THE UNIVERSITY THEATRE PLAYERS CHAPTER OF
THE TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY EX-STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
GREENROOM NOTES
April 14, 2008
"Green Room everyone! It is time for notes"- Ron Schulz
Well, friends and fellow Players, de Nile is more than just a river in Egypt. I don’t know why I thought that a hiatus from my full time job would result in my having less to do. Right now I’m trying to finish my taxes, plan a leadership conference and prepare for a trip to NYC and Portland (Oregon, not Maine. Maine would be convenient.). So when it started (okay, continued) to make me crazy(er), I decided I should do something for me and picked The Notes.
So, let’s get right to the letters. First, news from Hershell Norwood.
James,
I am not sure but you might want to put the news my play, finalized in Dr. Bert's Ph.D. Playwriting seminar, is receiving a NYC reading of professional actors. Here are a couple of web sites
that will give you info.
Hershell
Ph.D. grad student TTU Hist/Crit and Acting/Directing
I checked out the links. I didn’t find anything on The Players NYC (not associated with us) website. I believe that’s because I missed the reading at the Players club. I did find on the African-American Playwrights Exchange a listing for a
performance of “Billie’s Blues, Tonite at Mama Jam” by Hershell Norwood at The Rush Arts Gallery this Friday, April 18. If you’re in NYC, check it out. And Hershell, please give us follow up on the performances.
Next, Patrick Donnelly recalls that he forgot his birthday.
Well, it is a little past time for my birthday note.
I crossed into LII this year. Roman numerals.
I just finished "Black Comedy" at the Sheldom Vexler theatre here in
San Antonio. I played Harold Gorringe the Antique dealer poof. For my entrance wore a wonderful, absolutely wonderful, light purple cape. (As a poof I guess I should say "lavender" and not "light purple", but being a poof was for the play, not a lifestyle choice.)
I always remember Toni Cobb saying we loved theatre because we got to play "dress-up".
The show was a success but I was not able to steal the cape closing night. I do love dress-up.
Another local theatre is producing "Journey's End" and that brings back lots of memories. But not a part. At LII: I am too old!
Arrrgggghhh.
Married life is grand, my folks are still kicking, and San Antonio is a great place to live.
Another
note: Dear old TTU and the College of Visual and Performing Arts have mounted a telephone campaign to raise funds. I think the band needs new uniforms. If they call you make sure to tell them you are a Greenroom Player.
I told them if they want to raise money they should relocate the band at football games. Put them in the cheap endzone seats, and sell the prime seats the band now occupies. Then both sides of the stadium could see and hear the band clearly, their halftime entrance would be more grand, and the revenue from selling the good seats would buy new uniforms.
No, I did not give them a cash donation.
Big hugs to one and all.
pat
Poof? POOF? Pattycakes, do not make me hit you with my purse! Only the fact that I know you love me more than life, itself, is protecting you right now. That, and my assumption that by “lifestyle choice” you mean individual characteristic behavior and not sexual orientation. And also because I know another cape story about you. Okay, I’m done yelling at you. And I forgive you because I know you really, really wanted that cape. Although where the hell you thought you were going to wear it, I haven’t any
idea.
Tobyn Leigh checks in.
Hello one and all—
Been a long time since I wrote in, but better late than never I suppose.
Congrats to those current students who made it to the ACTF/Kennedy Center finals in D.C.! It's a big deal, to make it all the way, and we are all proud of you.
In her note. Millie said she thought Jeff and Paul were the first from Tech to make it to D.C., but I am here to tell you, they are carrying on a Player tradition! The Irene Ryan acting competition gets a lot of spotlight, but there are techie competitions as well, and my costume designs for "Long Day's Journey Into Night," directed by Dr. George Sorensen waaaaay back in the last quarter of the 20th century, ('78? ... can't remember anymore) made it all the way the to the Kennedy Center. Matt Posey was nominated for Ryan that year and as I recall,
he went quite far in the competition. I also went with "Chess" as an actor/singer (role of Svetlana) to three performances at ACTF at the KC in 1990, but that was a show from UTEP. We did play the Maedgen that year as Tech hosted regionals. And I think there have been some other Players since those days who have "gone all the way." If you are one of those folks, or remember who else has had the honor of making it to the Kennedy Center over the years, write it -- I'd like to refresh my memory as to who else is on the list. I've advanced with ACTF shows four times, and always had a great time, and hugely enjoyed seeing what other schools were doing as well.
Of course, back in my day we used to have another 'going all the way'
competition that involved the catwalk, light booths, behind the back row in the house and other nefarious locations DURING PERFORMANCES mind you. *sigh* Those were the days.
Which reminds me, loved the birthday pics Mark, and hearing the voices of other well-wishers I haven't heard in ages.
Great job, Jimmy..
love to all,
Tobyn Leigh (Probasco) '72-'80; 1996-2001
Those were the days indeed. I remember a one-sided, purely audio assignation with Bob Starr during a performance of Comedy of Errors. And I did not start it. I will say, in defense of Bob’s reputation, that the fact I was running the “beverage cart” on the catwalk between the booth and the stage probably had something to do with his attempt to woo me. Of course this is an apocryphal story, and
probably never happened. Couldn’t have happened, because I would never have done something so blatantly against every rule we every learned and plain, common sense. God, I hate being the responsible adult.
Morris Ellis sends in his birthday note.
Jimmy and all,
This is my belated birthday note. I have had the pleasure of designing and
overseeing the construction of a theatre facility at Harding University. In February of 07, our University president asked our Physical Plant director if he could put the theatre in a warehouse that the University had purchased. The head of our Physical Plant Department then called me to ask if we could put a theatre in that warehouse. We took the dimensions and after about 15 major reworks we came up with a plan that put all of our plant under the same roof and on the same floor. Previously our shop was in the basement, with eight foot ceilings, and the theatres were on the first and second floor with a lightbooth and small prop storage on the third floor. All of this was connected to a share space 1000 seat theatre. We were given free rein to create a space for our use. All of our work was done in house, either directly by
the University's crew or by local sub-contractors. We were given a very tight budget but our Administration has been very helpful in coming up with more funds when we show them the necessity of changes.
By dividing we conquered. After I had designed the plant, with a lot of input from my colleagues, our staff prepared the organization and needs for individual areas of lights, sound, costume and scene shop requirements and equipment. We are not finished yet, but after the architect took our drawings and made them fit code requirements, I became the site foreman answering questions and making adjustments on site. We mounted our first production in mid-October. We are currently ready to present Little Shop of Horrors March 21-25. For the first time at Harding we now have a dedicated facility for our production work without having to worry about sharing with other departments nor having to shut down because another activity scheduled
without our knowing about it. Our space is not perfect but it is such a far cry from what we had we almost cry when we see the giant step that we have had the opportunity to take. Our University president was the one that initially asked if we could put the theatre in the warehouse.
Not everyone gets the opportunity to create a space for a theatre after working in the field for 40 + years. Yes it was hard work but boy did I have a blast.
Morris Ellis
80-82/PhD 87
What a great situation! How marvelous that the president of at least one University understands the importance and needs for theatre on campus. Revel in your well-earned
success!
Scott Purkeypile checks in.
Hi Jimmy,
Good to have you back on the air. I am about to be the same age as Mark Walters, sorry I missed his party.
Will send in my donation for the year 1958 to the scholarship fund.
Note to Millie about the Irene Ryan's; there was a feller named Derek Horton who was a national finalist in the 80's, can't remember who his partner was, but I do remember Dr. Sorensen showing up to surprise us before the final presentation, and how filthy Peter Falk's glasses were; also having the stage manager staple my pants before the bow, due to a malfunction during the Godot scene. There was also something about a club called Cagney's in the Georgetown area, but I ain't talkin'. I will be back in D.C. for seven days in late April for the New Visions/New Voices Festival for Theatre for Young Audiences, anyone else in the area at that time?
Am up to my eyeballs at the theatre. Seven outreach programs, 12 classes, a couple of workshops, directing School House Rock, Live!, just closed a run of ...Forum (played Pseudolus), continuing work with the Juvenile Detention Center, preparing a partnership with Curt Tofteland of "Shakespeare Behind Bars", partnering with the new Kroc Center (in development), planning summer workshops and classes, dancing under the stars with a whiskey buzz, and always keepin' the faith.
So great to hear what everyone is up to, and how the players from Tech are influencing the arts throughout the country. What wonderful times those were, and what a wealth of talent. Keep Goin',
Scot Purkeypile
I’ve heard great things about the “Shakespeare Behind Bars” program. I’m glad to hear
that we have Players involved. And I’m glad to hear that you’re finding time for that dancing under the stars thing.
Karen Moore has a birthday update.
Hi Jimmy!
This is Karen Moore with her (much belated) birthday note. Oy vey. Still in El Paso, but hoping to get out soon. I am smack-dab in the middle of rehearsals for UTEP's production of "Macbeth" where I am playing Lady
Macbeth. I am finishing up my job contract with Kids 'n Co., a local not-for-profit theatre as Technical Director. I know, I know. Me as technical director is kind of like Fred quitting his job and finding his calling in the world of tap dance, but they were willing to pay me and they knew I was an actor. Ha ha! Joke's on them. Anyway, they are looking for a new Technical Director, as I will be leaving in May. It only pays $10,000.00 per anum, but the schedule is flexible and the experience/resume booster is great. I'm going on an audition for the Steppenwolf Summer Intensive next week, so click your heels together and think good thoughts for me.
-Karen
Oh, my goodness, but you are
brave – actually using the name of The Scottish Play! And there are those of us who have seen Fred tap dance. I will say that it is a life altering experience. I also recall Fred singing, on stage, in performances. I believe, unless I’m really confused that there was Camelot, but I know for sure that he sang solo and a cappella in Journey’s End. Which reminds me, Fred, that I have a humorous story to tell you about the song, K-K-K-Katy. If you get the Steppenwolf gig, Karen, give me a call.
Next,
Mike Scudday checks in.
Jimmy,
Man, that was a long intermission. Please add me back to your merry band of pranksters.
Nice to see TTU faces at USITT in Houston this year: Chris Leffel, John Owens, Fred Christoffell and Steve Surratt. But when
did a glass of beer at USITT start costing eight bucks?
Old news, no doubt, but check out the work Larry Lee Randolph is doing at the Bath House Theatre with his One Thirty Productions www.bathhousecultural.com/130/index.html. I ran into Reg Grant at Larry's production of Driving Miss Daisy. Sorry Reg, but I do have more hair than you!
A sad note from Shreveport came across my desk not long ago. TTU allumi Carl Pendley has retired from KSLA news after 30 years. You don't believe me check out, http://www.ksla.com/Global/story.asp?s=7937605 and see for yourself. Will the Ark-La-Tex ever be the same?
Next time you are in LA, get Cordray to take you to the Thai Catfish place Randy loves the waitress with the
big whiskers. OBTW Mr. Schulz; Randy and I still want to know if we can take our troll heads off for curtain call?
Jimmy and Stuart, thanks for your efforts to keep the Notes alive.
Later,
Michael Scudday aka Spud Boy
Mike, how great to hear from you! (Personal note: I don’t know if you’ve made a trip home – well to Graham – lately, but Anne Street and The Wildcatter are doing great. My sister Kay is working for her and has been producing and performing in the summer musical each year. Kay tells me that at 93, Alwana is still attending every rehearsal, although she doesn’t always remember what she’s just said.) Randy, I’m going to be in LA at the end of May. I’m not so much on catfish, but I would love to see you interacting with a whiskered waitress. Bill Durham
took me out for Italian the last time I was in LA, and even provided me with a date – his lovely daughter Taylor, who I believe is eleven now. After that, Phil Weyland provided further entertainment, which was, quite literally, beyond my ability to describe in these pages. Now stop that! It wasn’t that kind of entertainment!
And finally, I got a note from Mara Wolverton, which I don’t think was actually intended for The Notes, but which is appropriate, so I’m running it.
Hey Chicagoland Folk,
As some of you may already know, I recently moved back to Chgo. Long story short, the job I moved from TX to PA for did not work out. Suffice to say that there were "organizational issues" (or at least that's the pc way of putting it) of which I was not aware when I accepted the job and of which I was not apprised until after I started.
The good thing is that the job was the only thing tying me to Allentown (shoulda listened carefully to all the words to the Billy Joel song before I moved out there) and that being free of the job meant I could be free of Allentown. So, what's a girl to do but move back to the City she loves and then find a job. Yep, that's where I am.
Have a great apartment in Edgewater, but need to find a job soon so that I'll be able to afford continuing to living in it. Had a couple interviews, but nothing concrete yet. So if anyone has any suggestions or leads, let me know. Obviously, arts (preferably theatre) mgmt is my preferred field now, but I'm considering other non-profit organizations too. As time passes, I'm becoming less picky, so waitressing or retail (god forbid) may be considered soon. (Actually, working at Pottery Barn could be kinda cool. . . )
Anyway, this e-mail was not intended to sound like a whiny help-Mara-find-a-job kind of thing. Rather my intention is re-establish contact with y'all now that I'm back. I doubt I'll have a formal apartment-warming party (it's a 1BR apt, so not that big) but would love to get together with each of you at some point soon. (I'm definitely ready to sling some steel w/ the stage combat
folk!)
So, e-mail or call me (my cell is the same). Hope to hear from y'all soon!
-Mara
I promise, Mara, that I will call you and we’ll go for coffee when I get back from Portland.
That’s it for this time.
Don’t forget to check the board
as you leave!
Jimmy