Registration is Open for the 11th Annual Virginia Beach Bash.

What is the Virginia Beach Bash?

 Regent University Department of Theatre Arts is proud to host the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) sanctioned Regional Workshop. This event has become known as the "Virginia Beach Bash."

"The Virginia Beach Bash" features nationally and internationally recognized experts in the art and craft of teaching and staging combat for the stage and screen as well as techniques for capturing and editing action for TV and film. This workshop is geared primarily to those who have an interest in historical and cultural martial arts forms and techniques as adjusted for performance. The workshop appeals most to actors, directors, fight directors, stunt performers, filmmakers (e.g. directors, editors, post production), Renaissance Fair actors and historical event re-enactors.


Classes are offered at the beginning, intermediate and advanced levels and include instruction in a wide spectrum of styles and weaponry from both Western and Asian cultures as well as opportunities to produce, film and edit action sequences. Students interested in filmmaking will receive instruction and have the opportunity to film action, coordinate with a director and stunt coordinator.

Save the Date!

Saturday and Sunday
March 29-30, 2014
at Regent University,
Virginia Beach, Va.


Visit the BASH Website today and save money by registering before Friday, March 1st!

Congrats to Michael Woods (MFA Acting Alum '08) on another spot with BMO Harris Bank!

Congratulations to our Fall Irene Ryan Nominees!

Steel Magnolias

Beth Litwak (MFA Acting '14)

Sherrie Peterson (MFA Acting '15)

The Comedy of Errors 

 Justin Winters (MFA Acting '14).

Adam James Hamilton (MFA Acting '14)

Bus Stop

Eric LaVoie (Left, MFA Acting '14)

Austin Fitzhugh (MFA Acting '15)

See MFA Acting Alum Dan Roberts ('07) in Sleepy Hollow!

To see more of Dan's work, visit his website: www.danieljroberts.net. 

MFA Alums band together to support Tidewater Stage.

to those who have made our inaugural season possible!

Founding Partners - $1,000+

John and Susan Bookless

Bruce and Diane Clark

Bob and Sam Kukich

Mitch and Lea Land
Aubrey and Angela Loving
Robert and Sandy May
Jeff and Lisa O'Dell
Bill and Michelle Young

Producers - $500

Eric and Holly Harrell
Don and Nancy McNeeley
Woodrow W. Wagner, Jr.
George and Cherie Walton

MFA Class of 2006: Kendal Tuttle, Jill Wilson, Lisa Gregg, Anita Reimer, Chris Nelson, Todd Metzker, Lynn Richards, Frank Hargreaves, Nicole Furneisen

Directors - $250

Alan Baumann & Leah Henry
Robert and Nan Beck
Robert and Marie Deegan
Joseph and Mary Kassar
Melinda Marven
Pete and Louise Pearson
Kendal and Bree Tuttle

MFA Class of 2012: Zach Bortot, Diana Coates, Micaela DeLauro, Amy Dunlap, Nathanael Fisher, Jeff Fazakerley, Madeline Ranson, Whitney Rappana, Michael Salsbury, Britain Willcock

MFA Class of 2010: Robert Arbaugh, Bradley Archer, Stephanie Chandler, Shinn-Rong Chung, Ryan Clemens, Kaja Dunn, Katie Fridsma, Anna Koehler, Chad Rasor, Alaska Vance, Katie Wasserman, Matthew Winning

Stars - $100

Martin and Bonnie Betz
Melissa Fuquay
Alex Kordis
Curtis Mackenzie and Diane Stewart-Mackenzie
Sidney and Ruth Martin
Derek and Jennifer Martin
Chris Nelson
Judy Paschall
Roger and Brenda Pence
Anita Reimer
Sandra Simpson

MFA Class of 2011: Sean Cowan, Tiffany Cotton, Sharon Eyster, Andy Geffken, Chad Gilliland, Gene Gray, Hannah Graham, Joseph Martinez, Nathan Schmidt, Tabitha Strong

MFA Class of 2008: Justin Glinn, Kelly Helgeson, Jennifer Martin, Josh Nicholson, Matthew Scott, Claire Slavovsky, Michael Woods, Jeff Dull

Join us by becoming a donor today!

Gifts to Tidewater Stage can be made online by clicking here. Gifts of $100 or more can be scheduled in multiple installments. If you wish to contribute through the mail, please make checks payable to "Regent University" and note "Tidewater Stage" in the memo line. Donations can be mailed to:

Tidewater Stage at Regent University
1000 Regent University Dr. – COM 221
Virginia Beach, VA 23464

Thank you for your support of Tidewater Stage.



Congratulations to Brad Brinkley and Tim Stanlake!

Congratulations to Brad Brinkley and Tim Stanlake, Irene Ryan Nominees for Gillette Elvgren's Everywoman!

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Announcing the 2013 Tidewater Stage Acting Company!

General auditions for the inaugural season of Tidewater Stage, the professional theatre company of Regent University, were held on April 6 with callbacks on April 13. There was an impressive representation of talent from across Hampton Roads including a mix of local professionals and Regent faculty, students and alumni. We’re pleased to announce the following actors have been cast in the acting company for our inaugural season. Congratulations to all!

Directed by Eric Harrell

 July 5-7 and 11-13

Frankie: Christopher Graham

Smudge: Garney Johnson

Sparky: Derek Leonidoff

Jinx: Andrew Wilson

Directed by Scott Hayes
August 2-4 and 9-11

Corrie Bratter: Lynn Kenny

Paul Bratter: Eric Harrell*

Mrs. Banks: C.J. Hill*

Velasco: Michael Kirkland*

Telephone Man: Will Burby

Delivery Man: Gillette Elvgren

* Members of Actors Equity Association, the national union for stage actors.

For production information, and to purchase tickets online, visit www.regent.edu/tidewaterstage



Fiddler Comes to the Regent Stage

By: Amanda Morad

April 18, 2013

One of the most riveting musicals to ever grace Broadway is coming to the Regent University stage Friday, April 19.

Fiddler on the Roof has maintained popularity throughout the years for its music, themes, and brilliant portrayal of Jewish culture. But director and professional-in-residence Mark Paladini has gone the extra mile to ensure cultural authenticity for the Regent production.

"When my family first came to Virginia Beach from Hollywood in 2005, one of my best friends in L.A. connected us with his cousin, Alene Jo Kaufman, director of the Strelitz Early Childhood Center, a division of the Hebrew Academy of Tidewater," Paladini explained. "She has been our Jewish Culture Advisor for several plays we've produced and has outdone herself on this one."

Paladini's collaboration with Kaufman was inspired by their friendship, and eventually resulted in Kaufman's consultation during rehearsals and her contribution of several key props and costume pieces that have added realism to the details of the show. "This production is a success due to Alene Jo Kaufman's commitment to share the wealth of her knowledge with others," Paladini said. "She has been an inspiration to us all."

Fiddler on the Roof runs April 19-21 and April 26-28, with shows at 7:30 p.m. each night and 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. Purchase tickets through the Box Office.

Through such unforgettable songs as "If I Were a Rich Man" and "Sunrise, Sunset," Fiddler's main character, Tevye, teaches his five daughters about the enduring bonds of faith, family and tradition. As declared by Broadway.com, "No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience."

The show is based on the Sholem Aleichem story Tevye and his Daughters, with the book written by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. The original New York Stage production was directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins.

Purchase tickets through the Box Office.

PR/NEWS CONTACT:
Mindy Hughes, Public Relations
Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888
E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Professional Theatre Comes to Regent Summer 2013

By Amanda Morad

March 26, 2013

Regent University's School of Communication & the Arts (SCA) has announced the inaugural season of Tidewater Stage, a new professional theatre company in residence, beginning July 2013.

With the only MFA training program for actors at a Christian university, the addition of Tidewater Stage reflects a commitment to best practices in theatre education and opens doors for professional opportunities to students during their residency.

For graduate actors, a professional theatre serves as a training laboratory where students gain valuable experiences performing alongside professional actors in the industry. The model exists at most graduate institutions offering MFA actor training and ushers in a new era of national recognition for Regent's acclaimed graduate program in theatre.

"This initiative reflects a deeply held value among theatre faculty and SCA leadership, as well as peer institutions across the country, that a graduate education in theatre is significantly enriched through a partnership with a professional theatre company," said Eric Harrell, producing artistic director for the new company. "Tidewater Stage has been part of a decade-long strategic plan for the theatre program, and it's thrilling to see it finally come to fruition."

Tidewater Stage productions will differ from the academic season by reflecting the highest standards of professional, regional theatre. This summer's company will feature the talents of select MFA actors, alumni, local professionals, current faculty and staff who are members of the Actors Equity Association (the national union for stage actors) and a guest scenic designer from Washington, D.C. As a professional theatre, all company members will be compensated.

For the inaugural season, Tidewater Stage will present Forever Plaid July 5-7 and 12-14, and Barefoot in the Park Aug. 2-4 and 9-11. "You would be hard pressed to find two more endearing pieces to celebrate our first summer of professional theatre production. When it comes to laughs, these shows deliver," said Scott Hayes, chair of Regent's theatre department.

Forever Plaid is a "deliciously fun" 1950s musical revue that centers on four young, eager male singers killed in a car crash on the way to their first big concert, and are now revived for the posthumous chance to fulfill their dreams and perform the show that never was. In the tradition of musical groups like The Four Freshmen and The Four Aces, "The Plaids" revive such favorites as "Three Coins in the Fountain," "Sixteen Tons," and "Chain Gang."

Barefoot in the Park carries the light summer tone with a comedic look at newlywed life and the unexpected differences couples often find as they begin to experience life—and in-laws—together.

Auditions for roles in both productions are open to all local actors. Auditions will be held in Regent's Performing Arts Center on April 6.

"Not only are our students excited about this new era of professional theatre, many donors and local businesses have caught the vision and stepped forward to partner with us as season sponsors," Harrell added. "Other professional arts groups in town have graciously welcomed our new company to the stage and have even assisted us in promoting our inaugural season. There is a sense throughout the arts community that something significant is being birthed at Regent University."

PR/NEWS CONTACT:

Mindy Hughes, Public Relations

Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888

E-mail: mhughes@regent.edu

Theatre Arts Hosts Tenth Annual Virginia Beach Bash

By Brett Wilson

March 22, 2013

The stakes are always high for actors in the competitive world of onstage and onscreen performing. But add free-falling and being set on fire to the job description, and the pressure certainly doesn't fade to black.

On March 16-17, Regent University's Department of Theatre Arts hosted its tenth Virginia Beach Bash, the regionally sanctioned workshop by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD), held annually to help students of the theatre be en guarde for such stunts. Expert fight director, Richard Ryan, who has choreographed stunts and fights for famous films like Troy, The Dark Knight, and Sherlock Holmes, led the charge for the weekend-long combat event.

While the Virginia Beach Bash offered its classic courses on stunt training for high falls, harness stunts, firearms, and full-body burns, last weekend's event also allowed students to grab stunt opportunities by the wheel with its brand-new precision driving class.

Third year MFA in acting student, Ashley Dakin, was able to practice her favorite stunt—spinning a car 90 degrees—in the back lot of the Communication & Arts building with a professional driver during the class.

"I was nervous to try it, but it was so much fun once I did!" said Dakin.

This was the second time Dakin participated in the Virginia Beach Bash. She believes the knowledge she gains from these combat classes will help her become more marketable in her future pursuits as an actress.

"Something like this event allows me to connect with professionals in the industry and learn skills that could come in handy on a movie set," said Dakin.

Dakin was one of more than 70 Virginia Beach Bash participants, including Regent students and non-students traveling from as far as Canada and the United Kingdom.

While the intensive weekend guides actors through performing stunts onstage, it also offered courses on filming and editing action scenes, as well as how to incorporate sound into such acting sequences. Filmmakers who participated in this year's Virginia Beach Bash were able to receive guidance from professional directors, editors and sound designers.

"We have radically expanded what began as a stage combat only event into an impressive stage and screen combat event," said professor and resident fight-expert, Dr. Michael Hill-Kirkland, who founded and directs the program each year. "This year boasts the largest and most impressive staff we've ever had." According to Hill-Kirkland, this year's team consisted of 13 SAFD-certified teachers, including a former SWAT team instructor.

"Many of these classes would only be offered at stunt school, so it's nice to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Dakin. "I don't know if I'll ever have the chance to take these kinds of classes again, especially with such well-known instructors."

PR/NEWS CONTACT:

Mindy Hughes, Public Relations

Phone: 757.352.4095 Fax: 757.352.4888

E-mail: