Circus Quioxte, Lookingglass Theatre
The spring and summer were a busy time for the faculty of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Here’s a look at just some of the things members of our talented group were up to:
Gibson Cima, head of theatre studies received tenure and promotion to associate professor of theatre. He also conducted an interview with three international theater artists titled, “Indignant, Stubborn and Hopeful Truth and Reconciliation in a Post-Truth Era” which will be published in an upcoming issue of Yale University’s Theater magazine.
Michel Rodriguez-Cintra, instructor of dance, starred in Circus Quixote, the first production at Lookingglass Theatre since their closure for the Covid pandemic. The show ran from January 30-March 30, 2025.
God of Carnage, Kane Repertory Theatre
Kay Martinovich, head of BFA acting and associate professor of theatre directed God of Carnage, at Kane Repertory Theatre. Bethany Mangum-Oles, instructor of theatre serves as the artistic director there. Kane Repertory was founded in 2019 by a group of graduates from the School of Theatre and Dance’s 2019 MFA in Acting program.
Brandon Wardell, associate professor, was the lighting designer for Invictus Theatre’s production of Angels in America.
Jeremy W. Floyd, associate professor, was the costume designer for Henry V at Montana Shakespeare in the Parks.
Richard Grund, assistant director of the School of Theatre and Dance coached the Joffrey Ballet Studio Company in their performances of Raymonda and Paquita during his sabbatical in spring semester 2025.
Marc Macaranas, head of dance and assistant professor completed a residency with Lucky Plush to create a devised dance theatre work titled Facing, based on Eugene O’Neill’s play The Great God Brown.
Henry V, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks
NIU is the first public university to receive scholarship funding for students in theatre and dance from the Sarah Siddons Society. They join Northwestern University, DePaul University, Columbia College and Roosevelt University.
