UB Theatre and Dance

07/24/2024

This project brings back the “old-school” feel of a live radio play, complete with a studio audience, voice actors, and foley sound effects.

07/23/2024

Thanks for your continued support of pre-professional dance at UB. Gifts to “Celebration Rising” will allow our students to engage with guest professional choreographers and designers, and new theater technology.
https://crowdfunding.buffalo.edu/project/38040

Congratulations to previous ZDC Award Winners Karen Schupp, Jon Lehrer, and Roberto Villaneuva, profiled here.

Graphics by Nathaniel Eck.

University at Buffalo University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences Fox Run at Orchard Park Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo ,

07/16/2024

Zodiaque Dance Company's 50th anniversary Gala is only 100 days away! Celebration 50 is Saturday, October 26, 2024. Tickets are selling quickly and we encourage you to purchase early:
https://www.ticketmaster.com/zodiaque-dance-company-50th-anniversary-gala-buffalo-new-york-10-26-2024/event/00006081AA762C1E

Additionally, as we work towards the anniversary season, we hope you'll join our Donor Wall by making a contribution via the ZDC50 Crowdfunding page:
https://crowdfunding.buffalo.edu/project/38040

With your support, we will further Zodiaque’s artistry and expand our tools to provide a foundation for cutting-edge artmaking and performance scholarship for years to come.

University at Buffalo University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences Fox Run at Orchard Park Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo ,

06/12/2024

Here's a special message from Dance Professor Jeanne Fornarola! Zodiaque Dance Company is UB’s eminent pre-professional dance company. Join us in celebrating five decades of exciting, innovative performances at the 50th Anniversary Gala on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at UB Center for the Arts! Tickets are selling fast!
https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00006081AA762C1E

Gala tickets include: Access to the pre-show awards ceremony in the Center for the Arts Atrium; The Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Fall Program; and a post-show dance party, also in the Atrium. A cash bar will be available at 6pm and the post-show party with include light refreshments.

Please also consider a donation to our ongoing crowdfunding campaign to support Zodiaque's next 50 years:
https://crowdfunding.buffalo.edu/project/38040

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

06/10/2024

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Theatre Danielle Rosvally and the cast and crew of Theatre and Dance’s recent production of “Henry VI, Part 2,” for an excellent review in the academic journal Shakespeare. Rosvally directed and adapted the show and reviewer Sarah Neville noted that the production was “strikingly contemporary for its depiction of the opportunism of political leaders who use chaotic conditions to further their own selfish interests rather than the common good.”

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17450918.2024.2363959

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

06/06/2024

Congratulations to the UB Theatre and Dance Class of 2024! We wish you all the best in your future endeavors! 🎓💙

Photos by Thomas Wolf

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

06/05/2024

The University at Buffalo's Department of Theatre and Dance continues to accept video applications and interviews for Fall 2024 on a rolling basis! UB Theatre and Dance students work with esteemed faculty to learn, create, and collaborate in our multifaceted and versatile degree programs, including:

* BA in Dance
* BFA in Dance
* BFA in Music Theatre
* BFA in Theatre: Performance
* BFA in Theatre: Design and Technology

To request an audition/interview, or for other inquiries, please contact Recruitment Coordinator Michael Deeb Weaver at: [email protected]. Check out our website: www.theatredance.buffalo.edu.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo

06/05/2024

The University at Buffalo’s Department of Theatre and Dance is saddened to hear about the abrupt closing of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. The loss of such an established program is devastating, and we send our support to displaced students and faculty.

For those students in need of a home base, UB Theatre and Dance is able to work with you to transfer into one of our robust and versatile degree programs, including:

* BA in Dance
* BFA in Dance
* BFA in Music Theatre
* BFA in Theatre: Performance
* BFA in Theatre: Design and Technology
* BA in Theatre

Transfers and first-year students should contact Audition Coordinator Michael Deeb Weaver at: [email protected] for questions and further discussion.

, University at Buffalo University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo

Official home of UB Theatre & Dance Department:
http://theatredance.buffalo.edu/

06/03/2024

ATTN: Community Groups & Businesses! We have great summer availability for RENTAL of our spaces (see photographs), including Katharine Cornell Theatre, plus the Rehearsal Workshop, Dance Studios, and Scene Shop at UB Center for the Arts! For more info contact Rick Haug at UB Theatre and Dance: [email protected].

https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/theatre-dance/about/venues-studios-shops.html

, University at Buffalo University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences

05/30/2024

UB Theatre and Dance Announces The Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Fall Program

Co-Directed by Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver
Production Design Coordination by Lynne Koscielniak

Oct. 24 - 25, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 26, 2024 Gala | Pre-show Awards at 6:30 p.m. | Curtain at 7:30 p.m.*
Oct. 27, 2023 at 2 p.m.
UB Center for the Arts Drama

Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/zodiaque-dance-tickets/artist/836688

Standard Show Pricing: $22 Adults | $17 Seniors/Veterans/UB Employees
$12 Students | $7 UB Students (Ticketmaster fees apply when purchasing online.)
*50th Anniversary Gala Pricing Only: $50 All seats

Zodiaque Dance Company (ZDC) is UB’s eminent pre-professional dance company and one of the oldest all-student ensembles in the United States. Join us in celebrating five decades of innovative, creative performances at the 50th Anniversary concerts this fall at UB Center for the Arts!

ZDC has a rich history of entertaining and inspiring Western New York audiences while providing broad creative experiences for students to develop their artistry. ZDC alumni move into all facets of the dance field–as professional performers, teachers, scholars, choreographers, and arts administrators.

The 50th Anniversary season is under the co-direction of dance faculty members Kerry Ring and Michael Deeb Weaver, who will also choreograph. Additional choreographers include Zodiaque alumni members Richard Ashworth, Brittney Griffin, Robin Hibbert, and Cesar Salinas, plus guest artist Liz Borom. Costume designers include faculty/staff members Zechariah Saenz and Cindy Darling.

*Saturday, Octobcer 26 Gala tickets include: Access to the pre-show awards ceremony in the Center for the Arts Atrium; The Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Fall Program; and a post-show dance party, also in the Atrium. A cash bar will be available at 6pm and the post-show will include light refreshments. Gala attendees also receive an exclusive commemorative playbill.

Directors Awards will be presented to Thomas Ralabate (pictured with ZDC founder Linda Swiniuch), UB Professor Emeritus; Bill Thomas, Choreographer/Educator; and Elka Dintcheva, former UB Advancement Associate.

Distinguished Alumni Awards will be presented to Cesar Salinas, Associate Artistic Director of Giordano Dance Company; and Lindsay Guarino, Associate Professor & Department Chair, Music, Theatre and Dance, Salve Regina University.

Show graphic by Nicholas Taboni.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

05/22/2024

Congratulations to Theatre and Dance students Fallon Tuholski, senior; Isabella Guerrucci, senior; and Jenna Hartke, Junior on being cast in Starring Buffalo's forthcoming production of "Titanic" at Shea's 710 Theatre on May 31 and June 1. The production also features choreography by Teaching Professor of Dance Jeanne Fornarola.

https://www.buffalorising.com/2024/05/rarely-performed-gem-titanic-sails-into-sheas-710-with-starring-buffalos-staged-concert-experience/

"Titanic, the rarely performed musical theater gem, known for its captivating story and memorable music, will be brought to life by Starring Buffalo at Shea’s 710 theatre, May 31 and June 1. Featuring original songs by Maury Yeston (Nine, Grand Hotel), Titanic tells the story of triumph and tragedy of the passengers on the ill-fated 'ship of dreams' that has captivated imaginations and hearts for over 100 years. The musical was the winner of five 1997 Tony Awards including best musical, best book, and best score.

Presented as a staged concert in the vein of NYC’s City Center Encores! series, the production will showcase the talents of nearly 100 artists, including Broadway veterans, local Buffalo actors, the Starring Buffalo Community Chorus, University at Buffalo dance majors, and a dedicated creative team. Titanic will be the largest Starring Buffalo production to date."

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo

05/22/2024

"Congratulations to our fabulous Athletic Trainers, Victoria Parr and Marie Pettitt for being featured in UBNow! The work they do is invaluable to our students and is making a real difference in injury recovery and students' ability to pursue healthy, safe dancing." - Anne Burnidge, associate professor of dance.

https://www.buffalo.edu/ubnow/stories/2024/05/athletic-training-dance-majors.html?utm_source=sfmc&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=uc_ubnow&utm_content=employee_052224

Photos by Meredith Forrest Kulwicki.

https://ubortho.com/team/athletic_trainers/

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo

05/21/2024

Congratulations to Assistant Professor Kellen Hoxworth, PhD, on the publication of his most recent book "Transoceanic Blackface: Empire, Race, Performance."

https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/theatre-dance/news-and-events/recent-news.host.html/content/shared/arts-sciences/theatre-dance/news-posts/THD_SP2024_Article_Hoxworth_Book.detail.html

Per Northwestern University Press, the book is “a sweeping history of racialized performance across the Anglophone imperial world from the eighteenth to the early twentieth century."

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo

05/10/2024

"TOWARD A CLIMATE HAVEN" is a free public sustainability science/performance art event this Sat., May 11th, from 4pm-5pm, at UB Center for the Arts Drama Theatre. No advance ticket required!

The program blends science and theatre to address Western New York's role as a potential climate refuge amid its own climate uncertainties. This program is brought to you by the Department of Environment and Sustainability and the Department of Theatre and Dance.
The one-hour program includes:
• An overview of the “Erie County Community Climate Action Plan” from Sustainability Coordinator Tracy Skalski.
• A reading of climate narratives from the Imagining Futures Workshop.
• A new play, "An Unlikely Refuge," by Bella Poynton, directed by Eero Laine.
• A Q & A with the "Toward a Climate Haven" researchers and the "An Unlikely Refuge" creative team.

Full program info: https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/theatre-dance/news-and-events/production-season/school-time-series1/towards-a-climate-haven/towards-a-climate-haven-program.html

Photos by Ken Smith.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo

05/10/2024

DANCERS WORKSHOP Schedule:
May 10 - 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
May 11, 2024 at 2 p.m.
UB Katharine Cornell Theatre
Get tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=katharine%2Bcornell%2Btheatre%2Bdancers

05/09/2024

The 2024 SENIOR DANCE SHOWCASE this SUNDAY, MAY 12th at UB KATHARINE CORNELL THEATRE! One performance only!

Tickets: $7 - $22 (Ticketmaster fees apply when purchasing online.)
https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=katharine%2Bcornell%2Btheatre%2Bsenior

The annual Senior Dance Showcase provides graduating dance majors with a final opportunity to perform their own choreography for the community before their future professional endeavors in the arts. The program features more than a dozen graduating seniors who appear primarily in solo works, as well as in collaborative group pieces, as they take the UB stage a final time. Senior Dance Showcase is student-directed and produced.

Co-Directed by Morgan Mahoney and Mia Pierce as part of our Student Directed Series

Contributing season sponsor: www.foxrunorchardpark.com

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

05/09/2024

Tickets for DANCERS WORKSHOP are selling quickly! 3 performances only this weekend.

May 10 - 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
May 11, 2024 at 2 p.m.
UB Katharine Cornell Theatre
https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=katharine%2Bcornell%2Btheatre%2Bdancers

Dancers Workshop is an annual student-run showcase led by UB Dance majors, extending to all undergraduates, for a unique dance show experience. The 47th showcase includes several dozen choreographers and more than 100 performers, with a variety of styles represented: jazz, jazz-funk, contemporary, modern, tap, hip hop, and ballet. Dancers Workshop is a fun way to celebrate diverse talent at UB beyond the Department of Theatre and Dance, and to commemorate the end of a successful year for all students.

Contributing season sponsor: www.foxrunorchardpark.com

Photos by Ken Smith.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

05/08/2024

Graduates of UB Theatre and Dance and former members of Zodiaque Dance Company (ZDC) have amazing careers in the performing arts! Please join 1996 alumna Karen Schupp in becoming a supporter of the Zodiaque Dance Company Celebration 50 Crowdfunding campaign as we gear up for the fall Gala. https://crowdfunding.buffalo.edu/project/38040

Karen Schupp graduated with a Dance BA from UB in 1996 and went on to earn her Dance MFA at Arizona State University, where she is now a long-standing, tenured Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Dance Department. Karen is also a 2018 recipient of the Zodiaque Dance Company Distinguished Alumni Award for her significant impact on the artistic and educational aspects of dance. Another ZDC success story. Congratulations to Karen! We thank her and all of our donors and patrons for their support.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

05/08/2024

The 2024 SENIOR DANCE SHOWCASE is this SUNDAY, MAY 12 at 4pm at UB Katharine Cornell Theatre and open to the general public!

$22 Adults | $17 Seniors/Veterans/UB Employees
$12 Students | $7 UB Students + Facility/Service Fees
(Ticketmaster fees apply when purchasing online.)
Tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=katharine%2Bcornell%2Btheatre%2Bsenior

The annual Senior Dance Showcase provides graduating dance majors with a final opportunity to perform their own choreography for the community before their future professional endeavors in the arts. The program features more than a dozen graduating seniors who appear primarily in solo works, as well as in collaborative group pieces, as they take the UB stage a final time. Senior Dance Showcase is student-directed and produced.

Co-Directed by Morgan Mahoney and Mia Pierce as part of our Student Directed Series

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

05/07/2024

SPECIAL PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT:
"Toward a Climate Haven" Public Program; Free Admission
UB Center for the Arts Drama Theatre
Sat. May 11, 2024 from 4pm-5pm

Toward a Climate Haven is a project blending sustainability science with performance art to address Western New York's role as a potential climate refuge amid its own climate uncertainties. This program is brought to you by the Department of Environment and Sustainability and the Department of Theatre and Dance.

The one-hour May 11 program includes:
• An overview of the “Erie County Community Climate Action Plan” from Sustainability Coordinator Tracy Skalski.
• A reading of climate narratives from the Imagining Futures Workshop presented by Kacey Stewart and Tori Lannon with Lindsay Martinez, with a certificate ceremony to follow.
• A new play, An Unlikely Refuge* by Bella Poynton, directed by Eero Laine, premieres with a workshop production featuring actors Connor Graham, P.K. Fortson, Lily Jones, and Reumann.
*An Unlikely Refuge was commissioned by the Toward a Climate Haven research team and is made possible by the SPARC (Seed Projects in Arts and Sciences Research and Creative Activities) program in the UB College of Arts and Sciences.
• A Q & A with the Toward a Climate Haven researchers and the An Unlikely Refuge creative team.

The Toward a Climate Haven research team includes Professor Tim Chevral, Assistant Professor Susan Clark, and Postdoctoral Associate Kacey Stewart from the Department of Environment and Sustainability, and Professor Lynne Koscielniak and Associate Professor Eero Laine from the Department of Theatre and Dance.

An Unlikely Refuge Creative Team
Playwright: Bella Poynton
Director: Eero Laine
Set and Lighting Designer: Lynne Koscielniak
Costume Designer: Catherine F. Norgren
Sound and Projection Designer: Nicholas Quinn
Company and Stage Manager: Ally Hasselback
Technical Director: Jon Shimon
Assistant Stage Manager: Faith Marsala*
Associate Set Designer, Charge Scenic Artist, and Props Manager: Jennifer Lynn Carter
Associate Lighting Designer, Programmer, Board Op: Ethan Borrok*
Assistant to the Costume Designer/Wardrobe Supervisor: Moth Medina*
Assistant to the Sound Designer and Board Op: Noah Beckwith*
Assistant to the Projection Designer and Graphic Designer/Dresser: Lisa Gallagher*
Fly Captain: Ashtyn Rozenberg*
Fly/Deck Crew Member: Elle Dixon*
Props Run Crew: Chris Ochman*
* Student theatre design/tech/management collaborators work across areas including, but not limited to, design studio work, fabrication processes, and run crew.
Technical Support: Tom Burke, Cindy Darling, Rick Haug, and additional contributions from the CFA Technical Staff
Environment and Sustainability Dramaturgs: Holly Buck, Tim Chevral, Susan Clark, Nicholas Rajkovich, and Kacey Stewart

An Unlikely Refuge Cast (in order of appearance)
Refugee 1: Connor Graham
Refugee 2: Lily Jones
Riverkeeper/Watercarrier: P.K. Fortson
Snow Traveler/Gardener/Woman: Reumann

Looking Ahead
Toward a Climate Haven: Preparing for Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region by Combining Performance and Science aims to foster public engagement and planning through activities, theatrical works, and publications, focusing on creating a socially just and ecologically sustainable community in Buffalo, a projected "climate haven" for climate migrants. This May 11, 2024 program is a first offering and a chance to workshop An Unlikely Refuge which will be further developed and included in a fall 2024 CAS Event.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo

05/07/2024

The final weekend of our spring season is packed with events, including the annual DANCERS WORKSHOP! Here's a preview of the 47th installment. (Please note: These are rehearsal photos & not yet fully costumed.)

May 10 - 11, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
May 11, 2024 at 2 p.m.
UB Katharine Cornell Theatre
Tickets: $7-$22 + TM fees.
https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=katharine%2Bcornell%2Btheatre%2Bdancers
Directed by Lily Colligan as part of our Student Directed Series.

Dancers Workshop is an annual student-run showcase led by UB Dance majors, extending to all undergraduates, for a unique dance show experience. The 47th showcase includes several dozen choreographers and more than 100 performers, with a variety of styles represented: jazz, jazz-funk, contemporary, modern, tap, hip hop, and ballet. Dancers Workshop is a fun way to celebrate diverse talent at UB beyond the Department of Theatre and Dance, and to commemorate the end of a successful year for all students.

The UB Theatre and Dance 2023-2024 season is sponsored in part by Fox Run at Orchard Park, celebrating its fifth year in support of our student productions. www.foxrunorchardpark.com

Photos by Ken Smith.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo Center for the Arts, University at Buffalo Fox Run at Orchard Park

05/03/2024

THD Students Showcase Work at UB Celebration for Academic Excellence: https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/theatre-dance/news-and-events/recent-news.host.html/content/shared/arts-sciences/theatre-dance/news-posts/THD_SP2024_Article_UBAcademicExcellence.detail.html

Many Theatre and Dance (THD) students were recognized for their achievements at UB’s annual Celebration of Student Academic Excellence on May 2 in Alumni Arena.

The celebration featured two parts: a Student Showcase, where graduate and undergraduate students present the mentored research, scholarship, and creative and community projects they have worked on during the current academic year, and the Celebration Ceremony, where student recipients of select national, SUNY and UB awards are recognized publicly.

THD was represented at the Student Showcase, coordinated by the UB Experiential Learning Network (ELN), by undergraduates Tari Civerolo, Nathan Eck, Sophia Fino, Mario Liguori and Grace Wythe, as well as MFA Dance student Joshua Ikechukwu.

Participation increased this year, noted Christina Heath, administrative director of the ELN, with 325 students presenting nearly 250 projects at the showcase — an increase of 50 projects over last year.

, University at Buffalo College of Arts and Sciences University at Buffalo