URI ALUMNI IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Alison Uhlfelder

URI Theatre I by Gail Henriques

URI Alumni Alison Uhlfelder

I had the pleasure of interviewing and reintroducing URI Theatre alum, Alison Uhlfelder, a 2005 graduate with a BFA in Acting and Costume Design. Alison’s education at URI helped prepare her for the outside world in making connections and sharing ideas. She credits theatre in helping her with public speaking, connecting with new people, and time management, which she explained is how a show is created, bringing people from different departments together to make something cohesive in a finite amount of time.

One of Alison’s favorite memories of the Theatre Department was spending time in the shop, singing show tunes and sewing alongside David Howard and Sally Tschantz-Dwyer. Alison said, “I learned so much about myself and my craft in that room.” She added, “And a lot of musical theatre history!” But, to that, she shared some advice and wants to pass it along to the current class of URI Theatre majors, “Take your classes and teachers seriously! Do your homework. Do not be “above” it, or you are only short-changing yourself!” She went on to say, “Do what makes you happy, but also realize that you chose one of the hardest professions ever to be successful at. It is going to be a lot harder than you think, and if you don’t want to struggle, kick, and fight-go do something else. You are in a little pond in college, and life is an ocean!”

A defining moment in Alison’s life was when she sewed costumes for “A Chorus Line” for her Intro to Costumes class, and then she got to see them on stage. It showed her how clothing can really transform a person. She knew from working on [that] show what her career path would be. She also remembers singing holiday songs to hospital patients, led by Paula McGlasson- and how it was really enriching to do something nice for the local community. Alison said, “Volunteering is now part of my daily life.”

Ms. Uhlfelder’s educational experience in theatre prepared her for a professional career, as she is presently working as the Assistant Costume Designer for “Pretty Little Liars”. She works with deadlines, which involves shooting a new episode every 7 days, and juggling 2 or even 3 episodes at once -- not to mention, the fittings, organizing, and very long hours of work. Alison stated, “I don’t think I’d be able to keep up if I wasn’t already running that way during college: tech week, last minute sewing, dance rehearsals, run-thru, homework and parties!” She continued to say, “My brain thrives on that kind of life, and being in the theatre department helped me become aware that I needed to be able to multitask like that in order to survive.”

Alison recommends that theatre students take full advantage of other aspects of theatre, such as stagecraft, set painting, costumes, and lighting. She said, “You become a more well-rounded (and frankly, easier to work with) person when you understand how much work everyone has to do in order to make the final product. It’s not just about the actors on the stage.”

She concluded the interview by saying, “I loved taking any extra singing elective classes because of the small class size- it gave me great feedback. Also, Stage Management was extremely valuable, and I use all of the skills I learned there every single day in my job now.”

INTRODUCING THE CAST OF "AVENUE Q"

Meet Louis Perrotta

URI Theatre I By Diana Savino

This past week, I was able to sit down with URI senior, Louis Perrotta. He is playing Brian in URI’s production of Avenue Q, which is his favorite role yet! Perrotta is looking to get a degree in theatre with an acting concentrate.

           

“I was pretty pumped to do a musical. I’m not the biggest musical guy, but I really like it. It’s a cool thing to be a part of, ”Perrotta said. It’s a bit of a funny story how Louis originally got into acting. He explained he first got into theatre in high school. “I had a football injury actually and couldn’t play, so I had some friends in the theatre, and there were girls, and I did it and boom… it’s like a drug. Getting in front of that crowd… it’s amazing. It was a freak thing, but it’s weird how things work out”.

           

Perrotta explained his current role in Avenue Q as different from his past roles because it’s musical theatre, so it’s more over the top and a little bit of overacting. “But in some ways some of the things I say in the script is what I would actually say in real life a lot of the time. The only big difference is the fact that in musical theatre you’re talking and talking then all of a sudden you start dancing and singing”. This role in Avenue Q is the one role that Perrotta is most proud of because although he’s done musicals before, this is a character he can actually relate to on a different level.

           

“I think when you’re playing a character, it’s the character, but It’s also you. You embody the character, but you always bring your own self otherwise, it’s just pretend. You have to make the part your own. No matter what it is, comedic, dramatic or any of the in between, you have to find what speaks to you and you have to see if you’re close to the character or not. You have to find out why they are the way they are and what purpose their part serves. I always bring a part of myself into my roles”.

           

As for his character Brian, they are already pretty similar… to a certain extent. “He’s an average-joe kind of dude, aspiring comedian, he thinks he’s funny but most people don’t. He found his true love, Christmas Eve, who just berates him.  I honestly don’t know why she stays with him, I guess because she loves him”.

           

Find out more about Brian and Christmas Eve this weekend for our last set of shows! Buy your tickets here:

https://www.vendini.com/ticketsoftware.html?t=tix&w=8b8d23c04494442e01abff18900f8dd6

THEATRICAL TRENDS

Does Profanity Have a Place in the American Theatre?

URI Theatre | By Sergio Suhett

URI Theatre's Avenue Q Set Designed by Kent Homchick

This weekend when I went to see URI Theatre’s production of the musical Avenue Q, I was struck by a warning appearing in bold on the poster outside that it was not suitable for children. This is due in part to the “adult” language employed by some of the actors on the stage. Similarly, URI’s previous production of Theresa Rebeck’s comedy Seminar had also been considered a somewhat “blue” piece because of its use of profanity. Both of these are fairly recent shows that underscore the fact that language once considered unacceptable to theatrical audiences (and which was largely kept out of them due to censorship) is now incorporated in a frequent and freewheeling manner in the 21st century. Which begs the question: was the theatre better off without the f-word?

One thing worth considering before answering that question is how it has already been answered in Vladimir Putin’s Russia. Last May, the increasingly despotic Russian president signed into law a ban on swearing in films, television broadcasts, concerts, and theatrical performances. The law, which went into effect on July the 1st, is just part of a wave of totalitarian oppression in Russia that hearkens back to the bad old days of the Soviet Union.

Now, I must admit that while I was watching Avenue Q with several members of my family including my mother-in-law, I found myself occasionally glancing over at her to see if she was offended by some of the words being spoken (and in some cases sung) on the stage, words that my own inner censor automatically identified as “bad.” In the end, I needn’t have been concerned as she loved the show unreservedly – but even if she had been bothered by the language, it wouldn’t have altered my conviction that it should not have been altered or removed for her or anyone else’s sake.

As English blogger Robert Sharp has written of the new Russian law: “Swear words exist in every language and are part of everyday speech. Russian artists will no longer be able to reflect genuine, everyday speech. Instead, they will have to sacrifice authenticity in order to please a committee of censors…The government claims it is ‘protecting and developing culture’, but the effect will be to ensure that culture becomes staid, uniform and boring.”

The theatre should be for everybody, and fortunately for many of us outside of Putin’s Russia, it is now more than ever, f-bombs and all.

INTRODUCING THE CAST OF "AVENUE Q"

John Cunha Ladies and Gentlemen

URI Theatre I By Lauren Mazzola

Right: John Cunha posing with his puppet, Trekkie Monster
photo by: Ryan Osga

Within his first three months at URI, Freshman theatre major, John Cunha has already successfully established himself within the Theatre Department and will be starring in the Fall 2014 production of Avenue Q. This driven theatre student proves that the transition from high school to college does not have to be hard. For all of the incoming freshmen interested in pursuing theatre related studies, John’s story will inspire you to pursue your dreams, interests, and passions revolving around theatre at URI. 

URI Theatre has made the high school-to-college transition easier than Cunha originally thought it would be. He explained how the transition started out great because all freshmen theatre major attend classes together, which made making friends who share similar interests easier. 

On top of attending classes with other incoming freshmen, the Majors' Meeting event made Cunha's college adjustment smooth and happy. “On the second week of school, the Theatre Department held a Majors’ Meeting where the freshmen were able meet everyone in the department! I’ve been told that with other majors you may not meet everyone, but with theatre you do. It's wonderful to have such a welcoming and supportive community!”


Cunha was happy to talk about his experiences within the program and his Introduction to Acting course. “So far I've loved studying theatre here at URI. In my Introduction to Acting class, we do so many fun acting exercises and scenes. For one project, each student had to do a scene where they inherited a large sum of money, and then their house caught on fire. It was exhilarating going through such an emotional roller coaster and running across the stage to put out an imaginary fire. That would have to be my favorite experience in class so far.”


By acquiring substantial acting skills within such a short period of time and mixing what he has learned so far with his previous knowledge for the theatre, Cunha was confident enough to try out for the Fall production, Avenue Q – an adult rated show which incorporates humans and puppets acting together. His tryout landed him a title role and the title of, youngest cast member.

As the youngest cast member, Cunha explains it was exciting to be a part of the experienced cast, but that it was a little intimidating at first. “It's funny because at home I did children's theatre and I was the oldest, and now here I'm the baby.” He also explained why he was intimidated at first, “Everybody knew each other, and I was ‘the freshman’ but they were all so welcoming, and I've made so many great new friends that that feeling quickly dissipated.”


Avenue Q has been one of Cunha’s favorite experiences to date, because of his hilarious role as Trekkie Monster – the internet-porn obsessed puppet living on Avenue Q in New York City. “Playing Trekkie Monster is a hoot! Playing this role has been very different for me because I am puppeteering.” The whole production has been a great experience for the hard working freshmen, “I actually just love Avenue Q in general. It's an amazing musical. It's funny, but it's also profound and meaningful. The score is hilarious and heartbreaking, and the cast and crew are all so talented; it is so great to work with them!”


The deeper meaning behind the comical puppet production is another reason why his experiences this year semester have been so positive. “The show can be compared to the adult rated version of Sesame Street; I love this show because it is similar. Sesame Street helps kids transition into school, as does Avenue Q. Similarly, our production is about figuring out what do with your life after school ends. I know it seems like all fun and games, but it's also very philosophical.”


Cunha’s involvement in this semester’s production has excited him for the next four years with URI, and even though it is only Cunha’s first year of college he already has large post-graduate plans for himself that the theatre department has made possible. “The theatre department here is going to help me strengthen my acting abilities. They have an extensive curriculum, such as getting to work backstage to learn all different skills needed to become well versed in the theatre community. Hopefully after URI I will be able to move to LA and do movies and television. I'd love to be in a sitcom like Friends or How I Met Your Mother.”

7 REASONS TO GET INVOLVED WITH URI THEATRE

7 Reasons to Get Involved With URI Theatre

URI Theatre I by Lauren Mazzola

URI Theatre Department Chair
Paula McGlasson

1. The Staff

The URI Theatre Department’s core faculty is comprised of professional artists of all disciplines from all over the region. Students are lucky to work closely with these professors because they focus on helping you to succeed and to deeply explore your passions. By developing relationships with the faculty, you will open yourself up to various different contacts in the industry and real world experience. The small class size that the department provides allows students to personalize their studies.

2. The Community

The transition from high school to college can be tough, especially when attending a school that has over 13,000 undergraduate students. Becoming a part of the theatre department at URI allows students to gain a strong sense of community. Students are able to work together to reach their goal. The collaborative environment that the theatre department offers creates a special bond between students. URI senior Lane Wagner explained, “The friends I have made through URI Theatre I will have for life and the faculty is so loving, well love is sometimes tough, but they genuinely care about their students.”


3. Confidence

Joining the theatre program creates confidence needed in order to work well under pressure and meet new people. This learned skill also enables students to develop confidence to speak clearly, lucidly, and thoughtfully. Being involved in theatre creates individuals who have polished communication skills, human relation skills, and collaborative skills needed to achieve personal and common goals. The “can-do” confidence will allow students to meet any difficult challenge head on. Being able to act onstage teaches students to be comfortable engaging with an array of large audiences.

4. Earn Scholarships

The theatre department faculty at URI award a number of scholarships to students each year. These scholarships are given out to reward students for their outstanding achievements within the program or within the theatrical field. Students have the opportunity to win any of the scholarship awards below:

Department of Theatre Scholarship
Awarded to students with financial need and/or academic excellence/talent

Theatre Merit Scholarships
Available by application to students with a clear demonstration of talent and/or academic excellence (students may apply once a year)

Thomas R. Pezzullo Scholarship EndowmentAwarded to students with financial need and a clear demonstration of talent

Robert and Natalie Ward Theatre Scholarship
Awarded to students who demonstrate excellence in theatre

Mary Zorabedian Scholarship
Awarded to Rhode Island resident students with financial need in music, theatre or film

The Virgina & Dickson Kenney Endowment for Theatre & Music
Awarded as student scholarships or for production expenses

The Anthony Perotti Theatre and Music Performance EndowmentAwarded for production expenses

URI Theatre Talent Scholarship AwardAvailable to graduating high school seniors and transfer students who have been accepted to URI and are pursuing a full-time major in theatre, and have expertise as an actor, designer, manager or director.

Scholarship information shown was taken and can be credited from the URI Theatre Department website http://web.uri.edu/theatre/scholarships


5. Time Management Skills

When you're a student at URI, being involved in theatre allows you to learn how to budget your time. Students must balance their time and schedule carefully in order to stay on top of grades, rehearsals, work calls, and the other demands of the department and the university. Don’t let this scare you, working together with the rest of the theatre community will allow you to easily learn how to manage your time. In the long run, the good time management skills you will acquire from the URI Theatre community will be tremendously rewarding when entering the professional world.

6. Internship Opportunities & Networking

Students can take part in many internship opportunities provided by the URI Theatre Department. These opportunities may also contribute to 12 course credits that will go towards earning a diploma. Previous students have interned in the specialized fields of acting, management, theatre technology, design, publicity, audience development and arts administration. Some of the Internship opportunities that URI has arranged have been with costume production houses in New York, regional theatres, touring companies, Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, and summer stock theatres. Networking, also as important as inquiring an internship during college, can also be easily achieved. Many URI Theatre Alumni are still happily involved with the program, and are happy to help undergraduates. Our alumni can be found in a variety of different professions, from writing scripts for the popular television series Entourage to designing costumes for the ABC Family Series Pretty Little Liars.

7. Acquiring New Skills

The skills listed below are some of the many skills you will acquire by being a part of the URI Theatre Department.

1. Confidence (With Both Self & Others)
   
2. Dedication
3. Self-Discipline
4. Goal-Orientation
5. Leadership
6. Time Management and Promptness
7. Oral Communication and Creative Problem Solving
8. Concentration
9. Ability to Work Collaborative and Independently
10. Motivation
11. Willingness to Accept Responsibility
12. Loyalty and Commitment
13. Initiative
14. Respect and Acceptance of Rules
15. Quick and Correct Learning
16. Adaptability
17. Flexibility
18. Working Under Pressure
19. Positive Self-Image
20. Accepting and Working Around Disappointment 

URI ALUMNI IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Meet Marilyn Salvatore, URI Alumni!

URI Theatre | By Diana Savino

Marilyn Salvatore

This week I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Marilyn Salvatore, a URI Theatre Alumni. Marilyn majored in acting here at URI, and graduated in 1974. She made a career jump about 7 years out of college and decided to become a costume designer. Currently, she is working as a freelance costume designer and also teaches in her free time. She has worked at The Gamm Theatre, Salve Regina, URI and other programs and events.

Salvatore still works with URI Theatre and usually designs two shows a year most recently designing the costumes for Seminar, URI’s most recent production. She explained that one of her favorite memories here at URI was when she was designing costumes for Bryna Wortman’s production of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, a play in which Salvatore had acted when she was attending URI. 

It’s easy for Salvatore to stay close to URI because of the lasting relationships she has formed over the years. She explained that she still, to this day, keeps in contact with her mentor while she was attending URI. After graduation, Salvatore decided that acting might not be for her, so she called her mentor, Joy Spanabel Emery. She had always valued Joy’s opinion, so she asked “Hey I’m thinking of going into costume design… do you think that would be a good move?” Joy gave her the advice and confidence she needed to make the career jump from acting to costume design.

The skills that URI Theatre offers its students are skills that can be used in many aspects of life, as well as in many different career paths. Salvatore explained that URI Theatre is “a professionally run program, especially for undergraduates. You really get the taste of how things work, like showing up on time, being prepared, organized and responsible. These things are very necessary in the real world.” College, for any student no matter what their major, is a transitioning period. By learning these very important skills early on, students have a better opportunity out in the real world, because they are already used to the professionalism they have experienced at URI.

When asked if she had any advice for current students Marilyn replied, “Make the most of it. It’s a really great program that prepares you well. Many students who have graduated from URI go on to do great things. It’s a good opportunity to gain professional knowledge about how this business works in the real world.”

Salvatore’s last piece of advice for current students was the importance of knowing different disciplines. “It is very important for students to be well rounded and knowledgeable in other fields of acting such as; stage management, lights, design, etc. It’s important that you go into the world knowing details and developing empathy for co-workers in the different disciplines”.

THEATRICAL TRENDING

Newport Children’s Theatre

URI Theatre I by Brianna Penta

Newport Children's Theatre performing Oliver in 2014

Are you seeing signs of theatrical promise in your child? Are they interested in the performing arts? If that’s a yes, then don’t be afraid to bring them down to Newport Children’s Theatre located in Newport, Rhode Island. This theatre can help to develop young people’s skills in a very welcoming and warm environment. Newport Children’s Theatre’s mission statement highlights this attribute and is stated as follows:

Newport Children's Theatre and Newport County Teen Repertory Company are dedicated to enriching the lives of young people by offering opportunities in the performing arts that engender self-confidence, inspire both individual expression and ensemble teamwork, and provide positive role modeling, thereby encouraging community outreach through quality theatrical productions for children, teens and families.

This performing arts center was not always geared to young children. In 1980, members of the community theatre group Newport Player’s Guild realized that there was a lack of theatre spirit for children and families in Newport so a Newport Theatre was formed originally with adult actors. The following year, the theatre started a summer theatre workshop program that turned out to be very successful. In the process of starting this workshop program, the NCT formed a very good relationship with St. Michael’s Country Day School, which lasted almost two decades.

Teen Repertory Students 2012 spent the day in New York City!
John Cunha (left) is performing at the URI Theatre's production of
 "Avenue Q" as Trekkie Monster

Noticing the interest that a lot of the children had in theatre and seeing how popular the end-of-session performances were, the NCT officially became a “youth theatre”, and began holding open auditions for young children interested in acting who were age 8 and older for productions that took place in the spring and in December.By 1992, up to 90 children were auditioning for each show. The Newport County Teen Repertory- a year-long program that allowed actors between the ages of 13-18yrs a chance to take part in more learning opportunities at the next level- was formed and created for further enrichment about theatre through workshops, touring performances to schools, technical theatre opportunities, libraries, and community centers.

The NCT hosts many programs such as the Teen Repertory, Budding Actors, Prep for Rep, beginner ballet, and many more. They also host multiple camps that take place during all the seasons. The Shakespeare Camp and Annie Camp 2013 are just a few. Previous shows that the NCT have performed are Snow White, Peter Pan, Oliver, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and many more. Look out for NCT’s upcoming events such as Beginner Ballet held Novemeber 6th - January 9th and Holidays with James Winter Theatre Camp from Decmeber 27th – 30th.

Tara O’Hare Gnolfo, the Newport Children’s Theatre Artistic director, expressed her love for the performing arts center. “Our performances, while entertaining countless audiences, have provided a platform in which our young actors can feel the joy of performing in front of a live audience. The learning gained through the rehearsal process and performing live is invaluable.”

To learn more about the Newport Children’s Theatre visit their website http://www.newportchildrenstheatre.com/home