NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

Theatre and Dance production season begins with Mary Stuart opening Oct. 4

Theatre and Dance production season begins with Mary Stuart opening Oct. 4

Friedrich Schiller’s Mary Stuart, which deals with the conflict between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots in the days leading up to Mary’s execution, is the first production in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance’s 2024-2025 season. The show opens Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Stevens Building’s Black Box Theatre. Individual show and season tickets are on sale now online. Additional performances are Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, October 6 at 2 p.m., Thursday October 10 and Friday, October 11 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, October 12 at 2 p.m.

Mary Stuart is directed by Bethany Mangum-Oles.

“I fell in love with this play when I first read it,” Mangum-Oles wrote in her director’s notes for the show. “I knew I wanted to work on it in some way; not only for the fantastic roles for womxn but because of the parallels in our current reality. One thing I didn’t expect from the play was the peace I felt from the queens standing in their convictions. The strength and bravery it takes to stand in them fully and unapologetically is enormous. May we all search for that.”

There will be a talkback after the performance Saturday, October 5 moderated by Kay Martinovich, assistant professor and head of BFA acting, with members of the cast and crew. The moderator will speak with the production team, and there will also be an opportunity for questions from the audience. Talkbacks typically run 20-30 minutes.

Mary Stuart Cast

Elizabeth, Queen of England – Cornelia Reed
Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots – Julia Isabella Prieto
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester – Tyler Page
George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury – Sophia Dimond
William Cecil, Lord Burleigh, Lord High Treasurer – Hardy Louihis
Sir William Davison, Secretary of State – David JC Alvarado
Sir Amias Paulet, Keeper of Mary – Phoebe Aston
Sir Edward Mortimer, Paulet’s nephew – Paul James Lang
Count L’Aubespine, the French Ambassador – Skylee Pierce
Sir Andrew Melvil, Mary’s House Steward – Phoebe Aston
Hannah Kennedy, Mary’s Nurse – Gabby Gozdecki
Margaret Curl, Mary’s Attendant – Delaney Langan


Director: Bethany Mangum-Oles
Assistant Director: Riley Scifo
Costume Consultant: Jeremy Floyd
Voice and Speech Coach: Stanton Davis
Acting Coach: Kay Martinovich
Music Coordination: Sophia Dimond, Cornelia Reed, Gabby Gozdecki
Lighting Designer: Emily Christianson
Lighting Assistant: Ross Wheeler
Head Electrician: Chris Kurszewski
Technical Coordinator: Bridget Kearbey
Properties: Dave Doherty
Movement and Intimacy Coordination: Bethany Mangum-Oles
Fight Consultant: Stanton Davis, Tyler Page
Dramaturg: Gabby Gozdecki
Stage Manager: Jessica Ferreira
Assistant Stage Manager: Gabriel Ford

This show is approximately 2 hours 15 minutes and will have a 15-minute intermission.

Mary Stuart
Stevens Building Black Box Theatre
7:30 p.m. – Oct. 4-5, 10-11
2 p.m. – Oct. 6 and 12

For bios and a full list of cast and crew see the full program online. 

 

Control Engineering features the design and technology programs of the School of Theatre and Dance

Control Engineering features the design and technology programs of the School of Theatre and Dance

The design and technology programs of the NIU School of Theatre and Dance were featured in a recent edition of Control Engineering magazine. The article highlighted the spring STEM Cafe talk given by Tracy Nunnally, professor, technical director and head of design and technology in the School of Theatre and Dance.

Nunnally gave attendees a peek behind the curtain and explained how the art of theatrical production is accomplished with the assistance of the application of science, technology, engineering and math concepts. He shared video clips that demonstrated flying techniques and recounted a memorable request from mgk (the artist formerly known as Machine Gun Kelly).

Read the article in its entirety: Control Engineering – “Spectacular performers fly with motion controls, STEM, not CGI”

 

 

Top photo: A fabricated eagle flies over an audience in the Calgary Stampede grandstand show, first with an actor, then alone, as shown in the April 17 STEM Café presentation, “Theatrical Special Effects: Engineering Spectacle,” by Tracy Nunnally, MFA, Northern Illinois University (NIU) professor, technical director, head of design and technology, School of Theatre and Dance. Courtesy: Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering

STEM Cafe on theatrical special effects to feature School of Theatre and Dance’s Tracy Nunnally

STEM Cafe on theatrical special effects to feature School of Theatre and Dance’s Tracy Nunnally

As you watch a live performance, every minute of entertainment represents hours of work behind the scenes by entertainment engineers. Technical directors and designers use mathematics, engineering and artistry to keep performers and audiences safe while producing seemingly death-defying feats.

Join us to learn more about this fascinating process from Tracy Nunnally, professor, technical director, and head of the Design and Technology Area in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance. Professor Nunnally has worked in professional entertainment since the 1980s. His contributions include all aspects of theatre automation, motion control, rigging, pyrotechnics, special effects, scenery construction, and technical design.

Northern Illinois University STEM Cafés are part of NIU STEAM and are designed to increase public awareness of the critical role that STEM fields play in our everyday lives. They are offered in partnership with the NIU Alumni Association and made possible with support from Bayer Fund.

Fatty’s Pub and Grille
Free. Registration encouraged.
Wednesday, April 17
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Get Tickets

Event Supported By NIU STEAM

Originally published by Northern Public Radio

NIU presents annual Fall Dance Concert, Nov 30-Dec. 3

NIU presents annual Fall Dance Concert, Nov 30-Dec. 3

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance presents the annual Fall Dance Concert, Thursday, November 30 through December 3 on the stage of O’Connell Theatre in the NIU Stevens Building. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. from November 30 through December 2, with 2 p.m. matinees on December 2 and December 3. Tickets are on sale now and available at go.niu.edu/arts-tickets. NIU Students can be admitted free of charge with a pre-reserved ticket.

The Dance Concert will showcase a variety of styles with five pieces that include:
Flames of Paris — Act III Pas de Deux
<3
Walls Within
El Largo Camino
ROOT: mwanzo wa mwili ni roho (2019)

Runtime for the concert is 75 minutes with no intermission.

Fall Dance Concert 2023
Nov. 30 – Dec. 3
O’Connell Theatre
NIU Stevens Building

Choreographers: Richard Grund, Michel Rodriguez Cintra, and Monique Haley
Scenic Designer: Alicia Margerum
Costume Designer: Christina Leinicke
Lighting Designer: Brandon Wardell
Properties Designer: Ski Sciaraffa
Stage Manager: Gwen Jones
Assistant Stage Manager: Madie Barnas

Program

Flames of Paris – Act III Pas de Deux
Choreographer: Vasily Vaynonen (1933)
Staged by: Richard Grund
Music: Boris Asafiev
Costume Design: Randall Newsom
Lighting Designer: Brandon Wardell
Performers:
Jeanne – Alyssa Altadonna
Philippe – Antonio Houston

Choreographer’s note:
A three-act ballet about the passionate conflagration of the French Revolution, Flames of Paris feeds upon the danger of history, showcasing the command of flight and speed in ballet technique. The Act III Pas de Deux, is a celebration of marriage and a war over.

<3
Choreographer: Richard Grund
Music: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, Johann Sebastian Bach, recomposed by Peter Gregson
Once Upon A Time In America, Ennio Morricone
Celloverse, Luka Šulić and Stjepan Hauser
Costume Designer: Christina Leinicke
Lighting Designer: Brandon Wardell
Performers:
Ensemble: Celia Carpenter, Millicent Collins, Courtney Ellis,
Anna Lindstrom, Francesca Ryan, Talia Sigismondi and Kendall Woodberry
Duet: Millicent Collins and Talia Sigismondi

Choreographer’s note:
An original abstract work in the language of contemporary ballet, creating space.

Curtain Announcement

Walls Within
Choreographer: Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Music: Danza de vision by Nicola Cruz, Reich/Richter: Ending by Steve Reich, performed by George Jackson. Ensemble InterContemporain, Invocacion by Nicola Cruz
Costume Designer: Christina Leinicke
Lighting Designer: Brandon Wardell
Performers:
Alyssa Altadonna, Celia Carpenter, Athei Chagai, and Darya Ellickson

Choreographer’s note:
Walls to keep us in. Walls to keep us out.

El Largo Camino
Choreographer: Michel Rodriguez Cintra
Music: Oye by Systema Solar
Amenaza by Systema Solar
Lighting Designer: Brandon Wardell
Performers:
Clara Coran, Ava Martin, Thomas Readling, Francesca Ryan, Toby Thomas, Kyia White and Kendall Woodberry.
Choreographer’s note:
A group of creatures find themselves on a treacherous trek.

ROOT: mwanzo wa mwili ni roho (2019)
Choreographer: Monique Haley
Music: Original music composition: Joe Cerqua
Staging: Brennen Renteria
Rehearsal Director: Marc Macaranas
Composition: Joe Cerqua
Original Costume Design: Jordan Ross
Reimagined Costume Design: Christina Leinicke
Lighting Design: David Goodman-Edberg
Reimagined Lighting Design: Brandon Wardell
Performers:
Kemarion Bryant, Athei Chagai, Millicent Collins, Darya Ellickson, Courtney Ellis, Antonio Houston, Daquise McDonald, Darius Murray, Talia Sigismondi, Tianna Stubbs, and Ariana Williams

Choreographer’s note:
Monique Haley was inspired by West African maxims from a book titled African Cultural Values: An Introduction by Kwame Gyekye. Her ancestral pull toward this African-centered foundation led to a powerfully rooted piece of art. This signature piece expresses Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre’s core value of diversity—that the health and beauty of a community are supported by each member contributing their authentic selves.

Dancer Bios

Alyssa AltadonnaAlyssa Altadonna is a third-year B.F.A. dance performance major. Before joining the NIU School of Theatre and Dance, she lived in England, training at Cygnets and Hazelwood Dance studios. Before moving to England, she lived in Germany where she trained in the Netherlands with Danziara. Since coming to the U.S., Alyssa has had the opportunity to be in many performances and hopes you will enjoy tonight’s show! After graduating, Alyssa hopes to move back to Europe and join a company, particularly, she hopes to gain a position in the Dutch National Ballet Company.

Kemarion BryantKemarion Bryant is a sophomore B.F.A. dance major with a business minor. He danced and put on productions with Global Girls Incorporated for three years who went by the motto: “Courageous Talented Girls (And Guys) Changing Our World.” The fall Carmina Burana show was his first production show at NIU. This is his third production he’s been a part of. Kemarion plans to graduate in the spring of 2026, and hopes to be a well-known background dancer for celebrities and/or in movies. He then hopes to grow
into a choreographer, open his own studio and break off into other business adventures later down the line.

Ceila CarpenterCelia Carpenter is a senior B.F.A dance major. Her dance training includes Beth Fowler School of Dance, State Street Dance (Geneva, Illinois with Guillermo Leyva and Vilma Machin), Dimensions Dance Academy, and Sycamore Performing Arts Academy. She looks to get her master’s in physical education with endorsements in math, science, and dance. Celia is excited to have the opportunity to be performing again for her fourth semester here at NIU.

 

Athei ChagaiAthei Chagai is a junior at NIU from Clinton, Iowa. Athei is a B.F.A. dance major and has been dancing for the past 17 years. Before NIU, Athei received most of her dance training at the Carousel School of Dance in Clinton, Iowa, where she was also a member of the Gateway Contemporary Ballet Company. Athei has also attended summer dance programs such as Chicago National Association of Dance Masters, Ballet Quad Cities School of Dance, and Milwaukee Ballet School. Athei is very excited to be back performing in this 2023-2024 school year.

 

Millicent CollinsMillicent Collins is a junior B.F.A. dance major, and plans to earn a minor in non-profit and NGO studies. Before attending NIU, Millicent trained with Turning Pointe Academy of Dance, in Maryville, Illinois, and was a member of TourDance pre-professional dance company. She performed in the Student Elevate Project with The Big Muddy Dance Company in St. Louis, Missouri, 2018-2021. Millicent has participated in summer intensives with The Big Muddy Dance Company, COCA St. Louis, Nashville Ballet, and DanceWorks Chicago. In 2018 and 2019, she performed in Dance For Food, an outreach performance to benefit the St. Louis Area Food Bank. Post-graduation from NIU, Millicent hopes to combine her love of social justice, community outreach, and the performing arts, to help others and inspire them through dance.

Clara CoranClara Coran (she/her) is excited to be a part of this year’s Fall Dance Concert. Her past dance training includes Elise Flagg Academy of Dance, Ballet 5:8 Conservatory, and Beth Fowler School of Dance. She has also performed as a member of the Embody Dance Company in Geneva. She thanks you for coming and hopes you enjoy the show!

 

Darya EllicksonDarya Ellickson is a senior B.F.A. dance major with an English minor from DeForest, Wisconsin. She danced at Ultimate Leap Dance Center for nine years and also performed with DeForest, a show choir, for four years. In the summer of 2021, Darya attended the Deeply Rooted Dance Theatre Summer Intensive program in Chicago and in December of 2021 and 2022, Darya performed for the Spirit of the Horse equestrian show in Lake City, Florida. In addition, Darya held the role of Northern Dance Theatre secretary for three semesters and now holds the role of Northern Dance Theatre president. Darya plans to graduate in spring of 2024 and hopes to work on Broadway or dance with Disney.

Courtney EllisCourtney Ellis is a 17-year-old dance major originally from a small Illinois town near St. Louis, Missouri. She’s been a dance teacher for three and a half years, and danced with Stompin Beatz professional dance company through her three years in high school. She would like to thank God, her professors, the special people in her life, and especially her mom and her late father. Enjoy the show!

 

Antonio HoustonAntonio Houston is a 20-year-old third-year B.F.A. in the dance program here at Northern Illinois University. Originally from Aurora, Illinois, Antonio started dancing at his local park district at the age of five. Not long after, he joined their competition company. After a while dancing at the District he studio-hopped until around the age of sixteen. After that, Antonio started dancing in the city. He has been a part of Ballet Chicago and an understudy at MADD Rhythms; a professional tap company based in Chicago. Through this, he got the opportunity to travel overseas to the U.K. with the company for a tap festival. Antonio is also a working photographer. During the spring seasons he works for a dance competition named Precision Arts Challenge shooting the photos for the competition dancers. His passion is for tap but he enjoys doing many different styles of mainstream dance. Now that he is in school, he is training less in tap and more in ballet and modern. He enjoys these styles and is always striving to get better so he can confidently add them to his ever growing list of dance trades.

Anna LindstromAnna Lindstrom is a junior B.F.A. dance major. Anna is from Morrison, Illinois, and danced at Jennifer’s Dance Center for 14 years and continues to help and teach students there. She trained in multiple styles with special interest in contemporary modern with a background in clogging. During high school, she was involved with the dance team where she choreographed many routines and competed in high kick. She was also involved with Summer Stock Theatre at Timberlake Playhouse which included many dance ensemble roles. Last December, Anna was able to perform in Spirit of the Horse in Ocala, Florida, a show choreographed by Paula Frasz that benefits the nonprofit organization, Horses Without Humans Rescue. Post graduation, Anna plans to teach and choreograph for younger dancers, work with athletes to incorporate dancing in athletics, and try out for NFL cheerleading to continue her love of field performing.

Ava MartinAva Martin is a second-year illustration major and dance minor attending Northern Illinois University. She has taken dance since she was three and jumped into the competitive dance scene at the age of nine. As a competitive dancer, she won multiple scholarships and titles for her performances. She has been certified to teach ballet, tap, and jazz through the Southern Association of Dance Masters (fall 2020), and was able to take on the role of dance teacher at her home studio, Kinner and Company Dance Studio, for a year and a half following her certification. Following high school, she took a year off from intense training, but then rekindled her passion for dance by becoming more involved in NIU’s dance program. After college, she hopes to work for a performance company and/or as an independent choreographer in addition to her illustration career.

Daquise McDonaldDaquise McDonald is a third-year dance major at Northern Illinois University. They started dancing at the age of 12 just freestyling. Once high school came, they started to join dance teams to get a bit of experience. Throughout the years it helped them grow. They aspire to one day become a drag artist and they are using NIU to gain all the tools needed to succeed.

 

Darius MurrayDarius Murray is from Chicago, Illinois, and is a 20-year-old dance major who currently attends Northern Illinois University. Darius began his journey on to dance at the age of three, performing at various functions as well as church with praise and worship dance. Darius began his professional dance career at ETA Creative Arts, located in Chicago, Illinois, where he studied hip-hop, modern, West African, and majorette dance. He recently graduated from the Chicago High School for the Arts where he studied various dance styles such as ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, African, Spanish, and hip-hop dance. He received many rewards, such as the honor roll student back in 2018, as well as the scholar artist of the year from 2019 to 2020. Darius’ dream in life is to open up his own dance studio and be a choreographer as well.

Thomas ReadlingThomas Readling is a 19-year-old dance major here at Northern Illinois University. He has been dancing since third grade and has loved it ever since. Everything from regular class, tech week, performances, costumes, and all the in between. Before dancing at NIU, Thomas was involved at the Academy of Movement and Music where he got his ballet, Graham, and modern training. Thomas has also danced for his high school company, Orchesis, and even Salt Creek Ballet. He is extremely excited to put his experience to use at the NIU dance company and see where it takes him next!

 

Francesca RyanFrancesca Ryan is a first-year dance major and has been dancing since she was three-years-old. She has background training in numerous different dance styles. Prior to dancing at NIU, Francesca trained at Studio 83 Dance Academy. Growing up some of her favorite shows she performed in include The Nutcracker, Peter Pan, and Alice in Wonderland. This is her first performance at NIU, and she is looking forward to many more shows in the future.

 

Talia SigismondiTalia Sigismondi is a sophomore B.F.A. dance major at NIU. Talia started dancing at the age of three at the Academy of Movement and Music in Oak Park, Illinois. She was also a part of Momenta Dance Company where she had the opportunity to perform in ballet, contemporary, and the modern techniques of Doris Humphrey and Martha Graham. In 2019, Talia traveled to Cuba where she trained at the Pro Danza dance school and performed at Teatro Nacional De Cuba. She also enjoys teaching ballet and sharing her love of dance with young students. Talia is thankful for all the support from friends, family, and the NIU dance faculty. Talia is very excited to dance in the upcoming dance concerts.

Tianna StubbsTianna Stubbs was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. She is now in her senior year here at NIU, pursuing her dance career as a dance major. Tianna started dancing at the age of four, starting out at Mayfair Dance Academy. She then attended Walter H. Dyett High School For The Arts, trained under Stephaine Kawesch, where she got a lot of exposure, all while being a majorette captain for three years. Due to the training, experience, and exposure, Tianna was more than prepared to start her college career. Since she has been on campus, she has joined a dance organization on campus and was granted the vice president position. This opportunity was a great leadership and business experience. This is Tianna’s last year and she has grown tremendously as a dancer, choreographer, and person. She is excited to showcase her skills in the piece she is cast in.

Toby ThomasToby Thomas is a senior at NIU and is a double major (B.F.A. in dance; B.S. in art), from Normal, Illinois. He then moved to Rockford, Illinois in 2014, where he found his love for dance. Prior to attending NIU, Toby danced as a member at Rockford Dance Company from 2014 to 2018. He trained in ballet with artistic director, Penna Browman, while also attending Rock Valley College working on receiving his associate in arts degree, before he transferred to NIU for his B.F.A. During the seasons, Toby has taught dance to elementary students and middle school students in the after school program where he worked with the Boys and Girls Club from 2017-2020 in Rockford, Illinois. Toby has also performed in productions of Nutcracker and has danced in Russian as a party parent in previous Nutcrackers. Toby has also danced as a gargoyle in Snow White and had the lead role of Prince Lemon in Cipollino with Rockford Dance Company. Toby has also danced in the production of Dracula where he danced the lead role of Doctor Van Helsing. He has also performed with Dimensions Dance Academy in DeKalb, Illinois, in the production of Coppelia as one of the princes. Toby also has performed in Dance of the Decades with Beth Fowler Dance Company in St. Charles, Illinois, dancing the lead role of Michael Jackson in Thriller, and in the Nutcracker ballet where he danced in Spanish Couples, Waltz of the Flowers, and as Spanish Chocolate Couples. Toby proudly has also recently been nominated for the 2023 Performing Arts award from the Rockford Arts Awards. After graduating from NIU with his B.F.A., Toby’s dream is to dance with Alvin Ailey Dance Company in New York, or dance at Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

Kyia WhiteKyia White is a sophomore dance major here at NIU pursuing her dance career. Kyia started dancing when she was five-years-old. She is a hip-hop dancer trying to learn new things so in the future she will be an amazing dancer. When she was in middle school, Kyia decided she wanted to act and make her own music in the future as well, she decided when she graduates from college, she will start making more music and showing it to the world for them to hear.

 

Ariana WilliamsAriana Williams began dancing when she was four-years-old. Since then, she has participated in many genres of dance such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and liturgical dancing. Ariana is currently a junior studying dance performance. After college, she plans on becoming a commercial dancer and a professional dance choreographer. In addition, she wants to own a dance studio. Ariana would like to give thanks to her mother, grandmother, family and friends and most importantly God for supporting her through her journey.

Kendall WoodberryKendall Woodberry is a junior dance major, a Chicago native, and a graduate of Walter Payton College Prep who has been studying dance since the age of five. Matriculating the Ruth Page Center of Performing Arts, her training included classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and Afro-Cuban. Kendall has performed in many dance productions throughout the years and is looking forward to being involved in even more productions here at NIU.

 

Production Team Bios

Richard Grund (Choreographer) Richard Grund’s performing career includes principal and soloist roles in over 40 ballets in the Dayton Ballet repertoire, and tours throughout the U.S. and Canada. Other international credits include dancing by invitation with the Finnish National Ballet, and performing a residency in Cuba commissioned through the Harkness Foundation. His credits include director and répétiteur for Hong Kong Ballet Artistic Director Septime Webre’s productions of Romeo and Juliet, The Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, and Carmen ballets, for the Colorado Ballet, Dayton Ballet, Kansas City Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Royal Winnipeg Ballet companies. His research in learner centered ballet teaching practices awarded him the M.A. degree in education from the Royal Academy of Dance, and the University of Bath, and he is an American Ballet Theatre® Certified Teacher in Pre-Primary through Level 7 of the ABT® National Training Curriculum. Richard is an associate professor of dance at Northern Illinois University, and is on faculty at the Joffrey Academy of Dance, Chicago, Illinois.

Monique Haley (Choreographer) is an accomplished dancer, teacher and choreographer. She endured nine memorable years with the River North Chicago Dance, as well as created and performed in theaters such as the Drury Lane Oakbrook, Paramount Aurora, and the Marriot Lincolnshire. Ms. Haley was the recipient of the 3Arts award in 2012. Currently, she is assistant professor at Western Michigan University, teaching jazz dance curriculum and working with the musical theater students.

Gwen Jones (Stage Manager) is thrilled to be stage managing for the first time at her alma mater, having graduated in May from Northern Illinois University with a B.F.A. in dance performance and a minor in special education. As a B.F.A. Dance Service Award winner, she has had the opportunity to appear in pieces such as Rite of Spring, Carmina Burana, Pas de Quatre as Fanny Cerrito, as well as Spirit of the Horse in Ocala, Florida with the Pas de Cheval dancers. In school, Gwen had the opportunity to choreograph for individuals with disabilities through Penguin Players, as well as direct student-led shows. Currently, Gwen dances with the Merkai Dance Company in Aurora, Illinois. After her professional performance career, she plans to teach classes for individuals with disabilities.

Christina Leinicke (Costume Designer) Off Broadway: Othello: the Remix (Westside Theater). Regional credits: Bayard, Freedom Riders, Legendary, Walt & Roy (Allen & Gray Musical Festival), Dressing the Part (Shakespeare Festival St. Louis), Big Fish, A Little Night Music, Cyrano (BoHo Theatre), Notes & Letters, Proxy, Haymarket, Wife Material (Underscore), Birds of a Feather, Machinal (Greenhouse Theatre Center), Long Way Home (CCC), Shakespeare in Love, I Heart Juliet, Q-Gents (ISF), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Deathtrap (Palace Theatre), The Importance of Being Earnest (ASC), Star Girl (FSM). Educational Tours: Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet (USF). Costume shop and design associate, Paramount Theatre, Aurora. M.F.A. University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa. christinaleinicke.com

Marc Macaranas (Choreographer) is a choreographer, media designer and dance futurist. His creative practice includes choreography for proscenium stages and digital screens, projection and installation design, augmented and virtual reality performances, and Spotify canvases. His choreography has been staged for DanceWorks Chicago, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, Big Muddy Dance Company and has been seen in Chicago, St. Louis, Iowa City and the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya in Barcelona, Spain. He is an assistant professor at Northern Illinois University and an ensemble member of Lucky Plush Productions.

Alicia Margerum (Scenic Designer) is a second-year M.F.A. student at Northern Illinois University studying scenic design. Credits include: Red, Once On This Island, and All American Boys at Mississippi State University where she completed her undergraduate degree, and Big Love at Northern Illinois University.

Brennen Renteria received his B.A. in dance at CSU, Fullerton in 2014 under mentorship of Gladys Kares and Debra Noble, performing works by Louis Kavouras and Colin Connor. In 2014 he joined Thodos Dance Chicago, working with Brian Enos, Lucas Crandall, Garfield Lemonius, Brian McGinnis, Kevin Iega Jeff, Melissa Thodos, and Ann Reinking. In 2017, Brennen began dancing with Elements Contemporary Ballet and Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, where he has since assumed the position of rehearsal director.

Wilfredo Rivera is a co-founder of Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, artistic director and CEO since 2007. He is responsible for the evolution of CRDT’s bold multicultural program and for establishing the company’s authentic interdisciplinary trademark. He is a rare Latinx artist serving as full-time arts leader. Every season he carefully selects the leading collaborators and thematic concepts for Cerqua Rivera’s season and curates the company’s artistic process. He leads and manages all aspects of long-term planning and day-to-day administration of the 20+ year old company. Decades as a working artist forged Wilfredo’s belief that only a diverse group can create the artwork for which the company is known—eclectic, culturally rich, deeply moving, utterly relevant.

In 2016, he launched his most ambitious artistic project to date, American Catracho. This four-year exploration of immigration premiered in segments and debuted to critical acclaim in celebration of Cerqua Rivera’s 20th anniversary in 2019. Wilfredo was born in Honduras, trained with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, and was a founding member of River North Dance Chicago. He was honored with the 2009 Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation Choreography Award, a 2001 After Dark Award and nominated for a 3Arts Award in 2016 and 2018.

His concert work has been featured at the Auditorium Theatre, Chicago Jazz Festival, Hyde Park Jazz Festival, Harris Theater, Chicago Symphony Center with the Chicago Sinfonietta, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, DuSable Museum, Links Hall and Mayne Stage.

Michel Rodriguez Cintra (Choreographer) is a Cuban born dancer, choreographer, acrobat, actor, and educator. He graduated from Escuela Nacional de Arte (National School of Arts) in Havana, Cuba. Upon graduation he was chosen to join Danza Contemporánea de Cuba where he became principal dancer and toured internationally. After moving to Chicago, Rodriguez Cintra danced and choreographed with Hedwig Dances. Michel later became an ensemble member with Lucky Plush Productions, generating multiple roles in their signature devised dance-theater style, and touring nationally and internationally. Michel was a founding member of The Cambrians where he performed and co-choreographed and toured nationally. He has been seen as a guest artist with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Concert Dance Inc., Khecari and Chicago Moving Company. Other choreographic credits include Visceral Dance Company, Dancing in the Parks, and Lit & Luz Festival Chicago-Mexico City, LatinX Chicago Arts Festival, The Harvest Chicago Contemporary Dance Festival, and at the Latino Artist Festival at Northwestern University. Acting credits include the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, Physical Theater Festival Chicago, Actors Gymnasium, and Lookingglass Theater Company. Other accolades; Michel was named one of The Men of 2010 in dance by Timeout Chicago. In 2013, he was the recipient of the 3Arts Award in Dance and was featured in Dance Magazine’s 25 to watch 2014. Michel joined the faculty of the School of Theater and Dance at Northern Illinois University in January 2023.

Ski Sciaraffa (Properties Designer) is a first-year M.F.A. costume and props design candidate. Though they have worked in the shops at NIU for several shows in the past year, they are excited to have their first official design credit as a graduate student be this show! Previous works include costume craftsperson for The Three Musketeers (Montana Shakespeare in the Parks) and She Kills Monsters (NIU 2022); draper and stitcher for The Children’s Hour (NIU 2023); props designer for Just a Dream: The Green Play (Augustana College) and Anon(ymous) (NEIU); and costume designer for The Actor’s Garden’s productions of Becky Thatcher, Off to Olympus, Just So, and Pots & Pan. They would like to thank their family, friends, professors, and colleagues for their immense love and support.

Scenery
Scenic Coordinator – Sahin Sahinoglu
Scene Shop Supervisor – Adam Rager
Scene Shop Graduate Employees – J. Cody Hunt, Paul Lang, Alicia Margerum, Tyler Page
Scene Shop Undergraduate Employees – Mike Kozel, Jade Doherty
Student Technicians – THEA 295 Students
Run Crew – Ahyanna Addison, Maggie Godfrey, Blake Jablonski, Nya Warner

Costumes
Costume Design Advisor – Jeremy W. Floyd
Costume Director – Lori Hartenhoff
Costume Shop Supervisor – Elizabeth Galba
Costume Shop Graduate Employees – Elias Dennis , Ski Sciaraffa
Costume Shop Employees – Alyssa Altadonna, Alix Burkhardt, Bea Thompson
Costume Shop 395 Students – Alix Burkhardt, Emily Christianson
Student Technicians – THEA 210, 235 and 295 Students
Costume Crew – Serenity Deida, Sam Garcia, Sydney Hamill, Brianna Jankowski, Jukari Jones, Denver Starzynski, Skylar Thompson

Lighting
Lighting Design Advisor – Brandon Wardell
Resident Head Electrician – Chris Kurszewski
Lighting Shop Graduate Assistants – J. Cody Hunt, Paul Lang, Tyler Page
Lighting Shop Employees – Logan Bryant, Conall Doherty, Tim Peters
Student Electricians – THEA 210, 241, 295 and 395 Students
Light Board Operator – Becca Katz

Properties
Properties Director – Dave Doherty
Properties Graduate Assistants – Eric Brockmeier, Alicia Margerum, Ski Sciaraffa
Properties Shop Employees – Sarah Blickem
Properties Shop 295/395 Employees – Kane Crotty, Danisha Gilmore, Carrie Szostak

Production Management
Technical Direction Advisor – Tracy Nunnally
Production Assistant – Jordan Clifton
House Management Supervisor – Cornelia Hayes

 

 

Jonathan Perkins, ’24, BFA Acting

Jonathan Perkins, ’24, BFA Acting

Theatre and Dance Huskie Spotlight

Huskie Spotlight: Jonathan Perkins, ’24, B.F.A. in Acting

Jonathan Perkins

What did you want to be when you were growing up? Funnily enough, I originally got accepted to NIU to pursue computer science. I’ve always been drawn to the tech side of things because of my mother and grandmother, so I suppose it just ran in the family. Clearly, that didn’t work out because now I’m an acting major. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I found my calling and am so blessed to be where I am right now.

What is your major (and/or minor) and why did you decide on this course of study? I’m in my third year of the BFA Acting program here at NIU. It’s insane because I decided to audition merely on a whim. I was stuck here as a computer science major and had the best scholarship available, so I decided to do something that I’ve always loved. So I emailed Stanton Davis, who was the head of the BFA program at the time, and set up an audition. The whole situation was nerve wracking since I’d never done an official audition like that before. Then I got accepted on the spot. From that point on, it was family. I love these people man, from the bottom of my heart.

What is your favorite thing about the School of Theatre and Dance at NIU? Where do I start? First of all, my cohort is the absolute best. These guys have literally been my Day One homies, perhaps because we’re all forced to take every single SOTD class together.

There’s 11 of us now, but we originally started with 18 people at the very beginning (which was completely online). Yeah, it definitely has to be the people. Everyone is so creative and full of life and energy. It’s like a giant machine that keeps the artistic breath of the school working.

Being in the Stevens Building every day just fuels me to keep going. The productions are to die for as well, like, oh lord! My head is still spinning that I’m even here. There are just so many things that I love about this school, it’s difficult to pick.

I will say that if you’ve never had the chance to see a production here at NIU, you’re seriously missing out. If you’re a student, it’s completely free! Nothing beats seeing live theatre. Nothing in the world (besides the obvious other great aspects of life separate from theatre).

How have you connected with other students at NIU? As stated earlier, I’m practically attached by the hip to my acting cohort, and I love them very much. Though we get to experience working with other aspects of the SOTD like the gifted design tech students, BAs, MFAs, minors, you name it. Outside of the SOTD, I met some dope people from living in the residence halls. I’ve learned so much from everyone and the campus is so much larger than I thought it was.

Why did you choose to study in the NIU School of Theatre and Dance? Yeah, it was completely by happenstance. I wasn’t passionate about computer science as I am about acting. Growing up, you hear a bunch of people telling you that becoming an actor isn’t something you can do with all your heart. They ask about a backup plan, which insinuates that you aren’t going to succeed. I rationalized it like this: It’s my life and I gain nothing from listening to how others perceive me; so I’m gonna do what I’m gonna do. And that’s what I did. I auditioned for the BFA Acting program instead of a minor because I wanted to put my full attention to something that I love. If this is what I’m going to do for the rest of my life, then why not go all out and prove that I’m worthy enough to be here? The SOTD provided that foundation for me, so I’m doing this for the Jon that was told he wouldn’t succeed as an artist. This is all for the underprivileged people who were told they couldn’t amount to anything in this industry. NIU’s SOTD is giving me the training, and I’m going to utilize it to the fullest extent with no apologies.

Who has been one of your favorite instructors/professors and why?  Man, now y’all are making me choose! I’ve given a lot of credit to Stanton Davis, my voice and speech professor because he’s the largest reason why I’m here to begin with and always pushes me to be better. However, I have to shout out Dr. Kay Martinovich, the current head of the BFA program. Kay has such a beautiful soul and has given me opportunities beyond words. Recently, she directed me in “Much Ado About Nothing” and I felt so welcome during that entire process. My artistic (and of course real) heart is always so full around her, and she deserves a lot more gratitude for everything she’s done. The thing about the SOTD is that these are not just our professors, they’re all our collaborators. Every single professor here is wonderful and choosing just one would be a disservice to them.

Where is your favorite spot on campus or in the community?  My favorite spot is and will always be the Stevens Building. Since I did my entire first year of college online, it felt like I was missing that significant piece of my training. I’d wander around the building, and it was like a ghost town. However, when my second year rolled around, it all clicked. I knew instantly that this is where I needed to be. From the movement lab all the way to the Sally theatre, that building has been my artistic home. When I graduate, I’m going to miss the times when I lay on the floor just breathing with my cohort. That feeling is incomparable.

Are you involved in any student organizations or extra-curricular activities? You can mainly find me in the SOTD productions each semester! Other than that, I’m involved in the Friday Afternoon Reading series hosted by Dr. Gibson Cima. The reading series focuses on playwrights of color and the whole thing is just a wonderful opportunity to hear stories that aren’t regularly put on the stage. I’m also in an improv group called On The Spot, so it’s just a lovely time overall.

What advice would you give to a student who is applying to colleges?  Look, I know it feels like the pressure of the world is weighing down on your shoulders. It’s only as big as you make it. Know yourself and don’t let any type of negative energy stop you from doing what you love. Also file that FAFSA immediately, ain’t nothing wrong with some more money in your pocket.

Coming to college, what is something that you have had to learn to do differently? Time management for sure! I’m absolutely awful at it, especially with the busy schedule that I have. Freshman year was really a wake-up call, cause no one was gonna do everything for me. I had to figure out when I could do homework and eat in between rehearsal schedules. The number of times when I nearly fainted cause I didn’t take care of myself wasn’t cool, so I’d heavily encourage people to figure that out sooner rather than later.

What do you do to relax or recharge? The obvious answer would be sleep, but that’d be too easy. I go for a lot of walks around campus, especially on weekends. There’s something peaceful about putting in a podcast or some R&B and just observing the world. It’s also a form of research because as an actor I love to see people in their natural habitat. Everyone always has an objective and how they carry themselves as a result of it. Walking is just time for my nerves and it protects my peace.

Huskie Spotlights

Caitlyn Kern, ’22, BFA Theatre Arts Design and Technology

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Jonathan Perkins, ’24, BFA Acting

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Theatre and Dance Huskie SpotlightHuskie Spotlight: Jonathan Perkins, '24, B.F.A. in ActingWhat did you want to be when you were growing up? Funnily enough, I originally got accepted to NIU to pursue computer science. I've always been drawn to the tech side of things...

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Sam Bliss, ’23, BFA Acting

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