January & February 2018 College News

Shot in Woodstock, NY and featuring Kathryn Kates ( Orange is the New Black and Seinfeld ), the movie follows a Jewish teen questioning her sexuality as she prepares for her Bat Mitzvah. Caleb Straus (MFA - Directing) is head of the Llano High School Theatre Department. His first full-length feature film, It’s Over: Nephilim , is available on Amazon Prime and Amazon VOD. He has been commissioned by horror author C. Dennis Moore to adapt one of his short stories into a film which is currently in production. Shane Vickers (BFA – Performance and Production) is the new company manager and casting associate for the Public Theatre of San Antonio, the first Equity theatre in the city. In July, Renee Yancey (BFA – Production and Performance) was named Lecturer and Program Head of Stage Management in the School of Theatre at Boston University. Renee is also the Head of Design & Production Curriculum and Academic Policies at BU. She continues to work as a freelance AEA Stage Manager and Production Manager. Nikki Young (BFA – Performance and Production) was one for four Texas State University graduates who helped open Morgan’s Inspiration Island, the world’s first ultra-accessible splash park and the latest addition to the unique Morgan’s Wonderland Theme Park in Northeast San Antonio. Both non-profit parks were specifically designed with special-needs individuals of all ages in mind and admit anyone with physical or cognitive disabilities free of charge. As Entertainment Director, Nikki planned the opening ceremonies for Morgan’s Inspiration Island, an extension of her work in orchestrating special entertainment at Morgan’s Wonderland. A CHROUS LINE A Chorus Line was ranked number four on the Austin Statesman’s list of 10 most memorable productions in 2017. Critic Andrew J. Friedenthal wrote, “Going into Texas State University Department of Theatre and Dance’s production, I was not a big fan of this musical, but I left feeling completely differently. The student cast, coached by director/ choreographer Cassie Abate and musical director Greg Bolin , gave such nuanced performances that I finally understood the tragic nature of the story. I can think of no higher praise than to admit that this show and its remarkable cast finally made me fully appreciate a musical theater classic.” College of Fine Arts and Communication | 17 CURIOUS ABOUT UPCOMING EVENTS? To find out more, please visit: www.txstatepresents.com www.events.txstate.edu