School of Theatre and Danceem... · Pasttime - Jack Stamp Fear Strikes Out for Trombone and Wind Ensemble, Mark Babbitt, trombone Michael Schelle was raised in northern New Jersey

Calendar of Events Saturday, October 1

Headshot!, 2:00 pm in

Albert Taylor Theatre

Jazz at Lock, Stock &

Barrel with MU Faculty

Jazz, 3:30-5:300



Cock, 11:59 pm in Pipe

Dreams Studio Theatre

Sunday, October 2

University Choir Alumni

Concert, 2:00 pm at

Central Christian Church,

650 W. William St.



Faculty Recital Series—

Garni Trio, 4:00 pm in

Kaeuper Hall

Cock, 5:00 pm in Pipe

Dreams Studio Theatre

Friday, October 7

After 5 Live!, 5:00-7:30 pm

at Blue Connection Art

Gallery 117 N. Water St.

Millikin Wind Ensemble,

7:30 pm in Kirkland Fine

Arts Center

Sunday, October 9

Wonder Bread Years,


Arts Center

October 10-November 4

Shane Harris exhibit,

Perkinson Art Gallery

Monday, October 10

Celebration of Opera!,

6:00 pm in Kaeuper Hall

Wednesday, October 12

Guest Instrumental

Recital—Timothy Ehlen,

piano, 7:30 pm in Kaeuper

Hall

School of Theatre and Dance

HEADSHOT! An original production created by MB

ADAPTORS and Millikin University

Directed by guest artist Kari Margolis

Original Music and Multimedia by Tony Brown

October 1, 7:30

October 1 & 2, 2:00 pm


Tickets: $12-$14

Headshot! is a “devised” work, meaning the themes, ideas, script, score, and multimedia all come from a collaboration between the creative team and the actors through the rehearsal process. This exciting approach is one our students have never experienced in production format. For the past seven years, Kari Margolis has been a visiting artist offering workshops and winter immersion courses that have given our students and faculty an intensive look at the world of devised theatre through an acting method she created known as the Margolis Method. It was during one of Kari’s recent visits to Millikin that the idea for Headshot! was born. The concept was fully developed by Kari and Tony’s company, and performed abroad. This season, the project comes full circle as Millikin students revisit these themes and ideas to create a fully realized production of Headshot! that is unique to Millikin. While in residence, Kari, Tony, and Jared will offer valuable performance learning opportunities while working directly with students in a number of classes. This production is made possible by the Amherst Hardy Foundation.

Faculty Recital Series

The Garni Trio Sunday, October 2, 4:00 pm

Kaeuper Hall

Free and open to the public

The Garni Trio includes Millikin music faculty Laurie

Glencross, flute; Tina Nicholson, oboe; and Claire Taylor,

bassoon; appearing with continuo players Amy Catron,

cello; and Bruce Gibbons, harpsichord. A ‘sub-group’ of

the Faculty Woodwind Quintet, the trio members are also

principals in the Millikin Decatur Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. Glencross is a 2002 winner of the National Flute

Association’s Convention Performers Competition and

co-Artistic Director of the St. Andrews Arts Festival in

New Brunswick, Canada. Prof. Nicholson joined the Millikin faculty in 1987 and has

appeared with numerous regional orchestras, the Netherlands Wind Ensemble, and Moscow

State Orchestra. Prof. Taylor is an active freelance musician in Central Illinois, including

the Peoria and Danville Symphony Orchestras, Baroque Artists of Champaign, Little Theater

on the Square, Decatur Big Band and Rock of Ages. Live music is the flourish that elevates

the ordinary event to the extraordinary. That embellishment, or as the French say “Garni”,

is exactly what the Trio provides.

http://sa1.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=MILLIKIN

2

Calendar of Events

Continued October 21, 22, 28 & 29

Nevermore-The

Imaginary Life and

Mysterious Death of

Edgar Allan Poe, 7:30 pm

in Pipe Dreams Studio

Theatre

Saturday, October 22


Barrel with Decatur Big

Band, 3:30-5:30 pm

Millikin-Decatur

Symphony Orchestra,


Arts Center

October 22 & 29

Nevermore-The

Imaginary Life and

Mysterious Death of



Theatre

October 23 & 30

Nevermore-The

Imaginary Life and

Mysterious Death of



Theatre

Sunday, October 23

Fall Choral Concert, 2:00 &

4:00 pm, Central Christian

Church, 650 W. William St.

Thursday, October 27

Halloween Percussion

Concert, 7:30 pm in Albert

Taylor Theatre

Friday, October 28

Halloween Percussion

Concert, 6:00 & 8:00 pm in


Saturday, October 29


Barrel with MU Jazz

Band I, 3:30-5:30 pm

Sunday, October 30

Johnny Peers and Muttville

Comix, 2:00 pm in

Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Pipe Dreams Studio Theatre

Cock by Mike Bartlett Rated R

October 1, 11:59 pm

October 2, 5:00 pm


Tickets$12

Mike Bartlett’s stimulating play, Cock, tells the story of John who has been in a

long-term relationship with his boyfriend. As things start to crumble between the

two, they take a break, leaving John with a rather large dilemma. He has fallen in

love with a woman. As the play intertwines itself with overlapping stories, vivid

language and countless emotions, John is forced to choose between the two while

struggling with his own identity. Both are willing to wait. Both are ready to fight for

his love. The seemingly trapped John weighs his options at a rather awkward dinner

party between them, ultimately bringing up the questions everyone is dying to know

the answers to. Who is John? And most importantly, who will he choose?

School of Music

University Choir and Alumni Homecoming Concert Sunday, October 2, 2:00 pm

Central Christian Church, 650 W. William St.


University Choir alumni gather to sing again with classmates and those of past

years. Additionally, the concert is the initial performance for this year’s choir.

Both choirs join to conclude this Homecoming event.


3

Blue Connection Presents After 5 Live!

After 5 Live! Friday, October 7, 5:00-7:30 pm

Blue Connection Art Gallery, 117 N. Water St.


This show features art by Millikin alumni artists, Casey Wilen, Brady Rhoades, and Rachel Holden. Join the

community at Blue Connection as we gather and relish the beautiful paintings and imagery these three artists

have to offer. See for yourself how emotional states are reflected in Wilen’s industrial imagery and how

Rhoades uses a range of techniques to capture the relationship between light and nature. Complimentary beer

and wine are provided. It is going to be a great time and we hope to see you there!

School of Music

Millikin Wind Ensemble Featuring the music of Michael Shelle

Butler University Composer in Residence,

Friday, October 7, 7:30 pm



Music to include:

Ecstatic Fanfare - Steven Bryant

Prayer for Solo Cello and Chamber Ensemble - Amy Catron, cello

Angels in the Architecture - Frank Ticheli

Pasttime - Jack Stamp

Fear Strikes Out for Trombone and Wind Ensemble,

Mark Babbitt, trombone

Michael Schelle was raised in northern New Jersey and graduated from NHR High School where, as Captain

of the track team, he held the all-state distance records in the javelin, shot put and hammer for three years

running. Now, 30+ years running as Composer in Residence at Butler University, his music has been

commissioned and/or performed by over 350 orchestras, symphonic bands and professional chamber

ensembles across the US and abroad. He has received composition grants and awards from over 30

prestigious arts organizations and has held extended composition residencies at dozens of leading American

universities and new music festivals. Check out his website at www.schellemusic.com.

http://www.schellemusic.com

4


Wonder Bread Years Sunday, October 9, 2:00 pm


Tickets: $20-$35, school age, $5

A fresh and funny salute to Americana, The Wonder

Bread Years starring Pat Hazell (former Seinfeld writer)

is a fast-paced, hilarious production that walks the line

between standup and theater. Audiences across the

country are enjoying a show that not only restores a much-needed sense of wonder, but leaves them laughing

and savoring the past like never before. From sitting at the kids table to riding in the back of the Country

Squire Wagon, this show is a comic bullseye for Baby Boomers everywhere.

Perkinson Art Gallery

Shane Harris October 10—November 4

Perkinson Art Gallery in Kirkland Fine Arts Center

Gallery Hours: Monday—Friday, 12:00-5:00 pm,

or by appointment


Shane Harris’s ceramics sculpture and digital prints represent a

playful perspective of intimacy and relationships. Harris uses

ceramics, mold making, mixed media and digital photography to

explore the concepts of sensuality, vulnerability and intimacy

experienced through interpersonal relationships. Harris utilizes

texture, form and color to evoke emotional and sensual responses

from viewers. The use of found objects such as parts of toys, hair,

jelly paint, reflective objects and balloons stir curiosity as these

recognizable materials are used in an evocative manner. There is a subversive quality to his work.

Shane Harris was born in DeKalb, Illinois and later moved to Champaign, Illinois. There, he received his first

B.F.A from The University of Illinois in Ceramics. His second B.F.A. in sculpture was also earned from U of I.

He received his M.F.A from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana. Recent exhibitions include the

NCECA Biannual, Tampa Museum of Art, Tampa, Florida, Manifest Gallery, Cincinnati, Ohio. He has work in

the private collections of the Kinsey Institute and Eastern Washington University. His work has been

published in “The Best of 500 Ceramics: Celebrating a Decade in Clay” and “500 Sculptures”. Harris is

currently an Assistant Professor of Visual Arts at The University of Illinois, Springfield. He teaches courses in

Ceramics, Sculpture, 3-D Design and Professional Skills.

Check out his website at: http://www.shaneharrisceramics.com/


http://www.shaneharrisceramics.com/

5

Millikin University Opera Workshop

Celebration of Opera!

A Fall Concert Monday, October 10, 6:00 pm

Kaeuper Hall


Millikin University voice students and faculty will

present this Opera Workshop. In our efforts to further

embrace Performance Learning, the 30-voice ensemble

will perform a program featuring arias, duos and

choruses from works by Händel, Mozart, Donizetti,

Verdi and Leonard Bernstein. Come and enjoy the

product of close collaboration between students and teachers, and the magic that it is to sing together and

freely, as we Celebrate Opera! and the beginning of fall!

Millikin University’s Opera Theatre prepares students for professional success through practical experience

both onstage and in the classroom. The Opera Workshop class is structured for a stepwise progression in

acquiring both acting and singing skills for the stage. Freshmen learn basic acting techniques through

monologue and song presentations; sophomores continue the progression into recitative and aria

performances; juniors and seniors work extensively on both intimate (duets, trios, etc.) and large ensemble

scenes. Each group presents a recital performance of their work every semester, with the entire company

participating in a final scenes program in the spring. In addition to the stepwise progression in workshop class

all students audition for placement in at least two staged productions each year. A full opera is staged in the

late fall, and then presented early in the spring semester in Albert Taylor Hall. Later in the spring semester a

second production is presented in Kaeuper Hall. This second opera is selected, directed and produced by

students in the Opera Workshop class under the supervision of Opera Workshop faculty. Repertoire for these

operas is chosen appropriate to the age and experience level of the undergraduate student, with an eye to

building a resume for entry into graduate level study or opera apprenticeships. Experience in the Opera

Theatre productions will give the student an understanding of what it means to work as a professional with

regards to preparation, discipline, artistry, and collaboration.

College of Fine Arts Patrons Society

The Millikin University College of Fine Arts Patrons Society

was created to benefit the over 600 Millikin student-artists participating

in nearly 20 degree programs. The Patrons Society provides budget

support and helps create special projects which might otherwise go

unfunded. The society’s mission is to bring together the university and

individuals who believe in the promotion and support of the fine and

performing arts and the student-artist at Millikin University. If you

would like more information about the Patrons Society, you can visit the

web at: www.millikin.edu/patrons-society, or you may also contact us

by phone at the College of Fine Arts 217-362-6499.

http://www.millikin.edu/patrons-society

6

Guest Instrumental Recital

Timothy Ehlen, piano Piano Masterclass—

Tuesday, October 11, 6:30-8:00 pm in Perkinson Music Center, Room 110

Solo Recital—

Wednesday, October 12, 7:30 pm in Kaeuper Hall


Millikin University School of Music presents guest pianist Timothy Ehlen in

a masterclass and recital. Dr. Ehlen has performed and conducted

masterclass around the world and has released a wide range of solo

recordings, including a set of the complete Beethoven Piano Sonatas. The New

York Times raved that his “playing was filled with elegant personality…

recalled bygone artists like Robert Casadesus and, especially Walter Gieseking

in their mastery of both 18th century and impressionist music...immaculate technique.” Timothy Ehlen is

currently Professor of Music and Chair of the Piano Division at the University of Illinois at Urbana-

Champaign. The program will feature piano masterworks by Beethoven, Chopin, and Brahms. Millikin Piano

Club will offer a reception following the recital.


Nevermore -

The Imaginary Life and Mysterious

Death of Edgar Allan Poe By Jonathan Christenson

October 21, 22, 28, 29, November 4 & 5, 7:30 pm

October 22, 29 & November 5, 11:59 pm

October 23, 30 & November 6, 2:00 pm


Tickets: $12

Haunting music and poetic storytelling combine to tell the fascinating life of iconic American writer, Edgar

Allen Poe. A literary rock star of his day. Poe struggles with tragedy and addiction, poverty and loss, yet

produces some of the worlds most original, visionary and enduring literature before dying in unexplained

circumstances at the age of 40. At once gorgeous and grotesque, Nevermore explores the events that shape

Poe's character and career, blurring the line between fact and fiction-- after all, as Poe himself writes, "All that

we see or seem is but a dream within a dream."


7

Millikin-Decatur Symphony Orchestra

Masterworks II Saturday, October 22, 7:30 pm


Tickets: $13-$16.50

Gabriel Cabezas is no stranger to Decatur audiences who have long admired his radiance and passion. This

time, he returns to play Dvorak’s sublime Cello Concerto in B-minor, paired with the Brahms’ joyful

Symphony No. 2. Gabriel Cabezas is one of America’s most sought after young musicians. Combining a

superb technique, intellectual curiosity and a pioneering musical spirit, Cabezas is at home in front of an

orchestra, performing with a singer-songwriter or sharing the stage with a dance troupe. Cabezas has

appeared as soloist with America’s finest orchestras, including those of Philadelphia, Chicago, Cleveland, New

York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Houston, Pittsburgh, and Nashville. In addition, he is a co-founder of new music

and contemporary dance collective Duende, focusing on the interaction between musicians and dancers in the

live realization of new scores. Cabezas studied at the Curtis Institute of Music with Carter Brey, and is a

recipient of the Career Grant by the Rachel Elizabeth Barton Foundation. He is a winner of the 2014 Astral

Artists National Auditions, and joins this presenting and promotional organization’s roster of America’s finest

young soloists and chamber musicians.

Check out his website: http://www.gabrielcabezas.com

School of Theatre and Dance in the News

Maurice Murphy (’05) appeared in the New York Musical Festival

production of Freedom Riders: A New Musical. The show tells the

story of Civil Rights activists as they risk their lives riding interstate

buses in the extremely segregated South. Maurice has also been seen

in the Broadway productions of Motown: The Musical, Leap of Faith,

and The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee.

Lexis Danca (’16) recently appeared as Sophie in the Music Theatre of Wichita

production of Mamma Mia! Sharing the stage with Broadway veterans, Kim

Huber and Paula Leggett Chase, Lexis held her own among these seasoned

professionals, receiving very positive reviews for her work. Millikin has a long

history with Mamma Mia! SOTAD alum, Carey Anderson, was the longest

running Sophie in the Broadway company, Joe Machota originated the role of

Sky, and Allison Ewing appeared as Tonya in both the Broadway company and

the National Tour.

http://www.gabrielcabezas.com


8

Art Students Create Mural at Dennis Lab School

Since 2011, Dennis Millikin Partnership has supported such learning opportunities to both Dennis Lab

School and Millikin University campuses and has opened the college pipeline to first-generation students who

otherwise would not have exposure to postsecondary education. The Partnership is excited to extend this

reach through a new arts focused initiative: The Dennis Millikin Mural Project. Establishing the Dennis

Millikin Mural Project will encourage students on both campuses to learn from one another through creation

and be inspired through the aesthetic impact of visual art. The Partnership piloted the program last year with

a senior Art Education student from Millikin University and the resulting interactive support and educational

impact of the project was overwhelming. The exploration meetings for the larger approach were received

extremely well and support from the community is flowing in. Millikin and Dennis look forward to yet another

PBL (project based learning) that will strengthen our performance-learning standard while creating memories

of excellence though education.

Last spring, Millikin University art students

created the first mural at Dennis Lab. They

took a dark hallway that leads to the primary

students’ bathrooms and made it an

underwater playground. The kindergarten

and pre-K students helped them by creating

a coral reef made of hand prints, and the

Millikin students created other brightly

colored animated underwater creatures. They

were mindful to incorporate learning

standards into the mural, and you’ll find that

at the end of each octopus tentacle there is a

number from 1 – 8. Not only did it brighten

the hallway, but provided an experience for

the art students like no other.

One of these students, Katie Stizel, has taken

this idea and implemented at a Chicago Public

School where she is student teaching this

fall. Through the Millikin partnership, Dennis

becomes a “laboratory” for all types of theory to

practice benefiting both the Millkin and Dennis

community. Expect more projects like this

coming to the hallways of Dennis Lab School

this fall.

9

School of Music

Fall Choral Concerts Sunday, October 23

Collegiate Chorale and Millikin Women will perform at 2:00pm

Millikin Men and University Chorale will perform at 4:00 pm

Central Christian Church

650 West William St.


Halloween Percussion Concert Thursday, October 27, 7:30 pm

Friday, October 28, 6:00 & 8:00 pm


Tickets: $8

The Children’s Museum of Illinois, WAND TV and Pepsi proudly sponsor the 10th annual Halloween

concerts performed by the Millikin Percussion Ensembles. This all-ages, family-friendly event of the

season will take place in the infamously haunted Albert Taylor Theatre on the campus of Millikin

University. Guests are invited to join the ensemble in costume; best costume prizes will be awarded. All

proceeds go toward MU students attending the Percussive Arts Society International Convention.


10


Johnny Peers and

the Muttville Comix Sunday, October 30, 2:00 pm


Tickets: $10-$20, School Age—$5

Johnny Peers and his personality-plus canines are

coming to tickle your funny bone! A Ringling

Brothers Clown College graduate, Johnny has been

working with dogs since he got his first puppy,

Freckles, a beagle mix, from the Humane Society. Since their 1980 debut, the Muttville Comix have appeared

on David Letterman, Primetime Live and Circus of the Stars, and at Disneyland, Busch Gardens, the Big Apple

Circus, the Royal Hanneford Circus, even The White House! A show for the whole family and the dog lover in

all of us!

High school students from Decatur Public

Schools (DPS) are taking part in one of

Millikin University's newest courses while

earning college credit at the same time.

Students from Eisenhower and MacArthur

High School are enrolled in an Introduction

to Arts Technology course at Millikin

University. Instructor Matt Albrecht,

Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance,

says Millikin is expanding their career

options by tapping into the live production

industry. "We are looking at live

entertainment like lighting, sound, projection and digital content," Albrecht says. "We thought this would be

a good opportunity to offer them something to be involved with."

Millikin Provost Dr. Jeff Aper and Albrecht designed the course. The class is spending time in the classroom

as well as engaging in Performance Learning opportunities at Millikin, Eisenhower and MacArthur facilities.

Millikin's Arts Technology program consists of a core of foundational courses in a range of arts-related

technologies along with courses in arts entrepreneurship. Students can choose an area of concentration from

the following: Live Entertainment, Audio Engineering and Production, and Visual.

A degree in Arts Technology prepares students to work in a variety of arts and entertainment industries.

Possible career paths include audio production and engineering, animation and motion graphics, live

entertainment lighting and projection design and implementation, among other developing technologies and

creative practices in disciplines outside the arts.

Arts Technology


Documents

School of Theatre and Danceem... · Pasttime - Jack Stamp Fear Strikes Out for Trombone and Wind Ensemble, Mark Babbitt, trombone Michael Schelle was raised in northern New Jersey