Michigan Tech has launched a new virtual tour of campus and the local area. The Walker Arts and Humanities Center is included among the virtual walking tours. There are interactive panoramas of McArdle Theatre and the Rozsa Center for Performing Arts as well.
Over the years, the Rozsa Center has become known for the funny, dramatic or thoughtful performances, plays and musicals it puts on during its yearly season and the programming scheduled for its 2013-14 season will be no different.
“I’m always excited about all the seasons, but in particular I’m really excited about this coming season,” Rozsa Center Director Susanna Brent said. “We’re doing a lot of theater that’s close to my heart.”
Read more at the Mining Gazette, by Scott Viau.
As a part of FinnFest 2013, Michigan Tech’s Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts presents three nights of “Beautiful: A Cirque-Tale of How the Butterfly Grew Her Wings,” Wednesday, June 19, 9 p.m.; Thursday, June 20, 7:30 p.m.; and Friday, June 21, 7:30 p.m. Creator/Producer/Director Jennifer Kelly describes “Beautiful” as “A metaphysical and visceral experience inspired by the life cycle of a caterpillar.”
“Beautiful” is the brain-child of Kelly and Aerial Choreographer Jason Whicker. Whicker’s aerial work surpasses flight originally created for any show on or off Broadway. Featured guest choreographers include “So You Think You Can Dance” finalist Robert Taylor, Jr., and Dreya Weber, Pink’s Aerial choreographer.
Read more at Tech Today.
‘Beautiful’ — a tale of transformation
Most everyone knows of the wonder and spectacle that Cirque du Soleil shows can bring, now residents of the Copper Country and beyond can experience “Beautiful,” a cirque-style show that will be premiering next week at the Rozsa Center.
“It’s a woman’s transformative journey,” she said. “It’s about how we’re either paralyzed by (change) or transformed by it, but ultimately if we embrace our own hero story, we’ll become transformed.”
Read more at the Mining Gazette, by Scott Viau.
The article Faking It by Jennifer Donovan concerns Tech theatre students and the art of illusion.
Each year, students and professionals who work in theatre technology—sound, lighting, costumes, stage effects—gather at the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) annual conference.
“Each year, there is usually one, maybe two student presentations, ordinarily by graduate students,” says Mary Carol Friedrich, associate professor and director of theatre design and technology programs at Michigan Tech. “That our students, all undergrads, were chosen to present speaks to the strength of the very practical and professionally relevant work they are doing in the degree programs in the visual and performing arts department.”
A bent for swordsmithing is about Matt Willett, a Michigan Tech theatre technology student who had dabbled in magic when he was in high school and had seen a sword trick or two.
Willett’s teacher, Assistant Professor Kalen Larson, was so impressed with Willett’s creation that he invited the student to write a paper about it with him.
OMG! From wet head to up-do in five minutes is about Elizabeth LaRouche, who is working as costume shop manager in the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.
Sew faux: painted embroidery for the Shakespearean stage is about Katy Ellenich, a Calumet native who worked at the Calumet Theatre all through high school.
Making every new glove old again is about Morgan Nelson, a third-year costume design student from Cadillac.
Read more at Michigan Tech Magazine, by Jennifer Donovan.
For more color photos, including a high flying performance in Stealing Fire, view the PDF or Flash versions.
Learn more about the BA program in Theatre and Electronic Media Performance and the BS program in Theatre and Entertainment Technology.
Michigan Tech Employee Service Recognition Event
On May 15, faculty and staff members, along with their guests, gathered at the Memorial Union Ballroom for an awards dinner recognizing 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service to Michigan Tech.
Associate Professor of Theatre Debra Bruch was recognized for 25 years of service.
Emeritus Professor of Art Mary Ann Beckwith was recognized for 40 years of service.
Read more at Tech Today.
Research Excellence Fund Awards Announced
The vice president for research is pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Research Excellence Fund Awards, and would like to thank all of the review committee members for participating in this important internal award process.
In the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, Kalen Larson received a Scholarship and Creativity Grant.
Read more at Tech Today.
A BEAUTIFUL INTENSIVE: 3-Week Aerial, Dance & Flying Intensive Workshop is an elite experience in dance, aerial arts, and performer flying effects held at Michigan Tech University that will culminate in showcase performances as part of FinnFest 2013 of a new show called BEAUTIFUL: A Cirque-Tale of how the butterfly grew her wings.
CELEBRATE ‘TRADITION’ WITH THE BELOVED BROADWAY MUSICAL “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF”
The Tech Theatre Company and Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra present one of the most-loved Broadway musicals of all time, “Fiddler on the Roof,” this Thursday, April 18th through Saturday, April 20th, at 7:30 PM, in the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan Technological University. “Fiddler on the Roof,” is a timeless tale of a father trying to maintain traditions at odds with modern culture. “Fiddler” features music by Jerry Bock, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, and book by Joseph Stein, set in Tsarist Russia in 1905. It is based on “Tevye and his Daughters “(or “Tevye the Milkman and Other Tales”) by Sholem Aleichem. The story centers on Tevye, the father of five daughters, and his attempts to maintain his family and Jewish religious traditions while outside influences encroach upon their lives.
According to Director Roger Held, “Economic depression, threats of war, ethnic hatred and violence grab at Tevye’s shirt sleeve as he makes his way through the world caring for his family and horse, seeing his children married well, and dreaming of a better life. Tevye is “every man,” every one of us who share hope, joy, and heartache.” Local radio personality Mark Wilcox makes his Tech Theatre Company debut in the lead role of Tevye. The original Broadway production of the show, which opened in 1964, had the first musical theatre run in history to surpass 3,000 performances.
By Bethany Jones.
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ at the Rozsa Center
To put it simply, “Fiddler” tells the story of Tevye, who, in order to make his five daughters happy, foregoes tradition and allows them to marry the men they choose, with unforeseen consequences. On top of this, Tevye must also deal with antisemitic threats.
Director Roger Held said “Fiddler on the Roof” is a show that’s been talked about being performed in this area for a while but hadn’t had the opportunity to get it off the ground until now.
Read more at Mining Gazette, by Scott Viau.
“Fiddler on the Roof”
Classical musical to be performed on the Rozsa stage next week
Renowned as one of the world’s favorite musicals, “Fiddler on the Roof” brings to life a story about the goodness and oddness that life has to offer.
Read more at the Michigan Tech Lode, by Travis Pellosma.
Assistant Professor Kalen Larson (VPA) published articles in two journals in March. “Impaled by a Sword,” co-authored with VPA student Matt Willett, was published in Tech Expo 2013, a juried journal produced by the United States Institute for Theatre Technology. An article titled, “Fauxberglass: An Inexpensive Alternative to Fiberglass,” appeared in Technical Design Solutions for Theatre, published by Focal Press.
From Tech Today.
The Visual and Performing Arts Department and the Visiting Women & Minority Lecture Series host Emmy Award – Winning Elaine Bromka. Ms. Bromka will visit classes in the Visual and Performing Arts Department and will offer a a monologue development workshop, and a free public performance of her play, Tea for Three followed by a talk-back session. All are invited to these events. Sponsored by the Visiting Women & Minority Lecturer/Scholar Series, which is funded by the President’s Office and a grant to the Office of Institutional Diversity for the State of Michigan King-Chavez-Parks Initiative.
Ms. Bromka will discuss, among many topics, the entrepreneurship necessary to self-produce her production for Off-Broadway.
The monologue workshop will be Wednesday, 2:00 – 3:30 pm, at McArdle Theatre. Attendees should bring a memorized monologue.