of luck on all performances. MARIAM SANOU (Yolanda) is a freshman with a major in Computer Science, and a minor in Theatre. Previous roles include Judge 7 in 12 angry. SHANELL WEST (Virtue) is a sophomore at UAlbany. She is a Theatre major with an intended minor in Sociology and Education. This is Shanell's first performance at UAlbany and she is beyond excited. Who’s Who – Creative Team YETUNDE BABALOLA (Author of Josephine) has been involved in the Spring FRESH ACTS festival as an actor in the plays Hope and Brewed Kindred. She is also the president of the Black Theatre Productions organization on campus. She interned over the summer at the Capital Repertory Theater as an ASM. The inspiration for her play was from cutting her hair sophomore year. Much like the main character Josephine, she embarked on a new journey of discovering who she was when she cut her hair. The inspiration also comes from her love of the fantastical and Greek mythology.
OLEG BALITSKIY (Sound Design) is a self-taught multi-instrumentalist who studied music and audio engineering in New York City. He began working in event production at Columbia University where he strengthened his skills in audio and video editing, stage lighting, and production coordination. In 2017, Oleg moved to the Hudson Valley with a desire to contribute to the growing arts community and worked as a Production Theater Technician at various performing arts institutions such as PS21, Lumberyard, Ulster Performing Arts Center, The Fisher Center, Hudson Opera House, and others. Oleg transferred to University at Albany in Fall 2021 and is pursuing a BA in Theatre with a concentration in Theatrical Design and Technology. With a strong commitment to personal and professional growth, Oleg has devoted much of his time to learning leadership and management techniques while studying for technical certifications. He also enjoys spending time with friends, being in nature, and writing and recording his own music. GWEN BOWMAN (Production Stage Manager) is an alumnus of the UAlbany Theatre Program. They are excited to be working in the same space where their Stage Management track started back in 2017. Selected past productions include Almost, Maine (ASM/Props Assistant) Godspell (SM), Intimate Apparel (SM/ Props Supervisor), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (SM/APM). CLAIRE DELL-PRISCOLI (She/her; Author of There Was A Dent Here, it’s Gone Now) is a Junior English and Theatre major at UAlbany. She acted in the University's production of Suddenly Last Summer and has acted in many other productions in her youth, but has never written a published play before. She'd like to thank her friends and family for supporting her, as well as the university faculty for helping her through every step of the writing process.
EMILY OLIVIA ENGLISH (Costume Designer) is excited to be making her designing debut! She’s a senior Theatre major and has previously worked as a Costume Shop Assistant and Dresser. SARA KATZOFF (Director, she/her) is a theatre maker, creative process facilitator and director who specializes in new work development, ensemble generated performance and collaborating with artists and communities who reflect a multiverse of voices, bodies and approaches to storytelling. Recent directing/devising projects include ...And Jesus Moonwalks the Mississippi by Marcus Gardley (Booth Theater); Alexis Scheer's Laughs In Spanish (Boston Playwrights Theater); Particularly in the Heartland (The Foundry); PASSAGE (Kickwheel Ensemble Theater); The Waypoint (MASS MoCA), Facing Our Truth (Colonial Theatre); The Motherf**ker With the Hat (Mass College of Liberal Arts); The Clean House, Beowulf: A Thousand Years of Baggage and The Lathe of Heaven (Boston University). Sara is the co-producing artistic director of Bazaar Productions/The Berkshire Fringe and has collaborated with WAM Theater, Barrington Stage Company, Rattler Productions and The Foundry. She holds an MFA in directing from Boston University, a BA in performance studies from Bard College at Simon’s Rock and is a graduate of Dell'Arte International. Recently, she has had the privilege of continuing her ongoing learning with Sojourn Theater & the Institute for Performance and Civic Practice, The Black Acting Methods Studio, Nicole Brewer/Anti-Racist Theater and Theatrical Intimacy Educators. She is delighted to be returning to UAlbany after serving as guest director for The Exonerated in 2016. DIEGO MAROTTA (Assistant to the Director) is a senior Theatre major at UAlbany. Previously, he was a Lighting Technician for UAlbany Theatre Program’s production of Shakespeare's A
Midsummer Night's Dream. He hopes everyone in attendance enjoys the show. STEVE MICHALEK (Production Manager/Technical Director) is the Head of Design and Technology. He has held myriad positions at numerous regional theatres including Merrimack Repertory Theatre (carpenter/welder), Shakespeare & Company (lighting designer, master electrician, ATD), the Ogunquit Playhouse (TD), Connecticut Repertory Theatre (TD), and the Richard B. Fisher Center at Bard College (TD). He has also acted on area stages including the Mac-Haydn Theatre and the Ghent Playhouse. He has previously taught at Union College (LD/TD), Southern Connecticut State (PM/TD), the University of Connecticut, and at the New Hampton School. He has a BA in English from the University at Albany and an MFA in Technical Direction from the University of Connecticut. INIABASI NELSON (Acting Coach) was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, fell in love with acting through developing a character to tell a story. He is a UAlbany graduate, where he studied Theatre and Psychology. He worked with the Black Theatre Troupe of Upstate NY in their production of Barbecue. He worked with Troy Foundry Theatre on the premiere of Models of Perfection. He also worked with Confetti Stage in their production of The Mountaintop, playing the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His dream is to one day tell stories for the world. MICKEY O’DONNELL (Acting Coach/Assistant Director) is a UAlbany alumni. They’ve been more than thrilled to be involved in another production with the Theatre Program. This is their first time taking on a role quite like this, and it’s been a privilege to help the actors grow into their roles and bring this show to life.
Special Thanks to: Amy Brentano, Noh Bailey, Reneé Bell, Jada Coleman, Aesop Mays, Ava O’Dea, The Foundry West Stockbridge, Chad Larabee, Angela Ledtke, Iniabasi Nelson, Mickey O'Donnell, Kim Stauffer, Square Candy Design, Avital Shira, Kate Walat and Peter Wise Theatre Program Administrative Staff Theatre Program Director/Producer, Head of History, Literature & Criticism............ESZTER SZALCZER Head of Performance..........................................CHAD LARABEE Head of Design and Technology.......................STEVE MICHALEK Head of Acting......................................................KIM STAUFFER Department Administrative Assistant…..….BERNADETTE SOCHA Administrative Services ..............................................PAC STAFF Theatre Faculty & Staff Professors.................................................................ANDI LYONS ESZTER SZALCZER Associate Professor..........................................KATHRYN WALAT Full Time Lecturers...............................................RENEÉ M. BELL CHAD LARABEE KIM STAUFFER STEVE MICHALEK Instructional Support Associate..............................JOHN KNAPP Adjunct Instructors….........................................DEVON DROHAN MELISSA HURT SARA KATZOFF DAVID KENNER ANGELA LEDTKE RACHEL MACKENZIE BHAVESH PATEL YVONNE PERRY THOM RIVERA
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Coming Soon A Dream Play by August Strindberg adapted by Caryl Churchill Directed by Angela Ledtke November 11 to 14, 18 to 20 In this modern “Everywoman” play, a young woman sets out on a journey in the course of which she encounters life’s wonders, contradictions and absurdities. August Strindberg’s dream world comes alive with fresh, contemporary resonances in this adaptation by leading feminist playwright Caryl Churchill.
PERFORMING ARTS CENTER HOUSE POLICIES Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management and its staff. . The use of photographic or recording devices of any kind during this performance is strictly prohibited. . There is no food or drink allowed in the theatres, nor is smoking allowed in UAlbany buildings. . To avoid disrupting the performance, kindly disable any noise making electronic devices you may have with you. . Please take time to note the location of the fire exits nearest to you. In the event of an emergency, please proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion and follow the directions of our staff.
Created and produced by the University Art Museum, NYS Writers Institute and UAlbany Performing Arts Center in collaboration with WAMC Public Radio, this popular series features leading figures from a variety of artistic disciplines in conversation about their creative inspirations, their craft and their careers. “Roundtable” host Joe Donahue conducts live on-stage interviews followed by a Q&A with the audience.
Dance in Albany 2021-22
Coming up next:
Rennie Harris Puremovement October 22 at 8pm Photo: Rennie Harris Puremovement
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