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Rosebud Graduates Ready for Professional Theatre
Rural Alberta school producing next generation of professional theatre artists
Rosebud, Alberta – After four years of hard work and dedicated study, three new graduates of Rosebud School of the Arts were honoured at the annual ROSAs convocation and awards ceremony, September 20 in Rosebud.
Education Director, Maki Van Dyke proudly presented the school’s highest credential – Fellow of Rosebud School of the Arts (FRSA) – to three new graduates who joined the RSA guild, noting that “this is a guild that recognizes that our most meaningful art-making is intimately connected with our spiritual life. We acknowledge that our art demands the full commitment of everything that we are and are created to be. We believe that quality of craftsmanship is as important as loving our audience.”
The three RSA graduates for 2009 (and their major area of study) are as follows: Belinda Jackson (Technical Theatre) from Morden, MB; Kelsey Krogman (Acting) from Red Deer; and Sammantha-Dawn Reindardt (Acting) from Wainwright.
In addition to the convocation of new graduates, Rosebud School of the Arts also awarded Certificates in Theatre Foundations to eight students for completion of their first year of studies, and Diplomas to seven students for completion of their second year of studies.
With the highest number of recruits in the certificate program ever and 31 students enrolled in total across the four-year training program at RSA, the school has high hopes for future graduates. Former recruitment officer and current head of acting, Nathan Schmidt says, “We've got a great group of passionate, inquisitive first-year students starting out on their exploration of theatre and themselves. The new school year always bring remarkable challenges, we're looking forward to it."
For more information on Rosebud School of the Arts, its scout weeks or how to apply to the school, please visit www.rosebudschoolofthearts.com or call 1-403-677-2350.
For more information or interviews with Maki Van Dyke contact Neil Bousquet directly
Lucia Frangione's popular Introduction to Playwriting class is back for 2009-2010
THR 333 Introduction to Playwriting
Instructor: Lucia Frangione
June 3, 2009 to March 31, 2010
Face to face workshop: July 13 & 14
Budding Playwrights Festival: March 7 & 8, 2010
Description
THR 333 Introduction to Playwriting is a highly personalized playwriting course intended to educate, nourish and direct the strengths, challenges, and goals of each writer and her/his unique voice. The course is taught through e-mail correspondence supplemented by a face to face workshop in Rosebud with the instructor. The students are given materials to study and established plays to read, while the majority of instruction takes the form of one-on-one e-mail dramaturgy of student generated writing. Students will write short scenes and develop a 20-30 minute One Act play, drafting the piece from start to finish. The One Act plays are thoroughly dramaturged and presented in a public reading (March 7 & 8, 2010) followed by a final dramaturgical session at the end of the course.
Note: This course requires a time commitment of minimum 4 hours per week for 10 months. The course moves at a swift pace with assignments on a weekly basis. All participants must commit to attending the face to face workshop and the Budding Playwrights Festival in Rosebud, AB.
Cost: $600 (3 credits)
How to Apply
Rosebud students who have completed Mentorship Level I can simply e-mail the Registrar Others are invited to apply by e-mailing the Registrar at makiv@rosebudschoolofthearts.com with a letter of intention, a theatre or writing resume, and one or two writing samples. Final selection of participants is made by mid May.
Lucia Frangione is an internationally produced award winning playwright and actor published by Talon books. She currently writes for the Arts Club and Pacific Theatre, world premiering her plays Paradise Garden and Leave Of Absence in 2010 respectively. She has been produced by theatres such as Ruby Slippers, Solo Collective, The Belfry, Prairie Theatre Exchange, Chemainus, ATP, Lambs Players, San Diego and Teatr Jelenia Gora, Poland. Her plays include Espresso, Cariboo Magi, Christmas On The Air, Chickens, Wobbling Madonna and Holy Mo. Several have been produced by Rosebud Theatre.
Molokai 2009: The Best Gift Ever
On May 10, 1873, Father Damien de Veuster landed on the peninsula of Kalaupapa on the north shore of the island of Molokai, Hawaii.
He came to care for the lepers that had been abandoned there. He was to die 15 years later on March 28, 1889 of complications attributed to leprosy. 15 years of service to people that were seen as less than human, ostracized from society and imprisoned on a tongue of land jutting into the ocean.
On September 5, 2008 I opened the show Damien on the Rosebud Opera house stage. I did the show 43 times with my friend Michael Thiessen. It was a difficult time for us and we shared the struggle to put this heroic man’s story on the stage while in the midst of struggles in our own lives. It was a good thing.
On February 2nd,2009 I got on a plane with my Dad and we flew to Maui where the next day we boarded a ferry for the island of Molokai. After a harrowing, nausea filled, boat ride through a trade winds whipped sea, we landed on the island where 120 years earlier the Flemish priest, I had come to know intimately, had landed after a harrowing, nausea filled boat ride himself. I took in the sites, I went to the peninsula where it had all happened, rode mules down a cliff to get there and sat on a shore by and old church and watched the waves crash in.
This was incredible in and of itself, but the truly amazing thing was that I didn’t have to do anything to get there. I picked the day I wanted to go and I packed a bag. My friends paid the way. Those who had seen the show, spearheaded by a dauntless woman of God who had heard “Nathan needs to go to Molokai” whispered in her ear.
I don’t think I can say thank you to a gift like this, I think all I can do is bring back the heart that has been enlarged, enlightened and enlivened and share it with all those that cared enough about me to listen to the Voice that said “Nathan needs to go to Molokai” Truly the best gift ever.
submitted by Nathan Schmidt
RSA Retreats with Fun, Sun & Foothills
This year, Rosebud School of the Arts went to Pioneer Lodge near Sundre, AB for our Fall Retreat.
It was an idyllic setting with perfect weather. I’m sharing a few mental snapshots to give you an idea of what happened at this retreat.
My memory’s photo-album includes pictures of Halterman boys tumbling over each other down the grassy hill like a litter of playful puppies, of Jen Nishi coming back from the barns a little worse for wear after she was swept off her horse’s back by a low-hanging tree branch, of Angus playing his guitar in the woods, and of Jeany and Sienna, Bill and Xavier, Gio and Luke serving, digging, jumping, spiking the v-ball for hours in the warm afternoon sun.
Our time at Pioneer Lodge also has scenes of team-building: of students playing Capture the Flag until well after dark, of two lines of Rosebuddies snaking down the hill with PVC pipes and golf balls, of teams helping each other over the high wall, of ropes and A-frames and collective effort.
It includes images of all of us bending over questionnaires, discovering ourselves as Authentic Blue, Resourceful Orange, Organized Gold, and Inquiring Green and then discussing what makes us individually and corporately beautiful. I can still hear the laughter of a late fire, feel the collective stillness in a reading room, taste the hot chocolate and yummy conversation, and smile at the wonder of a little baby.
I remember the sounds of inclusive, joyful worship. I remember the thoughtful reminder that a God-inspired dream will be characterized by consistent service to others. In Morris’ words, “Every plateau of destiny is marked by smaller steps of service up the mountain.”
story by Renita Hamm (more photos below)
Students perform for 20,000 visitors during 90 Fiddler performances
Rosebud School of the Arts students rise to challenge in Rosebud Theatre’s largest stage production ever.
Rosebud, Alberta -- During the 25th anniversary season of Rosebud Theatre, students at its Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA) received the challenge of a lifetime - to take their game to the next level - the Rosebud Opera House to perform in 90 shows of Fiddler on the Roof. When the Fiddler curtain comes down for its final show on August 30, students will have performed before an estimated audience of 20,000.
“Nothing teaches like an audience,” says Nathan Schmidt, an RSA acting instructor and regular performer at the Rosebud Opera House where he currently plays the Fiddler. He continues, “Students aren’t just up there for nine shows, but for 90 shows! The young actors live on the deck in a real way, not just as an exercise during their four-year program.”
Kelsey Krogman, an RSA student from Red Deer, is one of the young actors who brings her talent to Opera House stage in the role of Hodel, the rebellious second daughter in a traditional Jewish family. Hodel rejects her parents’ choice for a marriage partner in favour of a man with radical ideas, the student Perchik, played by Drumheller native John McIver.
As a third year student and first-time performer with Rosebud Theatre, Krogman prepared for her role by rehearsing the music in private voice lessons, a component of her training at Rosebud School of the Arts.
“When I found out I got the part I was both terrified and excited,” says Krogman. I wanted to perform my solo “Far From the Home I Love” perfectly, because people know and love that song.” Krogman was quick to credit the four week rehearsal process as a key component to her success. “Once we got into rehearsals I was able to sink into the lyrics of the song. I discovered that I could use the song to communicate thought and interact with my scene partners on stage.”
For McIver, Fiddler on the Roof marks the fourth time he has been on stage for a Rosebud production. Musing on the part he plays, McIver finds similarities between himself and Perchik, the radical student. “I have a similar passion about what I believe in. I can be just as stubborn and obstinate as Perchik.”
Rehearsals were a process of discovery for McIver as well. “Perchik has taught me about myself,” reflects McIver. “I think we’re cast in roles that do that for us; characters who speak to us and meet us where we are at, wherever that happens to be.“
In addition to their personal successes, both Krogman and McIver feel privileged to share the stage with some of their acting instructors like Fiddler Nathan Schmidt and David Snider who plays the lead role of Tevye and acts as Krogman’s father in the play.
“David is a very giving performer,” says Krogman. “He encourages me about my singing and gives me great feedback backstage.” McIver agrees. “Working with Dave has been amazing!” he exclaims, “I’m learning a lot.”
Fiddler on the Roof offers Krogman and McIver a lifetime opportunity to work in a professional theatre setting while putting their training into performance. “I used to watch Fiddler over and over again when I was a kid,” says McIver, “and I swore I’d be a part of it. It’s why I wanted to be an actor and I’m very glad to be given the opportunity to fulfill that dream.”
Other students in the show include third year Megan Craig as Fruma Sarah, fourth year Matthew Schaffer and second year students Kendra Hutchinson and Dan Derksen as chorus members. Justin Born, a second year student in technical theatre serves as assistant stage manager.
Story by Margaret Van Dyke
Discover Rosebud
Now Accepting Applications for September, 2010
Book a Scout Week
You will audit a week of first-year classes, likely watch some rehearsals, take a tour, hang out with other students, take a shift in the Merc, enjoy the complete Rosebud Dinner & Theatre Experience, and maybe even see at show at the Rosebud Studio Stage! In addition to all this you will do an interview and a talent assessment to complete everything you need to do to prepare for your acceptance into the Certificate in Theatre Foundations Programme at Rosebud School of the Arts...and all this is included in your $125 application fee!
Spend a week in Rosebud and Discover how exciting a year at Rosebud School of the Arts could be. The RSA scout week is part of the application process and offers prospective students an opportunity to see what life in Rosebud might be like.
You will audit a week of first-year classes, likely watch some rehearsals, take a tour, hang out with other students, take a shift in the Merc, enjoy the complete Rosebud Dinner & Theatre Experience, and maybe even see at show at the Rosebud Studio Stage!
In addition to all this you will do an interview and a talent assessment to complete everything you need to do to prepare for your acceptance into the Certificate in Theatre Foundations Programme at Rosebud School of the Arts...and all this is included in your $125 application fee!
Email Norma Roth for more info: recruitment@rosebudschoolofthearts.com |
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Rosebud celebrates Alberta Arts Days with the ROSAs
Alberta Arts Days is a three-day celebration of Alberta's arts and culture. September 18-20, 2009, communities across Alberta will be humming with creative energy. At the Rosebud School of the Arts, we are celebrating these days with the ROSAs (Recognizing Outstanding Student Acheivement) graduation and awards ceremony of our students.
What better way to acknowledge the arts than by recognizing up and coming artists? The event will include performances and a dinner. For more information on Alberta Arts Days and events happening throughout the province visit http://culture.alberta.ca/artsdays/
A Rosebud Star
is Born
RSA graduate Rachel Peacock's script selected for staging by Red Deer College's "Scripts at Work"
The Rosebud School of the Arts announced last week that former Rimbey resident Rachel Peacock’s play, Fishbowl will be part of a prestigious reading this coming April in Red Deer.
Rachel Peacock
“Fishbowl, is a play about two strangers, confined in a small space who humorously welcome and resist each other,” Peacock said of her work. “The challenge of getting along, making a difference in the world and giving an unusual peace offering are all poured into the setting of a domestic fishbowl.”
According to a statement released by the school, Peacock will be one of three playwrights selected by Scripts at Work from numerous submissions of original, unpublished plays.
“Scripts at Work has provided a wonderful, supportive setting for me to develop this play, providing experienced actors, dramaturge, director and a public venue,” Peacock said. “I am excited to get this new play out of my computer and on to the stage and have it read in front of a live audience where I can learn from their responses.”
The school’s Education Directors Paul Muir and Maki Van Dyke said they were equally thrilled to see another one of their graduates making inroads in the theatre.
“It’s been a joy to watch Rachel grow into the theatre artist she is today,” Muir said. “To succeed in theatre often demands that artists become proficient at more than one creative discipline. Rachel has diverse talents as an actor, playwright, sound designer and as a musician. It will be interesting to see which one of her many talents rises to the top.”
With the objective nurturing and mentoring young artists by giving them opportunities to develop themselves as playwrights, Scripts at Work is a series of workshops comprised of classes and events that develop the skills of existing and emerging playwrights from throughout central Alberta.
Peacock and two other playwrights will attend a series of workshops with professional dramaturges (playwrights) and directors from Alberta. At the end of the process, their plays will be performed at an evening of informal staged readings at Red Deer College on Friday, April 17.
Visit the publisheed news article here.
RSA Theatre Study Trips a Success
To London and the West Coast
It's that time of year again when the students at Rosebud School of the Arts have returned from two fun-filled, educational adventures to various points on the planet.
The Certificate students left on February 6th for Canada's west coast to take in a myriad of shows, workshops and tours in Vancouver, Chemainus and Victoria. Not only did they see some amazing theatre, but they also had challenging and informative workshops with professionals at Pacific Theatre and Chemainus Theatre Festival. Bill and Renita Hamm stepped up the plate to lead this trip so everyone was in good hands, with lots of fun! The group returned on February 15th.
The Mentorship students left on January 31st to head across the pond to old country. Most of the time was spent in London, seeing shows in the West End and at the National Theatre, as well as taking workshops and doing backstage tours.
The group also did something new and different this year as they took a 3-day side trip to Dublin in order to take the rich cultural diversity that city has to offer. Fearless leaders Paul Muir and Maki Van Dyke were excited to spend this valuable time with their students, and witness the growth that inevitably happens on these trips.
This group also returned on February 15th so there was loads of story-telling as both groups shared the bus ride back to Rosebud. Keep all these folks in your prayers and ask them about the trips if you happen to see them! Bon Voyage!
RSA Graduates
Ready for Professional Theatre
Rural Alberta post-secondary school producing next generation of professional theatre artists.
With
determined faces and smiles
of relief seven new graduates
of Rosebud School of the Arts (RSA) were honoured at
the annual Recognize
Outstanding Student
Achievements (ROSAs)
convocation and awards
ceremony September 28 in
Rosebud.
Education Directors, Paul F.
Muir and Maki Van Dyke,
shared a parent’s pride in
presenting the school’s
highest award – Fellow of
Rosebud School of the Arts
(FRSA) – to each member of
Rosebud’s largest graduating
class to date.
In his address to graduates
of the four-year program,
Muir said, “By becoming
Fellows of Rosebud School of
the Arts, you have become
life-long friends. You now
have a bond that unites us all
in a common purpose and
vision. Your artist’s heart has
been given a home, a
spiritual home.”
The seven RSA graduates for
2008 (and their major area of
study) are as follows:
Rachel Peacock (Dramatic
Arts) from Rimbey, Alberta
Aaron Krogman (Acting) from
Red Deer, Alberta
Rebecca Wohlgemuth (Acting) from Crooked Creek,
Alberta
John McIver (Acting) from
Drumheller, Alberta
Lindsey Sine (Acting) from Medicine Hat, Alberta
Scott Schreiner (Acting) from
Shaunavon, Saskatchewan
Travis Friesen (Acting) from
Gimli, Manitoba.
In addition to the
convocation of new graduates,
Rosebud School of the Arts
also awarded Certificates in
Theatre Foundations to seven
students for completion of
their first year of studies, and
Diplomas to four students for
completion of their second
year of studies.
With 28 students currently
enrolled across the four-year
training program at RSA, the
school has high hopes for
future graduates. Van Dyke
notes, “The students’ work on
the Rosebud Studio Stage and
Rosebud Opera House shows,
as well as their final projects
has prepared them to enter
the profession as confident
and skilled theatre artists.
Commenting on the positive
response RSA grads received
at Theatre Alberta’s Emerge
Auditions this past April, Muir
stated, “We know that these
grads will make an impact on
the cultural fabric of Alberta
for many years to come.”
Article by Neil Bousquet
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