A message from the dean

Dear Friends,

As we head into the traditional holiday season, we’re delighted to have you join us in the most ambitious CONNECT ever. You may remember that our theme for the year is “The Arts and Wellbeing,” and in the time of Covid nothing could be more important than the physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing of our students, staff, and faculty. Wellbeing is a complex issue, of course, and in each issue of CONNECT we’ll be exploring aspects of this theme. This issue is devoted to sharing ways in which CTSA is empowering creative energies in a wide variety of methods.

Even though the UCI campus is largely empty, remarkable things are happening in CTSA; though that “in” is, of course, remote. The photo on the opposite page here tells the tale: We’ve supplied a large number of portable ballet barres to students to use in their homes, dorms, garages, etc., and this is just one of the many ways we’re doing everything we can to give students the kind of rich experience for which they’ve come to UCI. You’ll also notice Kelby Fisher’s (pictured) pointed foot, toes touching the Marley flooring: We’ve distributed nearly 150 of them to dance majors to help prevent injury and to provide a proper base for their work. There’s so much in this issue, from profiles of alumni (artist Glenn Kaino, director Beth Lopes, Artistic Producer Ross Jackson — and more) to our great supporters such as Janice Smith, who’s been part of CTSA for several decades, and profiles of exciting new faculty (Zachary Price, who’s brought a wide background in performance and scholarship to the Drama department).

The arts are the most deeply affected of any area of “normal” life, of course, given our inability to share our work with you face-to-face. But you’ll be amazed to see how many events CTSA is still producing, and of course, we hope you’ll join us for many of them. We’re immensely grateful for your continuing support (particularly in a time without ticket sales) and wish you a safe, healthy journey through this remarkable time.

Stephen Barker, Ph.D. Dean