|
|
|
|
|
February 2019
In This Issue:
| President's Corner |
Scholarships! |
| Really Really |
Director & Dramaturg Notes |
| He Said, She Said? |
School of Theater |
| Chili Chowdown |
Free Staged Reading |
|
|
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
 What a wonderful way to begin the Spring Semester. This year’s Mason Cabaret performance was truly the best ever. Every number from the Golden Age of Broadway was perfectly matched to the talents of the student performers which resulted in an incredible theater experience. I found myself thinking that it was as good as I could experience anywhere in the DC area. Kudos to our amazing faculty members Erin and James Gardner and Joe Walsh as well for their leadership. We are truly fortunate to be surrounded by such talent.
After attending Convocation last month, the enthusiasm and energy of the students and faculty was positively contagious. I can’t wait to see what this season has in store.
Really Really opens on February 28. Scholarship Night for this performance is March 1. This is an opportunity to donate to the School of Theater Scholarships and attend a Q&A with the cast following the show.
Here is a challenge for all of us: Invite someone to join you at each Mason Players performance that you attend. You will be helping to increase our audience base as well as treating a friend or neighbor to a wonderful theater experience!
See you at the theater,
Paulette Miller, President
Friends of Theater at Mason
Back To Top
|
|
|
FRIENDS OF THEATER AT MASON
2019 SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Each spring semester, the Friends of Theater present $2500 scholarships to deserving School of Theater students. This year we have awarded five to both performing and technical arts students. Congratulations. We are proud of you!
 Zachary Almquist
Hello, my name is Zack Almquist, I'm a transfer junior Theater Performance major at George Mason. I never would have thought when I started this journey three years ago that one day I would receive the aid to continue pursuing a career in the arts.
I'm very thankful to be surrounded by such a caring community of faculty and peers, and this scholarship given to me by the Friends of Theater at GMU means the world to me. Not only the financial support, but also the knowledge that there is such a wonderful group of people that support the arts and are generous enough to give so much. I congratulate my fellow recipients and once again must express how sincerely grateful I am to be a part of something so special.
Garvey X. Dobbins 
Garvey is a 2nd semester Junior at Mason, majoring in Theater with a concentration in Musical Theater. He has recently been seen touring with the Mason Cabaret. Other performances at Mason include Big River, 35 MM, 1984, and The Three-Penny Opera. He is also currently serving as the Marketing Intern for the College of Visual and Performing Arts.
Garvey says "The Friends of Theater scholarships give vital funds that allow students to continue building an art education here at George Mason. I am appreciative to be one of the beneficiaries. Your contribution has made a difference in my life. It has aided me in continuing to do what I love to do."
Amelia McGinnis
 I am a pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Theater with a concentration in Design for the Stage and Screen. During my college career, I am focusing on stage management and choreography. I was overjoyed when I received notification about being awarded the Friends of Theater Scholarship. This past year, there have been health issues in my family which have caused a financial burden. I am grateful for the opportunity that this scholarship will allow me to continue to study my craft. Thank you.
Jeremy Shontz
My name is Jeremy Shontz and I am a Senior Theater major, graduating in the fall of 2019, with concentrations in performance and design/technical theater. I am originally from Titusville, PA, but I moved to Williamsburg, VA when I was six years old. I first became interested in theater when I was in third grade and was a part of a small school production that we presented to the school. It wasn’t until middle school when I decided that I wanted to be an actor. I have been in countless productions over my life; Guys and Dolls, Oliver, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Mousetrap, The Imaginary Invalid, and Big River, to name a few. Before I transferred to GMU I was an Assistant Director for a local middle school in my area and two summers ago, I was the Director at the Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia for their production of Aladdin Jr. My talents also involve the technical aspect of theater. I spent this past summer as an intern at Maine State Music Theatre. Over the course of the summer, we produced a total of nine shows; four main stage shows, two children theatre shows, and three concert series shows. The road to graduating has not been easy. I have had issues with finding financial aid, but thanks to the Friends of Theater here at Mason, I have been honored to receive a scholarship to help take some of that burden off of my shoulders. Receiving this scholarship has meant so much to me. I honestly was afraid that I would have to drop out of school and being just two semesters away from graduating that would have been very disappointing. The best way to describe my gratitude is by applauding you, the Friends of Theater, with a standing ovation. Because of your generosity, I am one step closer to being the first person in my family to receive a college degree. I thank you!
 Alex Wiemeyer
Alex is a Junior Theater Major with a concentration in Design and Stage Management from Harrisonburg, Virginia. She is currently stage managing Our Country’s Good which runs March 28th-April 7th. Recently she has costume designed for Big River with the Mason Players, stage managed for The Little Princess with Fairfax City Theater Company, production designed for Good Dogs with the Class Act Players, stage managed for The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail with the Mason Players, and costume and makeup designed for The Pillowman with the Mason Players. Alex is graduating in the fall and is excited to see what the future has in store. She is extremely grateful for the support from the Friends of Theater and all of the School of Theater Faculty and Staff. It means the world to have such a strong and encouraging support structure in all of Theater at Mason.
|
|
|
By Paul Downs Colaizzo
Directed By Miranda Newman
When morning-after gossip about privileged Davis and ambitious Leigh turns ugly, self-interest collides with the truth, and the resulting storm of ambiguity makes it hard to discern just who’s a victim, who’s a predator, and who’s a Future Leader of America.
Contains adult language and situations, and depictions of sexual violence
Studio Series
February 28, March 1, 2, & 3 at 8 p.m.
March 2 & 3 at 2 p.m.
TheaterSpace
TICKETS
$20 Adult
$10 students, staff, seniors and groups
|
|
|
|
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Director's Note
Really Really first came to me about two years ago as a performance in a scene study class. I was absolutely struck by the razor edge narrative that was unfurled before me, a dazzling balance between truth and lie. Incredibly intrigued, I ended up reading the play and hating it. Then I read it again, and again, and again. I could not seem to get it out of my head, no matter how much it frustrated me. I could not grasp what the playwright Paul Downs Colaizzo was reaching at. Was he saying that all millennials are heartless, cruel, self-absorbed narcissists? How could one take an approach so outrageously vindictive towards one’s own peers? But upon more speculation and many more readings I found this play to be much deeper than what it appeared on the surface. For me, this play is about young people struggling to survive in a world that increasingly bets against their survival and livelihood. I think this play reflects many hard truths about the fabric of American society. It exemplifies differing ideals of the American Dream, and how people are willing to do whatever it takes to make that dream a reality. Rape and sexual assault, very unfortunately, is a piece of our culture that must be addressed. With the help of the #MeToo movement this issue has come to the forefront of the public eye but we still have many leaps to make in addressing it, especially as it pertains to its prevalence on college campuses, and my hope is that this play helps to create a space where we can discuss these issues more openly. This play confronts the idea of victimization, how we may label someone as a victim but how someone labeled as such may not choose define themselves as such. This play challenges our judgement, our perception of truth, and the idea of power. As Grace proclaims to her future leaders “what are you willing to do to get what you want?” And as this play illustrates, people are not only willing to do anything to get what they want, but must do anything they can in order to survive.
 Miranda Newman is a senior Theatre performance major at George Mason. She is an AFYP teacher and serves as Vice President for the Mason Improv Association, of which she has been a member for three years. She has performed in many productions at Mason, most recently The Night Thoreau Spent in Jail, and The Gondoliers, but this is her first time directing on the college stage. She is absolutely thrilled to have this opportunity to showcase all that she has learned in her time at Mason, and hopes that this play resonates as deeply with you as it has with her.
 FROM THE DRAMATURG
From the millennials emerging into adulthood to the myriad sexual assault allegations around the country, we must have a conversation about our society. Really Reallyspeaks out loud what the public has been thinking: “What is the resolution to this ‘he said, she said?’” The #MeToo Movement flooded social media in the fall of 2017, displaying how commonplace sexual harassment is among men and women. Judge Brett Kavanaugh has gone viral this past year when Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexual assault years after the incident. People took sides, whether in belief or opposition. The backlash against both raised the question: “Why didn’t you speak up earlier?” And the all too often response was, “No one would’ve listened.” It became a ripple effect as more and more people came out with their experiences of sexual assault and/or harassment. Friendships and family relationships fell apart whether it was from the side of the alleged victim or the alleged harasser. Some were ashamed and disgusted that they were friends with a criminal while others refused to believe the “lies” their loved one was saying and how dare they ruin someone else’s life like that by making such insinuations. People took their own self-interest in mind when cutting off these relationships, which is a side effect of Generation Me: the generation of self-awareness and self-concern.
Really Really challenges the audience to rethink the building blocks of our society, where our priorities lie, and what we can do to resolve this.
Kat Amato (Dramaturg) is a Sophomore Honors College student studying a BFA in Theatre with a concentration in Musical Theatre. This is her debut as a Dramaturg. Past highlighted credits include: Assistant Lighting Designer for Machinal with the Mason Players and Actress in The Vagina Monologues, sponsored by the GMU Student Support and Advocacy Center. She is looking forward to her future studies and artistic developments in theatre.
Back To Top
|
|
|
|
HE SAID, SHE SAID?
Do we hear and see the same things?
INTERVIEWS WITH THE DRAMATIS PERSONAE OF REALLY REALLY
(with a little help from the cast).
Before beginning the interview each complainant and witness were reminded of the seriousness of their testimony and need for confidentiality with this statement:
Before we begin, we must make clear that the Board takes these charges very seriously and that we are investigating these charges by interviewing all potential witness in compliance with our policy. Upon completion of the investigation, we will attempt to determined what occurred and will take appropriate action based on its determination. Confidentiality is necessary to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure that we receive trustworthy information in an atmosphere free from coercion. I apologise if this becomes uncomfortable, but we must get as many details as possible.
MS. JONES – Complainant
Date and time of the harassment?
—Saturday around 10:30pm
Did the alleged harasser touch you? If so, where were you touched? Were you touched more than once?
—Yes. Everywhere. Yes.
How long was the incident, for example, a few seconds, five minutes?
—It felt like forever. About 2-3 minutes.
Were there any witnesses to the incident? Who were they?
—Not that I know of. There were others at the party.
How did you respond to the harassment? Did you make any effort to bring it to a halt? How did you feel about the harassment at the time it occurred?
—Yes, I fought back at first and said no multiple times, but he wasn’t listening. I felt like I was being used and I was scared.
Do you have any tangible evidence or records of harassment from the alleged harasser, witnesses, or by yourself?
—No.
What action would you like to have taken?
—I want him to face time for what he did.
Thank you for your time Ms. Jones. We will be in contact with you regarding the status of this investigation.
MR. PHILIPS– Alleged Harasser
What is your response to the allegation?
—I don’t know. I can’t say either way whether it happened or not. I don’t know. I don’t think she’s lying but I don’t think it’s exactly the truth, exactly what she said.
Is there any documentation regarding the incident?
—No. We don’t let people film at our parties, not for any particular reason, just something we came up when we were freshman.
Thank you for your time Mr. Philips.
MS. BYRNES – Witness
Did you witness firsthand an incident that occurred on Saturday involving Ms. Jones and Mr. Philips? If so, please describe your understanding of the events that took place?
—They were flirting all night and eventually he invited her into his bedroom, and she complied willingly. Nothing wrong, very consensual. I was listening.
Please name any other person who were involved or who witnessed the incident to which you have knowledge.
—His friend was also listening. A few other people were at the party, no one else was paying attention.
Please provide any additional facts or documentation that would be relevant to this investigation.
—If he was violent, wouldn’t there be evidence of tattered clothes on her? Seems strange to me.
Thank you for your time Ms. Byrnes.
Mr. Campbell - Witness
Did you witness firsthand an incident that occurred on Saturday involving Ms. Jones and Mr. Philips? If so, please describe your understanding of the events that took place?
—I was there. Didn’t witness anything. Does it matter if I was intoxicated?
Please name any other person who were involved or who witnessed the incident to which you have knowledge.
—There were only two people there, no one witnessed. I heard stuff. Well, I heard them say stuff.
Please provide any additional facts or documentation that would be relevant to this investigation.
—She said “stop” at one point. I was drunk so I don’t remember much, and it was loud.
Thank you for your time Mr. Campbell.
|
|
|
As a production team, we sat down and had a discussion with Caitlyn, a student advocate of the Student Support and Advocacy Center here on campus, about sexual assault and how this program may be used as an emotional resource. George Mason has the 1202 policy which prohibits behavior that violate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and/or the Virginia Human Rights Act. The University must fulfill obligations under the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). Prohibited Conduct will not be tolerated and Employees or Students who violate this policy may face disciplinary action up to and including termination or expulsion. Anyone who seeks the aid of a student advocate will not have their experience defined for them, meaning the student advocates will not use the policy to determine what happened, but instead will listen carefully to student’s story.
Below is their mission statement:
The Student Support and Advocacy Center is committed to providing an empowering environment for all Mason students to seek support services and to explore healthy life choices. We offer educational programming, one-on-one consultations, and resources in the areas of interpersonal violence, personal wellness, and alcohol and drug use. We assist students encountering barriers to personal success.
|
|
|
|
WORDS FROM THE SCHOOL OF THEATER
Over the course of several Saturdays a semester, our dedicated faculty has the honor of meeting high school and hopeful transfer students wishing to become Theater Majors at George Mason University. On those days, and with frequency, I find myself detailing those characteristics of Mason’s School of Theater that distinguish Theater at Mason from other programs. Our mission and the choices we make are framed by the values our collective has identified. Therefore, what differentiates the undergraduate journey at Mason is profound.
Not only do we include our students, staff and our wider community in our season planning, our students are at the helm of much of that season. We do this because we believe that artistic maturation demands practical application of specialized skills. With the changes in the U.S. theater scene, including many fewer repertory company experiences, this layer of training at Mason seems, to us, to be vital. Another distinguishing characteristic of Theater at Mason, is that our faculty in the School of Theater continue active professional careers. This is not always the case in academia. For us, it is an expression of the same value. Simply, we learn best by doing.
There is a lot of great doing for the School of Theater this February. Many great things are happening, and I look forward to you joining us, as often as you are able. This month, the D.C. theater is alive with Mason alumni, current students, and faculty. Here a few things to look out for:
- Assistant Professor Sherrice Mojgani has originated the lighting design for The Heiress on the Fichhandler Stage at Arena Theater, directed by Arena’s Deputy Artistic Director, Seema Sueko.
- The world premiere of She a Gem is at the Kennedy Center, and Assistant Professor Deb Sivigny has created the scenic design for this piece, working with director, Paige Hernandez, and choreographer, Jocelyn Isaac.
- At Dance Loft on 14, Young Playwrights Theater presents Three Cheers for Grace, by Josie Walyus, directed by Eric Ruffin, and featuring Assistant Professor Mimsi Janis.
I look forward to seeing you in the theater- on campus and off!
Ken Elston
Director
School of Theater
George Mason University
Back To Top
|
|
|
CHILI CHOW-DOWN!
Saturday, March 23, 2019
The date is quickly approaching for the Friends of Theater’s much anticipated Chili Chow-down during the all-day Tech rehearsal for this spring’s production of Our Country’s Good on Saturday, March 23.
If you have a great chili recipe you would like to share we would love to treat the students to a taste.
Besides chili, the menu includes chips, cookies, carrots, and oranges. (Word is one board member may make cornbread!). If you would like to contribute any of these items please let Paulette Miller know. Items need to be delivered to the Miller’s (10847 Split Oak Lane, Burke) by 5 pm Friday, March 22 unless you are planning to help at the event. Call or e-mail for directions.
We can also use help with set-up or clean-up. The location is Theater Space on campus. Typically the cast breaks for lunch around 2:00 for exactly one hour. We arrive an hour before and are usually cleaned up and ready to leave an hour after that.
The best part is mixing and mingling with the students. They absolutely love this event and so do those of us who join them.
Call Paulette (703-250-0876) or e-mail with questions or to volunteer.
|
|
|
Presented By Mason School of Theater
Friday, February 22, 2019
3:00 PM
Harris Theatre, Fairfax Campus
Directed by Theater student Sam Dunn III, this powerful play is a look at the African American experience in Virginia history, both past and present, and is sponsored by student organization Collections for the Culture, the CVPA Artists In Action Committee, and the state-wide American Evolution 1619-2019 celebration.
A brief talk-back and Q&A will follow.
Free and open to the public
|
|
|
|
Upcoming play by Mason Theater Alumni
Spills
Friends of Theater at Mason may be familiar with the Who What Where Theater Collective created by Mason alumni and including both alumni and current students. Following a successful staged reading at the Kennedy Center's "Page to Stage", they are happy to announce their next production,
Spills was written by alumna Ruthie Rado and will be directed by alumna Rebecca Wahls. Kira Omans (Mason alum) and Jacob Thompson (current Mason student) will play two of the three characters. Spills will be performed March 21st at 7:30 PM 22nd at 8:00 PM, 23rd at 3:30 and 8:00 PM, 28th at 7:30 PM, 29th at 8:00 PM, and the 30th at 3:30 and 8:00 PM in a unique venue called Rhizome DC. It promises to be a hilarious, immersive audience experience. More details are available at https://whowhatwheretheaterco.org.
|
|
|
|
YOUR DONATION WILL HELP US
TO REACH OUR SCHOLARSHIP GOALS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
