School of Theatre and Music Brochure 23

SCHOOL OF

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO

The mission of the School of Theatre & Music is to provide innovative, rigorous, and comprehensive academic and performance programs as part of its diverse, urban context. These programs develop practical knowledge, cultural sensitivity, intellectual resourcefulness, and imaginative daring in emerging artists and scholars. They connect students to Chicago’s abundant, vibrant theatre culture and to the city’s dynamic jazz and classical music networks.

As a School of Theatre & Music graduate, you will have the knowledge, skills, and connections you need to become an exceptional contemporary artist or scholar. Small class sizes offer personalized attention from renown faculty. Professional internship opportunities provide hands-on experience with Chicago’s theatre and music scenes. Student exchange and study abroad programs help develop a global perspective. Finally, classmates and teachers become an important artistic network, and set a foundation for your success long after graduation. We welcome you to take a tour, ask questions, and learn more about UIC!

Christine Mary Dunford Director, School of Theatre & Music Yasen Peyankov Head, Department of Theatre

Brent C. Talbot Head, Department of Music

THEATRE FACULTY

Stephanie Cluggish

Costume designer, technician, and costume shop manager; credits include Northlight Theatre, Lyric Unlimited (Lyric Opera), Steppenwolf Theatre, Haven Theatre, American Theatre Company, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, Raven Theatre, The Gift Theatre, Steep Theatre, Metropolis Performing Arts Center.

Lydia Diamond

Jeff-Award winning playwright; plays include Toni Stone (Goodman, Roundabout, ACT), Smart People (2ndStage, Writer’s Theatre), Stick Fly (Broadway, Congo Square) and The Bluest Eye (Steppenwolf, Guthrie). Television: Showtime, HBO, HBO MAX, NBC, and HULU.

Christine Mary Dunford

Director of the School; actor/adaptor/ director, Ensemble Member of Lookingglass Theatre Company, and co-founder of the Memory Ensemble.

Myron Elliott

Costume designer and technician; credits include Steppenwolf, Red Orchid Theatre, Northlight Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, and Ohio Light Opera.

Erin Freeman

Production and technical theatre; experience at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Performing Arts at UNC- Charlotte, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Williamston Theatre, and Ohio Light Opera.

Tanera Marshall

Voice and accents specialist for theatre, television, and film; credits include FX’s The Bear and Fargo, NBC’s Chicago Fire, Dungeons & Dragons, Army of the Dead, Widows, Public Enemies, Broadway tours of Hamilton and Billy Elliot

Jason Martin

Acting, voice and speech specialist for theatre; credits include, Lookingglass Theatre Company, First Folio, Piccolo, Raven, Haven, Muse of Fire, Shattered Globe, Red Tape, and Silk Road.

Rachelle Palnick Tsachor

Internationally recognized movement expert, certified in Laban/Bartenieff and Alexander Techniques, researches the motion/emotion interface, and trains movement professionals in the performing arts and sciences.

Yasen Peyankov

Head of Theatre; critically acclaimed actor, director, and Ensemble Member of Steppenwolf Theatre Company.

Collette Pollard

Jeff Award-winning scenic designer; projection & video designer credits include, Goodman Theatre, Steppenwolf Theatre, Lookingglass, Oregon Shakespeare Theatre, Alliance Theatre and Kansas City Repertory Theatre. Artistic Associate at Timeline Theatre.

Edward Torres Theater artist, television actor and Professor. Jeff Award-winning director, co-founder of Teatro Vista theatre.

Monty Cole, Advanced Acting Richard Corley, Advanced Acting Xiomara Cornejo, Theatre and Performance

Katrina Herman, Stage Management Monet Felton, Fundamentals of Acting for Non-Majors

Bonnie Metzgar, Stage Direction, Script Analysis Gabriel-Thom Pasculli, Movement for the Actor

Claire Simon, Audition Workshop Adal Rifai, Improvisation Lynn Pace Green, Teaching Artist Training Marcela Muñoz, Directing Ken-Matt Martin, Directing Andre Pleuss, Sound Design Daniel Rivera, Acting Gabrielle Strong, Lighting Design Seth Wilson, Theatre History

KEY Acting Voice/Movement Technical Theatre & Design Theatre & Performance

MUSIC FACULTY

Choral

Liza Calisesi Maidens Andrew Lewis Band

Nicholas J. Carlson Ronald Stemley Jazz

Andy Baker Chris Madsen Michael Stryker Cheryl Wilson Orchestra Tim Fawkes Mariachi Michael Espinoza Percussion Jordan Kamps

Pop-Rock Ensemble Carey Deadman Chamber Ensembles Adam Cordle

Private Lesson Instructors

Strings

Jennifer Cappelli, violin Claudia Lasareff-Mironoff, viola Paula Kosower, cello Samuel Shuhan, double bass

Woodwinds

Eugenia Moliner, flute Mariana Gariazzo, flute J. Ricardo Castañeda, oboe

Nicholas Carlson, clarinet John Gaudette, bassoon Jordan Lulloff, saxophone Brass

David Inmon, trumpet Jeremiah Frederick, horn Andy Baker, trombone Scott Tegge, tuba/euphonium Percussion Jordan Kamps Piano Ivana Buckvich Classical Guitar Denis Azabagic

Classical Voice Sarah Ponder Jazz

Charles Heath IV, drums Andy Baker, trombone Marques Carroll, trumpet Larry Kohut double bass Chris Madsen, saxophone Michael Stryker, piano Zvonimir Tot, guitar Cheryl Wilson, vocals

Music Business Robert Difazio

Music Core (composition, ear training, history, keyboard skills, literature, theory)

Andy Baker

Elbio Rodriguez-Barilari

Gene Collerd

Hai Tao Huang

Ryan Ingebritsen Jordan Kamps

James McNally Marc Mellits

Monika Miodragovic Ruth Rosenberg Harris Saunders

Zvonimir Tot

Digital Music Composition Private Lessons

Marc Mellits

Daniel Lopatka

KEY Music Core Applied, Classical Applied, Jazz Ensembles

THEATRE DEGREES

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting

Work closely with world-class faculty from Tony Award-winning theatres in a supportive program with an emphasis on practical training. Take a conservatory-style course sequence of eight semesters of acting and six of both voice and movement. Apply for an international student exchange program in Barcelona, Spain your third year. Complete your degree with a senior audition class performance for agents and casting directors.

every year, with acclaimed professional writers, directors, and designers, provide opportunities for student actors, assistant managers, and technicians.

THEATRE DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Performance

Combine the best of a liberal arts education with the opportunity to choose specialized theatre education and training in one of three tracks: general, performance, authorship. Apply for an international student exchange program in Galway, Ireland your third year. And complete your degree with a senior capstone project that builds on your work over four years.

General – enter as a transfer student or take full advantage of classes across the campus. Performance – develop your skills as an all-around theatre artist. Authorship – focus on directing, writing, adapting, and devising new work.

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THEATRE DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Design, Production & Technology

Develop a strong foundation in theatre then build on core courses in the area of design that most interests you. Take courses in acting, scenic design, lighting, costume, make-up, set construction, directing, playwriting, contemporary performance and more. Graduate with a portfolio.

Scan QR Code to learn more about the degree program.

MUSIC DEGREES

Bachelor of Music in Performance

Pursue advanced study in piano, voice, guitar, and orchestral instruments. Study with Chicago’s most outstanding artistteachers. Develop your musicianship through regular master classes with acclaimed guest artists, and multiple performance opportunities with our 15 different ensembles.

Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies

Build the foundation for your professional career in jazz and related contemporary music fi elds. Receive weekly coaching from top jazz musicians, and take jazz-oriented courses in theory, history, and arranging. Expand your studies and performance opportunities in the fl ourishing Chicago jazz scene.

MUSIC DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts in Music Business

World Report Best College rankings placed UIC’s undergraduate business program in the top 100 programs in the U.S. BA in Music secured competitive internships at leading firms and non-profits.

MUSIC DEGREES

Bachelor of Arts in Music

Follow your passion. Study music while developing a strong liberal arts foundation. Take core music courses and four terms of private instruction while playing in music ensembles and taking advantage of over 200 other disciplines at UIC. Some BA students pursue a second degree.

120 Credits

27% Electives

Scan QR Code to learn more about the degree program.

ENSEMBLES AT UIC

More than 300 students from across the university participate in our ensembles. They offer public performances throughout Chicago, including at historic downtown venues such as the Jazz Showcase and Studebaker Theatre and further afield at art centers such as Logan Center for the Arts.

Our large ensembles explore a depth of repertoire ranging from classical masterworks to world premieres.

Smaller ensembles, from jazz combos to wind quintets, form under the guidance of our instrumental instructors according to the talents and interests of our students.

Students have the opportunity to take professional gigs on and off campus.

Chamber Choir Chamber Music Jazz Combos Jazz Ensemble ¡Mariachi Fuego! Orchestra Pep Band

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Percussion Ensemble Pop-Rock Ensemble Symphonic Band University Choir Vocal Jazz Ensemble Wind Ensemble Women’s Choral Ensemble

As a student at UIC, a major public research university in one of the world’s most exciting arts cities, your opportunities on and off campus are almost limitless. As part of one of the most diverse campuses in the nation, the School of Theatre and Music is committed to providing a welcoming environment for all students.

— Christine Mary Dunford , Director of School of Theatre & Music

STUDENT LIFE

Between practicing, performing, studying, and socializing, life at the School of Theatre & Music is never dull. In addition to classes, students attend peer’s concerts and shows, run their own clubs and organizations, and connect with Chicago’s arts community through jobs and internships, or study abroad.

Theatre

Completely student-run, Red Light School District is a collaborative improv troupe that focuses on relationships and team building skills. They have performed at iO, The Playground Theatre, The pH Comedy Theatre, and the CIC Theater.

Chicago Circle Players, the oldest student-run organization on UIC’s campus, is devoted to helping students create and produce plays as well as organizing events. Past projects include open mics, movie nights, and 24-hour plays.

Music

Our chapter of the national co-ed band service fraternity Kappa Kappa Psi (KKP) was one of the largest installation chapters in the history of the organization and the fi rst located directly in a major US city.

Drawing top singers from our choir program, the student-led Downtown Voices and Sparknotes perform a cappella music around Chicago in concerts and competitions.

Learn more about UIC Student Life at http://uic.edu/life-at-uic

Every year, multiple UIC theatre students spend a semester at the Eolia Conservatory of Dramatic Arts and at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Both place a strong emphasis on practical experience and the collaboration of actors, playwrights, and directors.

“Studying at the National University of Ireland in Galway has been so rewarding. I have been able to deeply reflect about my goals and ambitions. It has been a journey of self-discovery and never-ending creative opportunities. When you study abroad, you get a blank canvas and you get to paint it anyway your heart desires. You create your own opportunities.”

Sarah Sukhni BA Theatre & Performance

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE CAREER PREPARATION AND INTERNSHIPS

Chicago’s thriving arts scene offers many opportunities to gain experience at top arts companies. Our ongoing partnerships and faculty connections help link our students with some of the best, including:

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra

Lookingglass Theatre Company

Jazz Institute of Chicago

Bella Voce

Grant Park Music Festival Apprentice

Chorale

Fulcrum Point New Music Project

Asian Pop-Up Cinema 2112 inc.

Ravinia Festival

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Music Forum is designed to help you launch your career in music after you graduate. At weekly meetings, concerts, and presentations you will engage with a wide variety of musical styles and artists, from jazz and classical, and extending out to other genres, folk music, rock, and musical theater. Music forum puts you in touch with music industry professionals, wellness professionals, solo artists, small ensembles, and large ensembles, instrumentalists and vocalists who have successful careers in music. Participation is required for all music degree students.

Theatre students take classes their senior year to prepare for their careers with classes including audition, business, and portfolio.

ALUMNI AND STUDENT PROFILES

David Hernandez BA Theatre & Performance / Class of 2021

“I chose UIC because it’s diverse, affordable, inclusive, and right next door to the City!

UIC offers the opportunities to create your own opportunity! I’ve self-produced four independent shows in one year. It’s definitely a go-getter school that teaches to go find and create your art.”

Kamryn Lindley BMus Performance (Flute) / Class of 2020

“It has been truly empowering how great my support system is here at UIC, including teachers, faculty, and peers. I would not trade my undergrad experience for any other.”

Matthew Mieling BMus Jazz Studies / Class of 2020

“I chose UIC to get a chance to work with wellknown musicians in their fields, including the renowned Cheryl Wilson! At UIC I have the opportunity to grow in my craft alongside a diverse group of peers, guided by an amazing staff.”

Andrew Neftalí Perez

BFA Acting / Class of 2017

Andrew Neftalí Perez is a current Artistic Associate with UrbanTheater Company and Jeff Nominated for Performer in a Supporting Role. Previous credits include: THE CHI (Showtime), EMPIRE (FOX), CHICAGO PD (NBC).

“During my senior year of high school, I attended UIC’s theater production of THE WINTER’S TALE. After watching the actors’ performances and the production quality I knew this was the place where I wanted to create art. It was also the most affordable school for me to attend.

UIC has given me the proper tools to succeed in any environment that I put myself in, and with that I have built my own artistic voice.”

Alexandra

Plattos Sulak

BA Music / Class of 2011

Alexandra Plattos Sulack, is a performer, singer, teacher and coach; she is the cofounder of The Voice Lab, is on the Board of Directors for Orvieto Musica, and is an ensemble member of Forte Chicago.

“Beyond the music education, I gained vital skills during my time at UIC, such as effective rehearsal management, and how to connect with the larger music community. These skills have helped to secure regular performance opportunities and to run a successful multi-teacher music studio.”

Abigail Piñon

BFA Acting / Class of 2020

“The faculty and staff here really prepare you for what it’s going to be like postundergraduate career, with their experience and the training. I’m getting the skills and tools I need to succeed as a college student,

but also getting advice and skills that will prepare me for my post-undergrad career.”

Puja Ramaswamy

BA Music / Class of 2006

Puja Ramaswamy is the Director of Choirs at Lakeview High School. As a vocalist Puja has performed with the Apollo Chorus, at Ravinia, the United Center and the Harris Theater.

“My musical experiences at UIC changed my life. Music has always been important to me, but my passion for it grew as I performed in both the band and choir programs. I decided to pursue a degree in music during my junior year and was blown away by the expertise and dedication of the faculty. They challenged, encouraged and invested their time in me.”

Emily Santiago

BA Theatre Design Production and Technology / Class of 2019

“I chose UIC because of the outstanding faculty and staff. At UIC I got to learn from professionals I respect and with their support I’ve grown as an artist. “

Kamil Surma

BA Music Business (Viola) / Class of 2020

“I chose UIC School of Theatre & Music because it offers a great music program. I am able to take courses directly from UIC’s School of Business which are integrated into my curriculum as a music student.”

A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

With small class sizes, students make strong connections with their colleagues and our dedicated faculty. Leave UIC with dear friends and a professional network for life.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCEL

Students develop intellectual resourcefulness and imaginative daring. Excel in an area of personal interest like conducting, jazz , acting, playwriting, or theatre design.

REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE

Take advantage of UIC’s ties to the Chicago arts community - develop marketable career skills through internships, teaching practicums, and apprenticeships.

Where are they now?

With great pride the School has watched its students go where they never imagined themselves to be. Our graduates have pursued professional opportunities and graduate studies across the country, including:

After School Matters

Boston Public Schools

Boston Symphony Orchestra

Brookfield Zoo

Chicago Cultural Cooperative Chicago Danztheatre Ensemble

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chicago Philharmonic Orchestra

Chicago Public Schools

Glen Miller Band

Mercury Theatre Museum of Science and Industry

Northwestern University ABC

Fox FX HBO NBC

The CW

Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Jackalope Theatre

Goodman Theatre

New York Theatre Workshop

Second City

Steppenwolf Theatre Company

Lookingglass Theatre Company

Winter Garden Theatre (Broadway)

Graduate Schools

DePaul University Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Northeastern Illinois University North Park University Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts Yale University

Awards, Appearances and Recognitions 3Arts Award

After Dark Awards Broadway World Awards Hull House Association Woman of Valor Award

Joseph Jefferson (Jeff) Awards Manhattan Association of Cabarets & Clubs (MAC) Awards Sundance Film Festival

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

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Visit Campus

The School of Theatre and Music offers customized visits in which you can meet with faculty and observe classes. Please contact theatre@uic.edu or music@uic.edu to schedule your visit!

Submit your application

Apply to UIC by going to admissions.uic.edu

Schedule your audition

We want to make the audition process easy for you! Information about the audition requirements can be found at theatreandmusic.uic.edu/admissions

Financial Aid

Scholarships and tuition awards are offered to students with excellent academic and artistic achievement. Students must apply and audition in order to be considered.

Questions?

We are here to help! If you have any questions or if you simply want to schedule your visit to the School of Theatre and Music, please contact our admissions team!

Neal McCollam , Theatre Operations Coordinator theatre@uic.edu

Ben Kenis , Music Programs Manager for Recruitment & Admissions music@uic.edu

Scan QR Code to learn more about admissions.

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

The Center for the Arts will be an architecturally signifi cant building that serves as a gateway and bridge between UIC and the world, and as a destination for innovative arts and cultural production that performs and promotes UIC’s mission, “to create knowledge that transforms our views of the world and, through sharing and application, transforms the world.”

As part of Ignite, a University-wide capital campaign, the new Center for the Arts will include a concert hall, recital hall, theatre, rehearsal rooms, and gathering spaces.