Arts

Recent posts

AUDITIONS FOR CAREY DINNER THEATRE TO BE HELD MARCH 26

Auditions for cast and interviews with crew for the thirty-sixth season of Carey Dinner Theatre (CDT) are Saturday, March 26beginning at 10 a.m. in the Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus of William Carey University.

CDT presents two musicals in June and July. Each member of the company, both performers and staff, is paid. The financial package includes salary, tips (company members serve during dinner), and housing.

Those auditioning as performers will present a one-minute monolog from a modern prose play (no dialect), a one-minute vocal selection from a Broadway musical, and will participate in a dance audition. Each person who auditions should bring comfortable clothes for the dance audition. An accompanist will be available, but will not transpose. Taped accompaniment may be used.

Audition requirements for pianists include a prepared two-minute selection from a Broadway musical. Sight reading will be required.

Interviews will be held also for technicians, costume assistants, house-box office managers, and office assistants. Each person will complete an application and interview with staff. Portfolios are invited. Performers may also apply for staff positions.

Each applicant should bring a head shot to the audition/interview. For more information call 601-318-6218 or emailcdt@wmcarey.edu.  Contracts are issued as soon as possible after March 26 and are offered only to those who have graduated from high school by May 30, 2011. The company commitment is May 30 through July 25.

Filed under: Arts, Hattiesburg, William Carey, Arts, Audition, Dinner theater, Performing Arts, William Carey University

Graphic Design Professor’s Work Selected for New York Exhibition

Kyle White, visiting assistant professor at Southern Miss, was selected by the Society of Illustrators to have his work “Good Game” featured in an annual exhibition and publication.

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – University of Southern Mississippi visiting assistant professor and designer Kyle White was recently accepted into the prestigious Society of Illustrators’ annual exhibition and publication for his work “Good Game.”

White submitted his work to the Illustrators 53 competition, which is the premier showcase for illustrators and animators worldwide held by the Society of Illustrators. “Good Game” will also be featured in the Illustrators 53 annual publication America’s Original Annual of Illustration, in addition to being exhibited at The Museum of American Illustration in New York City Jan. 5 – March 27.

“It is a privilege to have my work chosen amongst such great national and international talent,” said White, who teaches graphic design in the Southern Miss Department of Art and Design.

The Society of Illustrators was established in 1901 to promote the art of illustration and to appreciate both its history and evolving nature through exhibitions, lectures and education. The Illustrators 53 competition features more than 400 pieces of the most outstanding works created throughout the year. “Good Game” was chosen from thousands of entries considered by a jury of professionals including renowned art directors, designers and illustrators.

“This is a significant recognition of Kyle’s work, both personally and professionally,” said Dr. John House, chairman of the Department of Art and Design. “It is important for graphic design faculty to remain active in the profession, either through individual practice or participation in professional organizations like this, especially one with this credibility and history.”

A complex illustration, “Good Game” was created using a variety of materials including, paper, acrylics and ink. White describes this piece as a commentary on Southern culture from self-critical perspective. “I’ve always had a passion for storytelling and illustration, so it feels great to be recognized for my dedication and hard work,” he said.

Filed under: Arts, Featured, Hattiesburg, USM, Arts, Kyle White, Society of Illustrators, Sterling Hundley, University of Southern Mississippi, Warren Dayton

JORT Community Theatre to Hold Auditions

Just Over the Rainbow Theatre (JORT) will hold auditions for The Dining Room on Monday, January 3 and Tuesday, January 4 at 7:00 pm at the International Center, 116 N. 31st Avenue, room 205 on the University of Southern Mississippi campus in Hattiesburg.

The Dining Room is a humorous and compassionate play, scripted as a series of overlapping vignettes.  It visits a host of characters as they go about their daily business. Each of the eighteen scenes, which range from the comic to the serious, explores the dynamic relationships of family life.  Rather than the scenery changing around the characters, this play is unique in that the characters change around the scenery.

Multiple men and women roles are available.  Actors auditioning should be able to play a range of adult ages.  No experience necessary.  For more information call 601-297-3624.

Filed under: Arts, Hattiesburg, Arts, Audition, International Center, The Dining Room, University of Southern Mississippi

Cows That Type Thursday and Friday at WCU

William Carey University Theatre will present the children’s musical “Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type” from the book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin, December 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the Joe and Virginia Tatum Theatre on the Hattiesburg campus.

Adapted for the stage by Jame E. Grote, “Click Clack Moo” tells the delightful story of farm animals and their caretaker Farmer Brown learning to communicate and compromise to establish friendships. Farmer Brown (David Reagan of Hattiesburg) is an ordinary farmer who wants peace on his farm and cows and chickens who provide milk and eggs without question. Cow One (Amber Mauldin of Columbia) is the motherly cow who tries to keep the others in check, especially Cow Two (Ben Salters of Ocean Springs), who discovers George Orwell’s “Aniaml Farm” and becomes a hotheaded radical. Hen One (Heather Campbell of Picayune) becomes part of the revolution because she wants an electric blanket to keep her warm and her young daughter Hen Two (Sydney Dedeaux of Diamondhead) supports her mother. The Duck (Chase Anderson of Purvis) not only narrates the play, but becomes the mediator between the animals and Farmer Brown and in so doing becomes friends with everyone. When the animals find an old typewriter in the barn, they begin to make demands of their farmer. Previously their pleas were ignored because he could only hear moos, quacks and clucks. Together they must learn to communicate for the happiness of all involved.

A preshow cast will entertain theatre goers with farm humor and songs. The cast includes Cory Clutter of Carriere; Larry Gordon of Meridian; Josh Haymes of Broken Arrow; Oka; Kyle Hickman of Carriere; Catherine Kennedy of Meridian; Olivia Larabee of Jackson; Jason Piglia of Picayune; and John Tyler Robinson of Greensburg, La.

The play is entirely student designed. The set designer is Chase Anderson; lighting designer is Solomon Swift of Diamondhead. The costume designer is Stephanie Keller of Picayune and the makeup designer is Abby Sewell of Walls. The sound designer is Beth Sanford of Daphne, Ala. The play is directed by Tim Matheny, chair of theatre and communication department. The music is by George Howe, with lyrics by Howe and James Grote.

Tickets are $5 each. Reservations can be made by calling 601-318-6221 beginning Monday, Dec. 6. The box office is open Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Filed under: Arts, Hattiesburg, William Carey, Arts, Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type, Entertainment/Culture, musical, Tim Matheny, William Carey University

Ballet Magnificat's "A Christmas Dream" Tonight at the Saenger

Ballet Magnificat! Presents

A Christmas Dream

December 3 :: 7pm

Tickets :: $18 to $27

Experience the wonder of A Christmas Dream as Ballet Magnificat! lights up the stage. Set to the music of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, A Christmas Dream combines traditional and Christian Christmas stories into a full-length ballet.
Filed under: Arts, Christmas, Hattiesburg, a christmas dream, Arts, ballet magnificat, saenger

The many roles of JCJC Musical Theater Director, Nikki Johnson

ELLISVILLE – Her home is the stage, any stage. That’s the perfect place for Jones County Junior College Musical Theater Producer and Director and voice instructor, Nikki Johnson because that is where she spends most of her time. Whether it’s preparing students for an upcoming musical, performing a solo, or stealing the spotlight in a play, the stage is where this 1998 JCJC alumna feels at home.

“I love teaching and I know I was born to teach, but nothing satisfies my soul like being in the lights and hearing that applause,” said Johnson. “My husband and students can tell you that I am happiest when I am performing.”

Musetta, played by JCJC musical theater producer and director, Nikki Johnson (left) and Marcello, played by USM doctoral student Tyrone Hayes (left) who is still enamored with his former sweetheart, discuss their future.

A few butterflies may have stirred in her stomach as Johnson took on the challenging role of Musetta in Puccini’s “La Bohéme”. However, the University of Southern Mississippi’s fall performance will most likely be remembered as a highlight in her career.

“This is a dream role for me, playing Musetta,” said Johnson. “I am thrilled to have this opportunity, however, I felt a little out of place because I’m not an opera singer. This is only my second performance in an opera but I’m having a great time with the challenge of transforming my musical theater style into that of opera.”

The Petal native earned her Master’s in Vocal Performance at USM with a year of graduate study at Baylor University. That’s when she first fell in love with the Italian opera and the part of Musetta.

“I love sassy characters that obnoxiously get their way. Also, La Bohéme is the most beautiful opera in the entire world, in my humble opinion anyway!” Johnson shared.

However, Johnson was destined for something much different than the stage before she came to JCJC in 1996. Ironically, Johnson discovered her passion and career where she now teaches daily and performs regularly.

“My first musical was ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ here at Jones. I played the urchin, Ronette. The cast members and I had way too much fun and I was hooked after that!” said Johnson. “Because of my attachment to the show, I couldn’t wait to produce it and, luckily, we had just the right students to fill the roles for the spring show. This has really been a special year for me.”

The stage and symphony directors for La Bohéme, Rob Mulholland and conductor Jay Dean explain there is no better training for a theater and music teacher than performing. Dean said, “An artist/teacher who stops performing can no longer be a complete role model for her students. Such a teacher can offer much more if she continues to perform and be an inspiration to her students.”

It is vital for teachers to continue to practice their craft, explained Mulholland, who also assists Johnson as stage and artistic director for JCJC productions. He explained the teacher/performer that has the talent to be on the stage, also needs the support to continue to perform.

“All educators in this discipline must be encouraged to perform as often as possible and be given the means to do so by an enlightened administration,” said Mulholland. “I commend the administration at JCJC for recognizing this and actively promoting the idea among their faculty. I also commend Nikki for seizing the opportunity as frequently as possible and with full commitment to the process and to the result.”

Johnson’s Musical Theater Workshop students can attest to the quality of Johnson’s guidance. Sophomore music and theater major, John Wright of

JCJC musical theater producer and director, Nikki Johnson (center right) gives her Theater Workshop students some directions about their performance.

Yazoo City said he never had professional training before he came to JCJC.

He explained, “When I was in high school I was very involved in theatre but I never had someone to guide me through the acting or the theatre process. Mrs. Johnson inspired me to not just play a role but to become that person. She has not only helped my acting but also my singing. She has inspired my music career in many ways and is one of the biggest musical influences in my life.”

Johnson said she is proud of the three productions she has produced and served as musical director for the spring shows at JCJC. Her credits include, “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” “Beauty and the Beast”, and “Cabaret”. Overall she said there’s one lesson she hopes her students remember and develop when they leave her class and stage. “A love for theater, stage and music is important, but most of all I want my students to appreciate what it takes to get a music degree or to pursue a performing career,” said Johnson. “For most folks, the sacrifices are too great.”

For example, theater performances my last a couple of hours however Johnson reminds her students that life on the stage is not easy. The JCJC musical theater cast practices about 120 to 160 hours outside of school time over the two months preparing for the spring show. Professional performers can have even more grueling demands. Johnson explained anyone who catches the ‘theater bug’ is drawn to the stage despite the sacrifices.

“When I took a two year break from performing I was miserable! I must have the outlet of the stage to stay sane. Without my own time in the spotlight, I would envy my students’ opportunities. Being on stage makes me a better teacher in every way. I’m happy, sympathetic, practicing what I preach, and always learning. All this gets passed on to my students.”

The culmination of her experiences as Director of Choral Activities at Gulfport High School for two years, which inspired students to earn superior ratings in local, state, and national competitions, her stage appearances in “Beauty and the Beast”, “Sweet Charity”, “Into the Woods”, “Clue: The Musical”, “The Taffettas”, “Stardust” and “Some Enchanted Evening”, and now teaching have all brought her back to the place she calls home; the stage.

“Performing is an internal competition with myself and I’m always trying to be better. I am not sure what my next ‘role’ will be, but I hope that I can enjoy many more years on the stage.”

Photos and story written by: Teresa Martin, JCJC Media & Public Relations Director

Filed under: Arts, Ellisville, Featured, Jones, Jones County, Arts, Jones, theater

Local Artists Display Various Forms of ‘Art’ at JCJC

ELLISVILLE – Emerging painter and cartoonist, Russ Farris of Ellisville and wood carver and sculptor, Paul Johnson of Sweetwater, will share the Jones County Junior College art gallery for the month of October.  Art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to see Farris’ Picasso style paintings and Johnson’s various wood carved images.

The public is invited to a reception featuring both artists on Thursday, October 14 at 10 a.m. at the Eula Bass Lewis art gallery on campus.  They will give insight into their styles of art at this free event.

Russ Farris

This self-taught cartoonist and comic book illustrator has Disney to thank for developing his interest in art. Farris grew up influenced by Disney animation, cartoons and comic books.  He explained, “I began drawing characters at the age of five and as a teenager, I created my own characters and comic book adventures.”

Artist Russ Farris of Ellisville stands with his painting, “Savannah”.

Art classes were not available for Petal elementary and high school students in the 1980’s.  As a result, Farris’ only art tools were a pencil and pen until he decided to be formally trained through USM’s Art program. This formal training also inspired him and shaped his painting style after master artist, Pablo Picasso.

“The thing that attracted me to his work was the graphic quality that he put in his paintings,” said Farris. “Picasso included black lines that gave it definition, shape and pop to his work.  To me, it seemed like this was a cartoon in fine art.  The beautiful shapes and lines are what I’m interested in as a cartoonist.”

Farris’ work will feature paintings inspired by Picasso as well as by cartoons and comics he loved as a child. He admitted, “I’m just a cartoonist who paints.  I am more interested in ‘fun art’ than fine art.  It’s about having fun, spontaneity, creativity and imagination.”

Paul Johnson

The October art show also features wood carver, Paul Johnson who began carving 25 years ago as a ‘stress reliever’ for the pressures of college.  Also a self-taught artist, Johnson sought professional guidance after carving for eight years.  Attending Gerald Copeland’s class at the Woodcarvers Rendezvous in Branson, Missouri was the first of many instructors.

“Almost all of my carvings lacked depth and realism before I attended Copeland’s class,” said Johnson.  “I spent a lot more time on my first piece after that class, trying to make my pieces more realistic.”

Over fifteen years, Johnson sought more instruction from realistic carvers, Jeff Phares and Debbe Edwards and attended caricature carving classes from Ed Zinger, Phil Bishop and Gerald Sears.

“I sold most of the pieces that I carved during the first ten years of attending Woodcarvers’ Rendezvous to buy additional woodcarving tools,” said Johnson.  “In fact, I have to call some of my buyers to borrow the pieces I sold to put on display at Jones.  I usually end up selling my pieces or giving them

Paul Johnson is pictured carving a new wood piece at JCJC’s Garden Symposium with other works on display.

away.”

Much of Johnson’s work is donated for benefits and commissioned pieces, with plans to sell commission work via the Internet.    His repertoire includes Christmas ornaments, Santa, cowboys, Indians, wood spirits and gnome homes. 

Both artists’ work will be on display through November 5. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.  From 11:30 until 12:00 the gallery is closed for lunch.  Call 601-477-4148 or 477-4094 for more information.

Filed under: Arts, Forrest County, Jones, Jones County, Lamar County, Arts, Ellisville, Jones County Junior College, painter and cartoonist, Paul Johnson, Russ Farris, Sculpture, Visual arts, Wood carving

Alumni Return for Symphony Orchestra Opening Night Sept. 23 at USM

Adonis Gonzales Performs Thursday Night at USM

HATTIESBURG, Miss. – The opening night of The University of Southern Mississippi Symphony Orchestra’s 91st season will be an evening of celebrations.

Two Southern Miss alumni and renowned musicians are returning to perform with the Symphony Orchestra on Thursday, Sept. 23 to kick off the opening of its latest season titled, “Timeless.”

Internationally acclaimed Cuban pianist Adonis Gonzales and award-winning composer James Sclater will present another spectacular classical program with the orchestra. Sclater will present the world premiere of “Celebrations” at 7:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium.

“The orchestra has hosted musical icons from all over the world, but it’s always exciting to have artists with a history in our community return to share their talents,” said Dr. Jay Dean, music director of the Symphony Orchestra.

Gonzales has collaborated with legendary artists such as mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, violinist Arnold Steinhardt and clarinetist/saxophonist Paquito D’Rivera. Presently, he is a professor at Passaic County Community College in New Jersey and is also studying Orchestral Conducting at The Juilliard School in New York City.

A review from the Cuban Music Recital in El Sol de Mexico, Mexico City attests to Gonzales’s signature style by concluding that “Gonzales’s rendition of the Cuban classics was characterized by an incredible virtuosic approach, and a very contagious rhythmic precision.”

“We continue to bring the world to Mississippi not only through our artists but through our students. To have these two alumni who have achieved such international acclaim is a double treat and a great way to open our season during the Centennial,” said Dean.

For the last 40 years, Sclater taught theory and composition at Mississippi College as a professor of music and coordinator of music theory. As a talented composer and professor, Sclater has won various award including Composer of the Year in 2002 by the Mississippi Music Teachers Association and an Emmy nomination for musical score for Mississippi ETV production “The Mad Potter of Biloxi: George E. Ohr” in 1994. He was commissioned to compose “Celebrations” by Dean in 2009.

“It’s a full orchestra and I hope it expresses Jay’s intent, which was to create something for the orchestra to celebrate the University’s Centennial and something the orchestra would have fun doing,” said Sclater, who played in the orchestra while a student at Southern Miss.

“’Celebrations’ is what I came up with; there’s something in it for all the sections, so I think they will have fun playing it.”

Tickets are $16, $18, $20 for the public and $10 for youths. For more information on “Celebrations,” contact the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra at 601.266.4001.

Filed under: Featured, Hattiesburg, Lifestyle, USM, Arts, Bennett Auditorium, Jazz, Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, University of Southern Mississippi

Southern Miss presents Comedy of Errors

FROM USM PUBLIC RELATIONS:

Contact Tearanny Street – 601.266.6823

One of William Shakespeare’s most free-wheeling and accessible comedies will debut on the stage of The University of Southern Mississippi’s Martha R. Tatum Theatre Thursday, June 24 for the 34th season of Southern Arena Theatre (SAT).“The Comedy of Errors” tells the story of two sets of identical twins that were accidentally separated at birth. Wild confusion results in the town of Syracuse as the twins are mistaken for each other by the townspeople.

Shakespeare uses the irresistible device of confusion of identity to create one hilarious scene after another, which may remind modern audiences of contemporary “straight man/comic man” routines. To support the accessibility of the play, the 2010 SAT production sets “The Comedy of Errors” in an exotic 20th century setting, influenced by the style of early Fellini films.

“Shakespeare wrote this play as pure entertainment, and it pleases audiences today as much as it must have in Elizabethan times,” said Lou Rackoff,

USM Theater

Joseph Lopez, top left, T.J. Kent, bottom right, aNelson Rodriguez, bottom left, and Trent Oldham, top right, are cast for The University of Southern Mississippi’s upcoming production of “The Comedy of Errors.”

chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. “We chose ‘The Comedy of Errors’ because it promises to offer audiences a madcap escape into a highly theatrical and joyous theatre event.”

The plot is simple: Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant Dromio arrive in Ephesus, where it is forbidden for anyone from Syracuse to enter. Unknown to them, their identical and long lost twin brothers are in Ephesus. When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities lead to wrongful beatings, near seduction, accusations of infidelity, theft and madness.

“We know this will be great summer entertainment and a fitting celebration of the 34 seasons of SAT in our community,” Rackoff said.

SAT is a collaborative effort between both students and faculty of the Southern Miss theatre department. Much like a professional theatre company, both cast and crew work during the summer months to produce a wonderful theatrical production for the campus and local community. Corporate donors for the 2010 season are Raising Cane’s and Moore’s Bike Shop.

Shows will begin at 7:30 p.m. June 24-26, 29-30, July 1-3 and at 2 p.m. June 27 and July 4. Prices are as follows: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, faculty, staff and military and $6 for students. All performances will be at the Martha R. Tatum Theatre in the Theatre and Dance Building on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus. For more information, contact the Southern Miss Department of Theatre and Dance at 601.266.4994.
Enhanced by Zemanta
Filed under: Arts, Performing Arts, Theatre, University of Southern Mississippi