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Performing Arts Newsletter 2004 - 2005
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Music & Theatre Highlights
The spring semester began on January 10 and Riverland music students are already working hard at memorizing dialogue, learning rhythms and pitches, piano fingerings, dance moves, and the many other aspects of performance. The RCC Theatre and Music Departments have much planned for the semester.
Riverland Music Season
Riverland Theatre Season |
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Guest Artist Jamey Isenor
Guest artist Jamey Isenor graduated from Blooming Prairie High School and St. Mary's College in Winona. He appeared in several Summerset productions at the FWB Theatre. He is currently a working actor in New York City and regional theatre. He played Danny Zuko in the Phoenix Productions National Tour of Grease 2002-04 and is currently playing Radames in Disney's Aida at Wachusett's/Foothills Theatre. Jamey will be appearing in the lead role of Riverland's upcoming production of "Phantom" and will also be presenting a free recital on the Casual Classics Concert Series on April 13. |
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Don't Miss "An Evening of Classics"
The annual Briars spring show has become something of a Riverland and Austin tradition. April 29 will surely be a high mark in that tradition with "An Evening of Classics" at 7:30pm. The College Choir will join the Riverland Briars to present an array of music which is sure to appeal to every taste. Music by the Briars will include classics by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter as well as music of the Muppets and Josh Groban. And, yes, that's the Muppets! The College Choir will perform folk songs of several countries in addition to composers of the Classical Era-Mozart and Haydn. Both choirs will join forces for a 15-minute tour through the hit musical, "Les Miserables." The concert will be in the college theater. |
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Theatre's Spring Season Truly 'Classic'
Metamorphosis: a transformation, as if by magic. Transformation is the theme of this collection of Greek myths told and originally directed by Mary Zimmerman. She adds contemporary humor and language to this ancient theme and then sets it all in a pool of water. This pool reflects our strengths and our weaknesses, our thoughts, actions, desires and passions. Two thousand year old words can speak clearly to us today. Perhaps we can transform and understand the truly important things in life.
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The Guthrie Is Back! "Freezing Paradise: an evening with Kevin Kling"
Storyteller, playwright and actor Kevin Kling is one of the most beloved and celebrated voices of the American Heartland. He grew up in Osseo, Minnesota, graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1979. He built his reputation in the Twin Cities during the 1990s with his groundbreaking plays 21A and Fear and Loving in Minneapolis. Kling's other plays include Lloyd's Prayer, The Ice Fishing Play, At Your Service and the one-man shows Home and Away, Whoppers and From the Charred Underbelly of the Yule Log. In addition to writing and performing, he has become well known for his regular storytelling contributions to NPR's "All Things Considered." "I'm very excited about touring this region. It's my home, my community, where I learned about humor and what is sacred. This is where my stories come from and where they belong. I won't have to explain what an ice auger is or an arctic blast or why you should always keep a candle in your trunk." -Kevin Kling Tuesday, February 15 @ 7:00pm The Guthrie Theater's 2005 Regional Tour of Freezing Paradise: an evening with Kevin Kling is sponsored by Target Corporation. |
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Watch Out For Singing Valentines on February 14!
Briars and College Choir students will once again be cruising the streets of Austin, sneaking up on unsuspecting wives, husbands, and significant others, then surprising them with a serenade. For the fifth year, choir students are hiring themselves out to deliver singing telegrams in order to raise money for special events. In 2000 and 2003, these events included performance trips to New York. Valentine Telegrams can be delivered anywhere in Austin on Feb. 14 from 8am-5pm. The basic cost is $15 for a short medley of songs and a flower. A deluxe version which includes also includes chocolates and more flowers is available for $25. Reservations can be made through Feb. 13 by phoning the Music Department at (507) 433-0547. |
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Focus On Alumni: Where Are They Now?
This segment of Performing Arts News lets you know the whereabouts and accomplishments of some of our former students. All of the people in this section were involved in theatre and/or music during their careers at Riverland. Please send any information concerning past students to Scott Blankenbaker, editor of Performing Arts News in care of: sblanken@riverland.edu
View Alumni |
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New Theatre Courses This Semester at Riverland
Theatre 1111: Movement for the Stage
Theatre 1130: Stagecraft & Technology
As the Associate in Fine Arts in Theatre degree program continues to grow, new classes are being continually added. This semester Theatre Stagecraft and Technology is being taught by adjunct faculty Brad Weber. This course deals with the "how-to" of set construction, lighting, sound operation, and the crucial behind-the-scenes operations which many people never see or even realize exist. Movement for the Stage is being taught by adjunct faculty Leslie Weber. In this course students study body movement and are introduced to various styles of dance commonly used in theatre. Next year look for the addition of Directing, Intermediate and Advanced Acting & Auditions Methods, and Musical Theatre. The Music Department will be adding Music Theory/SS/ET III & IV. Both departments will add an AFA Portfolio class as well. There are currently seven students actively pursuing the new AFA in Theatre and six in Music. |
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Riverland Theatre & Music Faculty - Spring
Theatre
Jerry Girton-Director of Theatre Dept.; Speech for Performance; Acting; Intro to Theatre & Film
Brad Weber-Technical Director; Stagecraft class
Leslie Weber-Stage Movement
Music
Scott Blankenbaker-Head, Music Dept.; Choirs; Music Theory courses; Private Voice; musical theatre direction
Mark Conway-Private Guitar
Holly Dalager-Pvt. W-winds
Tim Davis-Private Brass
Brian Koser-Popular Music in America
Lynee Larson-Piano Class I; Private Piano
Sonia Larson-Private Voice & Piano; Survey of Music
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