Theatre Faculty, Students and Alumni Land Roles on Documentary Series

By Rachel Judy

October 18, 2012

"The most effective mentors and teachers are those who remain practitioners of their craft," said Eric Harrell, associate professor of theatre in Regent University's School of Communication & the Arts. "When we have opportunities to apply what we teach professionally, we are more effective in the classroom."

Watch this clip to find out A Haunting using special effects makeup 

in order to recreate supernatural experiences.  Featuring current Regent MFA students

Brad Brinkley, Ashley Dakin and Chad Stem.

Harrell and fellow professor Dr. Michael Hil-Kirkland recently seized the opportunity to apply their own skills as actors by landing guest roles on the new television documentary series A Haunting. Airing on the Destination America channel, the show is a docudrama about paranormal activity produced in conjunction with New Dominion Pictures in Suffolk, Va.

"As a professional actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), this was a rare opportunity to work on a television project in Hampton Roads," Harrell said. "We live in a largely non-union market so it was wonderful to have a SAG opportunity in our backyard."

"Every time I have the opportunity to engage the profession I walk away with valuable real-world experience I can share with my students," Hill-Kirkland added. "It allows me to better prepare them for the world that awaits them outside the protective environment of the academy."

A Haunting showcases first-person claims of supernatural activity, unraveling the mystery behind these happenings. Each episode showcases real-life tales of haunted houses and, sometimes, even haunted people. 

American Haunting Bloopers featuring Regent faculty: Dr. Michael Hill-Kirkland, 

theatre alumnus: Amy Dunlap and MFA Student: Brad Brinkley.

The genre is a bit unique, but not a complete stretch, for an actor who is a Christian, Harrell explained. "We often think of this genre of entertainment as glorifying the presence of evil. In reality, it is one of the few in the industry that frequently acknowledges the power of Jesus Christ and uses his name reverently to rebuke the powers of evil," he said. 

Hill-Kirkland agreed. "I look upon this role as no different than if I were performing [Shakespeare's] Hamlet," he said. "It's a ghost tale that acknowledges a spiritual dimension exists in our universe that there is, indeed, life after death." 

Harrell's episode will air on the Destination America channel on Friday, Oct. 19. Hill-Kirkland's episode is set to air on Friday, Nov. 2. In addition to their roles, a number of Regent alumni and students appear on screen with small acting roles or as extras. Others landed work behind the cameras on the production crew. 

The Destination America channel is part of Discovery Communications, the world's number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in 200 countries and territories. 

Learn more about the School of Communication & the Arts' Theatre Dept.

Production Reimagines Shakespeare Classic

The Tempest runs Oct. 12-14 and Oct. 19-21. 
Photo courtesy of School of
Communication & the Arts

By Rachel Judy
October 11, 2012

Shakespeare's The Tempest has taken its place among his romantic works, particularly because of the play's quixotic setting—a lush, enchanted island far from the reach of ordinary life. But, as the classic tale comes to life at Regent University, it is not the setting that will take center stage.
"We've re-envisioned some of the traditionally male characters as female; not just asking women to play men but wholly reimagining the relationship dynamics of a mother and daughter, of political alliances between women, and the depth of female friendships," explained Eric Harrell, the play's director and an associate professor in the Theatre Department. "It's been a satisfying, artistic exploration for our company, reframing this classic story and deepening its thematic reach."

Shakespeare's masterpiece traditionally tells the story of Prospero, the former duke of Milan and a sorcerer, who lures his brother and the king to an island in order to exact revenge on them for leaving him and his young daughter stranded on an island. In Regent's production, Prospero has become Prospera.

This approach to The Tempest has become popular in recent years. In the '90s, actress Vanessa Redgrave played the role in an acclaimed production at Shakespeare's Globe. More recently, actress Helen Mirren played Prospera in the 2012 film version directed by Julie Taymor, known for her directing work in the stage version of The Lion King. In addition to reimagining the lead role, Regent has transformed several other characters as well.

While the approach is untraditional, Harrell is quick to point out that the heart of the production remains the same. "One of the reasons The Tempest has long been a favorite of mine is that it has a little bit of everything: romance, mystery, revenge, tragedy, comedy, illusions and an inspiring moral," he explained. "The characters are as complex as the genre. Like each of us, they have the capacity to love and hate, to seek revenge and forgiveness, to be blinded by professional ambition and romantic love, and to merit both judgment and empathy."

On Sunday, Oct. 21, Regent president and literature expert, Dr. Carlos Campo, will lead a pre-show presentation with Curt Tofteland, the founder of Shakespeare Behind Bars. Their discussion will touch on several themes found in the play, among them redemption, slavery, ownership, ruling with integrity and the relationships between characters. The presentation will take place at 1:15 p.m., in the Center for Performing Arts, prior to the final showing of The Tempest.

Purchase Tickets.

Sharon Bierman (MFA '13) and Grace Adams (MFA '14) Nominated for Irene Ryan

Photo courtesy of the School of Communication & the Arts.

Congratulations to

Sharon Bierman (MFA '13)
and Grace Adams (MFA '14)

on their KCACTF Irene Ryan Award nominations for Madame Arcati and Elivira respectively in Regent University's 2012-2013 Season opener:

Blithe Spirit!

2012-13 Theatre Season Kicks Off With Celebrated Comedy

By Rachel Judy

Since it was written at the height of World War II, Blithe Spirit has enjoyed critical success on stage in London and New York. Its most recent Broadway revival starred actress Angela Lansbury, who won a Tony Award for her role. This successful comedy will hit the Regent University stage for a two-week run beginning Friday, Sept. 14.

Blithe Spirit follows the story of a happily married novelist who suddenly finds himself haunted—literally—by the ghost of his temperamental first wife. Infused with Coward's trademark humor and comedic insight, audiences will have a stage-side seat to the challenges and joys of a marriage tested by unpredictable circumstances.

"Audiences will probably find themselves frequently laughing through tears," observed Dr. Michael Hill-Kirkland, professor in the School of Communication & the Arts and the show's director. "Coward takes a good hard look at marriage—and what it means to be 'bound' to another individual.

"Perhaps the lesson we walk away with is, marriage can become a comedy of errors if not taken seriously," he added.

Kicking off Regent's 2012-13 theatre season, Blithe Spirit is the perfect piece to showcase the in-depth study and coursework of MFA in Acting students. "Our students take courses in Periods and Style, Shakespeare, and Scene Study that touch upon such revered playwrights as Tennessee Williams, Eugene O'Neill, George Bernard Shaw, and, yes, Noel Coward," Hill-Kirkland said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage the skill sets they learn in class."

MFA in Acting student Sharon Biermann will perform her thesis role—a requirement for completion of a degree—in this production.

Original Broadway Musical Hits Regent Stage

By Rachel Judy

B.A. Isaac Gay as Joseph
Photo by Patrick Wright

The popular story of a boy and his coat of many colors comes to life in Joseph and the Technicolor® Dreamcoat, a family-friendly musical opening on Friday, April 20, at Regent University's Center for Performing Arts. This modern-day telling of the Old Testament story incorporates popular and traditional styles of music, as well as original animation sequences designed by Regent senior Topher Cavanaugh.

Joseph and the Technicolor® Dreamcoat will run April 20-22 and 27-29. Afternoon and evening show times are available. Purchase tickets through the Box Office.

With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical is familiar to many, but the animation sequences—designed to give audiences a view of the dreams Joseph interprets—are what make Regent's production stand out.

"[The animation] builds on music and themes happening on stage," Cavanaugh explained. "With the animation, we get to show you what [Joseph] is talking about."

Cavanaugh is a student in the animation program housed in Regent's School of Undergraduate Studies (RSU). The lead role of Joseph is played by RSU junior Isaac Gay.

The production tells the story of Joseph from when he is a favored son in his father's household through his slavery and eventual rise to freedom and prosperity in Egypt. The entire production is sung, drawing more comparisons to a "rock opera" than a traditional musical format.

"It's not a traditional musical," said Eric Harrell, chair of Regent's Theatre Department and the play's director. "No matter what style of music you prefer, there's something in there for you."

Church and synagogue group discounts are available.
Purchase tickets through the Box Office. (757)  352-4245

The Lucky One Opens in Theaters tomorrow!

Regent Alum Kendal Tuttle appears in Zac Efron's new movie "The Lucky One" opening in theaters tomorrow.  To read more about the story, check out this alumni update on Kendal.

To hear Kendal's own thoughts on the opening of the movie, read

what he has to say on his own blog.
Congratulations, Kendal!

That's A Wrap!

 This Sunday, April 15^th, at 3:00pm in the Studio Theatre, the B.A. graduating class of 2012 will be presenting their Senior Capstone Performance Project.  Come spend an hour with them as they present several fun, powerful and relevant contemporary scenes exploring different aspects of relationships.  The scenes were directed by Derek Martin, MFA. There are a variety of pieces both comedic and dramatic, three songs, one dance, one movement montage, three scenes, one monologue and one fight scene.The presentation will be followed by That's a Rap, a performance from Regent’s own V.I.P.s (Varsity Improv Players) You don’t want to miss the chance to celebrate the work of these talented artists!

Back row: Ash Arends, Destiny Cyprowski, Beka James, Jared O'Dell, Esther Zara Kestle
Front: Erika Tucker, Kristen Wilson, Gabrielle Davison, Tianna Yentzer

Virginia Beach BASH ’12 Recap

This year’s Virginia Beach BASH, held March 24-25 here on Regent’s Campus, celebrated nine years of combat with a variety of class offerings for all levels of participants. Classes included a wide spectrum of fighting styles and weapons in workshops sanctioned by the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). Unique to the BASH, the weekend also offered opportunities for filmmakers to learn the art of producing, filming and editing fight action sequences.

The BASH was coordinated by Regent’s own Dr. Michael Hill-Kirkland, assisted by Professor Gregg Lloyd, from the Theatre Department of Christopher Newport University.



Stunt performer and guest instructor
Tim Bell is set on fire as part of a workshop demonstration.

Photo by Jared Beasley



As reported by Regent’s Rachel Judy, one of the highlights of this year's workshop was the opportunity for students to create the illusion of a car accident featuring stunt performer and guest instructor Tim Bell being set on fire. Besides providing a first-hand look at how to set up and safely conduct such a stunt, the "accident" was filmed by Regent cinema-television students under the direction of guest instructor Richard Clabaugh who then edited the sequence for viewing on Sunday. The stunt was coordinated by stunt coordinator, Dale Girard.

Other featured workshop instructors included SAFD fightmasters Richard Ryan (Troy, The Dark Knight, Stardust, Sherlock Holmes and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows), Michael Chin and Scot Mann.

"The Virginia Beach Bash features some of the best fight direction talent in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom," Hill-Kirkland explained. "Over this two-day intensive workshop, students had the opportunity to study stage and film combat techniques with some of the best talent in the business and the academy."

MFA Michael McLendon learns about
safe fire stunts

2nd year MFA Ashley Dakin, attending the BASH for the first time, appreciated the opportunity to incorporate film technique with combat. She stated, “My favorite class was Kung Fu for the Camera with Michael Chin because it was fun, easy to learn and because I was able to use my Martial Arts background. Also, the instructor kept the camera on for the whole class and kept showing us how the fight should look on camera. After we learned the fight, we were able to be filmed with our partner and learn the importance of camera angles. If we messed it up, he would let us try again and then all of us observed how our fights looked on camera…(in the future) I hope to see more classes that involve combat for the camera. I really loved working with the CTV students.”

Another first time attendee, B.A. Tianna Yentzer, appreciated the nunchucks and Apache knife fighting classes. She says, “It was awesome being able to learn a skill that is hardly ever seen or used… it teaches coordination and patience. Whether or not I ever become a Nunchuck master it taught me something in a mere hour and a half class I know I will carry with me when approaching any skill I tackle… I joke now that I have found my two inner callings through knife fighting and nunchucks.”

MFA Beth Litwak and MFA Lauren McDonald cross quarterstaffs

Whether planning to pursue Stage and Film Combat as a part of a future career, or attending classes purely for enjoyment, many of the participants recommended the BASH for future students in glowing terms. MFA Marji Peters commented “It’s a good introduction to stage combat if you’re a beginner, and a great way to hone your skills and work on technique under the eyes of people who have proven themselves to be good at what they do.” Ashley Dakin adds “I believe that this workshop has opened my eyes to opportunities that I didn’t even know were out there for stunt work. Something that the instructors would emphasize in every class is not to anticipate the next move when you’re fighting. I have been able to transfer this idea to my acting as well. There are many lessons from combat to be transferred into acting a scene. Finally, people should attend the bash because it is an opportunity to network with other actors and directors.” And B.A. Rachel Albrecht enthusiastically stated, “It is a great opportunity to meet people and to hone your stage fighting skills. Also, IT'S SO MUCH FUN!!”

Get ready for next year – the 10th Anniversary of the Virginia Beach BASH! Coming in March, 2013!

Thanks!

A big thank you to everyone who came out to support MFA Cohort A at An Evening of Jazz! A wonderful time was had by all! Here are a few pictures taken by the talented David Polston, for those of you who weren't able to make it.

MFA Whitney Rappana and MFA Britain Willcock "cut a rug"

The fabulous band

MFAs Jeff Fazakerley and Ashley Dakin

MFA Cohort A
L - R Madeleine Ranson, Britain Willcock, Michael Salsbury, Amy Dunlap, Micaela DeLauro, Whitney Rappana,
Diana Coates, Zachary Bortot, Nathanael Fisher, Jeff Fazakerley

An Evening of Jazz!

On Saturday, March 31, from 7:30pm until 10:30pm, the graduating class of MFA Actors will be holding An Evening of Jazz at Regent University's Ordinary.
Admission is free and includes a free dessert bar! However, the event IS a fundraiser for the MFA Showcase, so your donations are gratefully accepted! All donations will go towards the May showcase, which will take place in Naples, FL. May 16th-18th.

From 7:30 - 8:30, dance lessons will be given by Britain Willcock and Whitney Rappana.  Then from 8:30 to 10:30, you'll have the chance to try out what you've learned by dancing the night away to jazz standards played by a live trio and sung by the graduating actors themselves! The repetoire includes such favorites as "The Way You Look Tonight", "They Can't Take That Away From Me", "Come Rain or Come Shine" and many, many more.  Come for the dance lessons, come later in the evening just to dance or enjoy the music, come for the free desserts...just COME!!!

Bring a partner, bring the kids, bring your friends...this is an evening you won't want to miss.

Diana Coates, Britain Willcock, Amy Dunlap, Nathanael Fisher
Jeff Fazakerley, Micaela DeLauro, Whitney Rappana
Mike Salsbury, Zach Bortot, Madeline Ranson
MFA Cohort A!

An Evening of Jazz...this Saturday night!

Doubt opens this weekend!

Don't miss Regent's opening weekend of John Patrick Shanley's Doubt: A Parable.  Here are some thoughts by director Mark Paladini.



Mark Paladini


I remember the television replay of Kennedy’s funeral in November of 1964, which is when our play begins. I also remember snippets of the Latin Mass and how excited my mother was about the changes that Vatican II was bringing about. I remember being petrified of the principal of Notre Dame Elementary School, an austere nun with marked similarities to Sister Aloysius in Doubt. When I was older, our pastor, Father O’Connor, always called upon me to serve as an altar boy, but I never experienced any of the problems discussed in Shanley’s play or in headlines today. I have fond memories of another priest, Father Deegan, visiting our home and playing basketball with us, removing the distance previously observed by the clergy. Times, they were a changin’.


Shanley titled his play Doubt – A Parable, because he created a fictional story in order to teach us all a lesson about doubt vs. certainty in a changing world. I believe he chose a more innocent time, because the progressive movement in 1964 seems quaint when compared to our current cultural norms. Many things that appear to be black and white to Sr. Aloysius during the time of the play have been discarded just as the Latin Mass was replaced shortly thereafter. This provides a backdrop for the universal struggle of good vs. evil in conjunction with the battle of doubt vs. certainty. Hopefully, the doubts that arise from the lesson of the parable will give us an opportunity to reflect on our own imperfect natures.

The story asks us all to examine our lives and speculate whether our points of view might seem antiquated 20 years from now. Do we suffer from an inelasticity that we gain as we get older, a disdain for leaving our comfort zone? Is our certainty a vestige of our loyalty to our jobs, cultural norms or political affiliations? Shanley is using a more innocent time to encourage all of us to ask these questions and make distinctions between non-negotiable truths and temporal priorities with a soon-to-be-expiring shelf life.

I have a fond place in my heart for my Catholic upbringing. When researching the play, I discovered that Father O’Connor was subsequently accused of improper behavior at his next parish. Father Deegan left the priesthood and married my brother’s first grade teacher. And one-by-one, the nuns disappeared. I still pray for vocations (men and women who are called to work for the Lord) and know in my heart that these selfless people should not be stained by the few who have stumbled.

- Mark Paladini


Call the box office for tickets at 757-352-4245