TREES GROWTH IN FOY LOBBY

The production outgrew the space in the Beaudoin Theatre. Rehearsals moved well apace last week and so the construction of the proscenium trees moved out to the lobby. It was great to watch.

OCTOBER MEETING WITH STUDENTS: PORTFOLIO!

CREA faculty met with CREA majors October 14. We wanted to greet our majors as a group, let them know what we have to offer, and also, what they need to do to prepare for the world they will enter when they graduate.  Key innovation was the portfolio expectation of all Freshmen and Sophomores with suggestion that upper classmen seek guidance in preparing one for their next step. Students were advised to seek counsel with their advisors and CREA faculty for planning their 4-year programs.  When asked what advice upper classmen could give the lower classmen: Plan your schedule well ahead of time so you fit all the courses you need into your 39 hours for the major. PLAN, PLAN, PLAN was the take-home message.

Katherine Levinson's Logo is Cover Artwork

Creative Arts student, Katherine Levinson, developed of logo for the Siena Physics Firefly Project for the US space program last year.  That logo will be on the cover of the Council of Undergraduate Research's monograph on transformative research where Professor Al Weatherwax  and Joe Kojawski's article on their work with Siena students will be published.

Congratulations to Katey, and thanks to her faculty advisors.

Paul Ricciardi Joins CREA Faculty

Paul Ricciardi came to us from UAlbany theatre program. Here he is in his old office, working away at his syllabus.  We've moved to to FOY 304 where you will find him, when he's not on one of his many duties as the freshman faculty of the department.

Listening to the Audience Cheer

I'm in my office, trying to grade papers and write tests, but am constantly pulled into the Beaudoin Theatre, just across the wall. The audience is laughing, clapping, even shouting their appreciation of the performance of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) directed by CREA/Philosophy senior Paul Mayer. The three-man cast is built of Computer Science majors, Matthew Kemmer in his first-ever theatrical performance and Steve Maggio in his third. Francis Stanton graduates this year.  This cast captivated their audience, performing so naturally and enthusiastically that we cannot help but be proud. Alex Walkers Costumes and Props evoked the chaos the play introduces so gleefully. The precision of the performance was made possible by Assistant Director Will Frenzel, Stage Manager Jess Brennan, Assistant Stage Manager Brigitta Giulianelli.
The photos show the crowds of family and friends I caught in the lobby once I got my camera out.  Will try to get better photos posted when good photography is available.

Cathy Coonradt's New Do

Cathy Coonradt, who keeps the lobby sparkling,  has a whole new look, a bob.  She donated her tresses to the American Cancer Society to help victims who lost their hair during treatment.  Way to go, Cathy.

CREAsaints: TheCreative Arts Committee 2009

Just in case you're wondering who work selflessly on behalf of the Creative Arts Department, here are photos of a recent committee meeting at the St. Francis House.

At one end of the table sat Darrin Kibbey (mastermind of last spring's jazz concert at Cohoes Music Hall), Steve O'Connor (mystery-show producer); Tony Riviera (Cohoes Music Hall; directing our November production of In the Woods), Gordon Jevons, Jeanne Fitzgerald (organized the Trapp Family Concerts), and the infamous Ralph Blasting.

At the head of the table sat Robbie Booth, in blue, former chair, who generosly funded the Jazz Series a few years ago. Cam Hobeb in green is the current chair; she championed the collaboration with the Cohoes Music Hall; set up the Trashion Show in the Fall last summer. This year she's overseeing an in-house mystery performance, perhaps in January in Foy. All while  running a tight ship.

Thanks to you all for your generous gifts of time and moral support.