A
Hello Iowa Thespians!
l 2016 – A Traveler’s Guide to
Welcome to the University of Northern Iowa and the Iowa Thespian Festiva
offers. Each and every one of
Theatre! We hope that you will take advantage of all the opportunities festival
studio theatre performances,
events,
you can add to your own theatre toolbox this weekend, from individual
from across the state. Theatre is
mainstage performances, workshops – even from simply making new friends
with you.
family, and we look forward to traveling through this weekend of Iowa theatre
the Iowa Thespian Board listed
This event is made possible by the volunteer adult and student members of
Theatre Production Manager
below along with the generous support of UNI Theatre professor Eric Lange,
Jordan Andrews and UNI Student Festival Coordinator Erika Kuhn.
high school students and their
We have worked countless hours to make this event possible for the over 1000
will be wearing purple 2016
teachers. Our hosts for the weekend are UNI Theatre student volunteers who
n as they guide us around
directio
and
s
Thespian Festival Event Staff shirts. Please respect their request
d. “Purple Shirts” can answer
campus making certain that we have a valuable and safe experience this weeken
most questions about where to go and when things are scheduled.
Thank you for joining us for this exciting state-wide “Traveler’s Guide to Theatre
2016” event.
2016 Adult Board Members:
Helen Duranleau-Brennan, Chapter Director
Aaron Dean, Festival Co-Director / Online Registration, Dubuque Senior High
School, Troupe #69
Leslie La Corte, Festival Co-Director / Treasurer, Davenport North High School,
Troupe #3994
Elizabeth Hansen, IE Coordinator, Grinnell High School, Troupe #4274
#856
William Myatt, Scholarship Coordinator, Pleasant Valley High School, Troupe
#4575
Randy Stone, Alumni/Hall of Fame Coordinator, Indianola High School, Troupe
Michael Hunter, Tech Challenge Coordinator, Grinnell High School, Troupe #4274
Stacie Kintigh, Workshop Coordinator, North Scott High School, Troupe #739
Elizabeth Powers, Webmaster/Communications, Assumption High School, Troupe
#2761
Katie Howard, Jr. Thespian Coordinator, Bettendorf High School, Troupe #542
l, Troupe #561
Lynn Jensen, Development Coordinator, Cedar Rapids-Jefferson High Schooo
Tom Stephens, Studio Theatre Coordinator, Mount Vernon High School, Troupe
#1470
Colleen Babcock, Special Projects Coordinator, Saydel Community Schools
Nicole Miller, Melcher, Dallas High School, Troupe #6479
Please have all cell phones turned OFF and away
while in any theatre or workshop.
1
Sally Walker:
Sally Walker is proud to be from Pleasant Valley’s troupe 856! Theatre has always been a big
part of Sally’s life, but it wasn’t till her 7th grade year when she was finally onstage. Her first
role was Anne, a runaway Hippie, in her Junior High’s version of Groovy. Since then she was
hooked, and hasn’t left the stage since. Her favorite roles have been Constanze in Amadeus,
Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof, and Stepdaughter in Six Characters in Search of an Author. Sally
also directs, and works on hair crew. When Sally isn’t doing theatre (which is very rare) she is
in choir, where she has been an officer all three years, she participates in large group speech,
plays guitar, works as a barista at Dunn Brother’s coffee, advocates for the arts, and spends
time with her family and friends. Sally loves the world of theatre, and all those in it. Sally truly
believes that the theatre community is a huge family, and she can’t wait to meet all her theatre
brothers and sisters at Iowa ThesFest 2016!
Madge Mann :
Madge Mann has been on the state board for two years, and involved in theatre for nine. She
has been involved in a countless number of shows- onstage, backstage, and in the director’s
chair. She has a son, Sherman, who is of the feline (cat) species; much like actors, Sherman
likes to dress up. Madge is, along with Thespians, involved in yearbook and speech. She loves
painting, reading, and running. Next year, Madge will attend the University of Northern Iowa to
major in Studio Art and minor in Creative Writing. Madge has a small, growing business, Mad
Expressions, and has started a community theatre in her hometown, River Theatre. (“Ya know,
like the song River Flows in You, but theatre flows in you. Get it?”)
Brittany Smith :
Brittany Smith is honored to be serving on the 2015/2016 Iowa Thespian Chapter Board! She
was cast in her first production at five years old and has loved theatre ever since. Currently
a senior, Brittany has performed in 25 theatrical productions and 9 Iowa speech events. As a
ninth grader Brittany was a part of the first freshmen group to win a banner in the Iowa High
School Speech Association, the banner was for ensemble acting (Almost, Maine). The following
year she won another banner, this time for group mime (Bystander). Off the stage, Brittany
has served as both a Thespian Board member and a Set Crew Head for Thespian Troupe #69
and serves as one of six student representatives from across the nation as an International
Thespian Officer. Brittany would like to thank her fellow board members for being her best
friends and Mr. Dean for his constant support!
Ali Girsch
Ali Girsch is super excited to serve as an STO for Iowa Thespians! Since second grade, Ali has
loved all aspects of theatre. Some of her favorite roles include, Jane in Mary Poppins, Young
Cosette in Les Miserables, and Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical. Ali also had the privilege of
performing as Olive in 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Iowa State Thespian
Festival! When Ali isn’t performing, she’s at show choir rehearsal, youth group, and spending
time with her friends and family! Ali adores and loves all of her STO companions and cannot
wait to spend time with them this year!
2
Isobel Lacorte :
Isobel La Corte is serving as one half of the Communications duo on the Iowa State
Thespian Board. Isobel is currently a representative on the Thespian board of Troupe
#739, North Scott High School. Isobel has been seen on stage since she was a young
ballerina in multiple Nutcrackers, through middle school productions and local
community theatre summer shows, and now can been seen often on
the North Scott High School stage.
Some of her favorite roles include Little Red in the production of Into the Woods,
Tweedledum in Alice in Wonderland, and Milicent from Nice Work if You Can Get It. Isobel
is also one of the student dance captains for her theatre troupe, and involved in Speech
Team. Outside of the theatre world Isobel is involved in North Scott Singers, and A Bit of
Treble (jazz choir). Isobel is now a member of the Iowa All State Chorus. She plays oboe
and alto sax in band, and is a part of her school’s art club. Isobel is super excited about
for everything going on at Thespian Festival this year, and cannot
wait to meet everyone and share her love of theatre!!!
Nik LaMaack
Nik LaMaack hails from troupe #3994, Davenport North High School and is proud to
be a member of the Iowa State Thespian Board. He started drama as a freshman with
his first role as “Motel Kamzoil” in Fiddler on the Roof. He then played “Orin Dennis” in
Children of a Lesser God and was blessed with the opportunity to perform the show at
International Thespian Festival. Other shows he has been involved with include: Kiss
Me Kate, All My Sons, and Leading Ladies. His favorite play is Unexpected Tenderness
and his favorite musical is Dog Fight. Nik has choreographed for both Northside
Establishment and the prep showchoir, Center Stage at North High. He is the President
of Troupe #3994, Vice President of Environmental Club, the Secretary of National Honor
Society, a member of Junior Optimist Octagon International, the Senior Communications
Director of Student Council, serves as an Ambassador for North, and is a member of the
Family Museum Dance Company. His future plans are to attend Columbia College Chicago
with a Major in Theatre and a Double Minor in Dance and American Sign Language, then
he plans to. attend grad school for a Masters in Education. He just wants to let the world
know that, “It is never too late to dive into drama!”
Maddie Topliff
Maddie Topliff, one-half of the Special Projects team, is so glad to have you at festival this
weekend! Maddie has been hooked on theatre since she saw Annie at age 9. Ironically,
her first production turned out to be Annie as well! Other recent productions include the
likings of Once Upon a Mattress, Eurydice, and Seussical, to name a few. Most recently,
Maddie has taken on the role of Sir Toby Belch in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, which
you’ll enjoy Saturday morning at Main Stage! Outside of plays and musicals, Maddie loves
to participate in both Large Group and Individual Speech, Cross Country, Big Brothers/
Big Sisters, Concert Choir, and she is currently serving as Troupe #4274’s president at
Grinnell High School. She sends oodles of love and hugs to her troupe, Mr. Hunter, Mrs.
Hansen, and YOU! Have a great festival; it’s going to be quite a ride!
3
Iowa Thespian Festival 2016 SCHEDULE
Friday, November 11
10:00 AM
FESTIVAL OPENING CEREMONIES
Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn
Registration opens in the GBPAC lobby at 9:00 AM, with Festival Opening Ceremonies in the main hall. Meet your Student
Thespian Officers and get ready to make the most of your Festival weekend!
10:10 AM
[title of show] by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell
Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn
Presented by Troupe #3842 - Dubuque Wahlert
Jeff and Hunter, two self-obsessed nobodies in New York, make a pact: They will write an original musical and submit it
to a festival. The only catch? The deadline is in three weeks! They gather their two actress friends, Susan and Heidi, and
their accompanist and music director, Larry, on the keys. With a full team assembled, Jeff and Hunter hit another roadblock
- what should they write about? Jeff and Hunter decide to follow the old adage, “write what you know,” and set off on
a unique musical adventure: writing a musical about writing a musical. As the deadline looms, insecurities creep in and
jealousies flare. Will the team succeed with their musical? Could it even win a Tony? In this intelligent, playful, lovable
new musical, the audience is treated to an inside look at the tough work of being a creative artist. Frequently hilarious,
occasionally heartbreaking, and thoroughly inspiring, [title of show] is a love story celebrating individuality and creativity.
Directed by Colin Muenster.
RATING: This performance contains some adult language.
12:15 PM
LUNCH (BLUE)
12:15 PM
STUDENT LEADERSHIP LUNCH
**For designated students – pre-registration required.
Ask your troupe director for participating students.
12:30 PM
INDIVIDUAL EVENT PERFORMANCES (GOLD)
Locations: Various (see below)
Come and check out a wide range of Individual Event performances from more than twenty participating troupes. These
performances receive feedback from guest adjudicators, and may be selected to perform at the Individual Event Showcase
on Saturday. In addition, students could qualify for the National Individual Events Showcase at the 2017 International
Thespian Festival.
Location: Piazza
Location: CAC 108
Center 1 LANG 10 (Lang Hall)
Solo Musical Theatre
Center 2 LANG 18 (Lang Hall)
Solo Musical Theatre
Center 3 LANG 12 (Lang Hall)
Duet Musical Theatre/Group Musical Theatre
Center 4 SWT APR (Strayer-Wood Theatre)
Monologue
Center 5 SWT BMT (Strayer-Wood Theatre)
Duet Acting/Group Acting
Center 6 CAC 108 (Communications Arts Center) Short Film/Improv
Center 7 SAB 123 (Sabin Hall)
Costume Technical Events
Center 8 SAB 125 (Sabin Hall)
Lighting, Scenic, Stage Management Technical Events
The full Individual Event Schedule may be found online at www.IowaThespians.org
12:45 PM
(GOLD)
Wit by Margaret Edson
Location: Strayer-Wood Theatre
This powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning play examines what makes life worth living through an exploration of morality, as a
renowned professor is treated for Stage IV ovarian cancer. This performance can be viewed by anyone.
Directed by Aaron Dean.
1:15 PM
LUNCH (GOLD)
1:30 PM
INDIVIDUAL EVENT PERFORMANCES (BLUE)
Locations: Various (see below)
Come and check out a wide range of Individual Event performances from more than twenty participating troupes. These
performances receive feedback from guest adjudicators, and may be selected to perform at the Individual Event Showcase
on Saturday. In addition, students could qualify for the National Individual Events Showcase at the 2017 International
Thespian Festival.
Location: Piazza
Center 1 LANG 10 (Lang Hall)
Solo Musical Theatre
Center 2 LANG 18 (Lang Hall)
Solo Musical Theatre
Center 3 LANG 12 (Lang Hall)
Duet Musical Theatre/Group Musical Theatre
Center 4 SWT APR (Strayer-Wood Theatre)
Monologue
Center 5 SWT BMT (Strayer-Wood Theatre)
Duet Acting/Group Acting
Center 6 CAC 108 (Communications Arts Center) Short Film/Improv
Center 7 SAB 123 (Sabin Hall)
Costume Technical Events
Center 8 SAB 125 (Sabin Hall)
Lighting, Scenic, Stage Management Technical Events
The full Individual Event Schedule may be found online at www.IowaThespians.org
4
Iowa Thespian Festival 2016 SCHEDULE
Friday, November 11
1:45 PM -
5:30 PM
STUDIO THEATRE PERFORMANCES
PERFORMANCE BREAKDOWN:
1:45 PM 2:45 PM 3:45 PM 4:45 PM 4:45 PM -
8:00 PM
Location: Strayer-Wood Theatre
THE DIVINERS by Jim Leonard, Jr.
Troupe #1038 - South Tama
Zion, Indiana lacks a church and a preacher, but Buddy Layman has been touched with the ability to divine
water. Having lost his faith and abandoned his church, CC Showers arrives in search of purpose and hope.
Directed by Dixie Forcht.
RATING: For all audiences (This performance contains mild language.)
ALL MY SONS by Arthur Miller
Troupe #3994 - Davenport North
Arthur Miller’s tragic masterpiece tells a story about the lifelong consequences of our actions and the true
cost of betrayal. Directed by Leslie La Corte.
RATING: For mature audiences (This performance includes a gunshot and mild adult language. )
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD Dramatized by Christopher Sergel. From the book by Harper Lee.
Troupe #848 - Iowa City High
This first-person narrative looks back at the childhood of Scout Finch, a young girl facing prejudice and
cultural bias in 1930’s Alabama. It is a play of personal growth, social justice, and lasting friendship. Directed
by Troy Peters.
RATING: For mature audiences (This performance contains the vernacular language of 1935 Alabama.)
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken
Troupe #2951 - Davenport Central
The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” - after
his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the
down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey
II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! This production contains crude content and
murderous situations. Directed by Thea IntVeld.
RATING: For all audiences
College/Thespian Scholarship Auditions
Location: Kamerick Art Building 111
At each festival, The Iowa Educational Theatre Association awards $1000’s in scholarships to communicative arts majors
through an audition/interview process. Colleges/Universities in attendance also adjudicate the auditions for their
respective institutions. Seniors only. Pre-registration required.
**For designated students – pre-registration required
5:30 PM
TECH CHALLENGE (GOLD)
Location: University Room of the Maucker Union
See your favorite techies in action as they compete in a wide range of technical skills. Cheer on your squad as they hang/
focus a light, quick change, leg a platform and more! Participating teams must be pre-registered.
5:30 PM
DINNER (BLUE)
Location: Piazza
6:30 PM
DINNER (GOLD)
Location: Piazza
6:30 PM
TECH CHALLENGE (BLUE)
Location: University Room of the Maucker Union
See your favorite techies in action as they compete in a wide range of technical skills. Cheer on your squad as they hang/
focus a light, quick change, leg a platform and more! Participating teams must be pre-registered.
8:00 PM
THE 39 STEPS
Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn
Presented by Troupe #561 – Cedar Rapids Jefferson
The 39 Steps is a story of quiet and unsuspecting man caught up in a web of lies in a thrilling chase across England and
Scotland as groups of spies plot to gain the edge in impending World War II. The 39 Steps was originally a 1935 film by
the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, but in 2005 Patrick Barlow adapted the movie as a comedy for the stage by
challenging the four actors to play over a hundred separate characters and twenty different setting using only four steamer
trunks, a lot of outrageous accents, and a gong. Directed by Joe Link.
RATING: For all audiences
10:15 PM
Dismissal to Hotels
Please have all cell phones turned OFF
and away while in any theatre or workshop.
5
Iowa Thespian Festival 2016 SCHEDULE
Saturday, November 12
8:00 AM COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP BINGO
Location: GBPAC Lobby
All scholarship auditionees are REQUIRED to attend this event! If you auditioned for a Thespian/College scholarship
this time is for you to meet and greet the colleges representatives. They will be at their display tables eager to discuss
opportunities with you. Complete your “passport” sheet during this time and return it to Mr. Myatt at the Information
Table. You must turn in a completed passport sheet by noon today in order to qualify for Thespian scholarships.
8:00 AM
HALL OF FAME BREAKFAST
Location: Davis Hall
Troupe directors are invited to join our Hall of Fame inductees, past and present, for a social breakfast while students and
chaperones attend the “Rest Stop” activity.
8:00 AM
REST STOP with the IOWA THESPIAN BOARD
Location: West Gym
Students and chaperones should plan to start their day here before they hit the road. A great morning activity filled with
games, fund raisers, and - - - coffee! See you there. Coffee and snacks will be available for purchase.
9:15 AM
IOWA THESPIAN HALL OF FAME PRESENTATION
Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn
Join us as we honor our newest inductee, Kristi Peck, from Tipton High School, Troupe #601.
9:30 AM
TWELFTH NIGHT
Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn
Presented by Troupe #4274 – Grinnell High School
The classic tale of cross dressing, mistaken identity, love triangles, and yellow stockings. A girl, dressed as a boy, loves a man
who yearns for a woman who falls for the boy the girl is dressed as. Hilarity and confusion ensue! This performance can be
viewed by all audiences. Directed by Michael Hunter. Technical Direction by Katherine Baumgartner.
RATING: For all audiences
12:00 PM LUNCH (GOLD)
12:00 PM INDIVIDUAL EVENTS SHOWCASE (BLUE)
Location: Strayer Wood Theatre
See a selection of some of the top performers from Friday’s Individual Event performances.
1:00 PM LUNCH (BLUE)
1:00 PM INDIVIDUAL EVENTS SHOWCASE (GOLD)
Location: Strayer Wood Theatre
See a selection of some of the top performers from Friday’s Individual Event performances.
2:00 PM
THESPIAN SCHOLARSHIP CALLBACKS
Location: Kamerick Art Building 111
For designated students. Check the Thespian Bulletin Board in the GBPAC lobby during intermission of the Friday evening
performance for a list of students receiving callbacks.
2-3 PM
TROUPE DIRECTOR MEETING
2:00 PM
WORKSHOP SESSION 1
Locations: Various Rooms
All students and chaperones should attend both workshop sessions; See full descriptions of the workshop opportunities in
your program.
3:10 PM
WORKSHOP SESSION 2
Locations: Various Rooms
All students and chaperones should attend both workshop sessions; See full descriptions of the workshop opportunities in
your program.
4:30 PM
SWEENEY TODD
Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn
Presented by Troupe #856 – Pleasant Valley
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to nineteenth century London, seeking vengeance
against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a
resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which, he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett’s luck sharply shifts
when Todd’s thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining
up... and the carnage has only just begun! Directed by William Myatt. Technical Direction by William Myatt, Francis Dunbar,
and Mary Gode. Choreography by Christina Myatt. Vocal Direction by Meg Byrne and Robert Williams. Orchestra Direction
by Brian Gartner.
RATING: For mature audiences (This show includes strong language and mature content.)
7:15 PM
FESTIVAL CLOSING CEREMONIES
Location: Gallagher-Bluedorn
Festival highlight reel; Mainstage, Studio, and Chapter Select Awards; Scholarship and Michael Pietz Leadership Awards;
Introduction of the 2016-2017 Student Thespian Officers.
7:30 PM
END OF FESTIVAL – SAFE TRAVELS HOME!
6
Location: Piazza
Location: Piazza
Location: Davis Hall
Please have all cell phones turned OFF and away while in any theatre or workshop.
7
Workshop Locator
WORKSHOP
PRESENTER
CONTENT
SESSION
1
ROOM
2
Steve Taft
Acting
X
CAC 109
Leigh’Ann Andrews
Acting
X
CAC 111B
IPA, the Key to Dialect Work (Irish)
Tracy Salter
Acting
X
CAC 111A
Rigging Safety for High School Spaces
Rich Rogers
Technical Theatre
X
LNG 21
Jeffrey Koontz
Technical Theatre
X
LNG 345
Theatre Design: Thinking Outside the Box
Jerry Onik
Other
X
LNG 18
IPA, the Key to Dialect Work (Russian)
Tracy Salter
Acting
X
CAC 111A
Preparing to Stage Manage in College
Leigh’Ann Andrews
Technical Theatre
X
CAC 111B
Rich Rogers
Technical Theatre
X
LNG 21
Jerry Onik
Technical Theatre
X
LNG 18
Jeffrey Koontz
Technical Theatre
X
LNG 345
The Right Fit:
Selecting a University Theatre Program
Steve Taft
Other
X
CAC 109
The School for Fools:
An Introduction to Commedia dell’Arte!
Katheryn Bilbo
Acting
X
X
LNG 222
Starting Your Acting Career: The Basics
Dr. John Cameron
Acting
X
X
LNG 23
Michael Peitz
Acting
X
X
LNG 365
Daniel Rairdin-Hale
Acting
X
X
LNG 111
Jessica Wade
Acting
X
X
LNG 208
Matt Weedman
Acting Advanced
X
X
SWT APR
The Best Fundraiser
Kristin Koski
Improvisation
X
X
LNG 24
Characters on the Fly
Andrew Koski
Improvisation
X
X
LNG 223
Theatre Games: Improvisation
Kendra Gliem
Improvisation
X
X
LNG 11
Making the Music Work for You
Nick Halder
Musical Theatre
X
X
CAC 110
CJ Greer
Musical Theatre
X
X
GBPAC 30
Heather Powers
Stage Combat
X
X
LNG 20
Joe Link
Stage Combat
Jr Thespians Only
X
X
SWT BMT
Stage Combat
Jeff Coussens
Stage Combat
X
X
LNG 12
Stage Combat
Cary Shapiro
Stage Combat
X
X
LNG 308
Auditioning for Theatre Scholarships
Blocking Basics
DMX Intro
Conventional Lighting Instrument Maintenance
Technical Theatre Forum
Wireless Mayham
Who’s Your Character?
Making Choices, Telling the Story
Learn to Juggle
Running and Stamping:
Learning How to Connect with Your Partner
The Actor and the Breath
Music Theatre Vocal Techniques Workshop
Basic Stage Combat
Stage Combat with Swords!
8
Workshop Locator
WORKSHOP
PRESENTER
CONTENT
SESSION
1
2
ROOM
Jonathan Sabo
Technical Theatre
X
X
LNG 311
Dr. Robert AuFrance
Other
X
X
LNG 10
The Path Forward:
Creating Your Digital Resume
Tracie Berry
Other
X
X
LNG 8
Portfolios, Resumes, and Websites, Oh My!
Mary Black
Other
X
X
SAB 125
Dr. Charles Klink
Other
X
X
LNG 346
Brittany Smith and
Shaila Seth
Other
X
X
SAB 123
Matt Hagmeier
Other
X
X
CAC 108
Scene Design in an Hour
Creating a Ten Minute Play
Stage Presence and
How to Effectively Communicate
N.A.P.S.
Theatre 360
Directors and Chaperones are expected to attend both workshop sessions. You
do not need to attend the same workshop(s) attended by your delegates, but are
encouraged to find something that is of interest to you.
Please have all cell phones turned OFF and away
while in any theatre or workshop.
9
Iowa Thespian Festival 2016 WORKSHOPS
SESSION ONE ONLY
CAC 109
Auditioning for Theatre Scholarships
Steve Taft, Univ. of Northern Iowa
Acting
Intermediate
A Theatre scholarship can help in reducing the cost of attending college. This workshop will address specific
considerations, strategies, and techniques regarding the scholarship audition process. It is intended for high
school students planning on pursuing a theatre major in college and also high school drama teachers and
parents. (Session 1 Only)
CAC 111B
Blocking Basics
Leigh’Ann Andrews, AEA Stage Manager
Acting
Intermediate
Every young actor, stage manager, and director need to learn how to effectively take blocking, so let me teach
you the basics! We will go over symbols, layout, techniques, and all the essentials to help you properly notate
the staging in your play or musical. Practice is the only way to get good at this skill, so we’ll take blocking in real
time. You will leave feeling confident and prepared for your next rehearsal! (Session 1 Only)
IPA, the Key to Dialect Work (Irish)
Tracy Salter CAC 111A
Acting
Open to all
Vary Your Voice! Expand Your Character Choices! Students will learn the Irish Dialect through the use of the
incomparable tool of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), audio-visual clips, coaching and practice.
(Session 1 Only)
LNG 21
Rigging Safety for High School Spaces
Rich Rogers, IATSE Local 67
Technical Theatre
Intermediate
Fundamentals of safe rigging practices for the proscenium and gymnasium spaces common in schools. How to
hang something up and KNOW it will stay there! The presentation will address both materials and methods to
help keep your rigging and all that it supports safe, whether permanent rigging or one-show temporary rigs.
(Session 1 Only)
LNG 345
DMX Intro
Jeffrey Koontz
Technical Theatre
Beginner
Workshop covers the basics of DMX protocol. This is the same workshop that was presented at the ITS in Lincoln
2016. (Session 1 Only)
Theatre Design: Thinking Outside the Box
Jerry Onik, Heartland Scenic
Other
Assemble groups and creatively build a production on luck of the draw, then present to the group.
(Session 1 Only)
LNG 18
Beginner
SESSION TWO ONLY
IPA, the Key to Dialect Work (Russian)
Tracy Salter CAC 111A
Acting
Open to all
Vary Your Voice! Expand Your Character Choices! Students will learn the Russian Dialect through the use
of the incomparable tool of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), audio-visual clips, coaching and practice.
(Session 2 Only)
CAC 111B
Preparing to Stage Manage in College
Leigh’Ann Andrews, AEA Stage Manager
Technical Theatre
Intermediate
Gearing up to stage manager in college? Intended for high school juniors and seniors, this workshop will prepare
you for the transition to stage management at the university level. We’ll discuss ways to manage your time,
choose courses that will help you in your professional arts career, find the school that’s right for you, balance
your personal life, and prepare to develop your craft to the highest level. Professional stage management takes a
lot of training and as you’re getting ready to embark on that journey, start with this workshop. (Session 2 Only)
10
Please have all cell phones turned OFF and away while in any theatre or workshop.
Iowa Thespian Festival 2016 WORKSHOPS
Conventional Lighting Instrument Maintenance
Rich Rogers, IATSE Local 67
Technical Theatre
LNG 21
Intermediate
Unless you are in a brand new facility with sparkling new equipment, you have lighting instruments that are
not working as well as you would like, as well as they are capable of. This presentation will discuss a number
of maintenance steps you can take, most at very low cost, to restore lighting instruments to much improved or
near-new performance. Concentration will be on 3 common instrument types: Ellipsoidal spot lights, Fresnel
spotlights, and PAR-type instruments. (Session 2 Only)
LNG 18
Technical Theatre Forum
Jerry Onik, Heartland Scenic
Technical Theatre
Open to all
Open Forum to discuss technical theatre questions on scenery, lighting or rigging, to give you possible answers on
how to or how do things work. (Session 2 Only)
LNG 345
Wireless Mayham
Jeffrey Koontz
Technical Theatre
Intermediate
Ever wondered what causes interference with your wireless microphones? Want to use two-way radios in your
theater? Do cell phones really cause interference with your wireless gear? We’ll look at how to plan and use your
radio frequency resources in your theater the fullest including RF co-ordination, equipment planning, licensing
and troubleshooting. This is the same workshop that was presented at the ITS in Lincoln 2016. (Session 2 Only)
The Right Fit: Selecting a University Theatre Program Steve Taft, Univ. of Northern Iowa
Other
CAC 109
Intermediate
This workshop will focus on the many important considerations in choosing a university theatre program that
will aid you in pursuing your dreams and aspirations. Intended for junior and seniors as well as teachers and
parents. (Session 2 Only)
BOTH SESSIONS
The School for Fools: An Introduction to Commedia dell’Arte! LNG 222
Katheryn Bilbo, Northwest Missouri State University
Acting
Beginner
Come join the School for Fools as we spend an hour learning about the stock characters of Commedia dell’Arte
- Italy’s classic slapstick comedy...then put them into action! Commedia is very physical, so come prepared to
move! (Both Sessions)
LNG 23
Starting Your Acting Career: The Basics
Dr. John Cameron, University of Iowa
Acting
Open to all
How to create the basic elements you need to start your career - headshot, resume - and some of the things you
need to know about the unions, agents, managers, and casting directors. (Both Sessions)
Who’s Your Character? Making Choices, Telling the Story
Michael Peitz, Retired EdTA Executive Director
Acting
LNG 365
Open to all
Creating a character involves making choices that will tell the story. Join this workshop where participants will
do just that. Come prepared to create, get on your feet, and act! (Both Sessions)
LNG 111
Learn to Juggle
Daniel Rairdin-Hale, St. Ambrose University
Acting
Beginner
Have you always wanted to know how to juggle? Interested in adding this fun skill to your resume? Enjoy a
crash course in juggling with Daniel. Daniel has been juggling and teaching others to juggle since 1996.
(Both Sessions)
Running and Stamping:
Learning How to Connect with Your Partner
Jessica Wade, University of Iowa
Acting
LNG 208
Open to all
Running and stamping is a technique used to help actors get out of their heads, act on their impulses, and
connect with their partners. In this workshops, participants will be up on their feet doing very light running.
Come ready to move! (Both Sessions)
11
Iowa Thespian Festival 2016 WORKSHOPS
SWT APR
The Actor and the Breath Matt Weedman Acting Advanced Intermediate
A chance to break your acting work down to its most essential components - breath and thought. Following
Catherine Fitzmaurice’s mantra of “Think, Breathe, Speak,” participants will learn a powerful approach to text,
voice and acting and an effective and efficient way to handle auditions and high-stress performances.
(Both Sessions)
LNG 24
The Best Fundraiser
Kristin Koski, Comedy Sportz
Improvisation
Advanced
Fundraising is rarely fun, but what if there were a way to raise money for your program while also giving
your students the opportunity to increase their performance skills and confidence levels? This workshop will
summarize the benefits and procedures of building a ComedySportz High School League at your school. Sponsored
by ComedySportz Quad Cities. (Both Sessions)
LNG 223
Characters on the Fly
Andrew Koski, Comedy Sportz Quad City
Improvisation
Open to all
Learn how to use your acting instincts to create distinct characters in seconds. You will apply these skills in a
variety of improvised scenes and exercises. (Both Sessions)
LNG 11
Theatre Games: Improvisation
Kendra Gliem, University of Northern Iowa
Improvisation
Open to all
In this workshop, students will have the opportunity to explore multiple characters while creating diverse scenes
and environments through improvisation. The students will be able to take the improvisational skills they learn in
this workshop and apply it to their acting as well as their everyday life. (Both Sessions)
CAC 110
Making the Music Work for You
Nick Halder, Clarke University
Musical Theatre
Open to all
Beyond the lyrics and notes on the page what does the music tell you as a performer? Students will learn how
music affects the dramatic action of a song and what steps they can take to incorporate that information into
their performance. (Both Sessions)
Music Theatre Vocal Techniques Workshop
CJ Greer, Clarke University
Musical Theatre
GBPAC 30
Open to all
Students will explore various vocal exercises for building excellent musical theatre style singing, including
awareness of head voice/falsetto, speech level vocalization and belt resonance. Volunteers will then have the
opportunity to put these skills to use. Interested students should prepare a 32 bar cut of a musical theatre
selection. Please bring your sheet music with you for the accompanist. (Both Sessions)
LNG 20
Basic Stage Combat
Heather Powers, Webster City High School
Stage Combat
Beginner
Discover and explore how to properly punch, kick, body slam, head smash, and others on a stage. With a basic
knowledge of how to use stage combat you will be able to show all how convincing you can be by punching them on
stage. (Both Sessions)
SWT BMT
Stage Combat with Swords!
Joe Link, Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School
Stage Combat
Junior Thespians ONLY
One of the great things about theater is it allows us to gain new skills such as how to correctly use projection in
public speaking, how to recall a great deal of lines on stage, and how to stab another person with a broadsword
night after night and still have no one get hurt. This workshop will be specifically suited for Jr Thespians who
want to know how to fight, fall, and fence onstage with a system that keeps the action high and the injuries count
low. (Both Sessions)
12
Please have all cell phones turned OFF and away
while in any theatre or workshop.
Iowa Thespian Festival 2016 WORKSHOPS
LNG 12
Stage Combat
Jeff Coussens, Augustana Theatre
Stage Combat
Open to all
Let’s get ready to rumble! Come and learn the basics of fight choreography including slaps, punches, and kicks.
No prior experioence needed. All skill levels are welcome to attend. (Both Sessions)
LNG 308
Stage Combat
Cary Shapiro, Iowa High School Speech Association Hall of Fame
Stage Combat
Open to all
This is an interactive workshop, teaching the basics of safe stage combat. Both beginner and experienced actors
will benefit from this workshop, as they learn how to deliver a variety of slaps, punches, kicks and throws -- all
without any dangerous contact. (Both Sessions)
LNG 311
Scene Design in an Hour
Jonathan Sabo, Northwestern College
Technical Theatre
Intermediate
Students will create a scenic design for a one act play, “While the Auto Waits.” Objectives: analyze the script for
genre, mood, and theme of the play; discover the specific needs of the script; devise a plan that allows for creative
blocking and stage pictures; collaborate with peers to create the best possible design for the script. (Both Sessions)
LNG 10
Creating a Ten Minute Play
Dr. Robert AuFrance, Waldorf College
Other
Open to all
Creating a Ten Minute Workshop is a hands on experience, where everyone will be helping to create a brand new
work within the class. Individuals attending should play to bring writing utensils and paper. (Both Sessions)
The Path Forward: Creating Your Digital Resume
Tracie Berry, Go Daddy
Other
LNG 8
Open to all
Find out a newer way to make yourself stand out from the crowd. 70% of people look online when searching for
local businesses and talent. Learn how to make a digital resume showcase your work in theater and in life. This
resume is a great way to show your work in action instead of just on paper. We will go over why a digital resume is
a great addition to your hunt for the perfect job. (Both Sessions)
Portfolios, Resumes, and Websites, Oh My!
SAB 125
Mary Black, Millikin University
Open to all
Other
Preparing for college interviews in design and technical theatre can be daunting, but having your materials
together can help! We’ll go over what colleges are expecting, how to organize your experiences (even those
outside of theatre), and how to present yourself, your resume, and your portfolio in a professional manner.
(Both Sessions)
Stage Presence and How to Effectively Communicate
Dr. Charles Klink, William Penn University
Other
LNG 346
Intermediate
The goal of this workshop is to provide skills in how to overcome those initial stage/communication fears and
provide some methodologies for speaking/communicating to audiences of all sizes. The attendees will receive
helps in order to be a better communicator, learning to overcome “stage fright” as well as “taking charge” of the
audience. (Both Sessions)
SAB 123
N.A.P.S.
Brittany Smith (ITO At-Large) and Shaila Seth (ITO Vice-Chair)
Other
Open to all
Have you ever considered how NAPS can change your life? In this workshop you’ll learn about how powerful a
NAP can actually be. NAPS can help you improve your fundraising efforts, gain more audience members, or even
attain administrative support for your theatre program. Come learn how to make your NAPS even more powerful!
(Both Sessions)
Theatre 360
Matt Hagmeier CAC 108
Other
Open to all
Have you ever wondered how many people it actually takes to create theatre on Broadway? The world of
professional theatre is much bigger than you may realize, with hundreds of career opportunities you’ll never
learn about in school. This workshop will introduce you to many of the vital (but largely unsung) roles in the
professional theatre community, and outline how you might take advantage of your college experience to build
necessary skills and talent in these areas. (Both Sessions)
13
Visit the college and display
tables in the lobby of GBPAC.
“All the world’s
a stage,
And all the
men and
women merely
players;
They have their
exits and their
entrances,
And one man
in his time
plays many
parts.”
― William
Shakespeare,
As You Like It
14
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Take a picture...
1. With a State Thespian Officer
2. With an International Thespian Officer
3. With a State Thespian Officer candidate
4. With a Purple Shirt
6
1
t
s
e
F
IAThes
#
5. In Strayer-Wood Theatre
6. Outside Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Art Center
7. Donating to a fundraiser
8. With a duck
9. Eating supper in the Piazza
10. Eating breakfast at your hotel
Tag you
r
twitter
Instagr and/or
am
@IA_Th
espianS
TO
11. With your troupe director
12. Of your whole troupe
13. With someone from another troupe
14. With a “[Title of Show]” cast member
15. With a “39 Steps” cast member
16. With a “Twelfth Night” cast member
17. With a “Sweeney Todd” cast member
18. At a workshop
19. With a Junior Thespian
20. At Rest Stop Tweet or Instagram these photos with the hashtag #IAThesFest16. Those who
complete all 20 will be recognized. Happy Hunting!
15
Colleges
Attending
and Displays
FESTIVAL
2016
IATSE Local 67
Iowa Arts Alliance
Iowa State
Indian Hills
Community College
Nebraska Wesleyan
University
Northwest Missouri
State University
St. Mary’s University
of Minnesota
University of
Northern Iowa,
Opera
University of South
Dakota
Kirkwood
Community College
SX- Lighting
Costume Holiday
House
16
“Acting is not about being someone
different. It’s finding the similarity in
what is apparently different, then
finding myself in there.”
~ Meryl Streep
Silent Auction
Stop by for your “souvenirs!!” Our Silent Auction table in the GBPAC is filled with unique
items, from “Broadway Bling” memorabilia, to individual Troupe contributions and more! You
will have the opportunity to place silent bids on items throughout the weekend—stop by the
table often!! Bids will close Saturday afternoon, before the beginning of the final Mainstage
performance. Proceeds from the Silent Auction table will go toward scholarships.
Buck-A- Duck
During your Saturday morning Rest Stop, you will have the
opportunity to purchase a Duck for a Buck. On the bottom
of each duck is a name, which corresponds to another name
on another duck! (For example, Elphaba and Galinda.)
After you buy your duck, try and find your match! There
are 150 pairs of ducks—let’s not leave anyone behind
without their buddy!! Proceeds go towards Broadway
Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.
Splat an STO!
Also during the Saturday morning Rest Stop, you can
purchase raffle tickets for $2. At the conclusion of Rest
Stop, 4 winning tickets will be drawn, and those winners will
have the opportunity to throw a pie at 4 STO’s!! The funds
from this event will go towards Broadway Cares/Equity
Fights AIDS.
Minute To Give It
Minute To Give It will benefit Send-A-Troupe and will
occur before Friday night’s mainstage. The STO’s and STO
Candidates will try to collect as much money as they can in
ONE MINUTE from, you, their faithful travelers!! Funds from
this event will help support Send-A-Troupe.
T-Shirt Grab
All weekend you will have the opportunity to Visit the T-Shirt Grab Box, and for $5 receive a
“mystery shirt!” These are from other troupes, shows and events, and will be located at the
Silent Auction Table! Proceeds from this event will go toward Scholarships
17
Make plans now to
attend International
Thespian Festival,
June 19-24, 2017.
FESTIVAL 2016 Iowa Thespian
Middle School Troupes Attending
Bettendorf Middle SchoolElizabeth Woolley
Cora B DarlingAnne Friederich
Mount Vernon Karla Steffens
Sudlow IntermediateAlexander McCarthy
Woodside Colleen Babcock
The University of
IOWA
Focusing on
new work
319.335.2700 • theatre.uiowa.edu • arts.uiowa.edu
Why major in Theatre at the University of Iowa?
*Experience 25 productions per year with more than 250 roles
*Small class sizes with working professionals
*Numerous guests artists each year
*State-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment
*And more!
Social Media:
Keeping up
with the STO
year round!
The Iowa State Thespian
Officers are officially
on social media! Follow
IA_ThespianSTO on both
Instagram and
Twitter to keep up with
Thespians in Iowa all year.
Students and troupes
can submit information
about their upcoming
events and shows to
our page through direct
message and be promoted
to the Iowa Thespian
Community. This weekend
we will be tweeting
important updates about
festival so be sure to
check back often!
18
Learn more at theatre.uiowa.edu
FESTIVAL 2016 Iowa Thespian High School Troupes Attending
SCHOOL
TROUPE
Assumption 2761
Benton Community
875
Bettendorf
542
Boone 2845 Central
2951
Clarinda
471
Clinton
452
Dubuque
69
Fairfield
544
Grinnell
4274
Indianola
4575
Iowa City
848
Jefferson
561
John R Mott
Keokuk
6976
Melcher-Dallas
6479
SPONSOR
SCHOOL
TROUPE
Elizabeth Powers
Alli Casavant
Katie Howard
Caroline Sallen
Thea Inveld
Kennon Balster
Samantha Burns
Aaron Dean
Betsie Wotherspoon
Elizabeth Hansen
Randy Stone
Troy Peters
Lynn Jensen
Derek Friederich
Merissa Lewiston
Nicole Miller
Mount Vernon
1470
Muscatine
585
North 3994
North Scott
739
Oskaloosa
228
Ottumwa
615
Pella
123
Pleasant Valley
856
Roosevelt
2317
Saydel High School
South Tama
1038
Thomas Jefferson
1015
Tipton
601
Wahlert 3842
Waukee
1451
West 2027
SPONSOR
Tom Stephens
Rene Mauck
Leslie La Corte
Stacie Kintigh
Kathy Akers
Natalie Dommer
Suzi Jones
William Myatt
Mark Rixner
Colleen Babcock
Dixie Forcht
Abby Custer
Kristi Peck
Colin Muenster
Chelsea Haaland
Kristi Koski
Iowa Thespian Hall of Fame
Class of 2016 Kristi Peck, Tipton High School
Class of 2015 Scott Slechta, Fairfield High School
Class of 2013
Lynn Jensen, Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School
Class of 2012
Rich Rogers
Class of 2010
Christina Myatt
Class of 2009
Virgina Darby, Wahlert Catholic High School
Lori Glawe, DM Roosevelt High School
Class of 2008
Helen Duranleau-Brennan, Davenport Assumption H.S.
Class of 2007
Randy Stone, Indianola High School
Class of 2005
Paul Holzworth, Davenport North High School
William Myatt*, Pleasant Valley High School
Class of 2004
Elizabeth Hansen*, Grinnell High School
Class of 2003
Tom Goodall, North Scott High School
Class of 2002
Craig Ihnen*, Iowa High School Speech Association
Executive Director
Class of 2001
Rick Anderson, Kirkwood College
Class of 1998
Kennon Balster, Clarinda High School
Mary Fasse-Shaw, South Tama High School
Judith Jacobs, North Scott High School
Linda Perrenoud, PCM High School
Class of 1997
Frances Hedeman, Dubuque Senior High School
Michael Peitz*, Educational Theatre Association,
Executive Director
Class of 1996
Sybil Lamb, Dubuque Senior High School
Karen Tilton, Maquoketa High School
Class of 1995
John Gibson, Council Bluffs High School
Robert Geuder*, Cedar Rapids Jefferson High School
Janie Yates, Iowa City High School
*Also a member of The Educational Theatre Association Hall of Fame
19
21