Displaying items by tag: Development

Spring time is for celebrating a new season and the culmination of years of research, experimentation and community building as a student at the College of Fine Arts. Every year we are inspired by a special student who represents the essence of being a dedicated and outstanding individual and ask them to speak to us during our spring convocation. This year the 2019 CFA Convocation Speaker is a student from the Film & Media Arts Department,  Alex Elizabeth Schutz.

Name: Alex Elizabeth Schutz
Majors: Film and Media Arts
Hometown: South Jordan, Utah
Three words that describe me: optimistic, driven, compassionate
Favorite CFA class or teacher: One of my favorite classes was the Simpsons to South Park class taught by Steven Pecchia-Bekkum
Most memorable moment at CFA: Getting a 4.0 after finishing my hardest semester.
One thing I learned at CFA: I learned how influential film and television can be for expanding messages.
What inspires me: One of my biggest inspirations in my life is most definitely my family. They have been so loving and supportive of all of my opportunities that I have partaken of.
Summary of major accomplishments both on and off campus: Some of my major accomplishments on campus consists of getting to help out with several friends and classmates projects and of course, getting to be the convocation speaker. Off campus includes working for Disneyworld and studying abroad in France.
One sentence that describes my work: My work is usually well researched and thought out. 

by guest bloggers Michaela Funtanilla and April Goddard

Imagination is the only limitation for Department of Theatre set and prop design students, thanks to the department’s acquisition of a state-of-the-art Shopbot CNC machine. It was purchased by an anonymous donor in summer 2018.

“Our production capabilities have in the past been greatly limited in time and budget. By having CNC technology available in our small shop, we can now think and create with fewer constraints,” said Department of Theatre’s Technical Director, Kyle Becker.

Similar to a 3D printer, the Shopbot CNC uses computer drawings (CAD) to operate. But instead of additive manufacturing, the Shopbot cuts out shapes from materials like wood, plastic, foam soft metal, and composites.

The machine can print up to an 8x4 ft sheet of material—larger 3D designs require cutting out multiple pieces to then assemble into a sculpture. Prior to owning this CNC tool, limited projects were outsourced, but this was too expensive to do regularly.

Now that the Department of Theatre owns its own CNC tool, the possibilities are endless, and projects that took days to build can be completed in minutes.

“We can ask the machine to 3D carve and 2D cut without these tasks consuming time and money that can go to other areas like assembly and painting,” said Becker.

CNC machines are standard technology in the performance art design industry. Students can receive training on the CNC tool though the department's Computer Modeling and Design course, and become more competitive for set design jobs in theatre, film, and theme parks. Becker said he would eventually like to partner with local high school theatre programs to increase CNC machine education.

The Rivals opens 4/5 and will be the first set to highlight the Shopbot’s capabilities as the set requires intricate architectural facades. Buy your tickets at ticket.utah.edu.

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On the heels of a record-breaking season, Pioneer Theatre Company (PTC) Artistic Director Karen Azenberg announces the highly-anticipated 2019-2020 season. University of Utah students can get discounted tickets to the new season by using their ARTS PASS! Among the season offerings includes a pre-Broadway tryout, a world premiere, and three productions that have never before been professionally performed in Utah. Azenberg will be joined at the helm by her new partner, two-time Tony Award-nominated producer Christopher Massimine, who will serve as PTC’s managing director.

“We have a great line-up in store,” stated Azenberg. “Salt Lake has a wonderfully sophisticated theatre audience; they know what is playing on Broadway, what is touring and what they want to see. We’re delighted to provide a unique opportunity offering our patrons productions that would otherwise be unavailable to statewide theatregoers.”

PTC will open the season with an expanded version of the Off-Broadway hit musical CAGNEY, an effervescent, tap-dancing biographical show about Hollywood “tough guy” James Cagney. Fred and Adele Astaire Award winner Robert Creighton will reprise his Drama Desk Award-nominated performance of the title role in this first pre-Broadway tryout. Applauded byVariety as “Showstopping! Pure hallelujah moments”.

Next, fresh from a revered Broadway run, PTC presents an exclusive engagement of THE LIFESPAN OF A FACT. A timely and thought-inspiring comedic drama The New York Times deemed “terrifically engaging,” The Lifespan of a Fact examines truth through the eyes of a national magazine’s fact-checker. This critically-acclaimed play, which made Variety’s ‘2018 best of the year’ list.

PTC welcomes the Utah premiere of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG. Originally produced by J.J. Abrams, this wildly successful Broadway comedy is “the ‘Tom and Jerry’ of British farce, slapping you silly with mishaps and pratfalls,” (The Washington Post).

The new year kicks off with MARY STUART, a politically-charged biographical British drama, that follows the unseen power-play between two of history's greatest Monarchs, who happened to be women. Running at PTCJanuary 10 through January 25, this smart and charming play recently presented a lauded revival in London's prestigious West End Theatre district. “MARY STUART is a testament to human bravery and dignity,” raved Azenberg. “With inspiring female roles, and a theme grounded in the struggle between religion, womanhood and statesmanship, this highly-relevant play mirrors, explores and questions those same issues present today.”

Get ready for another Utah Premiere, the “ravishing revival” (The New York Times) of ONCE ON THIS ISLAND. This 2018 Tony Award-winning musical folktale follows the adventure of two star-crossed romantics amongst an imaginative and vibrant Caribbean backdrop.

Get tickets for the world premier of “ASS”, a comedy about complicated family relationships, author Ellen Simon informs us that the play’s key figure, a famous sculptor, isn’t really based on her famous father,Neil Simon, but that her character “is really more of a Picasso guy.” Ass first appeared at PTC as part of the 2017-2018 Play-by-Play new play reading series, and will enjoy its first fully-staged production.

Closing the season will be SOMETHING ROTTEN! This recent rambunctious Broadway musical, was adored as an “over-the-top take on Shakespeare” by The New York Times. Wallowing in puns, double-entendres and bad taste, theatre buffs will enjoy the "Easter egg" references to popular musicals laced throughout this comedy.

PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY'S 2019-2020 SEASON
Cagney
Book by Peter Colley
Music and Lyrics by Robert Creighton & Christopher McGovern
September 20 - October 5, 2019

The Lifespan of a Fact
By Jeremy Kareken & David Murrell and Gordon Farrell
Based on the essay/Book by John D'Agata and Jim Fingal
November 1 - November 16, 2019

The Play That Goes Wrong
by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer and Henry Shields
December 6 - December 21, 2019

Mary Stuart
by Jean Stock Goldstone and John Reich
January 10 - 25, 2020

Once On This Island
Book and Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens
Music by Stephen Flaherty
Based upon the novel "My Love, My Love" by Rosa Guy
February 21 - March 7, 2020

Ass
By Ellen Simon
March 27 - April 11, 2020

Something Rotten!
Book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O'Farrell
Music and Lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick
Conceived by Karen Kirkpatrick and Wayne Kirkpatrick
May 8 - May 23, 2020

Following a ten-month national search, Pioneer Theatre Company announced that Christopher Massimine will join the company 7/1 as the theatre’s managing director. Massimine will succeed Chris Lino, who will retire on June 30 after managing the professional regional theatre for twenty-eight years. Massimine will partner with Artistic Director Karen Azenberg in leading the company. 

"I want to welcome Chris Massimine to the PTC family and to the thriving arts community here in Salt Lake City," said Azenberg. "In Chris, we’ve found a creative business leader who brings skills and a set of experiences that will help ensure our continued growth in a changing professional theatre environment. I believe together we will accomplish more than that which either of us would be able to do so individually, as we shepherd Pioneer Theatre Company into a new era of leadership."

“The addition of Chris Massimine to Pioneer Theatre Company is a tremendous win for the university and the arts community in Utah. Chris has a proven track record of success and is well positioned to move the company forward building on the legacy of his predecessor, Chris Lino,” said Dan Reed, senior vice president for academic affairs for the University of Utah.

Massimine is a two-time Tony Award-nominated producer and leading arts executive. In New York City, he serves on the City’s Cultural Council; is the Co-Development Chair at Alliance of Resident Theatres/New York; is a member of The Broadway League; and is the Founder and former Chair of the Immigrant Arts Coalition. He is finishing a 6½ year tenure with the National Yiddish Theatre Folksbiene (NYTF), the country’s longest consecutively producing theatrical organization, where he has served as CEO. Massimine oversaw the brand transformation of the institution and its financial expansion, and was responsible for attaining its consistent worldwide visibility. Under his leadership, Massimine bridged NYTF’s century-long traditions with a shifting contemporary landscape, leading to many successful strategic partnerships, collaborations, and numerous awards/accolades, such as the National Theatre Conference’s 2018 Theatre of the Year Award.

Most recently, Massimine was the executive producer of the critically-acclaimed Off-Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Academy Award winner Joel Grey. He was also responsible for NYTF’s first Broadway venture as Co-Producer of the play Indecent, which won two Tony Awards, including best direction. Massimine’s extensive producing resume is equally matched by that of his marketing and advertising work, which has contributed to some of the world’s most recognized campaigns. Massimine has produced theatre across the globe, and concerts that have included such prominent artists as Mandy Patinkin, Itzhak Perlman, Liza Minnelli, and the late Theodore Bikel.

Speaking of his appointment, Massimine said, “It’s an extraordinary time to join the PTC family. Since childhood, I’ve marveled at the stage. The first time I attended a theatrical production, I went home kindled to joyous wonder. For years, I couldn’t put into words what made that exact experience so undeniably impactful that it would guide the trajectory of my professional life. But when I found the words, it was clear there could be no turning back. Good theatre is about the production; great theatre is about developing community. When the work itself comes from a place of authenticity and care, it’s noticed and remembered. I have experienced all of those things at PTC, and fallen in love with Utah. I am emphatically inspired, and over the next four months I look forward to working alongside Karen, Chris, the Board, and the University as I transition into year one.”

PTC Board Chairman Daniel Lofgren praised the selection of Massimine saying, “Chris Massimine has enormous shoes to fill. Chris Lino has been a remarkable steward of this precious asset. That said, I am excited about Chris coming to PTC. He has demonstrated wonderful marketing savvy and an innovator’s approach to the business side of theatre. I am quite enthused about what he and our amazing Artistic Director Karen Azenberg can do working together at Pioneer Theatre Company.”

Former PTC Board Chairman David E. Gee, head of the search committee, said of their selection, “Massimine emerged as the strongest candidate from a group of well-qualified prospects. He has a strong numbers orientation and a record of success and innovation in marketing and community outreach that will complement the quality of Artistic Director Karen Azenberg’s productions.”

Pioneer Theatre Company is a fully-professional theatre located in residence on the University of Utah Campus. Member of the search committee and Associate Vice President for the Arts and Dean of the College of Fine Arts John Scheib said, “We are delighted to welcome Chris to our robust arts ecosystem here at the University of Utah and throughout the greater Salt Lake community. He brings with him an inspiring vision and impressive record of achievement in theatre management, and we look forward to exciting partnerships and fruitful collaborations for years to come.”

While Massimine will assume the managing directorship on 7/1, he will be consulting with the theatre over the next four months to prepare for the 2019-20 season.

During the month of February four College of Fine Arts students, Kristen Bennet (Photography), James Hadley (Printmaking), Christina Jones (Art History) and Laurie Larson (Film & Media Arts), were among six University of Utah students selected to help install a new UMFA acquisition by Conceptual artist Sol LeWitt. Students worked closely with Roland Lusk, draftsperson from the Estate of Sol LeWitt, who coordinated the project.

Sol LeWitt’s Wall Drawing 33 (1970) installation process is very unique, employing non-museum staff to draw directly on the gallery wall per LeWitt’s instructions—the essence of his works. The students have been working daily throughout February to complete the installation in time for the February 27 talk with Veronica Roberts, Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin.

Roberts will share insights into the work of pioneering Conceptual artist Sol LeWitt,  highlighting the installation of a new acquisition of LeWitt’s work, Wall Drawing #33 (1970), at the UMFA. Wall Drawing 33, a pioneering work of Conceptual art, will remain on view for approximately five years in UMFA’s modern and contemporary gallery.

Art & Art History student Christina Jones spoke about her once in a lifetime experience during the past month of install:
“As an Art History major, I've learned about how rare the opportunity is to get to work on one of LeWitt's unique wall drawings, so I was elated when I learned that I had been selected as one of the student drafters for Wall Drawing #33. That excitement stuck with me each time I returned to the museum to draw, but I never expected the physical process to become such a meditative experience for me. When I would tell people that I was drawing precisely measured lines within individual one-inch squares for hours on end, I was met with several questions about whether it got boring or repetitive. But on the contrary, the instructional aspect of the drawing caused me to be calmly aware of the composition of both each individual square and the 10x10' grid as a whole. I'm delighted and honored to had the opportunity to contribute to LeWitt's conceptual legacy, and find it inspiring that this artwork truly exemplifies the creation of an experience.”

Curator Veronica Roberts on Sol LeWitt
WHEN 3/27 at 7P 
WHERE Katherine W. and Ezekiel R. Dumke Jr. Auditorium | UMFA
TICKETS This is a free event 

By guest blogger, Emerging Leaders Intern Emily Kleinschmidt.

Join us for ArtsForce’s 6th Annual Networking Event! Come learn useful skills and practice networking with local artists. And (most importantly) enjoy a free lunch!

For those of you who are new to the community, ArtsForce was created as a resource for students wishing to pursue a career in the arts. While the University of Utah’s, College of Fine Arts provides excellent training for students, many found they weren’t being taught other necessary skills. ArtsForce has put on workshops and events that have taught students skills in money management, arts administration, networking, etc. While being technically proficient in your art is important, it is also necessary to learn professional skills.

This year, we have invited both students and local artists to forge connections. The local artists will participate in structured, rotating discussions on their areas of expertise. Varied topics include balancing a day job with practicing your art, arts administration, running a business, etc. Students will get to speak with a number of artists and can ask them personal questions. We want students to leave feeling like they learned useful skills from the professionals. We hope that students are able to practice making genuine connections with the people in their field.

When:  3/2 from 10A – 1P
Where: Gould Auditorium at Marriot Library

RSVP HERE

The University of Utah College of Fine Arts is pleased to introduce two new Academic Advisors to our roster of rock star student advocates! Joining Andrew Grace, Jennifer McLaurin, and Mary Ann Dresher are Samuel Banford and Eric Schmitz.

“We are excited to continue our tradition of strong evidence-based advising with our new team members,” said Liz Leckie, the college’s Associate Dean for Undergraduate Student Affairs. “Our advisors provide integral components of our Create Success Initiative, the program dedicated to facilitating student success, to our students.”

Academic advisors are educators and problem solvers who advocate for students as they navigate their personal journeys through higher education and attain their academic goals. Through inclusion and connection, academic advisors open doors to new opportunities for self-awareness and growth, empowering students to define their roles as citizens within local and global communities.

Legend has it that Samuel was born on a college campus deep in the wilds of Texas to two Spanish professors. Perhaps this is why he feels at home in academics. Mythos aside, Samuel has worked in higher education for eight years. Prior to working at the University of Utah, Samuel worked as an academic advisor at Utah Valley University. In his spare time Samuel knits, plays video games, and cuddles his dogs, Ximena and Edward. He only cuddles Betty, his cat, when she deems it necessary.

Eric comes to the University of Utah with over 20 years of experience in education working with K-12 students and adult learners. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Speech Communication from Augustana College in Illinois. Eric earned his teaching certification through The University of Phoenix and an M.Ed. from Lesley University with an emphasis in the fine arts. Eric’s main focus throughout his career in education been supporting learners with unique and diverse needs. Eric’s role as an advisor allows him to continue this passion for viewing our skills and experiences as assets to be valued and appreciated. Outside of work Eric enjoys travel, cooking, time with his family including three cats, and being an uncle to 15 nieces and nephews.

 For more information on the role of academic advisors or to book an appointment, visit: finearts.utah.edu/advising, or visit createsuccess.utah.edu to learn more about how the Create Success Initiative, which is students’ comprehensive destination for resources and reminders to help them make their academic dreams into realities. The recommendations are based on data from our alumni about what made them most successful, and includes tips and experiences in a one-stop-shop with links to help students get connected to academic resources, extracurricular activities, financial aid information, academic advisors and more. 

The University of Utah campus is full of incredible arts events, some of which are FREE to U of U students with their ARTS PASS (Ucard). We know how over whelming it can be to fit anything other than homework into your busy schedule, so we have put a highlight list of free arts events on campus that you do NOT want to miss out on. Take a look and enjoy the arts on campus this Spring!

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS
School of Dance
La Fille Mal Gardée
Feb 7 – Feb 16
The School of Dance proudly presents "La Fille Mal Gardée," a full length comedic ballet gracing the Marriott Center for Dance Stage February 7th – 16th. The School will present a new interpretation of the classic French ballet created by Bruce Marks, former Artistic Director of Ballet West, whose choreography breathes new life into the classic story.

Film & Media Arts Department
Spring Showcase
May 4
Join the Film & Media Arts Department for a free screening of handpicked student films, filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, displays of amazing media arts projects, installations, animations, experimental films, and more!

School of Music
Lyric Opera Ensemble: Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmelites with the Utah Philharmonia
April 19 - 20
Set during the French Revolution, Dialogues des Carmélites explores religious devotion and self-sacrifice through the harrowing story of Blanche de la Force, a shy, young aristocratic woman who joins the Carmelite Order to escape the violence of the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. With a gorgeous score, Poulenc’s opera is one of the most significant works of the 20th century. This dramatic and powerful tour-de-force, based on a true story, explores faith and redemption, fate and sacrifice.

Department of Theatre
COMPANY
February 15 - March 3
Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by George Furth, originally produced and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince. Centering on Bobby, a confirmed bachelor celebrating his 35th birthday with his 10 closest friends (who also happen to be five couples), Company culminates in Bobby’s transformation from unattached swinger to tentative monogamist. Company, Stephen Sondheim’s groundbreaking modern musical, is a mature, intelligent, and wildly funny look at relationships, vulnerability, and “being alive.” The original production was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards and won six.

PIONEER THEATRE
Once
Feb 15 – Mar 2
This Sundance film-turned-Broadway-hit is about the romance between an Irish street musician and the young Czech woman, also a musician, he meets on the streets of Dublin. A tender story between two people who fall in love over a shared passion for music, Once features unforgettable songs which garnered both Tony and Academy awards; come see a talented cast who will sing and play all the musical instruments in the show, on stage! Contains strong language.

UMFA
Valentine’s Evening at UMFA
February 14
Choose UMFA as your romantic getaway and make art a part of your evening together. Enjoy libations and hors d’oeuvres, peruse the galleries, and listen to a sultry selection of music from the Univeristy of Utah Red Hots in the G.W. Anderson Family Great Hall. For an additional fee, you may tour the galleries with award-winning curator of European, American, and regional art Leslie Anderson for “Conscious Coupling: Scenes of Romance in the UMFA’s Collection,” beginning at 6:30 pm. Please select the tour option when purchasing tickets to secure your spot; tour is limited to 30 guests. 

UTAH PRESENTS
Complexions Contemporary Ballet From Bach to Bowie
April 5
Combining technical precision, power, and passion, Complexions Contemporary Ballet transcends tradition in a groundbreaking mix of styles ranging from ballet to hip hop. Founded by former members of Alvin Ailey, Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden, the company has been featured several times on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance. This season, the company performs an exhilarating program full of glitter and glam featuring Star Dust, an “utterly transfixing” tribute to the life and music of David Bowie.

Want more free or nearly free access to arts events? Stay in the know by following our Arts Pass social media outlets and never miss an arts event again! Instgram, Facebook and Twitter

By Marina Gomberg

During good times and bad, many turn to the arts for solace, inspiration, levity, and hope. That’s why, during this extended government shutdown, the arts entities at the University of Utah are offering furloughed federal employees free access to the arts on campus for the duration of the shutdown.

“As a community of artists, we recognize and appreciate our important role in supporting our communities and meeting them where they are,” said John W. Scheib, Ph.D., Associate Vice President for the Arts at the U and Dean of the College of Fine Arts. “We hope that in our theatres, halls and galleries, our proud friends can experience the joy and creativity the arts can so uniquely and powerfully provide.”

Below are the ways federal furloughed employees can enjoy arts experiences with us for free.

Pioneer Theatre Company
Pioneer Theatre Company is offering federal employees affected by the current government shutdown two free tickets to the three remaining performances of their current production, The Lion in Winter. Call (801-581-6961) or visit the Box Office (Open 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Mon. – Fri.). Visit www.pioneertheatre.org for more information on the show. Employees who present a federal ID or federal pay stub at the box office window may receive up to two tickets for one of the remaining three performances. Quantity is limited; tickets are available on a first come, first served basis. We encourage picking up tickets ahead of time, if possible. This offer is not retroactive to previously purchased tickets.

School of Dance
The School of Dance is offering four free tickets to any upcoming performance during the shutdown. See the upcoming events list here. Then call 801-581-7100 or visit the Kingsbury Hall box office and identify yourself as a federal employee to receive your tickets.

School of Music
The School of Music is offering four free tickets to any upcoming performance during the shutdown. See the upcoming events list here. Then call 801-581-7100 or visit the Kingsbury Hall box office and identify yourself as a federal employee to receive your tickets.

Utah Museum of Fine Arts
The Utah Museum of Fine Arts (UMFA) is offering free admission to furloughed federal employees for the duration of the shutdown. Federal workers are asked to identify themselves at the UMFA welcome desk. For Museum hours, directions, and more information, please visit here.

UtahPresents
Four free tickets to all furloughed employees to any remaining performance on the UtahPresents season (excluding Banff Film Festival and At the Illusionist’s Table). See the upcoming events list here. Then call 801-581-7100 or visit the Kingsbury Hall box office and identify yourself as a federal employee to receive your tickets.

By Marina Gomberg

On Monday, Jan. 21 during Murray High School’s Martin Luther King Jr. Concert from 6:15P – 8:30P at University of Utah art students will unveil and dedicate nine murals they made in a massive collaboration between the University of Utah, Murray City School District, and Murray City Cultural Arts Department.

The Mural Class, led by Art & Art History Professor, V. Kim Martinez, was made up of undergraduate and graduate art majors along with Beverley Taylor Sorenson Arts Learning Program (BTSALP) Visual Art specialists. Through the help of the partnership with Murray City Schools, the class worked with more than 2,800 Murray elementary and secondary students to shape their visions of the district’s 2018-2019 theme: We Are Murray.

“Together, we enlisted the energies and aspirations of thousands of people from both of the University and Murray communities to realize these culturally significant artworks” Martinez said.

Bringing art to the people is perhaps a thematic undertone of Martinez’ work. She once said that “Art is a right — not a luxury.”

Perhaps that’s partly why the process was as inclusive as it was intricate.

“After meeting with the elementary students, the U students and BTSALP Visual Art specialists, transformed the drawings and ideas from those conversations into murals themed specifically for each of the nine elementary schools,” Katie Lindquist from Murray City Cultural Arts described. “They then met with junior high and high school students for input on their mural drafts. Final drafts were presented to the Murray City Arts Advisory Board and printed onto 4’x8’ pieces of canvas to be painted at the Murray Mansion. High school and junior high students were bussed to the mansion to assist the University and BTSALP students with painting the murals. We invited community members to the mansion to help paint as well.”

Despite the project’s complexities, process was smooth, and the work reflects the collaborative, reflective nature of the endeavor.

“Collaborating with so many different entities seemed like it was going to be a monumental task, but it was a joy to work with so many different artists, and I am delighted with the finished product,” said Murray City Cultural Arts manager Lori Edmunds.