P E N N S T A T E PSCentreStage Penn State s year-round professional theatre training program 2013-14 Season Guide Bi-Annual Best picks for FALL hot, hot guys and dolls grimm classics into the woods New drama blood at the root Charles Dumas and cast In the tradition of inspiring others... Charles dumas directs no place to be somebody (Photo by Patrick Mansell) highlights Alums where are they? College of Arts and Architecture
mainstage: Fall Pavilion Theatre and Playhouse Theatre No Place to Be Somebody Think you got a corner on soul? In the middle of the Civil Rights era, on the heels of the Black Power movement, a black bartender matches wits with a white mobster in this Pulitizer Prize-winning play. By Charles Gordone Directed by Charles Dumas October 1 10 Pavilion Theatre Evenings: $18 /Matinee: $16 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12 GUYS AND DOLLS All the HOT GAMBLERS are in town! Packed with one unforgettable song after another not to mention loads of romance and charm to spare. With beloved tunes such as Sit Down, You re Rockin the Boat, Luck Be a Lady, A Woman in Love, and I ll Know, there is plenty of toe-tapping to be had and unforgettable characters from Damon Runyon. November 5 20 Playhouse Theatre Evenings: $25 /Matinee: $18 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12 Opening Night Nittany Lion Inn Dinner, Nov. 8: $40 (Does not include show ticket) (Cash bar at 5:00 p.m.; dinner at 5:30 p.m., in the Faculty Staff Club at the Nittany Lion Inn. Transportation provided from Inn to theatre and return.) Music and lyrics by Frank Loesser Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows Directed by Meghan C. Hakes
pioneering a legacy... CHARLES DUMAS When Charles Dumas joined the School of Theatre faculty in 1995, he was a professional actor, director, and writer who came to us as a guest teacher. However, his focus has changed, he says. I have become a teacher who sometimes acts and directs. Dumas has witnessed many changes in the School of Theatre. First it became a school. When I first came it was still a department. The B.F.A. program in Musical Theatre had not yet graduated its first class. The Dance program was still over in Kinesiology. And the School of Theatre had a new head Dan Carter and I started the same year. That first year, Dumas designed and taught three new courses: African American Theatre, Diverse Cultures Workshop, and Acting for the Camera. Over the years he has also taught undergraduate acting, playwriting, and directing. In his second year, Dumas directed A Raisin in the Sun, the first play written by an African American to be presented on the mainstage at Penn State. Since that time he has also directed August Wilson s A Piano Lesson, Fences, A Colored Museum, and this year s No Place to Be Somebody, by Charles Gordone, the first African American to win a Pulitzer Prize for playwriting. During his time at Penn State he has also directed at other venues productions include Diary of Anne Frank, Seven Guitars, The Meeting, I Oughta Be in Pictures, Ma Rainey s Black Bottom, Driving Miss Daisy, A Midsummer Night s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Othello, A Darker Face of Earth, The Blacks, Dancing at Lughnasa, Once On This Island, and a dozen other studio productions and workshops. One of Dumas priorities has been presenting opportunities for diversity development. He was the first African American faculty member in the School of Theatre, and the first to get tenure and be promoted to full professor. He served as chair of the Diversity Committee and was the program developer for Penn State s Martin Luther King Day ceremony for years. In addition, Charles and his wife, Dr. J. Ann Dumas, established and fund the Frances Foster Award, which recognizes a worthy undergraduate for his or her contribution to theatre and diversity in the school. As an actor, Dumas appeared in Penn State Centre Stage s Fences, Death of a Salesman, Whose Life Is It Anyway?, A Christmas Carol, The Illusion, and Radio Golf. He has been a regular on several television episodes out of New York, including Law and Order, Ed, and 100 Centre Street. He also was a principal in the films Diehard with a Vengeance, Deep Impact, Copland, and Red Water. Dumas was a Pennsylvania Council on the Arts award recipient for his film Surfacing and served on the council s theatre review panel for six years. His 9/11 A Day in the Life of a People won the David Award in 2010 and His Brother s Keeper was a finalist for the Best African American Play in 2000. He was a Fulbright Fellow at Stellenbosch University in South Africa in 2002 and was a senior guest professor at the University of the Free State, also in South Africa, from 2010 to 2012. Other departments at Penn State have made use of Dumas skills. He was an active member of the newly formed Department of African and African American Studies for three years. With his wife, he co-teaches a course on African film for the College of Communications. He is the narrator for The Next Chapter, the weekly Penn State football show. Charles and his wife have been active in the State College community. Charles was the first chair of State College Borough s Human Relations Commission. In 2012 he ran for Congress in the 5th District. Though he did not win, he garnered more than 100,000 votes, or 37 percent. He says it will be hard to leave the School of Theatre, but it is time for a change. We have spent a lifetime in this community. We have been present at the marriages of three of our children and the birth of a grandchild. But, I have also buried both of my parents and our oldest daughter, Allison. It is time to move on. Charles has performed in several Penn State Centre Stage productions Left to right: Fences (photo by William Wellman) and Radio Golf (photo by Tina Hay).
mainstage: Spring Pavilion Theatre and Penn State Downtown Theatre Center INTO THE WOODS What happens after HAPPILY EVER AFTER, after all? In Sondheim and Lapine s beloved musical retelling of the Grimm classics, a parade of familiar folktale figures find their way Into the Woods and try to get home before dark. February 18 March 1 Pavilion Theatre Evenings: $25 /Matinee: $18 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12 Opening Night Nittany Lion Inn Dinner, Feb. 21: $40 (Does not include show ticket) (Cash bar at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Faculty Staff Club at the Nittany Lion Inn. Transportation provided from Inn to theatre and return.) BLOOD AT THE ROOT Inspired by the Jena Six and the white tree. A new drama inspired by the conviction of six black teenagers for beating a white student after a noose was hung at their high school in Jena, Louisiana. This bold new play examines the miscarriage of justice and racial double standards in the Deep South. March 25 April 5 Downtown Theatre Evenings: $18 /Matinee: $16 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12
What our stars are doing from penn state to successful careers! take a look at what our grads have been up to... BEN CLARK Ben graduated with a B.F.A. in Design and Technology in 2011. He is an engineer at Universal Creative, currently working on special effects, show action equipment, and show sets for The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: Diagon Alley at Universal Studios Orlando. CARLY EVAN HUGHES You may have seen Carly in our summer production of Doubt: A Parable. A 2013 graduate from our B.F.A. in Musical Theatre program, she is currently playing Maria in West Side Story at Ogonquit Playhouse, Maine. A recent review by the Press Herald states, Hughes delivers an operatic performance that s unrestrained by the Earth s gravitational pull. As with the production s dancing, her vocals soar to other worldly heights, ringing out over the audience like a chorus of heavenly bells. (Photo provided by Ogonquit Playhouse). ASHLEY MOROCCO Ashley graduated with a B.A. in Theatre in 2010. She just finished her second film in Los Angeles, playing Sam Bolton in Natural Rejection, written and directed by Justin Viggiano. Other credits include Sam in Broken Gardenias and Dark Skies (stunt double). On Tour Six Penn State actors Stori Ayers, Brandon Carter, Allison Jaye, Tyler Reilly, Kenzie Ross, and Christian Thompson and the Head of Graduate Acting, Steve Broadnax, recently returned from a highly successful South African tour of the new play Blood at the Root. The play, commissioned by the School of Theatre for its third-year graduate acting class, is the work of rising star playwright Dominique Morisseau and will be a part of our mainstage season this spring before launching a European tour next summer. Click the QR code to watch their journey. JASON SPARKS Jason Sparks, a 2009 B.F.A. Musical Theatre alumnus, is the assistant choreographer on After Midnight, a new Broadway musical opening in November at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre. Jason has been with the show for three years, and will be making his choreographic Broadway debut with the production. The show is directed and choreographed by Broadway veteran Warren Carlyle. After Midnight is the Broadway production of ENCORE S critically acclaimed Cotton Club Parade. This heart-pounding new musical brings the sexy, smoky glamour of Harlem s golden age to a whole new genera- J.T. ARBOGAST J.T. Arbogast ( 98 B.A. Theatre) recently wrote and produced his first feature film titled, Angel s Perch. Inspired by his West Virginia roots and his grandmother s battle with Alzheimer s disease, the film is currently screening across the country and is scheduled for wide release this December. For more info, visit www.angelsperch.com
off centre Oct. 16, 17, 19 levels night club Funk it Up About Nothin A hip-hoptation of William Shakespeare s Much Ado About Nothing Created by GQ and JQ Directed by Steve Broadnax A fresh urban take on a story as old skool as love itself, and complete with a live DJ, B-boys and girls, MCs and divas, Funk It Up About Nothin is more than a rom-com street party with bangin bass. It s an outrageous hip-hoptation based on the Bard s classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Funk It Up About Nothin delivers an intense, high-energy story like no other. Show times vary. Tickets available at the door. Members RSVP by Oct. 11 to 814-865-7586 or theatre@psu.edu. $5 student/$7.50 general Levels Night Club 420 E. College Ave., State College, PA www.levelstickets.com Venues & Parking Oct. 31 nov. 1 pavilion Theatre Haunted Theatre During Halloween, our mostbeloved Pavilion Theatre is transformed into a haunted maze. Theatre automation students devise a multitude of events to scare the screams out of anyone. It s not hard to imagine ghosts and goblins and gory thrills since the Pavilion was once used as an animal slaughter house. Even in the best of times, the empty theatre is an eerie place to be in alone. Check it out if you dare! Tours begin at 7:30 p.m. $3 at the door. Members RSVP by Oct. 28 to 814-865- 7586 or theatre@psu.edu. Jan. 30 Feb. 1 playhouse Theatre Dance Concert University Dance Company is a preprofessional dance company that provides an opportunity for students to work with faculty and guest choreographers, as well as to collaborate on group projects. The company provides students with the experiences needed to pursue a career in performance, choreography, or graduate studies in dance. UDC performs annually on campus and at the American College Dance Festival. The company has also performed at venues in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and New York City. www.dance.psu.edu 7:30 p.m. $3 at the door. Members RSVP by Jan. 24 to 814-865- 7586 or theatre@psu.edu. february 10 15 Downtown Theatre Cultural Conversations Cultural Conversations, the only new works festival of its kind in the country, is devoted to fostering and promoting new dance, visual arts, and theatre pieces based on issues of local and global diversity. The festival offers a forum for professional and student artists where social issues can play out on a stage. The theme for 2014 is The Right to Remain Violent: Gun Control F/Or a New Civilization. www.culturalconversations.psu.edu Times vary. $3 at the door. Members RSVP by Feb. 3 to 814-865- 7586 or theatre@psu.edu. Playhouse Theatre, Theatre Building (near Palmer Museum of Art) University Park Pavilion Theatre Corner of Shortlidge and Curtin Roads Parking for Penn State evening and weekend events is easy. Simply go to www. theatre.psu.edu and click on the link for Parking. The link will open a Parking form that you can print and send with payment to the University Parking Office. The Parking Office will send you a permit that is valid in all regular faculty and staff parking areas anytime after 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday. The permit will not be valid in any of the resident student parking areas, or spaces specifically reserved by signage. The evening/weekend permit is also not valid for events held at the Bryce Jordan Center. It s that simple! Purchase your permit now for hassle-free parking when you attend an arts performance, lecture, or special event. www.theatre.psu.edu. One stop, one permit, all the evening and weekend access you need! Penn State Downtown Theatre Center 146 S. Allen St., State College (Park in the Fraser St., Pugh St., or Beaver Ave. garages) Ticket Locations Arts Ticket Center at Eisenhower Auditorium: M-F 8 a.m. 5 p.m. Penn State Tickets Downtown: M-F 9 a.m. 4 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Bryce Jordan Center Ticket Window: M-F 9 a.m. 6 p.m. (Fall/Spring) HUB Outlet: M-F 11 a.m. 2 p.m.
P E N N S T A T E CentreStage 2013~14 season mainstage ordering information Season Subscriptions Subscribe to 4 or more shows and save 10%! Tickets must be purchased at one time. No other discounts apply. Free exchange privileges! Only subscribers can exchange their seats prior to the date they are holding free of charge for another performance of the same show based on availability. Lost ticket insurance! We ll replace lost or misplaced tickets at no additional charge right up to performance time. Perfect for Groups and Seniors... Save big when you see a preview or matinee priced 20 40 percent lower than the regular ticket price call 814-863-0255 today! Or buy ten regular tickets at the same time (all to the same show or mix and match) and receive a discount of 10 percent off ticket price. Tickets must be purchased as one transaction (does not apply to previous sales or opening nights). For more information and ordering assistance, call 814-865-5340 or 800-278-7849. fall All shows 7:30 p.m. Matinees 2:00 p.m. October 1 10 Pavilion Theatre no place to be somebody By Charles Gordone Directed by Charles Dumas You think you got a corner on soul? In the middle of the Civil Rights era, a black bartender matches wits with a white mobster in this Pulitizer Prize-winning play. no place to be somebody Oct. 1 Oct. 8 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 4 Oct. 5 Matinee MON Tues Wed ThurS Fri Sat Sat Oct. 7 Oct. 9 Oct. 5 Evenings: $18 /Matinee: $16 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12 november 5 20 Playhouse theatre guys and dolls Music and Lyrics by Frank Loesser Book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows Directed by Meghan C. Hakes All the hot gamblers are in town... One of the finest musical comedies ever, Guys and Dolls is packed with one unforgettable song after another not to mention loads of romance and charm to spare. guys and dolls Nov. 5 Nov. 12 Nov. 19 Nov. 7 Nov. 14 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 9 Matinee MON Tues Wed ThurS Fri Sat Sat Nov. 11 Nov. 18 Nov. 13 Nov. 20 Nov. 9 Evenings: $25 /Matinee: $18 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12 Opening Night Nittany Lion Inn Dinner, Nov. 8: $40 (Does not include show ticket) (Cash bar at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Faculty Staff Club at the Nittany Lion Inn) spring All shows 7:30 p.m. Matinees 2:00 p.m. February 18 March 1 Pavilion theatre into the woods Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by James Lapine Directed by Kasey RT Graham What happens after Happily Ever After, after all? Join us once upon a time for this beloved retelling of the Grimm classics, where a parade of familiar folktale figures find their way Into the Woods and try to get home before dark. into the woods Feb. 18 Feb. 25 Feb. 20 Feb. 27 Feb. 21 Feb. 28 Feb. 22 March 1 Matinee MON Tues Wed ThurS Fri Sat Sat Feb. 24 Feb. 26 Feb. 22 March 1 Evenings: $25 /Matinee: $18 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12 Opening Night Nittany Lion Inn Dinner, Feb. 21: $40 (Does not include show ticket) (Cash bar at 5:00 p.m., dinner at 5:30 p.m. in the Faculty Staff Club at the Nittany Lion Inn) March 25 April 5 PEnn state downtown theatre center blood at the root By Dominique Morisseau Directed by Steve Broadnax Inspired by the Jena Six and the white tree. A new drama inspired by the conviction of six black teenagers for beating a white student after a noose was hung at their high school in Jena, Louisiana, this bold new play examines the miscarriage of justice and racial double standards in the Deep South. blood at the root March 25 April 1 March 27 April 3 March 28 April 4 March 29 April 5 Matinee MON Tues Wed ThurS Fri Sat Sat March 31 April 2 March 29 April 5 Evenings: $18 /Matinee: $16 Penn State Student (with valid PSU ID): $12
College of Arts and Architecture Penn State Centre Stage The Pennsylvania State University 116 Theatre Building, University Park, PA 16802-2108 This publication is available in alternative media on request. The Pennsylvania State University is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to programs, facilities, admission, and employment without regard to personal characteristics not related to ability, performance, or qualifications as determined by University policy or by state or federal authorities. It is the policy of the University to maintain an academic and work environment free of discrimination, including harassment. The Pennsylvania State University prohibits discrimination and harassment against any person because of age, ancestry, color, disability or handicap, national origin, race, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Discrimination or harassment against faculty, staff or students will not be tolerated at The Pennsylvania State University. Direct all inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policy to the Affirmative Action Director, The Pennsylvania State University, 328 Boucke Building, University Park PA 16802-5901; tel.(814) 865-4700/V, (814) 863-1150/TTY. U.Ed. ARC 14-114 interview MATT TORONTO.: The Alum Who Calls Penn State Home Director Matt Toronto The Pact written, directed, and produced by Matt Toronto Matt Toronto came to Penn State from New York City, where he was nurturing a successful career performing in regional theatre, Off-Broadway, and in national tours including five seasons dancing alongside the Radio City Rockettes. While in New York he began writing and, most importantly, directing between acting gigs. That between-gig directing experience made him realize he was meant to play a different role in the world of theatre. Matt applied and was accepted to Penn State s unique M.F.A. program in Directing for the Musical Theatre Stage. In graduate school he helmed several successful productions, including Cabaret, Much Ado About Nothing, and the musical Parade. As graduation neared, he began applying for teaching jobs at other universities. He was on the verge of accepting another position when an unexpected offer came from Penn State. He joined the faculty in 2007, teaching acting, directing, and musical theatre performance. Thrilled at the opportunity, he welcomed the stability for his growing family. I had never had a yearly salary before. The longest gig I had up until this point was five months long. That was playing a Jet in the national tour of West Side Story. As Matt honed his teaching skills, his directing career took off. He began freelancing with professional theatres and universities all over the country, including the Fulton Theatre, York Theatre, Theatre at Monmouth, University of Actress and wife Jordan Toronto Leonard Bernstein Mass, director Matt Toronto Photo by Tina Hay Utah, University of Michigan, Bucknell University, and of course, Penn State Centre Stage. At Centre Stage he directed the world premiere of the musical Ordinary Days. While at Penn State, Matt began exploring other media, including film. He wrote, produced, and directed a feature film called The Pact, which went on to win awards at the Wet Your Pants Comedy Film Festival, South Dakota Film Festival, Best Actors in a Film Festival, Mexico International Film Festival, American International Film Festival, and New York Independent Film Festival. It was an official selection at more than a dozen other festivals. The film has since been released on DVD to critical acclaim. www.watchthepact. com. Matt continues to teach and direct for Penn State. Notable productions include an outdoor Romeo and Juliet and Leonard Bernstein s MASS, which was a part of the College of Arts and Architecture s 50th anniversary celebration. Currently he is creating a sitcom pilot with his wife, Jordan, and he has completed two new screenplays. He hopes to begin production for those projects in 2014. Matt is grateful to Penn State not only for the skills and education but for the unflinching support of my creative efforts. It is a true blessing to have an artistic home among students and colleagues of such high caliber.