UNews - Gail Hanrahan

Fiction at Fifty Competition Brings new Canadian content to U of L Stage

trevor.kenney — Wed, 01 Nov 2017 20:21:26 +0000

Three years in the making, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Department of Drama is proud to present the world premiere of When There’s Nothing Left to Burn, the winning play commissioned through the Fiction at Fifty playwright competition.

Actress Zoë Bracken in a scene from When There’s Nothing Left to Burn. PHOTO by Amanda Berg

Inspired by the Vancouver Arts Club Theatre Company’s Silver Commissions Project, alumnus Terry Whitehead (BA '94) suggested a similar idea to uLethbridge as a way to celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2017, commissioning a new Canadian play to be produced on a university stage. With the support of the Department of Drama, Whitehead generously backed the Fiction at Fifty competition, providing prize money for three finalists and the grand prize winner, Sean Devine.

“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a Canadian university has ever launched a national competition to commission a new play,” says Whitehead. “I was overwhelmed by the response. It’s an extraordinary testament to the reputation of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and speaks well about the health of play writing in Canada.”

Beginning January 2014, the Department of Drama invited commissioning proposals for a new full-length play. By March 2014, Fiction at Fifty attracted more than 75 submissions from across the country, spanning 34 cities in eight provinces. Three finalists were selected in June 2014, each receiving a $2,000 commissioning contract to write a full-length draft play within the next 18 months. By December 2015, the jury had three brand new Canadian plays from which to choose.

“One of the great things about this contest is that the format enabled three plays to get initial funding,” says Whitehead. “It’s very rare that playwrights get a commission to go and write their works.”

PHOTO By Jaime Vedres

In January 2016, Sean Devine was announced as the winner, receiving an additional $2,000 commission to continue the development of his play When There’s Nothing Left to Burn. Almost two years later, the U of L is excited to produce the world premiere, hitting the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre stage Nov. 7-11.

Devine is a playwright and theatre maker, as well as the artistic director of Horseshoes & Hand Grenades Theatre. His first play Re:Union premiered in Vancouver in 2011, was published in 2013, had public readings in NYC, Chicago and Seattle, and was presented by the 2015 Magnetic North Theatre Festival. His second play Except in the Unlikely Event of War premiered in Vancouver in 2013. Devine has been the playwright-in-residence at Pi Theatre (Vancouver) and GCTC (Ottawa). His play Daisy premiered at Seattle's ACT Theatre in 2016, where it received a Gregory Award nomination for Best New Play, and a Broadway World Seattle Critic's Choice Award for Best New Play.

The jury, made up of U of L faculty members along with Rachel Ditor, literary manager of Arts Club Theatre Company in Vancouver, chose three finalists based on proposals that would appeal to and resonate with audiences in southern Alberta and beyond.

“The Arts Club is thrilled that the Silver Commissions Project was the inspiration behind the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Fiction at Fifty competition,” says Ditor. “It is an important initiative for Canadian audiences, artists, and students. A Canadian university offering professional playwrights the time, money and resources needed to create meaningful new works is rare and a gift to us all.”

PHOTO by Jaime Vedres

The winning play had subject matter, themes and acting opportunities to excite and inspire university students. In addition, it used a large cast, and more importantly, emphasized the ensemble as a whole rather than one or two lead characters, all qualities important for the educational experience of dramatic arts students at the university level.

The Fiction at Fifty competition was structured to incorporate special experiences for students. Throughout the year leading up to the premiere, director and Department of Drama faculty Gail Hanrahan initiated and facilitated the reading and workshopping of When There’s Nothing Left to Burn in her class, New Play Workshop. Devine visited the university twice and joined the cast via Skype.

“I welcome other ideas that are not my own,” says Devine. “The cast takes away a sense of ownership of the script and better chemistry.”

The final production is both a polished premiere and a unique opportunity for students, director and playwright to collaborate from page to stage.

When There’s Nothing Left to Burn stood out to the jury because of its dynamic story, insightful perspective and ambitious scope. The plot reveals citizens going about their day-to-day lives in the midst of a violent political conflict in an unnamed North American city. Inspired by a faraway revolution in Kiev in 2014, Devine explored the idea that a similar crisis could happen in Canada.

“The revolution seemed to be just one more in an unending stream of citizen-led revolutions and uprisings across the globe,” says Devine. “Perhaps I’m a pessimist, but I just can’t see this trend abating anytime soon. I wanted to create something that encapsulated all the divergent voices and faces of a city in the midst of a siege.”

When There’s Nothing Left to Burn will leave audiences considering how their lives would change if a bomb exploded on the bus they were taking to school or work. What if you were not allowed out of your house between sundown and sunrise? What if you were brought in for questioning because you wrote a song, or because you posted about what was happening in your city?

This play pushes boundaries of theatre, from its inception to final production, and the uLethbridge drama department proudly invites all audiences to attend.

Tickets are available at ulethbridge.ca/tickets, and through the Box Office at 403-329-2616.

Vertigo Theatre internships provide real-world experience for U of L fine arts students

trevor.kenney — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 21:46:26 +0000

Real-world experience, professional development and course credit are just a few of the benefits that three ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Dramatic Arts students received by participating in Calgary’s Vertigo Theatre internship program over the past two months.

Rebecca Fauser and Lyall Miller worked as general interns at Vertigo, rotating between different departments including marketing, production, administration and development, while Kate Pallesen was the intern stage manager for The Drowning Girls, the final production of the season.

Rebecca Fauser, Lyall Miller and Kate Pallesen at Vertigo Theatre in Calgary.

“We completed a wide range of tasks, from stamping envelopes to helping put together elements of the show,” says Miller. “We received a broad overview of what each department does, and insight into the practical day-to-day operations of a professional theatre company.”

“We also learned about the artistic process of members in the company,” adds Fauser. “Through hands-on experience and meaningful conversations with the staff, we have gained a better understanding of theatre as a profession.”

Pallesen worked six days a week for two months with the stage management team.

“My role mostly consisted of being a second assistant stage manager (ASM),” says Pallesen. “I had the opportunity to observe the roles of people involved in the production, in the rehearsal hall or on stage and discuss any questions about the process with the other ASM and stage manager.”

“Most valuable was the opportunity to meet and talk with everyone at Vertigo,” continues Miller. “They are wonderful, bright and welcoming with a wide range of talents, as well as theatre and business experience. I feel like we learned a lot from these conversations, and a new perspective on art and theatre.”

Coordinated by Gail Hanrahan (drama), the Vertigo Theatre Internship started in 2016, and U of L students have been so well received they continue to bring back more students than originally intended.

“Officially, the internship is for two students,” explains Hanrahan. “One is paid by Vertigo, and one by the Faculty of Fine Arts. However, they have loved our students so much they’ve taken on three, paying two. Students are contracted for six to eight weeks to work on the final show of the season. Preference is given to senior students in their third or fourth year.”

To apply for the opportunity, students submit a resume and letter of intent. Hanrahan short-listed the candidates and provided feedback on their applications before submitting to Vertigo Theatre. After phone and Skype interviews, the lucky candidates were selected. Students enrolled in a class to receive course credit for their work.

“I had enough classes to graduate at that point, but I decided the experience would be worth it,” says Miller.

Baragar combines passion for theatre and music, earns opportunity to compose for mainstage production

trevor.kenney — Thu, 04 Feb 2016 23:14:12 +0000

A passion for theatre, a love of music, and the opportunity to work closely with dramatic arts faculty members brought a unique opportunity to dramatic arts student AJ Baragar: composing music for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s mainstage production, The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

When the production debuts, audiences will be the first to hear Baragar’s work as a composer, after he was invited to write all music performed throughout the show.

AJ Baragar finds the multiple roles he plays in the production of The Caucasian Chalk Circle has been a truly immersive experience.

“Back in May, Gail Hanrahan (director of The Caucasian Chalk Circle) approached me and asked me to compose the music,” says Baragar. “I already write and record my own songs and Gail wanted a drama student involved.”

Baragar had the opportunity to work with Hanrahan in the past when she directed Exia, performed with him in Tribes and taught classes that Baragar attended.

“It’s really nice to be this close with your professors,” says Baragar, admitting that these earlier opportunities led to the unique chance to compose the music for an entire play.

Bertolt Brecht, the play's author, wrote the words that Baragar then put to music.

“It was tough because it’s not written in perfect verses,” shares Baragar. “It wasn’t just writing the music but picking what words to make into a song and what to leave as speech.”

The original approach that Hanrahan took in directing the show allowed for a lot of collaboration among the entire cast.

“We asked the cast what instruments and skills they could bring to the table. ‘You play ukulele? Let’s get that in the show!’ We could all bring ideas, try things and see if it worked. It’s really unlike any show I’ve ever been a part of.”

Baragar plays the role of the Singer, the show's narrator, so not only did he compose the music but he has been involved in the entire show: composing, acting, singing and more.

“The Caucasian Chalk Circle is the most immersive experience I’ve had so far,” continues Baragar. “Everyone in the cast is doing an amazing job. I’m astounded at the commitment, focus and dedication of everyone from the stage managers, to the actors, Gail, everyone.”

The Caucasian Chalk Circle opens Friday, February 5, 2016 and runs through February 13. As opening day approaches, Baragar is getting excited, and nervous, to see the final product come to life.

“I can do my part as a composer but it’s nothing without the people that sing them,“ says Baragar modestly. “It’s weird and cool to hear your own music performed. Listening to everyone sing my notes, singing their hearts out. To see people loving your music and practicing it, it feels great.”

Tickets to The Caucasian Chalk Circle are available by calling 403-329-2616 or visiting ulethbridge.ca/tickets.

Flavours of ancient Greece to tantalize audiences of Exia

trevor.kenney — Fri, 15 Nov 2013 22:40:28 +0000

Sink your teeth into one of the juiciest dramas of the Drama Main Stage season. Spicy, sensual and tantalizing, Exia, written by Governor General Literary Award nominee and Theatre and Dramatic Arts faculty, Meg Braem, promises to satisfy all audience appetites.

Exia, by Meg Braem, plays at 8 p.m. nightly in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, Nov. 19-23.

Playing Nov. 19-23 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre at 8 p.m. nightly, this premier production transports patrons to a sumptuous scene in Ancient Greece. Chrysothemis and Elektra have returned home to discover their father, King Agamemnon, murdered by their anorexic and withdrawn mother. Through the power and fragrance of her gastronomical talents, Chrysothemis attempts to bring her family back together.

“Exia is about murder and revenge, but it’s also about young love. And although it’s based in the tradition of Ancient Greece, is very contemporary – very sensual and touching,” says Gail Hanrahan, director.

Shortlisted for the 2013 Governor General’s Literary Award for Drama for her play, Blood: A Scientific Romance, playwright Meg Braem gives credit to the students in her Canadian Plays and Development class two years ago for helping develop Exia.

“This play is truly built out of the university, and incorporates the voices of our students,” she says. “It is about youthful characters and incorporates the themes and beauty of young love. It was through the work done in class with our students that we captured that spirit in the script.”

Exia, derived from the word orexis, or appetite, promises to satiate audiences with a feast promising to enthrall, excite and thrill.

Tickets are available at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (Monday to Friday, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., 403-329-2616). Tickets are priced at $18 regular, $15 senior, $12 students and are also available for purchase online: uleth.ca/tickets.

Campus Kudos - November

trevor.kenney — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 20:20:57 +0000

Congratulations to the group of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge alumni who was successful in earning Lethbridge City Council seats in the recent municipal election. The group includes Lethbridge mayor Rajko Dodic (BASc '78), and aldermanic members Jeff Carlson (BFA '92), Liz Iwaskiw (BASc '77), Joe Mauro (BASc '83) and Bridget (Pastoor) Mearns (BA '95).

Dr. Josephine Mills (U of L Art Gallery director/curator) presented, Deaccessioning: The Root of All Scandal, as part of the Southern Alberta Art Gallery's Art Appreciation series Articulations III: Scandals, Scoundrels, Capers, and Cons.

Dr. David Renter's (Music) quartet performed in Southminster United Church's Jazz Vespers series.

Annie Martin's (Art) sound installation, Listening Space, opened Nov. 5 at Contrary Projects Gallery in Regina. The installation is a version of the Listening Room Series Martin has developed since 2006 and uses lo-fi audio technology deployed to "open" the architecture of the space, creating an unfiltered audio environment.

Emily Luce's (New Media) exhibition Parallel Park (Lab Space) is in the Helen Christou Gallery until January 14.

A distinguished group of alumni from the Faculty of Education recently received nomination for the Edwin Parr Award in Zone 6. Awarded by the Alberta School Board Association (ASBA), the Edwin Parr Awards single out professionals in their first year of teaching for their talent, commitment to students and contribution to education. Shelley Kirkvold (BA/BEd '09, Catholic Central High School, Lethbridge), Qian Zhang (BSc '04, BEd '09, DA Ferguson Middle School, Taber), Grant Bertamini (BEd '09, Fleetwood Bawden Elementary, Lethbridge), Alli Martin (BA/BEd '09, Stavely Elementary), Travis Curliss (BA/BEd '09, Crescent Heights High School, Medicine Hat) and Donna Jean Wilde (BA/BEd '09, Magrath High School) all earned nominations.

Rumi Graham (librarian) defended her PhD thesis, A Multiple Case Study Exploration of Undergraduate Subject Searching, at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto. Her thesis looks into subject searching and information literacy in the undergraduate context.

Taras Polataiko (Art) had new work displayed in the exhibition, Video Lounge, at the Toronto International Art Fair, Oct. 28 – Nov. 1.

Janet Youngdahl (Music) directed and sang in a staged production of the Ordo Virtutum, a 12th Century Music Drama by Hildegard von Bingen, at the Cleveland Institute/Case Western Collegium. She also presented a paper entitled, Identifying Musical Gestures in Bach Choruses: An approach for Singers and Conductors, at the Alberta Choral Federation Symposium in Red Deer.

Lisa Doolittle (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) presented, Negotiating First Nations rights in Canada – What does dancing have to do with it?, at a Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs special session.

Gail Hanrahan (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) directed the world premiere of, In Flanders Fields, at Lunchbox Theatre in Calgary.

Dr. Arlan Schultz (Music) just returned from Drepung Gomang Institute in Louisville, Ky., where he met with eight Tibetan Buddhist Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery in southwest India. Schultz has been conducting research into the spectral content of Tibetan ritual music and was able to record 12 different ritual chants in a special recording session set up by the monastery. The chants will be used in a new electro-acoustic work for 8-channel computer processed audio.

Dr. Ken Allan (Art) presented his paper, Marshall McLuhan, N.E. Thing Co. Ltd., and the Counter-Environment, at a Nov. 25-27 conference at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto. His talk was associated with the exhibition, Traffic: Conceptual Art in Canada, 1965-1980, currently on view in Toronto. He also spoke at the regular session of the Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs.

Katie Klingvall (BFA '04) is off to Macau, China to work in the Wardrobe Department for Dragone Theater Company.

For a look at the full issue of the November Legend in a flipbook format, follow this link.

Hair promises a multi-sensory experience

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:09:29 +0000

Step back into the 1960s! The music, the passion, the era comes to life, Feb. 9-13 when Hair, a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation, appears in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre.

This colourful rock musical is presented nightly at 8 p.m. on Feb. 9-11 and 13. On Feb. 12 there are performances at 7 p.m. and midnight.

Set in New York City, a tribe of longhaired hippies celebrates their pacifist bohemian lifestyle, vehemently condemning the Vietnam War and embracing the sexual revolution. Through dance and song, Hair exposes the fervor of a contentious era.

"Although this musical is 40-years-old, its themes are still relevant," says choreographer Lisa Doolittle. "Recently revived on Broadway, Hair has a reputation for being controversial, but remains significant today with our consciousness of war and ecological awareness. Hair is about protest and about youth taking over the world. The main plot is about war – for a musical, the theme is sobering, but sends a message of optimism."

The production includes more than 50 musical numbers, each choreographed by Doolittle and directed by drama faculty colleague, Gail Hanrahan.

"The music ranges from doo-wop, to mop-top British rock and psychedelic rock. The choreography has been so much fun to research – to incorporate the different dance styles," says Doolittle.

Music Director Bente Hansen conducts the live 14-piece rock band complete with horns, guitars and keyboards.

"Hair is truly a multi-sensory extravaganza, from the hippie-style sets designed by Jim Wills, to the incredible costumes, designed by Leslie Robison-Greene," says Doolittle. "Based on the way the roof comes off the studio during rehearsals, this show will be high energy and unforgettable."

Hair contains mature content and themes.

Tickets for Hair are available for $15 regular and $10 student/senior at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office (403-329-2616).

Witticism the central theme of Hay Fever

trevor.kenney — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:58:47 +0000

Witticism and sophistication mix with a dose of light-hearted comedy to kick off the first mainstage theatre production, Hay Fever.

Twists and turns abound in this Noel Coward classic, playing Oct. 20-24, nightly at 8 p.m. in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre. Directed by Theatre and Dramatic Arts faculty, Gail Hanrahan, Hay Fever presents a perfect platform to showcase complex characters, rich costuming and spectacular sets.

"Hay Fever is a very high energy play; a clever combination of farce and comedy of manners. It represents the flamboyancy of the 1920s and reflects the debonair eccentricities of Noel Coward as a playwright," says Hanrahan.

At the heart of Hay Fever are the Blisses: Judith, a recently "retired" stage actress, David, a self-absorbed novelist, and their two children who live in a world where reality slides easily into fiction. The unfortunate weekend guests – a proper diplomat, shy flapper, athletic boxer, and fashionable sophisticate – are thrown into melodramatic scenes where their hosts profess emotions and react to situations that do not really exist.

"It's a very funny show," says Hanrahan. "From the set and costumes to the whirlwind plot twists – this play is full of eccentricities to amuse the audience."

Considered by many to be cleverly constructed, slightly cynical and undeniably entertaining, Hay Fever sets the stage for an evening of good fun.

Tickets are on sale now at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Box Office. $15 Adult and $10 Student and Senior. Tickets for all four mainstage productions are all available with season tickets priced at $45 and student/senior season tickets at $30, a 25 per cent savings. Call the Box Office 403-329-2616 for more details.

Campus Kudos

trevor.kenney — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:01:23 +0000

Tom Barchyn (MSc candidate), Department of Geography, recently won the Olav Slaymaker Award for best student oral presentation at the joint meeting of the Canadian Quaternary Association and the Canadian Geomorphology Research Group. Barchyn presented preliminary results on his master's research project involving the surface controls on Aeolian sand transport in a cold-climate dunefield. This is the first time a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student has won this national award.

Megan Butler (BA '09), a history major, won the Canadian Association of Slavists' 2008 Annual Essay Contest for Best Undergraduate Essay (in Slavic Studies in Canada). Her essay was entitled "The Prayers of the Soviets".

Lana Gabor (U of L Art Gallery) is off this fall to start a Master of Applied Arts at Emily Carr ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Annie Martin (Art) is participating in the IN SITU residency at AXENÉO7 in Gatineau, Que., where she'll experiment in archiving the present using sound recordings and live audio networks. The resulting installation will present a unique visual, physical and aural experience for visitors to the exhibition.

Gail Hanrahan (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) directed a reading of Ex-Pats by two
U of L alumni (book by Col Cseke, BFA '07, music by Brent Podesky, BA '07) at the Lunchbox Theatre's Petro-Canada Stage One Festival in May. Hanrahan and Val Campbell (U of C) have also been invited to take their production of "Under the Parrot/Over Tennessee" to SummerWorks in Toronto in August. The largest juried festival in Canada, SummerWorks features predominantly New Canadian plays.

Dana Inkster (New Media) was the Canadian artist in the spotlight at the 16th annual Toronto Lesbian and Gay Film and Video Festival, which draws crowds of 30,000 to screenings, artist talks, panel discussions, installations and socials. It highlights more than 275 films/videos from Canada and around the world.

Campus Kudos

trevor.kenney — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 15:42:00 +0000

Former Pronghorn swimmer Richard Hortness, swimming for his hometown Alberta Marlin Aquatic Club out of Medicine Hat, set a new Canadian record at the 2009 Short Course Spring Nationals in Toronto in March. Hortness, who was with the Pronghorns in 2004-05, teamed with Brent Hayden, Rory Biskuspi and Tommy Gossland to set a new 4 x 50 metre freestyle relay record.

Lisa Lambert (BA '91, MA '07) was recently honoured as a YWCA of Lethbridge, 2009 Woman of Distinction for her work as a social advocate. Currently teaching a Canadian Politics course at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Lambert is also working on her doctorate degree.

Winners of the U of L Plays and Prose Writing Competition were: Plays – James Forbes (1st), Adam Beauchesne (2nd), Trista Green (3rd) and Prose – Dave Bryant (1st), Adam Sarjeant (2nd), Henry Heavy Shield (3rd).

Several drama faculty, staff, and alumni were involved in the recent New West Theatre production of The Drawer Boy. Ron Chambers (Theatre & Dramatic Arts), Marek Czuma (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) and Jeremy Park (BFA '08) acted; Gail Hanrahan (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) directed; David Barrus (staff) was set designer; Rebecca Toon (BFA '06) designed the costumes; Kelly Roberts (staff) designed was sound designer and Lindsey Zess-Funk (BFA '07) was stage manager.

The U of L's 07/08 Report – Rethink About It – received a silver award in the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) 2009 PRIX D'EXCELLENCE awards program in the best institutional annual report category.

The Report, which is the U of L's annual report to the community, was distributed to 335,000 households in October 2008. The Report is produced by the Communications Office within ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Advancement.

This is the third consecutive year that the Report has received an award from CCAE. In 2006/2007 the Report received a silver award, and in 2005/2006 the Report received a gold award.

To view the 07/08 Report online, visit: www.ulethbridge.ca/report

Dr. Anne Dymond (Art), Dr. Shelley Scott (Theatre & Dramatic Arts), Dr. Anonymous Will Smith (New Media) all wrote books that were acknowledged at the recent U of L Book Award Celebration.

Dr. Josephine Mills (Art Gallery) wrote an essay entitled, "The answer is two years spent baking vulva-shaped cookies, or On Understanding Lesbian Representation," which appears in the catalogue for Toronto artist Allyson Mitchell's latest exhibition, Allyson Mitchell: Ladies Sasquatch. The catalogue has just been launched and Mitchell's exhibition is on tour across Canada and comes to the U of L Art Gallery, Sept. 18 – Oct. 30, 2009.

Dr. Rolf Boon's (Music) composition, Bike Ride, has been selected for publication in the Canadian National Conservatory of Music's Northern Lights Level 5B Musical Discoveries collection. This is the eighth of Rolf's works that CNCM has published.

Dr. David Renter (Music) recently recorded with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan Jazz Ensemble in Saskatoon. The group recorded one of Renter's big band compositions called Kukai and he was the featured soloist on several other selections during the recording. The CD will be released later this year.

Dagmar Dahle (Art), Don Gill (Art), Mary Kavanagh (Art), and Tanya Harnett (Art) had exhibition publications recently released by the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

Dr. Josephine Mills (Director/Curator U of L art Gallery) has been accepted into the Getty Leadership Institute's museum program. The program is an intensive three weeks in Los Angeles during July in the Museum Leadership Institute 2009.

Richard Epp (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) acted in Theatre Calgary's recent production of An Ideal Husband, by Oscar Wilde.

Lisa Doolittle (Theatre & Dramatic Arts) and Jean Harrowing (Health Sciences) have recently received an Award of Distinction from the Internationalizing the Teaching and Learning Practice program for their work with students in Malawi last summer. The award is presented by Advanced Education and Technology.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Music Department at Dalhousie ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, distinguished alumni are being invited back to perform. Dr. Blaine Hendsbee (Music) was the tenor soloist in a concert of Mozart's Requiem, Apr. 7, in Halifax. He also presented master's classes at Dalhousie during the week.

Forbes captures top prize in Play Right competition

trevor.kenney — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:16:46 +0000

James Forbes, a second-year English major from Grand Forks, BC, captured first prize in the second annual U of L Play Right Competition.

Forbes' play 'Blind Leading the Blind Date' earned top billing in the competition
and won Forbes a $1,500 award. He also receives dramaturgical support from the adjudicating jury, which consisted of Theatre and Dramatic Arts faculty Ron Chambers and Gail Hanrahan, as well as U of L alumna and well-known local actor, Erica Hunt.

Second prize in the contest went to Adam Beauchesne, a fourth-year drama performance major from Lethbridge, for his play 'Wake'. The third-prize winner was Trista Green, a third-year English major from Rosemary, Alta, for her play 'A World of Our Own'.

Beauchesne and Green received $750 and $250 awards respectively.

Forbes' Blind Leading the Blind Date is a comedy about what happens when things do not go as planned, and the love stories that develop as a result. Things go wrong from the get-go when Frank, an incompetent matchmaker, sets up his pal Mike on a blind date and then points out the wrong girl at the restaurant. A series of escalating catastrophes ensue as Frank seeks to correct his mistakes, while Mike tries to win over the sweet and funny Julie in spite of it all.

U of L alumnus Terry Whitehead generously supports the U of L Play Right Competition. Its aim is to encourage excellence and development in student playwriting.

According to Play Right Prize Steering Committee members, Marek Czuma and Barbra French, each of the Theatre and Dramatic Arts faculty, this year's competition attracted 14 entrants, up from 12 last year.

A public reading of the first-prize winning play is scheduled for Friday, Mar. 13 in the David Spinks Theatre at 7 p.m. Admission is free.

UNews - Gail Hanrahan

Fiction at Fifty Competition Brings new Canadian content to U of L Stage

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Flavours of ancient Greece to tantalize audiences of Exia

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Witticism the central theme of Hay Fever

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Forbes captures top prize in Play Right competition

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