Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus recently issued the following announcement.
The return of summer theatre to Western Illinois University has been an exciting time for not only those who participated in this year's production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," but also for those who attended this year's two sold-out performances in mid-July.
The introduction of SummerStage also fulfills a promise made by College of Fine Arts and Communication Dean Billy Clow when he first came to Macomb in 2012.
"During my first week at WIU I promised at a Rotary Club meeting that we would work toward bringing summer theatre back to Macomb," said Clow. "It took us six years, and the gathering of a great team of folks and donors who believed in this project, and we made it happen."
Two of Clow's children were among this summer's cast members.
This summer's production was paid for entirely by generous donors who wanted to see the summer staple return to WIU, including a lead gift from Dr. Rick and Mrs. Monica Iverson. There were also about 50 community members who participated in this year's production, which was sponsored by Citizens Bank, a division of Morton Community Bank.
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" was directed by Associate Professor Carolyn Blackinton, with Associate Professor Kitty Karn as musical director; Sharon Notts as co-musical director; Associate Professor Heidi Clemmens as dance director; Assistant Professor Jeannie Galioto, costume design; and Assistant Professor Steven House, scenic design.
Blackinton, who was previously involved in WIU's Summer Music Theatre, said the production came together very well.
"The community people were excellent to work with and they really worked hard on the show," she said. "The choreographer, music directors, stage manager and designers made everything flow smoothly and the technical support was supreme."
This production was unique because it utilized community members as actors, rather than previous summer productions, which hired student actors to come to Macomb to be a part of the performances.
"I think it brings a unity between the University and the community – rather than before, where we hired people from out of town to come in – this is much better venue for doing something in the summer," she said.
The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
When the choice of summer productions was announced, it became clear a unique coat of many colors would be needed for the production. The coat for the WIU production was made entirely by WIU senior McKenzie Cullen-Rockwood, of Oregon, IL, a theatre – design and recreation, park and tourism administration double major.
Cullen-Rockwood said this was the first large project she's taken on alone. She was also part of creating the puppets used in the WIU Department of Theatre and Dance's spring production of "Avenue Q." WIU Costume Shop Designer Rebel Mickelson approached Cullen-Rockwood about taking on the creation of the coat.
"Rebel offered to teach me draping, which is a higher level of costume design," she said. "I had to decide on a color scheme and materials. I reviewed the songs and designs from other productions. I also tried to pull motifs into it, such as the sun and moon. There is a really fine line in creating a nicely put together assortment of colors."
Cullen-Rockwood said it took about three months to create the coat, once she was given the actor's measurements. She said she appreciated the rewarding experience because she has a career goal of becoming a costumer.
"I would like to work in the film industry," said Cullen-Rockwood. "Getting to do this, and learning these technical skills, is challenging and rewarding. Rebel took the time to teach me all the things that will help me reach my goals. To work in the film industry, you have to be the best of the best and this experience is helping me become the best I can be."
Summer Performances Continue
Clow said the two sold-out performances prove SummerStage theatre is something the community wants and needs and is willing to support.
"I am so proud of the production team, the donors and my staff who worked diligently to ensure quality and professionalism, and most of all a great time was had by all," he said. "I especially want to thank Rick and Monica Iverson for sticking with us and never wavering in their desire to see theatre back in our summers. Keep your eyes peeled and get ready to come audition; we will be announcing next year's SummerStage very soon."
Original source can be found here.
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