The nominations for the Seacoast Spotlight Awards have been announced and THDA is well represented. Tommy Labanaris '02 is up for best actor in a musical for his role in "Urinetown" (Seacoast Repertory Theatre). For best actor in a play, CJ Lewis '07 is nominated for his role in "Lamplight Dialogues" (Harbor Light Stage) and Dan Beaulieu '05 for his role in "Finnegan's Sister" (ACT ONE's Festival of Fun). Dan Beaulieu has also been nominated for best supporting actor for his performance in "Julius Caesar" (Players' Ring). For best actress in a musical, Christine Dulong '06 for her role in "Gypsy" and "Urinetown" (both Seacoast Repertory Theatre), Laura Loy '10 in "Anything Goes" (Hackmatack Playhouse), and Mallory Rinker '12 in "Grease" (Prescott Park Arts Festival). For best supporting actress in a musical, Megan Quinn '04 has been nominated for her role in "Urinetown" and ?Gypsy? (both Seacoast Repertory Theatre) and Christine Penney '99 is nominated for best play director for the Player's Ring production of "Julius Caesar."

The UNH Dance Company is gearing up for their annual double bill. Two shows in one, this season?s offerings are as diverse as the dance genres themselves. For those who enjoy the timeless beauty and elegance of ballet, the first act is a ballet concerto created and choreographed by UNH Director of Dance, C. Laurence Robertson. This non narrative performance piece emphasizes the visual experience of dance and movement. An original ballet, the piece seeks to highlight the youthful vigor of the young dancer, as she moves with the mood and flow of the music.

The second act of the double bill, ?Duke Ellington Meets Sherlock Holmes,? is adapted, choreographed and directed by UNH Professor of Dance, Gay Nardone. Inspired by the real-life influence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?s famous inspector on Duke Ellington?s music, this jazz, tap and aerial production pays homage to Doyle through the rhythmic music of Ellington. What better way than a tap dancing Holmes and a rhythmic Doctor Watson to explore the music of one of America?s most influential figures in jazz? The UNH Dance Concert runs March 30-April 2, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. and April 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the UNH Johnson Theatre...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Registrations begin March 1 for UNH?s 2010 Theatre and Dance Day Camps. These programs offer training in creative arts, theatre, movement, production, performance and dance. The skilled and experienced instructors have theatre and education degrees and/or are state certified to teach grades 3-12. They provide a supportive atmosphere in which talents and creativity are encouraged...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

This spring, area students in grades 2-12 will have field trip offerings in the performing arts at the University of New Hampshire with our April 2 UNH Dance Company concert matinee and Spring Drama Day. On April 2 at 10 a.m., students grade 2-12 are invited to the annual UNH Dance Company concert featuring a double bill performance. First up is an original ballet concerto choreographed and staged by UNH Director of Dance, C. Laurence Robertson. Following the ballet is the jazz, tap and aerial piece, ?Duke Ellington Meets Sherlock Homes? which is a mystery set to dance, conceived of and choreographed by Professor of Dance, Gay Nardone. Tickets are $7.00 for school groups and home school groups...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Prof. David Kaye receives 2010 Faculty Excellence Award

The UNH Theatre and Dance Department was well represented at the 2010 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival: Region 1 awards ceremony. Student David D?Agostino placed second for the Award for Excellence in Stage Management for the show "Curtains." Last year's production of "The Boy Who Stood Still" was awarded for Outstanding Aerial Choreography and this year's production of "Tintypes" was awarded for Outstanding Stylistic Production and Ensemble Work.

Kirk Pynchon '92 is the writer/choreographer for "HEY! DANCIN'!" which runs March 19-24 at the Prop Thtr in Chicago, IL.

Michael Graziadei '01 will appear on CSI New York on Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

Sara Antkowiak-Maier '04 is currently performing at The Metropolitan Opera in "Les Contes d'Hoffman" directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher. She is a featured dancer and could be seen in the Live HD broadcast of the production on Dec. 19.

Gregory Funaro's '91 debut novel, "The Sculptor" has just been released.

Megan Godin '08 is currently working for ArtsPower Touring Theatre performing in their musical "Harry the Dirty Dog." The production will tour throughout the country from January 17th until May 23rd. The show hits the seacoast on May 18th at the Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH.

Bookings are now being accepted for the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance spring ArtsREACH tour of ?How The Hippopotome Earned His Grace,? written by Casey Dugan. Especially good for Pre-K through grade 6 audiences, this colorful 45 minute production touches on bullying, self confidence and friendship. The story, based on an African fable, involves a young hippo that has trouble fitting in. Through the help of the village elder who encourages her to discover her natural gifts, the hippo learns a valuable lesson in believing in oneself. African drumming, music, culture and dance accompany this animal-filled production...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Bookings are now being accepted for the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance spring ArtsREACH tour of ?How The Hippopotome Earned His Grace,? written by Casey Dugan. Especially good for Pre-K through grade 6 audiences, this colorful 45 minute production touches on bullying, self confidence and friendship. The story, based on an African fable, involves a young hippo that has trouble fitting in. Through the help of the village elder who encourages her to discover her natural gifts, the hippo learns a valuable lesson in believing in oneself. African drumming, music, culture and dance accompany this animal-filled production...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Meg Oolders (Bialobrzeski) 02' will perform as Joan Crawford in "Judy's Scary Little Christmas" at the Court Street Theatre in Nashua, NH, December 10-13th.

Bunty Shakur '05 just finished shooting a bit part in the new Tom Cruise Film entitled "Knight and Day." He appears in a scene with Cameron Diaz. Also, Bunty Just finished a production of "West Side Story" at Riverside Theatre Works in Boston.

History comes alive in this musical greeting card to our American past, with the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance production of ?Tintypes.? Take a journey through song, across the history and culture of our nation, from the years 1890 to 1917. Familiar numbers like ?Yankee Doodle Dandy? and ?Bill Bailey Won?t You Please Come Home? are woven together with the stories of five archetypal characters from that era: a Chaplin-esque immigrant, socialist Emma Goldman, an African-American domestic worker, Teddy Roosevelt and Ziegfield Follies star and pin-up girl, Anna Held. Learn about the struggles of women?s suffrage, politics, racial equality and the immigrant experience. Discover what it means to be an American and reconnect with those who came before us to pave the way....FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Megan Reilly '00 received the B. Iden Payne Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for her work on the show "Ophelia" with Tutto Theatre Company in Austin, TX.

Prof. David Kaye was awarded the 2009 Leonidas A. Nickole Educator of the Year by the New England Theatre Conference.

Associate Professor David Kaye, Head of Acting and Directing at the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance, will receive the 2009 New England Theatre Conference, (NETC) Leonidas A. Nickole Theatre Educator of the Year Award. The national award, which recognizes excellence in theatre education through pedagogy, innovation and career achievement, highlight?s Kaye?s unique contributions and instructional approaches to acting and directing, and for his commitment to theatre for social justice. Past recipients of the Leonidas A. Nickole Theatre award include Arthur Lessac, Kate Snodgrass, Robert Colby and UNH Professor Emeritus, Carol Lucha Burns. The award will be presented at the annual NETC convention on Saturday, November 14. Kaye will address the convention the following day as one of the final conference speakers. Giving the keynote address at the November conference will be UNH alum, actor/writer Mike O?Malley, who gave the 2006 UNH commencement speech....FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

David Litzenberger '03 is currently working for a mechanical engineering company in Pennsylvania. When not working, David plays on a Billiiards team and works with a local theatre group.

?The course of true love never did run smooth.? But thanks to that cheeky imp Puck and his magic love-juice, the summer woods and the UNH Johnson Theatre are alive with the sounds of courtship. Perhaps more than any other classic, ?A Midsummer Night?s Dream? remains a favorite of young and old alike. Poor Hermia loves Lysander, but he loves Helena. Helena loves Demetrius, but he loves Hermia. Fairy King Oberon loves fairy Queen Titania, but plays a trick on her - with beastly consequences. Love triangles, mistaken identity, fairy magic and giant egos are irresistibly brought to life in this racy Shakespearian comedy. This playful production, directed by UNH Professor David Richman, features a playground theme complete with a slide, monkey bars and giant swing on stage for the characters to play on throughout the performance...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Emily Louick '09 just finished a production internship at As The World Turns. Her next gig is a Digital Abuse Public Service Announcement with MTV. Emily has also been accepted to the Barrow Group Apprenticeship program for acting.

From the team that brought you "Cabaret" and "Chicago", comes a lively new musical that is sure to become an instant classic. "Curtains" is a backstage murder mystery set in 1959 Boston and follows the fallout when the egregiously untalented leading lady, faded film star, Jessica Cranshaw, is murdered on the opening night of "Robbin' Hood of the Old West!" Can a police detective (who moonlights as a musical theater fan) solve the case and save the show? This fresh from Broadway musical has that old-fashioned Broadway feel...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Bunty Thakkar '05 just finished the summer 2009 season at Hackmatack Playhouse. Bunty is currently playing the role of "Diesel" in West Side Story at Riverside Theatre Works in Boston. He is currently training as a MMA athlete.

Steve Freitas '07 can be seen in a television commercial for WB Mason airing on the NESN and YES networks. Steve is also "Paul the Gorilla" in season one of the remake of "The Electric Company" airing Fridays on PBS.

Heidi Hanson '04 is currently working full-time as the Marketing Director for PainCare, a pain management clinic. Heidi also works for Arts Rochester where she is the Outreach Director and Ensemble Director. She also teaches tap and jazz dance and organizes the annual Dance Rochester festival. This summer, Heidi will be teaching aerial dance at the UNH Theatre and Dance Dept Dance Intensive Camp. You will soon be able to see Heidi in a music video for musician Dan Walker for the song "Tye Dye Tree."

Michael Graziadei '01 recently appeared in the new ABC series "Castle." He also has a new movie that just came out on DVD "Into The Blue 2, The Reef."

The Neoteric Dance Collaborative Dance Company has been accepted into the IndepenDance Dance Festival. The festival will take place June 10 and 11 at City Center Studios in New York City. The company will perform "Burst", a piece by Sarah (Duclos) Cost '05. The company also includes Jessica (Minkle) Soucy '05, Heidi Hanson '04, Joe Meallo '06 and Dance minor Kim Robinson '05.

Tony winning actress Maryann Plunkett '76 has signed on to play Chris Cooper's wife in The Company Men, a recession-inspired drama now being shot in the Boston area. The movie also stars Ben Affleck, Kevin Costner and Tommy Lee Jones.

My Effortless Brilliance, an independent film starring and co-written by Basil Harris '94, has just been released through Amazon-on-Demand. The film tells the story of an unfit urbanite author who must confront nature and friendship when he travels to the Washington backwoods to restore the tattered remains of a broken friendship.

Sam Cistulli '07 will be performing in a production entitled "Changes" at the American Theatre of Actors in New York City. The show runs May 6th-10th.

For the last few years, THDA Minor Mark Nagle '07 has been working as a costumer's assistant in San Francisco. He has just been accepted at Yale in their MFA program for costume design. While at UNH, Mark designed costumes for "Electra" and "All my Sons."

The UNH Department of Theatre and Dance ends the 2008-2009 season with an intimate play in the newly renovated Hennessy Theatre. Set against the backdrop of the WWII home front, "Shoulders" takes place in late winter of 1942, on the back porch of the McClintock family San Francisco bungalow.

The story revolves around the McClintock women, headed by the proud, Patrician matriarch, Rosemary, who is forced to question whether she has what it takes to get through rough times. She relies heavily on her eldest daughter, Lorraine, who works in a nearby factory earning a living for the family. Her youngest daughter, Linda, a wild card, feels constrained by the war and yearns for a better and more interesting life. Their stories and lives are intertwined with their neighbors, one of whom is about to join her husband in a Japanese American internment camp. Should the family help her, hide her, or turn her in? To whom do they hold loyalty, a fellow neighbor or their government? Most of all, what are the sacrifices these women on the home front are willing and able to bear? Intimate and universal, "Shoulders" uses both humor and drama to express family dynamics, patriotism and neighborly love..FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Theatre and Dance Associate Professor David Kaye has been selected to receive a University of New Hampshire Teaching Excellence Award. Three faculty members are selected from the College of Liberal Arts this year. Prof. Kaye's nomination packet included letters of support from many current students as well as alumni.

On March 27 and 29, Christian Swenson '77 will perform his piece "Body of Music," an evening of a cappella songs and improvisations at the Rendezvous Theatre in Seattle, Washington. Christian was recently interviewed for the Seattle Times.

On Friday March 27, 2009, Travis Bedard's '98 Cambiare Productions will be producing a staged reading of Caryl Churchill's controversial "Seven Jewish Children" in celebration of World Theatre Day. It will also be streamed live at http://CambiareProductions.com.

Laurey Masterton '76 is biking from coast-to-coast to raise money and awareness for ovarian cancer. Follow Laurey's progress on her blog (http://www.laureybikes.blogspot.com/).

Mike Davidovich '07 just completed a 10-month acting apprenticeship at the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, MN. Mike is now an intern at the Guthrie Theater in External Relations/Education.

Each season the UNH Dance Company presents a double bill not to be missed. Using each of the dance genres taught at the university, the company showcases ballet, jazz, tap and aerial dance in two unique and separate productions. This season, the university will have a guest artist with over twenty years of dance experience in a principal role, which is another reason why the UNH Dance Company concerts are the best deal on the Seacoast.

The classical portion of the dance concert is an excerpt of Tchaikovsky's, "Swan Lake." The story, fashioned from Russian folk tales as well as an ancient German legend, tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer's curse. In Act II, we find Prince Siegfried by a peaceful lake graced by beautiful swans. He discovers the loveliest swan, Odette, played by UNH senior Theatre and Dance major, Jennifer Sculley. Only the pledge of his pure heart can free her. This most revered of classic ballets is staged by Professor and Director of Dance, C. Laurence Robertson. The part of Prince Siegfried is played by guest artist Bernie Delgado. Delgado, who trained in New York under Catherine Kingsley, has danced in companies from coast to coast for over twenty years. Recently relocated from southern California, Delgado is looking forward to performing as a guest artist throughout the northeast...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Libby Stevens '06 is currently working in the broadway revival of "West Side Story." Libby is a Child Guardian, which is part of the the stage management team. Libby also performed this task with the musical "13."

THDA Majors Adrienne Lesser '09 and Cara Rossi '09 have been nominated for best supporting actress in a musical in the 15th annual Spotlight Awards. Adrienne was nominated for her role as The Wardrobe in the Prescott Park Arts Festival production of "Beauty and the Beast" and Cara was nominated for her role as Rose Smith in the Seacoast Repertory Theatre production of "Meet Me in St. Louis." THDA alumni CJ Lewis '07, Christine Dulong '07, Christine Penney '99, and Megan Quinn '04 were also nominated for awards. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 16 at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH. Voting for these awards can be done at http://www.seacoastonline.com/spotlight2008 through March 20.

THDA Major William Fullam has been invited to present his research, entitled "Redefining Evil in Medieval Drama," at the DePauw University Undergraduate Honors Conference. The conference will take place April 2-5 in Greencastle, IN.

Sean Quinn '05 just finished the international tour of Cinderella with its final stop in Singapore. Next up for Sean is the national tour of "Joseph and the technicolor Dreamcoat" where he will be playing the role of Reuben.

Hayley Bagwell '05 is currently a certified massage therapist in Boulder, CO. She continues to audition while at the same time working towards a graduate degree in Sports and Orthopedic emphasis for massage.

Carl Andress '93 recently finished directing the New York Premiere of Charles Busch's "The Third Story." The play is being performed at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. The production, which opened on February 2, features Charles Busch, Scott Parkinson, Sarah Rafferty, Jennifer Van Dyck, Jonathan Walker and Kathleen Turner.

Seth Mrowka '01 just finished performing in "Forever Plaid" at the Seacoast Repertory Theatre on Portsmouth, NH.

Michael Vaccaro '92 currently lives in North Hollywood and works as an actor and set designer. Michael recently designed and built a set for The Secret Rose Theater in North Hollywood for the show "Old Broads Can't Dunk." Michael continues his acting studies, currently study with Ivana Chubbuck in her Master Class.

The UNH Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce this 39th summer tour offered by THE LITTLE RED WAGON. Bookings from event planners throughout New England are being accepted for performances that will be held June 5 through August 14, 2009. The theatre troupe frequently performs for children and family audiences at schools, libraries, festivals, fairs, banquets, hospitals, recreation centers, state parks, camps and churches. THE LITTLE RED WAGON proudly presents two new shows. Hosts may choose the show that best suits their location, audience, theme and/or size of space.

"The Fisherman and His Wife" written by Claudia Haas, tells the story of a simple fisherman and his not so simple wife. Discover what happens when they go from rags to riches in this classic tale. A magic fish with a flair for jazz narrates. With audience participation and colorful costumes, this updated story is sure to be a crowd favorite. Appropriate for younger audiences. Pre-K - Grade 3. Available June 5. "The Fisherman and His Wife" is the winner of the 2008 Anna Zornio Playwriting Competition...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

"Saving a Drowning Man", a new play directed by Autumn Clark '03, was performed 1/30-2/2 at the TBG Studio Theater in New York City.

The University of New Hampshire faired well at the 2009 Region I Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival. Seven students competed at the festival: Kelsey Bevins, Cat Claus, Libby DeAmicis, Jessica Miller, Joe Nelson, Sara Packin, and Cara Rossi. Libby DeAmicis, Jessica Miller and Joe Nelson advanced to semi-finals (36 total participants); Libby and Joe advanced to finals (12 total participants). We had technicians and stage managers involved in workshops and events, and Ubu Roi was given the Outstanding Ensemble Award.

Megan Godin '08 has joined the cast of the Sesame Street Live production of "When Elmo Grows Up". Megan plays the part of Abby Cadabby. The tour runs through June 2009.

It is not often an entire family can attend a live musical theatre performance for $40.00. For audiences who attend UNH's world premiere musical, "The Boy Who Stood Still," a family of four actually can. With a youth ticket price of just $7.50, UNH's upcoming production of "The Boy Who Stood Still" is the best deal in town!

This exciting new work is an old-fashioned coming of age story about Renfield, an adolescent boy who dreams of becoming a philosopher. In a world where the focus is on product, not process, Renfield perplexes friends and family who set out to test the young boy and send him on a fantastical adventure of self discovery.

This production, which includes a multi level set designed by UNH Professor David Ramsey, is filled with colorful costumes and even more colorful characters including a lovable, neurotic side-kick named "Panic." The lively score has a variety of musical styles including large scale ensemble numbers, beautiful ballads even a little bit of jazz. Dance numbers feature the breath taking Cirque-de-Soliel style feats of the UNH Aerial Dancers. The addition of aerialists is not included in the original script, but the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance's robust Dance Company, which includes aerial dance, is uniquely positioned to include that element into the production. Professor Gay Nardone, who heads the aerial program, as well as jazz and tap styles, is the choreographer for the aerial portion of the production, while UNH Theatre and Dance senior Seraphina Caligiure choreographs the numbers on the ground....FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

The UNH Department of Theatre and Dance is pleased to announce the spring ArtsREACH tour of "I C No Arrlechino," a Commedia Dell' Arte piece. The play has also been specially selected to perform at Region 1 of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in January. It is as an introduction to the origins of comedy and comedic characters, beginning with an overview and then launching into a fast-paced, action packed performance filled with music, improvisation and physical comedy...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

At this year's annual conference of the Lessac Training and Research Institute, Prof. Deborah Kinghorn received the Institute's "Leadership Award." The award is given for "years of service toward the growth and direction of the Lessac Institute" and was given by the membership of the Lessac Training and Research Institute. This was the first award of its kind for the Institute, and will become an annual award.

If the year 2009 signals an era of change, then the UNH Department of Theatre and Dance will embrace that sentiment with gusto. Since 1960, the department has utilized two performance spaces in the Paul Creative Arts Center. The Johnson Theatre, a 700 seat proscenium theatre and The Hennessy Theatre, named for retired Professor, William G. Hennessy, faculty director and first...FOLLOW LINK FOR MORE

Sarah Cost (Duclos) '05 has recently been hired at Boston Ballet. Sarah is a lead teacher in their "Taking Steps" program. "Taking Steps" is an after school program for 7th and 8th grade girls. Sarah will be teaching both ballet and jazz dance in the program.

Dance minor Shoshana Ritzler '04 is working for a production company called Leftfield Pictures. Shoshana is the Production Manager as well as Casting Producer for the show "The Principal's Office." The season premiere airs 1/9/09 at 10PM on truTV.

When UNH Professor David Kaye creates original works for the stage, audiences can bank on something new and innovative. Putting his signature spin on an old style, Kaye's fearless new work collides classic Commedia del Arte with traditional comedy improvisation in his latest piece, "I C No Arrlechino."

The play opens with obligatory tomfoolery between the actors and audience, then jettisons into unscripted improvisation that serves to not only establish the essential conflict, but guarantee a distinct production unique to each audience. With plot twists, bawdy jokes and a bit of mistaken identity (read; gender bending) the story weaves a traditional Commedia tale that involves the wild attempts of the servants to save the young lover Isabella from a terrible fate.

"I C No Arrlechino," conceived of and directed by Professor David Kaye, runs December 3-6 at 7:00 p.m. and December 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the UNH Hennessy Theatre.

For tickets, contact the MUB ticket office (Monday through Friday between 10:00am and 4:00pm) at 603-862-2290. You may also purchase tickets at www.unhmub.com/ticket. Tickets are $12.50 for general admission and $10.50 for seniors, UNH ID holders; and groups of 15 or more. The UNH Theatre Box Office opens one hour prior to curtain in the lobby at the Paul Creative Arts Center. For more information, and show times, please call the Theatre and Dance office at 603-862-2919, or visit us at www.unh.edu/theatre-dance.

Photo by UNH Photo Services. From top to bottom: Joseph Nelson, Cat Claus, Jerard-James Craven, Sara Packin

Prof. Gay Nardone will perform in a new Jazz/Tap production entitled "Jazz Tap Odyssey."  The production will tour throughout the North East during 2008-2009.

Look carefully and you'll see current THDA student Lee Mattox in a promotional vignette for the Fox show "So you Think You Can Dance." The entire clip can be viewed at http://youtube.com/watch?v=BU8O2VTDATU (Lee is at the 1:32 mark.)